Our Work

Only When I Dance

Beadie Finzi

This insightful film follows a year in the life of Isabela and Irlan, two aspiring ballet dancers who engage daily in a clash between two worlds: rich and poor, black and white. Steeped in the history of the wealthy white elite, many feel that the likes of Irlan Santos da Silva and Isabela Cracy, two black kids from poor backgrounds, do not belong. Despite the constant prejudice and doubt, both are determined to follow their ambitions.

“An inspirational documentary.” New York Times

We are proud to announce the launch of the Vida Ballet Fund, to support the work of Centro de Danca Rio in Rio de Janeiro. The Vida Ballet Fund will provide grants to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds from Rio and the surrounding favelas, who would not otherwise have access to the dance school or an opportunity to pursue dance as a career. For more information and to donate please visit: http://www.onlywhenidance.com/donate/