Today I saw a new video released by the prisoners who do synchronized dancing as an alternative to other exercise.
I remember when I saw the first video, I was blown away. I mean, my friend Lesley Lambert can dance- really dance- but dancing appears to be genetically linked to direction in me- both genes must be located on an atrophied “d” chromosome or something. Then here comes this group- of prisoners!- who worked together to make an orange sea of unity:
Freaking amazing.
What had started as an alternative to enforced recreation has turned into a monthly performance, YouTube video posts with millions of views (which have, in some cases, had the music removed because of copywrite infringement), and inspiration to other prisons “(8 and counting) who are now adopting this non-violent approach to rehabilitation!”
It amazes me- when I have seen times that you couldn’t get a buyer, a seller, two agents and two attorneys to all dance in the same direction, here is an entire prison- over 60% in for murder, rape or violent crime- cooperating to create beauty.
If someone had set out to change conditions in the worse prison in the country, I feel fairly certain that no matter how many proposals had been fielded, not one would have read, “To institute complete change in this prison and instill a sense of pride and comraderie, I propose that we teach the inmates synchronized dancing.”
The prison reform initiator, Byron Garcia, said that an unintended result is that the prisoners- in a system torn apart by gang activity- have become friends.
When something isn’t working, don’t just think outside of the box- throw the damned box out. Michael Jackson tribute here. “Jailhouse Rock- video about prison reform in the Phillipines and Byron Garcia’s role in it here
Wow Diane, what an awesome and inspiring post. Your comments with regard to how people can get along and work alongside of each other to make a beautiful thing are particularily pertinent in the political climate of this and other countries. I am hopeful that Byron’s example will be viewed by millions and if they can carry it just a little ways into their lives — the world WILL be a better place. I need to watch this video every day!! Thanks Girl!
Thank you so much! What really inspired me is that what ended up being the solution was in no way apparent at all, yet it ended up being the only thing that worked.