Tuany Nascimento

Tuany Nascimento was born and raised in the Complexo do Alemão of northern Rio de Janeiro. She started training in classical ballet and rhythmic gymnastics as a child.[1] She performed as a dancer and gymnast, representing Brazil at international events, including the World Gymnaestrada, until her career was cut short due to a lack of resources.[2][3] She began working as a financial assistant after retiring from gymnastics.[4]

In 2012 she launched Na Ponta dos Pés, a dance project providing classical ballet training for girls ages four to fifteen living in the Morro do Adeus favela of Alemão.[5][6] Her program caters to young women and girls who are from families involved in narcotic wars, extreme poverty, and gang violence.[2][7] The classes are held at an outdoor sports court in the Morro do Adeus.[8][9] The program is free for students, who are required to provide their report cards showing they are enrolled in school and passing their classes in order to be eligible.[10]

In 2017 she and her ballet program were the focus of a Vice documentary titled Ballet and Bullets: Dancing Out of the Favela.[8]

Nascimento lives with her mother, stepfather, and five siblings in a two-bedroom apartment on Adeus hill in the Morro do Adeus.[11]