Why This Woman Is Returning to Prison… To Dance

[@lilya4960]

My mother is one of the women at La Vista and she tells me about Dance to Be Free a lot. I'm glad I can finally see what it's like. It has helped her in her healing journey more than I ever thought was possible and has helped us heal our broken relationship even while she isn't physically with me. I'm so grateful she has this program and it's amazing to see how much good it provides to her and many others.

[@iiwrites]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and share your story.

[@youareimagination]

Wow! I so appreciated this, I got up this morning ready to work on one of my projects and came across this, what an eye opener. Thank you!

[@iiwrites]

Hello. I'm the journalist who did this story. Thank you so much for giving me your time. I'd love if you share this piece.

[@HUZ9k3s5w]

So moving, so nice. Life with hope.

[@iiwrites]

Thank you for taking the time to watch. I hope you'll share this link with others.

[@CountryKindOfCrazy]

I wish every prison in the country offered programs like this.

[@makslargu5799]

@Stadler Huyna if it lowers recidivism it makes it cheaper than doing nothing and having to pay the exorbitant cost of incarceration. What drives me crazy about this attitude is we’re already paying, insane police budgets where local departments can afford their own tanks go without question but as soon as you start treating prisoners like humans beings the cost of a one hour dance class, often given by former inmates, needs to be scrutinized.

[@avasd59]

@@makslargu5799 💯

[@Andover-wp8rk]

We think alike! This was exactly what I was sharing with a friend of mine. Woman need empowerment and a way to let go of their emotions. Through dance it is a whole body experience.

[@misat.6543]

So grateful for this program, for Lucy, and for the healing that happens through Dance To Be Free. Please donate and support this cause! !

[@iiwrites]

Hello. I did this story. Are you a former participant?

[@Vdub481]

Awsome message hopefully these women are given a sec chance of life if not atleast this won’t break them down n uplift them while learning something postive thanks for sharing

[@jenstanzel312]

We can all learn to Dance To Be Free, free from whatever we need to free ourselves from.

[@kevin_andrews735]

Need more upward mobility, and there should be the government should be investing more into the community. A good Parks and Recreation program can give a lot of people mental and physical health benefits.

[@brazaniankamrazian104]

ayyy I see u imaeyen 💃🏻 🎉

[@iiwrites]

dance, dance :-)

[@EAcapuccino]

Beats fighting Should get the men to do that as well 😅 Especially in a US 🇺🇸 prison, where punishment is everything an rehabilitation is pretty much non existent 😒

[@paudsmcmack3117]

I have experience with people in care. They float in a safe pink cloud while in institutions. The comradery between eachother and how they start living their lives differently, changing their thinking all while being inside HOWEVER, reality is on the otherside of that wall. If they could only hold on to it upon release. I feel the instructor Mary, she's obviously got brains too bad she did not report the person in the service.

[@RebelwheelsNYCShow]

I love this and also thank ypu for wearing a mask

[@paull2166]

Why are you wearing a mask?

[@iiwrites]

Hello. I'm the journalist who did this story. I'm so happy to read you enjoyed. Please feel free to share the link.

[@Red5ive]

I see you Ebony! You famous LOL

[@pola_behr]

rehabilitation > punishment

[@TheZeyyyyy]

Amazing!

[@iiwrites]

Thank you so much for watching. I'd love if you share this link.

[@kyraocity]

3:49 trauma

[@claudiaclaudia936]

This looks like high school girls P.E

[@iiwrites]

Hello. I did this story. Are you talking about the uniforms?

[@flyleelee5351]

Because....what else is there to do??? 😂

[@lagringa7518]

Why is the journalist wearing a mask?

[@iiwrites]

Hello. I"m the journalist and I'm glad to answer this question. I shot this story in the middle of a years long pandemic that's killed millions globally and masks are a key to preventing its spread.

[@lagringa7518]

@@iiwrites Ok, I saw the date it was posted and no one else was wearing a mask, so I assumed this had just been taped where masks are no longer required and if it's the time frame you say it is, all of those women would be wearing masks too. You say millions were killed, yet I'm not so sure that is so because of so much contrary and differing messages from the CDC and Fauci and the mishandling and misnaming of the actual covid victims. While I enjoyed this piece immensely... you are a journalist and it's obvious that you haven't really done any personal pertinent research on the whole covid situation or how much money was accumulated by the very rich and lost by the average citizen of any country. Perhaps you should dive into that.

[@paull2166]

These touchy feely things are nice, but what are their crimes, what is the impact to their victims. How much are they costing the state. We should also recognize the cost of their incarnation is money that's not available for young children in need.

[@Cherrycatmom]

I think these are valid concerns, I also think that not rehabilitating and repeatedly arresting someone maybe more expensive.

[@khyreedwards1228]

None of those are factors once they are incarcerated. Those are factors in sentencing and maybe prevention. Once they are in jail or prison the goal should be to reduce the chances of reoffending and to reduce harm. The easiest way to do that is to heal trauma, teach life skills, build relationships and occupy time

[@ckevorkianxo]

Funny that you mention that - Because the numbers show that those who grow up without their basic needs being met ; Are usually the ones who end up incarcerated. The more you look into the subject, the more you realize this industry is set up the EXACT way those in power intended it to be… A money making machine, at the expense of the common people.

[@KOVIDGOON]

First minute was blaming others for trauma and abuse🤷🏾‍♂️🙄🤦🏾‍♂️ typical

[@ckevorkianxo]

@@Cherrycatmom 👏👏 That’s exactly it. The current systems locks people up, mostly addicts - But the ones who aren’t, usually leave with addictions. Drugs available as much as on the streets - So those who choose not to go that route, at BEST can attempt to get on the list to obtain their GED…? Why is it that jail claims to be for “fixing” broken peoples bad habits - Yet they usually come out with more mental issues, and more trauma. Almost never does someone complete a sentence as a better person. Finland has a design that ACTUALLY fixes peoples shortcomings, making them prepared to be contributing members of society, while also working on the things that led them there. Americas prison industry is for MONEY, not for rehabilitation.

[@janitzasherrer6348]

They need to dance the way out of prison

[@paull2166]

We should recognize the cost of their incarnation is money that's not available for young children in need.

[@patrickwelbeck8719]

Wow. Seriously dance? Why are we not helping our sisters in real life jobs,like sewing gardening and other crafty stuff that can help them out in the real world.

[@jmrabinez9254]

What's wrong with dancing anyway?