Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Dance provides second chance for Cambodia's poorest

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn3oYJjNgfo

Wed, 8 Feb 2012
Australia Network News

They come from some of the poorest neighbourhoods of Cambodia, often from broken homes, gangs or prostitution, but a bunch of teenagers have become the stars of a hip-hop and break-dancing show touring to Australia.

They're members of a group called Tiny Toones, which helps underprivileged Cambodian kids turn their lives around using drama, dance and education.

Chomrern Vy, known as Beaver, explained Tiny Toones' influence.

"Tiny Toones takes me from the bad kid to the good kid," he said.


Tiny Toones welcomes anyone who walks through the door. Three thousand people, aged four to 25, did so last year.

Australian social worker, Romi Grossberg, raised $30,000 for the group to tour Australia.

He said Tiny Toones saves lives.

"Without Tiny Toones, they might not be alive today or they might be back out on the streets doing drugs," he said.

The teens' infectious energy and inspirational stories have proved a hit with Melbourne audiences.

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