In Puerto Rico, women confined at the Bayamón correctional facility turned their stories into an artistic performance, combining movement, emotions, and hope. The presentation was part of FREEDOM TIME, a project led by the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DCR), in collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and the US organization Dancing Through Prison Walls.
Ten professional dancers from California, New York, and Ohio worked with UPR students to develop choreographic pieces inspired by stories written by the participants during their academic training. Five women from the Bayamón facility, three from Humacao, and two men participated in the project, all of whom are pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from UPR.
DCR Secretary Julie Gómez Gómez highlighted that such initiatives expand rehabilitation alternatives by combining education with artistic experiences that foster new skills and personal growth. The project had two presentations in Puerto Rico, one at the UPR Theater in Río Piedras and the other at the Bayamón correctional facility.