Joilson Santos set aside part of his work as a bricklayer to accompany his daughters with autism to ballet classes in Feira de Santana, Brazil. Although he is the only man among the mothers who attend the Ballet Azul project, he never hesitated to support the girls during the activities.
Since 2019, he has missed work twice a week to take 8-year-old Isabele and 10-year-old Iasmin to the free classes. While his wife accompanies the older daughter, he dances alongside the younger one during practice.
The family says that ballet has brought about significant progress in the girls, helping them stay calmer and improve their behavior. One of them even began saying her first words after attending the program.
Joilson said that he does not consider this a sacrifice, but rather a way to give his daughters more opportunities and dignity. He also improvised exercises at home so they could continue practicing during the weekends.