A ballet for the blind

Blind student Marina Gimaraes, of the Association of Ballet and Arts for the Blind, warms up backstage before performing "Corsari e Paquitas" during celebrations marking Brazil's Children's Day at the Italo Theater in Sao Paulo, Oct. 12, 2014.

The Association was founded by Brazilian ballerina and physiotherapist Fernanda Bianchini in 1995, when she decided to teach classical ballet to the blind for free.

Since then, her classes have been opened to the deaf and mute, and even youths with other handicaps. Bianchini says that the school's main goal is for students to improve their posture, balance, spatial sense and self-esteem, in addition to breaking barriers and prejudices about people with handicaps.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Blind students Giovanna Zuttion (L), Cintia Marques (C) and Talita of the Association of Ballet and Arts for the Blind perform during celebrations marking Brazil's Children's Day at the Italo Theater in Sao Paulo, Oct. 12, 2014.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Vivian, a deaf ballet student, waits backstage, Oct. 12, 2014.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Blind students Marina Gimaraes (L) and her partner, Everton Caetano, perform "Corsario e Paquitas" during celebrations marking Brazil's Children's Day at the Italo Theater in Sao Paulo, Oct. 12, 2014.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Blind student Maria (C) practices before performing during celebrations marking Brazil's Children's Day at the Italo Theater in Sao Paulo, Oct. 12, 2014.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Blind student Talita practices before performing during celebrations marking Brazil's Children's Day at the Italo Theater in Sao Paulo, Oct. 12, 2014.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Handicapped dancers of the Association of Ballet and Arts for the Blind perform "Corsario e Paquitas" during celebrations marking Brazil's Children's Day at the Italo Theater in Sao Paulo, Oct. 12, 2014.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Students of the Association of Ballet and Arts for the Blind perform during celebrations marking Brazil's Children's Day at the Italo Theater in Sao Paulo, Oct. 12, 2014.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Blind student Marina Gimaraes (top) and fellow dancers of the Association of Ballet and Arts for the Blind practice before performing "Corsario e Paquitas" during celebrations marking Brazil's Children's Day at the Italo Theater in Sao Paulo, Oct. 12, 2014.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Blind ballet students Aldenir (L) and Aldenice walk on the stage before performing during celebrations marking Brazil's Children's Day at the Italo Theater in Sao Paulo, Oct. 12, 2014.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Blind student Mariana Serrao performs during celebrations marking Brazil's Children's Day at the Italo Theater in Sao Paulo, Oct. 12, 2014.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Students of the Association of Ballet and Arts for the Blind get ready to perform "Corsario e Paquitas" during celebrations marking Brazil's Children's Day at the Italo Theater in Sao Paulo, Oct. 12, 2014.