Like Erica, who joined an armed group in Colombia as a child soldier. When she realized that by using violence she was only harming her family and others, she tried to get out. With the help of Don Bosco, she made the leap and began to reorient her life.
The idea for the project came from Rita Baus, who has been organizing numerous events as a cultural manager for many years. She developed the project together with Don Bosco Mission Bonn. "Don Bosco is on the road in 145 countries and what connects young people is urban street culture," Baus explains. "Breakdancing, graffiti, and hip-hop are part of everyday life. It's a culture far removed from classical music. The show was staged by director Anselm Dalferth, who was able to experience the lives of young people in Colombia.
"Beethoven Moves! gives young people the opportunity to discover their hidden talents," explains Salesian Father Simón Martínez: "Through art, they can express themselves. They learn discipline and that it's worth fighting for a goal." In "Beethoven Moves!", the young people use dance, music, and rap to reinterpret Beethoven's 5th Symphony and tell their own stories.
For the 18 young people from Medellín, Beethoven Moves! is the adventure of a lifetime: none of them would have dreamed that they would ever fly on a plane, travel to Germany, and stand on a stage as musicians and dancers. And Erika still can't believe that she is in Germany, just as she had dreamed as a little girl: "But if you believe in something and make an effort, dreams can come true!" she says, and her eyes sparkle.
