September 6, 2007

Philippine prisoners dance while serving time.

I'm sure you've all heard or seen by now, the Phillipine prisoners who are made to dance by their warden while serving time right?

# Story Highlights
# About 1,500 inmates at Philippines prison are forced to dance every day
# One of their stars is a self-described "she-male" awaiting trial on meth charges
# Prison boss says violence has ceased ever since dancing started
# Accused mass-murderer inmate says dancing has taught him "love"

The sea of orange moves with an urgent rhythm as music booms in the early morning light. The dancers twirl in unison, every movement carefully choreographed.

But what's most striking about these dancers are that most are accused murderers, rapists and drug dealers. They dance their jig behind prison walls. They are led by a choreographer who is accused of mass murder. One of their biggest stars is a transsexual, awaiting trial on methamphetamine dealing charges.

Welcome to the Cebu Detention and Rehabilitation Center in the Philippines.