It’s a child’s worst fear to be separated from their parents and left alone in the world.
That’s the reality of many children, though, including 14 who were forced to leave everything they knew behind. Abandoned at the border, the Morocco natives crossed into Spain, some by themselves. All ended up in a migrant detention center for minors in Melilla. But, as they told the judges of “Spain’s Got Talent” this year, they’ve found hope and strength in their shared talent.
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Through Nana Association, a migrant outreach program in Spain, they discovered their love of dance – and desire for a better life. It’s also how they met their coach, who shared their heartbreaking story on stage.
“They are abandoned children,” she said. “They used to live in Morocco with their families, who were forced to abandon their kids near the border.”
“Theater, music, and dance help us to be better people,” one of the children added. “We have come to show that we are good people even if we are born in another country, we all have the right to fight for our dreams and to realize them.”
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The dancers portrayed their hardships in a performance aptly set to the song, “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child.” One of the older boys walked out on stage, holding a little girl like a parent would carry a sleeping child.
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He set her down, walking away as she woke, alone. Then, everyone moved together in synchronization, always reaching out for something.
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Their pain was evident on their faces as they conveyed their feelings in slow, meaningful poses.
At the end, they all lay together on the floor, holding their hands up into the air. It was as if they were saying, “We are here. Look at us.”
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The moving performance brought the entire audience to its feet – and tears to the judges’ eyes. It wasn’t long before three were holding their hands together over the golden buzzer. Then, the fourth joined in as they all pressed their hands down, sending the dancers straight to the semifinals!
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What strong, resilient individuals to turn their struggles into a beautiful work of art. We hope to see more of them in the future! In the meantime, we’ll be sending all our love.
Watch the audition in the video below, and share to let these kids know they aren’t alone!
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