Heart for art

"It's much harder for children from disadvantaged backgrounds; they have to work harder to succeed," she said. "I'm so proud of him. He'll succeed."

Bravian, meanwhile, does his daily exercises in a small, stuffy living room, undisturbed by the music emanating from a nearby bar. Despite the difficulties, he vows: "One day, I'll be a professional dancer."

Agencies contributed to this story.