A Chance Meeting with Sand Angels

“El tiempo me ha enseñado que la felicidad sólo es verdadera cuando haces lo que quieres con la gente que quieres.” – Vania Masías Málaga [Time has taught me that happiness is only real when you do what you want with the people you love.]

Ventanilla
Ventanilla is one of the poorest districts in Lima.
Vania Masías was named prima ballerina by the Municipal Ballet in Lima. From the ripe young age of 8, she built her dance career to worldwide superstardom, dancing in Cuba, Spain, Italy and Germany among many other countries. Her first principal role was in the Nutcracker and by age 23, she was hired as Senior Soloist with the Irish National Ballet. At the height of her career, she beat out 300 other international dancers after a gruelling three-day audition in London to reach one of two final spots in Cirque du Soleil’s production, “Love” in Las Vegas.

Ventanilla is the other face of Peru’s capital city — a district on a sandy hill, haphazardly established long ago by poor, squatting families who couldn’t afford living in the city center. The instability of the houses constructed on sand mirrors the unpredictability of lives in poverty. At least one advantage of living on a sandy hill is that the environment is favorable for practicing flips and acrobatic tricks. As such, a group of boys from the neighborhood banded together to form “The Sand Angels.”

Vania’s chance meeting with these angels changed the direction of her life.

Vania Masía y "Los Ángeles de Arena"
Vania Masías left behind international opportunities to start a dance company with boys from Ventanilla.
On her way through the daily grind and the busy streets of Lima, Vania waited at a typical stoplight where she witnessed street kids flipping and leaping through the air. They were doing acrobatics to beg for change. It was this two-minute display of talent that inspired Vania to take action. She left behind her success and reputation in the international dance world and held auditions in Ventanilla to start the D1 dance company with many of “The Sand Angels” as part of her first group of students.

Her professional dance studio in a more wealthy part of town funds free classes for impoverished yet talented dancers. Now, one of her graduates is a professional dancer in Finland, several others are hired by her dance studio and still others have found employment across Peru through their experience with her dance company.

What is your true passion and how have you followed it to places you never imagined?


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Comments (57)

  • @decksar

    Reply

    Incredible dancing made all the more interesting by the story of the discovery. Thank you.
    My recent post How Persistent Are You

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Indeed, Marty! I imagine that's exactly what Vania thought: "Incredible dancing!" And to think that this boys had absolutely no formal training. She imagined the potential! =)

      Thanks for commenting, Marty! Really good to see you here! =)

  • T. S. Bazelli

    Reply

    What a great story to share. It's always inspiring to see the stories of others who have followed where their passions have led them. I don't know where my passion for writing is taking me, but I am optimistic, scared, and excited all at once. This is just the beginning for me, I think 🙂
    My recent post The Care and Feeding of Writers

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Yes! I completely relate, T! I feel like I'm at the beginning of my passion for writing, that it can only snowball from here. =)

      Vania really inspired me and I'm so happy her story could be inspiring to you too! =)

  • Hajra

    Reply

    This is such a great story and truly inspirational. I haven't followed my passion of writing as yet. But this makes for such a truly inspirational story to learn from.
    My recent post Fun Friday Pictures!

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Hajra, I had no idea that writing was also your passion! I always imagined that you didn't develop it further because it was only a hobby for you! You are SUCH a great writer! From now on, I will only be pushing you towards your passion more and more. =) *Evil smile!* You'll be the next inspirational story on my blog that everyone will learn from! =)

  • Abe Palmer

    Reply

    A point I found most admirable with this story was that Vania true passion was priceless to others. She asked nothing in return from those she helped just having the self satisfaction of seeing them succeed when most often due to their surcomstances they would remained on an impoverished path in life. I was once asked "If you could follow your dream and do anything you wanted to do what would it be?" My passion and dream was to build AFORDABLE housing for people trully in need. Nothing fancy yet something they could have suitable living conditions and aford to buy. My answer was quickly replied to in this manner. "If you do that how will you make money, pay your bills and put your kids in collage." Discouaging at best. I have since begun to surround myself with people that support the paths I wish to travel.

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Exactly! Abe, have you seen the pedestrian performers in Huancayo? I imagine that they're all over Peru. "The Sand Angels" were the lucky ones.

      Abe, thank you so much for relating to me. I've heard "How will you make money?" so many times. It's not what I live for and I feel that it's not your priority either. I think it's why our souls are so connected! Great advice to surround myself with people who support my dreams.

      You are my hero, Abe. You are the example that shines its light on my path, that gentle voice in the Hollywood background of my life whispering, "It's never too late." I'm imagining you living out that very dream here in Huancayo! Oops — was that selfish of me? =P

  • Steve Rice

    Reply

    Wow…this is such an inspiring story. I'm so glad that I bumped into your blog today. Have a wonderful weekend.
    My recent post The Miracle of Your Own Existence

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Steve, I'm ecstatic that you stumbled upon my blog, so that I could discover yours! =) I think we have a lot in common in terms of how we treasure our lives.

      Thanks for your comment. Heading over to yours right now! Can't wait to connect more. =)

  • Roberta Budvietas

    Reply

    Talent is everywhere but many can share it only when someone shines a light on it. Great story and it just proves that we need to keep our eyes open for the wonder in everyone as we are all on this planet for a purpose. We also have a choice as to whether we support or don’t support the amazing things we see. Vania saw a way to support and she took action. Miracles happen every day in every way. Thank you for sharing

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      It's so true, Roberta! Imagine how many times this kids have been overlooked and continue to be overlooked in other parts of the country and the world. Their potential is lost only become of their socioeconomic status.

      I love the conclusion you made. There's value to be found in each and every human being on this planet. =)

      Thanks for identifying with me, Roberta! =)

  • @janetcallaway

    Reply

    Samantha, aloha. Thank you so much for sharing this incredible story with your readers. Quite honestly, as I was reading it thrill bumps of pleasure were running up and down my arms. This is magnificent.

    Samantha, I am awe of what she saw and accomplished. She saw beauty and potential where others saw only the lack. Vania is someone who believes in her art and knows that it is made more by sharing. Look at how many lives she is enriching with what she does. No doubt many of her students will pay forward what she did for them. What a beautiful movement to generate.

    My passion is learning knew information and sharing that knowledge with others. Over the years I have owned many businesses in diverse fields because a particular industry intrigued me so I learned about it and ended up building a business. Because of that, along the way I have met oh-so-many absolutely fascinating people.

    One of my favorite quotes is by Katharine Graham and I believe it is a perfect fit for this story. Let me share it with you, Samantha; here it is:

    "To love what you do and feel that it matters – how could anything be more fun?"

    Best wishes for a fantastic week. Samantha, I am off to share this fabulous story with my friends. Thank you so much for sharing it. Until next time, aloha. Janet
    My recent post Aloha in Social Media by Janet Callaway The Natural Networker

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      That's exactly what happened, Janet! People saw what the boys didn't have and were numb to it. I think it's possible to become numb to poverty and the hardness of that kind of life.

      It really was about Vania believing in and sharing her art. That was something I didn't mention in the article, but something she always mentions in her interviews. =)

      I love how you dictated your passion, Janet. =) I love how it encompasses all the interests you have. I've always had a hard time expressing a similar kind of passion because society seems to value specialization in just one field. I couldn't limit myself to that and it's so exciting for me to have had the chance to become friends with someone like you who has the same thirst for knowledge. =)

      Thank you so much for sharing that quote. It's fits perfectly! And thank you for sharing my post. =) Have a fabulous weekend!

  • Jon

    Reply

    Samantha,

    Beautiful story of a woman that is changing lives. She is someone that already "had" and shared her time and care with some "have nots." It's encouraging to know that some of the dancers have successful careers now.

    My passion and where it directed me is a bit strange to me. I always wanted to help others experience some measure of success in their businesses. But growing up I never cared for writing. Now, I write every day and am meeting new, inspiring people that I learn from (and help) by engaging right here online.

    Thank you for a wonderful read and video 🙂 (I'm Colombian so I understood the vid).

    Jon
    My recent post Ready- Set- Start A Business

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Thank you, Jon! You describe it so well when you compared what she "had" and the "have nots" that she chose to connect with.

      That's so interesting that writing is now such a key part of your life. Now that I think more about it, it's so true that passions can creep up on us like that! =) That was kind of like Spanish for me — I studied it for four years, but never cared much for it. And now, I'm speaking it every day and it's connected me with another half of the world! =)

      You inspire me too, Jon! Totally surprised yet ecstatic that you're Latino! =) *Chócala!* =)

  • Usman@FirstHosting

    Reply

    She seems to be working fantastic
    My recent post How to get Maximum Guest Writers and keep them Happy

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      It really does seem like she's living out her passion, Usman! =) That's what's so inspiring!

      Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by my blog! Heading over to yours right now. =)

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Wow! =) I love hearing about people who are passionate about huge goals! =) I'm so excited to be on your path and hope to continue supporting you however I can, Kristen. We'll see you up there soon! =)

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Yes! The acrobatics are amazing! I just attended a break dance battle today and one of the finalists was a guy who was almost 40 years old! It gives me hope that maybe I can learn to defy gravity one day. =)

      Always appreciate your thoughts, Oliver. =)

  • Adrienne

    Reply

    I love hearing stories like this Samantha. To think that all your life you wanted one thing until you were introduced to people who didn't have the same opportunities and you want to reach out and help. That is just so inspiring and I LOVE dance. Love, love, love it!!!

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful and oh so inspirational story with us. I am truly touched.

    ~Adrienne
    My recent post Guest Posting- It’s Time To Participate

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Adrienne, I really like how you put it. Vania could have just focused on her own goals. She was on the road to success and she thought she had it all figured out. It's so easy to get caught up in our own mind, don't you think? It must take courage to put our needs, wants and desires aside for a moment in order to share, connect and give.

      Do you dance too, Adrienne? I imagine happiness and energy exuding from you when you dance! =)

  • karencitadeperu

    Reply

    Hey Samantha! Great story. Next time I see these kids doing their flips in the intersections of Lima's busy streets, I will see them from a totally different perspective. Thanks for sharing this inspiring story!
    Karen

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      I know eh! Who knows? They may even be from Ventanilla! I've seem some crazy videos online where they practice amazing flips there. The soft landing really helps. =)

      Always happy to see you here, Karen! =) Thanks!

  • @AllieRambles

    Reply

    Samantha,

    I don't know if I have a passion. Can that be true?

    I have a drive to do many things that help people or myslef but my main drive is directed to my children, I would do anything for them. But that is natural.

    I would almost say my biggest passion is clearing ignorance. There is no need to hate for unproven or unreasonable reasons. Unfortunately, I believe our human brains will always find a way to hate, suppress and fight, out of ignorance. So I start with my own children and branch out from there.

    I wish more people would open their eyes, minds and hearts to see beauty and giving instead of greed and hurt.

    ~Allie

    My recent post Social Networking- The Foundation of a Great Blog

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Wow, Allie! You stopped me at your first line! You know, maybe you're right. What's all this talk about passion anyway? Do we really need one if we're satisfied with the drives in our lives? =) Loved that thought!

      I hadn't thought much about it, but I really identify with your idea of clearing ignorance. If only we all realized how much we had in common, we would be more patient to and loving with each other. I feel that a lot of hate comes from arbitrary barriers we create from misunderstandings. Thanks for bringing this topic up so eloquently, Allie, and thank you so much for having me think! =)

  • Jayne Kopp

    Reply

    HI Samantha, WOW what an inspiring story. It's funny how we all gravitate to certain details of a short post.

    Not only is it so incredible that she helps others, but the part that hit me in the funny bone was that just a few seconds of seeing something that she had never seen before changed the course of her life.

    Incredible isn't it?

    to me, this post has many messages but I think the one that I took from it is one I have been talking about lately and that is being 'open'… open to everything… with an open mind and just doing what is in your heart.

    It takes no time to practice this… as expressed in your post.

    I know there are many things that have inspired me to follow my dreams….. one I guess was quitting my old job about 20+ years ago to start a new company (with no income). Guess what? It worked!

    Thanks for the post Samantha. Lovely to meet you.

    Jayne
    My recent post Mission Accomplished – I Proved It!

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      I LOVED your take on this, Jayne! How powerful a few moments can be. Here in Huancayo, something that hits me all the time with the same strength is death. It's all around me and people seem to be more open about it here. Every time someone passes away, it reminds me that an instant is a formidable moment — it can be the difference between one direction in life and another or even the difference between life and death.

      You inspire me too, Jayne!! I'm just starting out on my freelancing adventure and hearing about success stories like yours motivates me to keep chugging along. =)

      So glad we're connected too! =) Will have to head over to your blog and celebrate your big accomplishment with you! =)

  • Maureen Hunter

    Reply

    What a wonderfully inspiring story Samantha, I love what you share. I truly believe that when you follow your passion you are led into new situations of awe and treasure.
    My recent post And Death Shall Have No Dominion

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Yes! Thank you for understanding exactly where I'm coming from, Maureen. I also envision Esdeer as your passion and I imagine that you've also encountered the same awe and treasure that you describe. =)

      So glad to see you here! =)

  • @marcus_baker

    Reply

    Hi Samantha,

    Fascinating story and an inspiring take away. Thank you.

    I have met, heard of and read about many people who have pursued their passion and who are financially very comfortable as a consequence of doing so.

    However, without exception, all followed their hearts to get there without external reward being the motivator. I define external reward quite broadly from financial to 'ego massaging'.

    Your story about Vania demonstrates this superbly. She left behind her success and reputation in the international dance world to do what she really wanted to do. She was not attached to her external success.

    I believe that when we follow our hearts and we live in expectation of our purpose being fulfilled then all else will align to make it possible for this to be.

    ~Marcus
    My recent post Use Buffer and Save Time on Twitter

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      A great insight, Marcus! Now that I think about, I have to agree that I've also met many inspiring people here who throw away selfishness and they happen to have achieved great success. I think that people see honesty and heart when it's real and true.

      Thank you for the indirect encouragement to follow my own heart and for reminding me to have patience on that path. =)

  • Diana Simon

    Reply

    Hi Samantha! You have been coming up with many inspiring posts! I know it is a great feeling to live your passion especially when it helps others to have a better live. When I moved to another country, I decided to pursue my passion of teaching which eventually led me to coaching and it's very fulfilling to see how people with support can find their own power within to change their lives and those of others.

    A beautiful post 🙂
    My recent post Blogging for Beginners- Friday Favs

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Diana, I love learning about you in bits and pieces through our blogs and commenting! I had no idea that you were a teacher. =) I can see how that connects with coaching and I love to see how this new career is developing for you and bringing you carts of fulfillment. =) So glad we're on the same path and thank you for appreciating my post!

  • Sherry Zander

    Reply

    Wow, Sam, another inspiring story — your trademark. I love the story, love the initiative and love the outcome of the effort of this woman. Don't you think we can all make our mark on some part of the world if we follow that still, small voice in our hearts that cries out to be heard? If we'll listen, it acts as our rudder to greatness — a greatness relative to what that means to each of us. Great post; thanks for sharing.
    My recent post SPAM Ba-Bam!

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Sherry, what a great example of a "rudder to greatness." It's so true that it's often the tiniest inkling that we need to listen to in order to live out our true potential. You've made a mark on my world, Sherry. =) Thank you for always being there and for appreciating my writing!

  • Jen Puckett

    Reply

    Beautiful post Samantha! It would take so much courage to leave such success to follow the heart. I love it!
    My recent post 10 Rockin Reasons Why Biz Owners Should Partner With Virtual Assistants

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Courage indeed, Jen! =) And the funny thing about success is that it's defined so differently by different people! To Vania, "success" was no longer the shining lights in Las Vegas, but the shining light in the eyes of those boys of Ventanilla. =) Thanks for stopping by, Jen! I really appreciate you being here.

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      Thanks so much for stoping by, Ollin, and for the congratulations. =) So excited to see you here! =) Glad that the story could be inspirational for you too; it definitely was for me. I thought that you might especially appreciate the video as I imagine that you would be able to understand the Spanish! =)

  • Jeannette Koczela

    Reply

    How inspiring! What a wonderful thing this woman has done! Thanks for sharing.
    -Jeannette
    My recent post Sign Up for Free Laser Coaching

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      You're so welcome, Jeannette! And thank YOU for stopping by! I'm glad that Vania's story could be an inspiration to others as it has been for me and I hope that you're continuing to live out your passions. =)

      Can't wait to start working together soon! =)

  • RowenaBolo

    Reply

    Hey Sam,

    Love the video! Breakdance, hiphop and streetdance always fascinate me 😉

    And wow for a truly inspiring story about Vania. I concur with what everyone said here, that she is indeed true example of someone who follows her heart without wanting rewards or external success. She is a brave woman, and I am so glad that you found inspiration from her, and look at you now, following your heart's desire. Keep loving life and what you do, Sam! 😉

    – Rowena

    • Samantha Bangayan

      Reply

      I thought you might especially like this video, Rowena! =) I'm imagining you street dancing along side them. =) Did I mention that I might train for a dance competition? =P Can you believe it?! =) If it pans out, I'll be sure to send you the video!

      You know, I thought of you the entire time that I read your description of Vania. Following her heart and bravery. You also inspire me to keep chugging along after my dreams. Thanks for being a part of my life, Rowena! =)

  • Josh Garcia

    Reply

    This is a great story! What I like most is the video you posted. It is amazing how these young guys flip in the air.

    Have a great day…
    Josh
    My recent post Beware of 9 Costly Mistakes When Buying Orlando Bank Owned Homes

  • Mavis Nong

    Reply

    Hey Samantha,

    What a great and inspiring story you're sharing here.

    Thanks
    Mavis
    My recent post Traffic Generation Blogging Contest – Thank You All Very Much For Your Staggering Support!

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