Mumbai’s Slum Kids Find Hope Through Hip-Hop and Dance Dreams
In the heart of Mumbai, one of the world’s largest slums is home to a unique school offering hope through hip-hop. The Dharavi Dream Project teaches children breakdancing, graffiti, and beatboxing—giving them a creative escape from daily struggles. Founded in 2014 by a group of breakdancers, the project now relies on donations to keep its doors open for around 150 young participants.
Dharavi is a densely packed slum where up to a million people face poverty and overcrowding. Despite these challenges, the Dharavi Dream Project provides a safe space for children to express themselves and share their worries. Classes run every weekday at 4:30 p.m., led by instructor Chetan Vishwakarma, also known as B-Boy Kancha, who teaches breakdance moves to eager students.
Among the children is 11-year-old Rikita, who dreams of becoming a good person and doing good things. Another student, 14-year-old Bhim Rao Jogu—known as B-Boy Bhim—hopes to gain fame as a breakdancer and skater, putting India on the global map. The project’s impact extends beyond lessons, as children recently performed their play Dharavi Dream in other cities, even boarding a plane for the first time after a year of rehearsals. The initiative survives purely on donations, with no major foundation backing it. Yet, through hip-hop, it continues to inspire young minds to dream beyond their surroundings.
The Dharavi Dream Project has given children in one of Mumbai’s toughest areas a chance to explore creativity and ambition. After years of hard work, performances, and personal growth, the programme remains a lifeline for those seeking hope. Its survival depends on ongoing support, but its influence on the lives of these young dancers is already clear.
