In cooperation with the South Korean edition of The Big Issue, the global newspaper on homelessness, the Seoul Ballet Theater now offers weekly ballet classes to the newspaper’s vendors, according to a report from South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.

The purpose of the ballet program is to help Big Issue vendors develop confidence. In addition to priming the physical body, each class gives participants a forum in which they imagine themselves at work in their dream jobs – then move around the ballet studio as though they’ve already landed them. And, according to Big Issue sales team manager Byung-hun Ahn, the classes give the vendors much-needed community:

By talking with tutors, volunteers and fellow vendors, participants get the feeling someone is out there cheering for them, which can be a huge driving force for pressing on with life.

Since The Big Issue arrived in South Korea in 2010, several participants in the weekly ballet classes have transitioned off the streets and into homes.

And as if that’s not reason enough for celebration, some of the vendor-dancers will perform in the Seoul Ballet Theater’s production of The Nutcracker this December.

Read more: For Homeless Men, Ballet Becomes a Dance To Embrace Life (Yonhap News Agency)

“A theater is set up in a way to be able to mask what happens backstage so that whatever you see onstage is the part we want everyone to enjoy. And you don’t necessary have to know that backstage there’s a lot of scurrying around…” said Daryl Kamer, rehearsal director.

It can get “pretty wild,” she adds.

Amy Huffman, a parent volunteer (also called “kid wrangler”), said that all the parents get involved in some aspect of the production.

There are about 130 students (ages 7 to 19) performing in BalletMet’s The Nutcracker. Huffman said that the students are very dedicated, but when you have so many students, “it’s a lot like herding cats sometimes.”

Lorrie Strum, head chaperone, describes some of what is involved in coordinating the kids costumes, dress, make-up, and with the stage.

Cannon Silver, another kid wrangler, said “It’s the process of building character in these young dancers … that is really the greatest value from this experience, and the chance to be on stage, to be graceful, and to act a part, and to have that experience of touching other peoples lives…”

“The Nutcracker is our gift to the community,” said Catherine Yoshimura of BalletMet.