A group of young women in a youth detention center in Albany have been rehearsing for a unique dance performance.

Oak Creek Correctional Facility is the Oregon Youth Authority’s only unit for girls. Three years ago, OYA’s Hispanic Services Coordinator, Paola Sumoza-Maciel, started a Folklorico Dance program. It was inspired by a young woman who missed her quinceañera because she was in custody.

“You can tell that it's a therapy for them" Sumoza-Maciel told KLCC. "You know, it's something that they forget about everything, they focus on what they're doing, they work together as a team.”

Karen Richards / KLCC

Dressed in traditional, flowing gowns over their standard-issue clothing, the girls said they especially enjoy the “Surprise Dance,” a more contemporary piece of music often h

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