In pictures: Unemployed Portuguese youth take to the streets -- to dance
Alberto Perdomo, 22, dances during a street performance in downtown Lisbon Aug. 1, 2012. Mr. Perdomo is one of five hip hop dancers forced by lack of work to head out to the streets to support themselves.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
The men used to earn their living by dancing at festivals and teaching students. From left: Elizeu Carlos, 22, Dionisio Jordao, 25, Ivan Silva, 24, Frank David, 28, and Mr. Perdomo.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
Mr. Perdomo poses after a performance. In Portugal’s deep recession, which began in late 2010, students and festival gigs are hard to find.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
Dionisio Jordao dances on a downtown street. To comply with the terms of its €78-billion bailout, Portugal has implemented austerity measures, including spending cuts and tax increases.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
Mr. Jordao joined the street dancing group after jobs became scarcer over the past two years. Consumer spending has fallen dramatically during the recession.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
Frank David displays his dance moves as a crowd gathers. The Portuguese economy is contracting and unemployment is growing, particularly among young people.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
Mr. David poses after his performance. The OECD predicts the Portuguese economy will shrink by 3.2 per cent this year and 0.9 per cent in 2013.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
Ivan Silva dances during a performance. The government has forecast an unemployment rate for all age groups of 15.5 per cent this year, and 16 per cent in 2013.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
Mr. Silva poses after his performance. More than 35 per cent of Portuguese under age 25 are currently unemployed.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
Elizeu Carlos shows off his dancing skills for a handful of spectators.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
Mr. Carlos poses on the sidelines. As part of its mandated austerity measures, Portugal’s government must cut unemployment benefits for some groups, curb holidays, reduce overtime pay and trim severance requirements.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
Dionisio Jordao takes his turn during the group’s performance.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
Mr. Jordao poses near the performance site. Earlier this month, doctors and nurses in Portugal went on strike briefly to protest the spending cuts.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
The dancers count their money after their performance.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters