Welcome back to Dog in the Yard, the podcast where we bring you real stories of resilience, survival, and transformation straight from the hearts of those who’ve experienced life behind the wall. In this powerful episode, Pistol Pete sits down with Dance, a Dominican brother from the Bronx with an extraordinary life story. Dance opens up about his journey through the foster care system, the harsh streets of New York, and his eventual descent into crime that led him to prison and beyond.Born and raised in the Bronx, Dance shares how life pushed him from foster homes to the streets, forcing him to adapt quickly to survive. He discusses his early exposure to violence, the hustle, and the moments that led to his first arrest, which landed him in Rikers Island at just 16 years old. In prison, Dance learned the brutal rules of survival, building a reputation for himself through fights and gaining the respect of those around him. But the streets kept calling him back.After his release, Dance dove deeper into the criminal world, orchestrating major heists, including hijacking 18-wheelers filled with high-end goods. But his rise in the game came with a heavy price. Facing federal charges, Dance eventually found himself serving 16 years in the federal prison system, navigating some of the toughest prisons in the country.In this episode, Dance doesn't hold back as he reflects on the choices he made and the lessons he learned during his time in prison. From dealing with the realities of snitching and betrayal to finding ways to keep his mind sharp through prison activities like playing chess and Jeopardy, Dance’s story is both raw and inspirational. He discusses the turning points that led to his personal transformation and what it takes to survive not only physically, but mentally in a world designed to break you.This is more than a story of crime and punishment—it's a story of redemption. Dance shares the wisdom he's gained over the years, offering a powerful message to anyone caught up in the fast life or facing their own battles with the system. His journey from a kid in the Bronx to a federal prisoner, and now a man working to change his life, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.