Nigeria academy looks to spread ballet among Lagos poor

Photos

Login / Sign Up

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Gold / Forex

Photos Lifestyle

Nigeria academy looks to spread ballet among Lagos poor

Leap of Dance Academy aims to bring classical dance to Lagos' underprivileged children

Published: July 07, 2020 15:02 AFP and compiled by Balaram Menon, Digital Content Editor

1 of 18

Copy of 257222-01-02-1594119269196 — A small group of Nigerian girls and boys wearing leotards and leggings limber up in a spare room at a run-down primary school with patches of damp on the walls. Image Credit: AFP

2 of 18

Copy of 257195-01-02-1594119252340 — They launch into pirouettes and arabesques but have to make do without music. Today, the stereo is not working, because there is no electricity. Image Credit: AFP

3 of 18

Copy of 257207-01-02-1594119292613 — This is Leap of Dance Academy - a ballet school in a poor district of sprawling megacity Lagos that aims to bring classical dance to underprivileged children in Africa's most populous nation. Image Credit: AFP

4 of 18

Copy of 257219-01-02-1594119274983 — The school is the brainchild of self-taught ballet aficionado Daniel Ajala, who opened its doors in late 2017 after studying the dance moves online and in books. Above: Ajala (left) shows the students ballet stretch routines during rehearsals. Image Credit: AFP

5 of 18

Copy of 257204-01-02-1594119246590 — Now the academy - which Ajala funds out of his own pocket - has 12 pupils aged between six and 15. Image Credit: AFP

6 of 18

Copy of 257223-01-02-1594119266664 — The lessons are free and shoes and kit provided to the children, most of whom had never heard of ballet before they got involved. Image Credit: AFP

7 of 18

Copy of 257189-01-02-1594119254752 — "Ballet is for people who have money, who are very high class, because ballet is expensive," Ajala tells. "In this area, I know we can't actually afford the luxury of ballet, or dance education - so I think it's a beautiful art to introduce to our people here." Image Credit: AFP

8 of 18

Copy of 257221-01-02-1594119272074 — He says locals in the neighbourhood of Ajangbadi were sceptical at first about his plan to teach ballet. "When we started ballet here, people were like 'what are they doing? Is it not indecent? It's not a Christian dance!'" Image Credit: AFP

9 of 18

Copy of 257196-01-02-1594119249362 — "We want to make sure to show them that this is not a bad dance - ballet is a very disciplined, forward dance that is very important in the growth of a child." Image Credit: AFP

10 of 18

Copy of 257214-01-02-1594119283705 — Now after several years of training and effort the dancers have gained more acceptance. And when they practice their moves outside around the area they now draw admiring - if sometimes still confused - glances. Image Credit: AFP

11 of 18

Copy of 257213-01-02-1594119286375 — Ballet has provided an inspiration and window onto unknown cultures for 15-year-old student Olamide Olawole. She has even begun thinking of becoming a dance teacher herself. Image Credit: AFP

12 of 18

Copy of 257216-01-02-1594119280746 — "My dream is to make children around the world to be able to share the same dance experience," Olamide says. "I want them to be able to express their feelings through dance." Image Credit: AFP

13 of 18

Copy of 257218-01-02-1594119277950 — Ifoma Madu (left) watches on with pride as her son Anthony Madu (right) performs a grand jete leap alongside his classmates. "I feel great, I feel wonderful, I'm very excited," she said. "When I see him dancing, it gives me joy." Image Credit: AFP

14 of 18

Copy of 257206-01-02-1594119243751 — Students prepare for a rehearsal session at the Leap of Dance Academy in Ajangbadi, Lagos. Image Credit: AFP

15 of 18

Copy of 257764-01-02-1594119263656 — A student of the Leap of Dance Academy, Precious Duru, performs a dance routine in Okelola street in Ajangbadi, Lagos. Image Credit: AFP

16 of 18

Copy of 257766-01-02-1594119257812 — A student of the Leap of Dance Academy, Olamide Olawale, performs a dance routine in Okelola street in Ajangbadi, Lagos. Image Credit: AFP

17 of 18

Copy of 257765-01-02-1594119260904 — Students stretch during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy . Image Credit: AFP

18 of 18

Copy of 257210-01-02-1594119289360 — Olamide Olawale (front) stands in the Releve sur la pointe position during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy. Image Credit: AFP

Latest In

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you. Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.