Read at 3 different speeds

Ballet for all in Nigeria - 6th August 2020

Children in Nigeria are finding their dancing feet thanks to self-taught ballet dancer Daniel Ajala.

Having studied ballet entirely by himself, Ajala opened a dance academy in a run-down primary school outside the capital Lagos in 2017.

Ajala: “From my years of understanding and reading about ballet, I learned ballet is actually for people who have actually, who have money, who are from very high class, because ballet is expensive. And in this area, I know we can’t actually afford the luxury of ballet, or dance education.”

Funded by Ajala himself, in addition to lessons, the school provides shoes and kit for the children, who often had no idea about ballet prior to enrolling.

Initially dubious about the school, local people have embraced Ajala’s contribution to their community.

Ifoma Madu loves watching her son Anthony dance.

Ifoma: "I, I feel great. I feel wonderful. I’m very excited. When I see him dancing, it gives me joy.”

Ajala is an inspiration to his students, with some wishing to follow his lead and make dance their career.

Olamide: “And maybe one day I will become a dance teacher too, and I’ll be able to gather children too, and teach them how to dance."