Lagos, Nigeria (CNN) In June, 11-year-old ballet dancer Anthony Mmesoma Madu was filmed barefoot, spinning and leaping gracefully in the air … Friday, 07 Aug 2020 09:33 PM MYT. The school was founded by self-taught ballet lover Daniel Ajala, in 2017. Lagos, Nigeria (CNN)In June, 11-year-old ballet dancer Anthony Mmesoma Madu was filmed barefoot, spinning and leaping gracefully in the air and landing in concrete, rain soaked puddles. Learn more, In the rare case something isn’t right, we will work with you to determine if misuse occurred. Royal Academy of Dance. Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos, Nigeria July 27, 2020. The video caught the eye of the elite American Ballet Theatre, which gave him a scholarship and arranged internet access for virtual training this summer. Daniel Ajala funds the academy out of his own pocket. Leap of Dance Academy aims to bring classical dance to Lagos' underprivileged children. Left: Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. Leap of Dance Academy is in Lagos, Nigeria. One of his major challenges, he said, is not having a suitable space to practice, "Our children sometimes train on the bare floor which is not suitable for dancers. Arts & Entertainment. Daniel Owoseni Ajala has had quite a summer. "When people see me they say that ballet is meant for girls, sometimes it makes me discouraged but I keep on working hard and encourage myself," he said. The school was founded by self-taught ballet lover Daniel Ajala, in 2017. … Dancer. "When I was watching the cartoon, I told my mum that I want to do ballet," he said. Nigeria Academy Looks To Spread Ballet Among Lagos Poor . Jennifer Aversa is organizing this fundraiser. After a video of the young boy dancing … Leap of Dance Academy was founded in September 2017 with the aim of giving children who cannot afford the luxury of dance education. A … They are asking for ideas to be able to feed their students because food prices in Nigeria have spiked due to COVID-19, making an already difficult situation desperate since there is no government support. Even though he never really set out to be a teacher, he said many years of practicing ballet techniques on his own led him to fall in love with the art. 105.2k Followers, 1,279 Following, 1,616 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Leap of Dance Academy (@leapofdanceacademy) The main goal for our school is to have our students represent ballet in Nigeria well and bring it to the forefront while showing the elegance of ballet, but also letting our culture shine through,” business and PR representative at Leap of Dance Academy told Bored Panda. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Leap of Dance Academy. By Seun Sanni. His school has gained worldwide attention ever since June, when he posted a video of one of his students dancing in the rain at his home. "I want to be different," he added. The Leap of Dance Academy, founded by Daniel Ajala in 2017, is “teaching classical dance to children in a poor district of Lagos, Nigeria”, according to a report from BBC News. Our people can fly!!! The best part of being recognized is when I got a grand prize to go to the US because so many people don't have that opportunity but I thank God that I do," he said. LAGOS, Aug 7 — Gracefully spinning among a group of dancers clad in pink, 11-year-old Anthony Mmesoma Madu … 32 talking about this. "It (the video) wasn't something we envisaged to come out the way it did. Historically, ballet started in the 17th century and was, Leap of Dance Academy students practice their dance technicques 6 days a week. In the two months since, Anthony and his ballet school, Leap of Dance Academy, have gone from anonymity to international recognition. Like Madu, Ajala took an interest in ballet at a young age. 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 ❤ pic.twitter.com/LNyWD2ZoU0, As a former ballerina I'm jealous of his beautiful lines, his toe points and his effortless gracefulness. He told CNN that he did not plan to go viral, but he is happy that he did. With schools closed as a result of Covid-19 restrictions in Nigeria which so far has. "To be a ballet dancer so that I won't be the same thing with others who want to be doctors, lawyers or bankers.". SEATTLE, Washington — Where ballet meets West Africa, Daniel Owoseni Ajala created the Leap of Dance Academy, a dance school in Badagry, Nigeria. The Leap of Dance Academy, founded by Daniel Ajala, is a ballet school in Lagos that provides quality ballet education to indigenous young dancers in Nigeria. Leap of faith: Nigerian boy captivates the world with his ballet August 20, 2020 YOUTH HEROES 0 Comments Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos, Nigeria July 27, 2020. Thank you. Leap of Dance Academy, Nigeria. Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos Don't y'all love our we blend and feel confident in our own special custom made (flesh tone) tights and shoes. Every day after school, his 12 students walk into his apartment, where he pushes aside his furniture and spreads a sheet over the concrete floor for dance practice. Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos Madu is one of a dozen students between the ages of 5 and 12 at Daniel Owoseni’s Leap Academy of Dance in Badagry, an unassuming coastal town about six hours from the center of … Ballet school hopes to inspire kids in Nigeria. 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 … Progressing Ballet Technique. With the amazing blessing of technology, our studio has come into contact with Leap of Dance Academy in Nigeria and they need our help! A student of the Leap of Dance Academy, Olamide Olawale, A student of the Leap of Dance Academy, Olamide Olawale, performs a dance routine in Okelola street in … Published: Aug 07 at 8:07 a.m. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet school in Lagos with an objective to teach classical dance to underprivileged children in Nigeria. Cellphone video showing the 11-year-old dancing barefoot in the rain went viral on social media. Dancing can be magic. Picture: AFP / Benson Ibeabuchi . A video of him dancing barefoot in the rain on concrete outside the studio where he trains, the Leap of Dance Academy, went viral last month. 2 Min Read. A student performs a dance routine in front of his mother’s shop in Okelola street Olamide Olawale makes a leap. LAGOS – Gracefully spinning among a group of dancers clad in pink, 11-year-old Anthony Mmesoma Madu stands out in black leggings, a white turtleneck … With the amazing blessing of technology, our studio has come into contact with Leap of Dance Academy in Nigeria and they need our help! The passion in us makes the dance alive. This program does not charge any of the students and serves students in an area of high poverty in Nigeria. … Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. 7 Jul What's New. In June, the world took notice of the young Nigerian ballet dancer. Mr. Ajala took the initiative to teach himself ballet through books and online videos, then he opened the school and pays for the schools expenses out of his own money. It was during one of their sessions that he recorded Madu's now viral dance video, telling CNN that he never imagined that it would circulate rapidly. Our people can fly!!! Leap of faith: Nigerian boy captivates the world with his ballet Friday, 07 Aug 2020 09:33 PM MYT Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos, Nigeria July 27, 2020. Madu thought he was being recorded for a study session by his ballet instructor, instead, the footage of him practicing his moves was posted on social media and has been been shared widely across the world, with some of his fans including Hollywood actors, Many of those watching were impressed by his ability to land his moves perfectly, even while dancing barefoot on concrete and in the rain. Dance Studio. Harvey was so impressed by his talent that she tracked him down and offered him a scholarship with the American Ballet Theatre where he will attend a summer school in 2021. The academy currently has 12 pupils aged between six and 15. Ajala founded the dance academy in 2017 and has been teaching ballet for free to children who are unable to pay for a dance education since then. Madu also wants to help change the perception that ballet cannot thrive in places like Nigeria. Website. Leap of faith: Nigerian boy captivates the world with his ballet. Leap of faith: Nigerian boy captivates the world with his ballet. Anthony is currently in ABT virtual summer intensive. LAGOS – Gracefully spinning among a group of dancers clad in pink, 11-year-old Anthony Mmesoma Madu stands out in black leggings, a white turtleneck, and poise beyond his years. Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos, Nigeria July 27, 2020. More people start fundraisers on GoFundMe than on any other platform. Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. Leap of Dance Nigeria Since our inception we have become one of the very few Vocational ballets school in Nigeria, giving us the opportunity to receive international standard certification and partnership.Currently we are the only certified school in acrobatic arts here Nigeria and first Alixa flexibility certified instructors amongst others. The video caught the eye of the elite American Ballet Theatre, which gave him a scholarship and arranged internet access for virtual training this summer. ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Dance in New York. Nonprofit Organization . Ballet dancer Anthony … This program does not charge any of the students and serves students in an area of high poverty in Nigeria. Madu says his interest in ballet developed after watching. “Badagry is a coastal town approximately six hours from the center of the metropolis Lagos.” Ajala opened the academy for those who could not afford ballet classes like the organization’s founder. "When I first started I thought ballet was easy to dance, I didn't know it was hard. To give you an idea of the level of poverty, some of his students do not attend school because the families can not afford school supplies. Reminds me of the beauty of my people. The academy currently has 12 pupils aged between six and 15. Mr. Ajala took the initiative to teach himself ballet through books and online videos, then he opened the school and pays for the schools expenses out of his own money. Leap of Dance Academy is housed at Ajala's home. Please consider giving....no donation is too small! Dance Connections, Inc. understands the community and joy that dance brings! 31 talking about this. Daniel Owoseni Ajala has had quite a summer. Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos, Nigeria July 27, 2020. 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. 105.2k Followers, 1,279 Following, 1,616 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Leap of Dance Academy (@leapofdanceacademy) Picture taken July 27, 2020. At least it is to 11-year-old Anthony Mmesoma Madu from Nigeria when he dances ballet, he told BBC News. Artistic Ballet Agency. College & University. Leap of faith: Nigerian boy captivates the world with his ballet. Leap of Dance Academy is housed at Ajala's home. For now, the Leap of Dance Academy is housed at the home of its founder, Daniel Owoseni Ajala, in Ajangbadi, Ojo, on the western outskirts of Lagos. Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos By Seun Sanni LAGOS (Reuters) - Gracefully spinning among a group of dancers clad in pink, 11-year-old Anthony Mmesoma Madu stands out in black leggings, a white turtleneck and poise beyond his years. This program does not charge any of the students and serves students in an area of high poverty in Nigeria. Viola Davis was moved to write: "We create, soar, can imagine, have unleashed passion, and love....despite the brutal obstacles that have been put in front of us! The Leap of Dance Academy, founded by Daniel Ajala, is a ballet school in Lagos that provides quality ballet education to indigenous young dancers in Nigeria. South African International Ballet Competition's grand prize, This chip-eating Kenyan comic is keeping Africans entertained on social media. Ballet dancer Anthony Mmesoma Madu appears in his dance studio in Lagos, Nigeria on Aug. 18, 2020. He eventually got the chance to learn the dance after relocating to Ojo, a suburb of Lagos with his mother, where they met Daniel Owoseni Ajala, founder of the. Leap of faith: Nigerian boy captivates the world with his ballet Back to video “When I am dancing, I feel as if I am on top of the world,” he told Reuters. Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris. ... poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos Seun Sanni. We create, soar, can imagine, have unleashed passion, and love....despite the brutal obstacles that have been put in front of us! 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. The video caught the eye of the elite American Ballet Theatre, which gave him a scholarship and arranged internet access for … A video of him dancing barefoot in the rain on concrete outside the studio where he trains, the Leap of Dance Academy, went viral last month. Every day after school, his … Learn more, Contact us with your questions and we’ll answer, day or night. Dance is a light and community. Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. The Royal Ballet School. A one-minute video of Anthony dancing barefoot as a light rain falls went viral on social media when it was posted on June 18. He said many people still think he should not be dancing. The passion in us makes the dance alive. Coach. Leap of Dance Academy . "There is a perception that it is not an African dance. Now 29 years old, he said he learned to dance ballet by watching YouTube tutorials. When he first set out to teach ballet, he said he was trolled for it because people assumed it was meant for girls. Madu’s practice dance session was so impressive that it earned him a ballet scholarship with the American Ballet Theater in the U.S. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) 1 of 3. REUTERS/Seun Sanni. Just a few short months later, he has become a viral internet star and landed a prestigious scholarship in America. The organizer has currently disabled new donations to this fundraiser. Leap of faith: Nigerian boy captivates the world with his ballet By Seun Sanni 8/7/2020. 11-Year-Old Nigerian Boy Leaps to Fame | How social media helped make a dream come true. Picture taken July 27, 2020. @leapofdanceacademy I want to pay for his entire formal education anywhere in the world until he graduates from Uni. Ballet ∞ Fan Page. Nigeria academy looks to spread ballet among Lagos poor. A video of him dancing barefoot in the rain on concrete outside the studio where he trains, the Leap of Dance Academy, went viral last month. A small group of Nigerian girls and boys wearing leotards and leggings limber up … "I was surprised because I didn't have it in mind that the video would go viral. https://t.co/lqK76UFrAt, 11 year old Anthony Madu learned to dance ballet at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. With the amazing blessing of technology, our studio has come into contact with Leap of Dance Academy in Nigeria and they need our help! Kukuwa Fitness. WorldWide Ballet. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet school in Lagos with an objective to teach classical dance to underprivileged children in Nigeria. Credit: Leap of Dance Academy Instagram Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old boy from Nigeria, is getting the opportunity of a lifetime. The Leap of Dance Academy, founded by Daniel Ajala in 2017, is “teaching classical dance to children in a poor district of Lagos, Nigeria”, according to a report from BBC News. Leap of Faith: Nigerian Boy Captivates the World With His Ballet. Learn more. As a teenager, he watched. A ballet student of the Leap of Dance Academy in a poor district Lagos, Nigeria. Dance Theatre of Harlem. When the self-taught instructor learned of Madu's desire to dance, he said he encouraged Madu's mother to enroll him. 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. Updated: Aug 08 at 10:21 a.m. A A. Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with other students at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos, Nigeria July 27, 2020. View Students stretch during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy in Nigeria on July 3. We also feel it is so important to give back always and our students are coming up with some great fundraising ideas as well as becoming video pen pals with our new dance studio friends! 11 year old Anthony Madu learned to dance ballet at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. Leap of Dance Academy. Updated 1647 GMT (0047 HKT) September 2, 2020. Lagos, Nigeria (CNN) In June, 11-year-old ballet … Leap of faith: Nigerian boy captivates the world with his ballet. Madu has also had to battle similar stereotypes. Nonprofit Organization. Being a male dancer is worse, people think ballet is not meant for boys," he said. Daniel Ajala funds the academy out of his own pocket. Celebrities were posting us," he said. 7 Jul 2020 7 Jul 2020; Ballet dancing has been taking over a classroom in Lagos in Nigeria. … Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ajala is the founder and creative director of the Leap of Dance Academy, which provides ballet classes for young dancers.His school has gained worldwide attention ever since June, when he posted a video of one of his students dancing in the rain at his home. Daniel Ajala who brought his … Anthony Mmesoma Madu, an 11-year-old ballet dancer, poses during a rehearsal with … It was bigger than I imagined, and I started getting calls. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ajala is the founder and creative director of the Leap of Dance Academy, which provides ballet classes for young dancers. — Reuters pic. "I'm hoping to be a professional ballet dancer and I want people to know that ballet can blow here in Nigeria.". By Seun Sanni. Photo by Seun Sanni/Reuters But we just keep moving so that we don't keep crying about the things we don't have," he said. The main goal for our school is to have our students represent ballet in Nigeria well and bring it to the forefront while showing the elegance of ballet, but also letting our culture shine through,” business and PR representative at Leap of Dance Academy told Bored Panda. Madu says he stays committed to the craft by practicing the techniques learned at the academy for around five hours daily. However, over the past decades, more women have joined and dominated the industry, adding to the belief that ballet is exclusive to women. ", His dancing also caught the attention of Cynthia Harvey, the artistic director of the. A video of Anthony’s pirouettes went … But I kept on working hard... anytime he (Ajala) teaches us anything, I go home to practice and come back to show him," Madu said. Daniel Ajala teaches 12 students to dance ballet in his Lagos home. 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