Nigerian Children Learn Ballet - 6th August 2020

Children in Nigeria have been introduced to ballet by self-taught dancer Daniel Ajala.

The lessons are held in a run-down primary school outside the capital city of Lagos.

Ajala, who taught himself ballet using books and the internet, decided to open a dance academy 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.”

Ajala funds the school himself, even providing shoes and kit for the children.

Before joining the dance academy, many of Ajala’s students had never heard of ballet.

Local people started off sceptical of the school which they now support.

Ifoma Madu enjoys 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.”

The classes are inspiring some of Ajala’s students to follow in his footsteps.

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."