DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH
The Leap of Dance Academy is ballet school teaching classical dance to children at Ajangbadi area of Lagos, Nigeria. The school was established by danseur, Daniel Ajala, and opened its doors in late 2017. Mr Ajala funds the school from his own pocket, and learned about ballet through online videos and books. Leap of Dance Academy has 12 pupils, aged from 6 to 15, and provides ballet shoes, outfits and lessons for free.
They launch into pirouettes and arabesques but have to make do without music. Today, the stereo is not working, because there is no electricity.
"Ballet is for people who have money, who are very high class, because ballet is expensive," "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."
The locals were sceptical at first about letting their kids learn ballet. But 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." - Daniel Ajala.
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.
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.
"My dream is to make children around the world to be able to share the same dance experience," she says.
"I want them to be able to express their feelings through dance."
(📸: Benson Ibeabuchi / AFP)
#Dance #Ballet #ballerina
Nigeria is facing one of its deepest food security crises and Food Soldiers doesn’t just explain it from the outside — it goes in.
Directed by Alessia Barbiero, this short documentary follows photojournalist Benson across rural landscapes, bustling markets, and neighboring countries, uncovering not just a broken system but the people quietly rebuilding it.
Winner of the 2025 Ceres Jury Award for Best Short Film, Food Soldiers is screening virtually during Season X, online only from April 16 - 22.
@barbieroalessia@bensonibeabuchi
Link in bio to join us.
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Why go to a boutique when you can get the same quality in the popular Balogun Market.
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Commuters in the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT), that goes from Marina to Mile2.
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Lagos Living
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Shot on assignment for Bloomberg
Fête du Vodoun
Vodún teaches the existence of a supreme creator divinity, under whom are lesser spirits called vodúns.
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