“An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head.” – Emil Zatopek
It is passion, love, determination what moves mountains. Today, we want to share a truly inspiring story about a man who fell in love with ballet and brought it to his community in Nigeria. With few resources, a few students, but lots of energy, passion and love.
This is the story of Daniel Owoseni Ajala 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 2020 when he posted a video of one of his students dancing in the rain at his home. The clip went viral, leading to major scholarship opportunities and coverage from news outlets around the world.
Dance Magazine recently spoke to Ajala about how he's used his love for culture and dance to create a ballet program for a community that had none.
How did you begin dancing?
I fell in love with dance when I was just 9 years old. I was young but knew it was something that I loved. I remember watching Save the Last Dance and wanting to do that.
What drew you specifically to ballet?
I've always been an individual and had my own voice. I loved ballet because it was so different from what I saw growing up. Ballet made me feel like myself in my own unique space. It wasn't normal, especially while growing up in Lagos, where we frequently see our native Nigerian dances. Though people would stare if they saw me dancing, for me, ballet was fresh and new, which made me drawn to it immediately.
When did you start the Leap of Dance Academy?
I created the Leap of Dance on Saturday, September 29, 2017, with just five students: three girls and two boys. There was a need for a dance school in our area to teach and inspire young dancers. In looking for space, I contacted the proprietor of my former primary school, and they allowed me to use itfor classes. As of now, that space is only available twice a week, so every other time we get together, I teach my students out of my home. We now have 12 consistent students that I teach each week.
What is one thing that you try to instill in your students?
I always tell my kids that I want them to have the opportunities that their parents never had. It's so much more than just dance. Being Black can come with being sidelined and not being included. So many people have led them to believe that because they're Black, Nigerian and come from poverty, that they can't be successful or have opportunities. I want them to know that they can overcome adversity and make their dreams a reality. I do my best to be an example and show that if I can push through without resources, you can. If you don't have the resources, create something out of nothing.
At PLAY, we want to give exposure to communities and professionals that are working towards our same goals, healthy children development through physical activity. No matter where you come form, promoting the values of passion and determination. We encourage you to take a look at Leap of dance academy’s instagram profile and support them.
https://www.dancemagazine.com/nigerian-ballet-dancer--2648108258.html?rebelltitem=6#rebelltitem6