Nigerian boy who won the hearts of millions by dancing barefoot in the rain is awarded scholarship
Sometimes, all it takes is one person to believe in us for us to chase our dreams.
No matter how small or big our dreams may seem, nothing is impossible when we have a strong support system. The people who believe in our goals will do anything to reach our full potential no matter how adverse the situation may be.
Anthony Mmesoma Madu was lucky enough to have a support system to reach his dreams.
He dreamed of being a ballet dancer because he wanted to do something different. He sometimes feels discouraged when people tell him ballet doesn’t suit him because it is for girls. But he knew in his heart that it was something he wished to pursue.
All it took was one person to believe in Anthony.
When Daniel Owoseni Ajala knew about Anthony’s dream, he convinced his mother to allow him to join the dance school he founded. Leap of Dance Academy was Daniel’s very own dance school – something he built to teach kids in Nigeria how to dance for free.
His home became the breeding ground for talented young dancers like Anthony.
One day, Daniel recorded a video of Anthony dancing ballet under the rain, barefoot on cement with lots of water puddles. But he danced with grace and poise, not minding whatever was around him. Anthony thought that Daniel filmed his short performance to take note of his dance mistakes to correct them.
Little did he know that Daniel posted it on Instagram, and this instantly became a viral video.
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Even Viola Davis noticed and tweeted about this!
Reminds me of the beauty of my people. We create, soar, can imagine, have unleashed passion, and love….despite the brutal obstacles that have been put in front of us! Our people can fly!!! ❤ pic.twitter.com/LNyWD2ZoU0
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) June 24, 2020
She gave props to Anthony and all the efforts of Leap of Dance Academy to unleash the passion of these young dancers despite the obstacles they face, and she said that to refer to all Nigerians as well.
Because of this post, Anthony was offered various scholarships program in the United States.
Cynthia Harvey of the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Dance in New York was one of those people who were greatly impressed by Anthony’s performance. She offered him a scholarship for summer 2021 at the American Ballet Theatre.
His viral video also paved the way for his college education.
Nigerian producer of Bookings Africa, Fade Ogunro, offered Anthony an entire education until he graduates from college in the school of his choice. His performance truly paved the way for this young man to go beyond his dreams.
And in July last year, he won the grand prize in the South African International Ballet Competition.
This recognition earned him another scholarship to attend dance classes in the United States, including his teacher, Daniel. We think it’s just right. After all, it was he who believed in Anthony in the first place.
Currently, Leap of Dance Academy and Daniel continue to teach ballet for free.
The kids look forward to visiting Daniel’s place after school, all for the love of dancing. And despite the lengths that Daniel goes through to make his home more conducive for ballet learning, it is all worth it.
Check out all the talented kids he taught and their progress so far on their Instagram page.
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Source: Leap of Dance Academy Instagram Page, CNN