photography
Ballet in the Slum – a very special talent factory in Lagos
In a backyard in Lagos, children receive professional ballet lessons – free of charge. You dream of a dance career on stages around the world.
When it was founded in 2017, Leap of Dance Academy was the first professional ballet school in Lagos. Dance teacher Daniel Ajala wants to give children the opportunity to turn their hobby into a career. His project is non-profit and the lessons are free. “I know that money is a barrier for many families in this area,” says Daniel.
Daniel discovered his passion for ballet at the age of 13 and taught himself the basics. He now teaches 35 children in different age groups in the backyard of his home. His students take part in international competitions, and some have received scholarships to study ballet in Europe.
Parisian photographer Vincent Boisot, 53, discovered the special ballet school on Instagram. He traveled to Nigeria to accompany the students during training and performances with his camera – and captured moments of calm and concentration in the otherwise bustling Lagos.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
