Ballet Academy in Lagos Gives Children Confidence and New Opportunities

In a rundown district of Lagos, Daniel Ajala has established a ballet school, Leap of Dance Academy, that provides local children with an opportunity to learn ballet, despite limited resources. Ajala, a self-taught dancer, aims to show that ballet is accessible to all, even in communities where the average income is low. The academy operates in an open backyard, where children practice pirouettes and leaps, surrounded by everyday life. Through dance, Ajala helps these kids build self-confidence, teaching them to “stand up, speak up, and defend themselves.” Photographer Vincent Boisot captured poignant moments of the children’s journey, including their care for ballet tutus.

Source: DW