BENSON IBEABUCHI

In the heart of Ajangbadi, on the outskirts of bustling Lagos, the Leap of Dance Academy emerges as a testament to the transformative power of art, breaking barriers and defying preconceived notions. Founded and fueled by the passion of the self-taught danseur, Daniel Ajala, this academy serves as a bridge between the worlds of classical ballet and the resilient Ajangbadi community. Within the confines of a modest one-room space, adorned with bright yet faded paint, a group of twelve students, aged between 6 and 15, embark on a journey that transcends socio-economic boundaries.

The vibrant yet unassuming setting becomes a canvas for the dancers, as they launch into pirouettes and perform graceful arabesques. The contrast between the humble surroundings and the elegance of their movements speaks volumes about the strength, grace, and determination of both the dancers and their dedicated instructors. In a world where classical ballet is often synonymous with affluence, Leap of Dance challenges this narrative, proving that beauty and artistry can thrive even in the most unexpected places.

A student of the Leap of Dance Academy, Olamide Olawale performing a dance routine at Okelola street Ajangbadi, in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn balle
Nigeria Ballet Dancers A student of the Leap of Dance Academy, Olamide Olawale performing a dance routine at Okelola street Ajangbadi, in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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A students stands en pointe in a pointe shoe during rehearsals at Leap of Dance Academy, Ajangbadi in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but c
Nigeria Ballet Dancers A students stands en pointe in a pointe shoe during rehearsals at Leap of Dance Academy, Ajangbadi in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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Olamide Olawale stands in the Releve sur la pointe position during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet danci
Nigeria Ballet Dancers Olamide Olawale stands in the Releve sur la pointe position during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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Two students practicing a dance routine during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford
Nigeria Ballet Dancers Two students practicing a dance routine during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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Students stretching during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance
Nigeria Ballet Dancers Students stretching during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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Dance tutor Daniel Owoseni Ajala showing the students ballet stretch routines during rehearsals at Leap of Dance Academy in Ajangbadi, Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are will
Nigeria Ballet Dancers Dance tutor Daniel Owoseni Ajala showing the students ballet stretch routines during rehearsals at Leap of Dance Academy in Ajangbadi, Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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Students stretching during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance
Nigeria Ballet Dancers Students stretching during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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Chinemere Duru practices a pirouette while the other students wait for their turn at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet d
Nigeria Ballet Dancers Chinemere Duru practices a pirouette while the other students wait for their turn at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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Olamide Olawale stretches during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of
Nigeria Ballet Dancers Olamide Olawale stretches during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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Dance tutor Daniel Owoseni Ajala showing the students ballet stretch routines during rehearsals at Leap of Dance Academy in Ajangbadi, Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are will
Nigeria Ballet Dancers Dance tutor Daniel Owoseni Ajala showing the students ballet stretch routines during rehearsals at Leap of Dance Academy in Ajangbadi, Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
info
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A student putting on her pointe shoes during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford t
Nigeria Ballet Dancers A student putting on her pointe shoes during rehearsals at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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A student of the Leap of Dance Academy, Anthony Madu Mmesoma performs a ballet dance routine in front of his mother's shop while his mother sits and watches him at Okelola street, Ajangbadi in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance
Nigeria Ballet Dancers A student of the Leap of Dance Academy, Anthony Madu Mmesoma performs a ballet dance routine in front of his mother's shop while his mother sits and watches him at Okelola street, Ajangbadi in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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A student of the Leap of Dance Academy, Olamide Olawale performing a dance routine at Okelola street Ajangbadi, in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn balle
Nigeria Ballet Dancers A student of the Leap of Dance Academy, Olamide Olawale performing a dance routine at Okelola street Ajangbadi, in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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A student of the Leap of Dance Academy, Precious Duru performing a dance routine at Okelola street Ajangbadi, in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet d
Nigeria Ballet Dancers A student of the Leap of Dance Academy, Precious Duru performing a dance routine at Okelola street Ajangbadi, in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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Students of the Leap of Dance Academy, at Ajangbadi, in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
Nigeria Ballet Dancers Students of the Leap of Dance Academy, at Ajangbadi, in Lagos on July 3, 2020. Leap of Dance Academy is a ballet dance academy focused on empowering young talents who are willing to learn ballet dancing but cannot afford the luxury of dance education.
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