Viral Video: Nigerian boy dances ballet [receives full scholarship]

A viral video of an 11-year-old Nigerian boy, Anthony Mmesoma Madu, dancing ballet in the rain caught the attention of Fade Ogunro, a former ballerina from Nigeria. She granted the young boy a full scholarship.

Ogunro said that she is jealous of Madu's beautiful lines, toe points, and effortless gracefulness. She also said that she wants to pay for his entire formal education until he graduates from university. The boy could choose any school anywhere in the world to study.

On Wednesday, July 8, the former ballerina shared a photo of the boy and another one where she pledged to sponsor.

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(Photo : BBC News)

Ballet is for boys too

In the video, Madu said that there are no male ballet dancers like him in the place where he lives. He said that when people hear ballet, they only think that it is for girls. He wants people to see that there are male ballet dancers, too. He proves this by showing them his dance. 

He said that he dances ballet because he loves dancing. Whenever he dances, he feels like he is dreaming. After his teacher told him that many people had seen his video, he was very happy.

Ballet makes Madu happy

Madu said that it makes him happy watching his coach dance because he feels as though he is the one dancing. His favorite step is "a la seconde into pirouettes and attitude." He said that he wants to be a professional ballet dancer someday.

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After the Hollywood superstar Viola Davis shared the video of Madu, it garnered around 230K views and 23K shares. It also got almost 5K comments. The award-winning American actress wrote that the video reminds her of the beauty of her people.

She also wrote that they create, soar, imagine, unleash the passion, and love even though there are many obstacles.

Madu takes his lessons at the Leap of Dance Academy in Lagos. He is one of the 12 students there. Founded in September 2017, the academy is the brainchild of Daniel Ajala Owoseni. He has been offering ballet for free without a dance space.

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Owoseni said that Madu is a very committed student because he has been time conscious since day one. He wants to change stereotyping by showing people that boys can also do ballet. He said that his students would do well because he calls ballet "a pas de deux," which means "a dance of two." It is where a male dancer lifts the girl.

Madu's mom, Ifeoma Madu, did not have any idea that her son was into ballet. The boy never told his mom, but the mom noticed his talent when he stretches his legs and hands. Her advice to parents is that they should give their full support when they see any talent among their children.

She also said that every child is talented, but parents only do not know how to discover their kids' talents.