Talent is undeniable, and sometimes all you need is to position yourself for the opportunity that will take you into the limelight.
11-year-old Anthony Mmesoma Madu, from Lagos, Nigeria, shows us the truth in these words, a month ago, when a dance video of him performing ballet in the rain went viral. The ‘stage’ looked everything but a stage yet Anthony leapt and danced gracefully as though he were before a cheering crowd and a spotlight was dancing in his face.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDhgvYwgXo1/?utm_source=ig_embed
The video caught the attention of actress Viola Davis but did not stop there. The American Ballet Theatre gave him a scholarship to train virtually this summer including free access to the internet. By 2021, he will also be travelling to the United States to continue his studies. Thanks to a scholarship from Ballet Beyond Borders.
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
“Where I live there are no male ballet dancers like me. When people see ballet they think it is only for girls, they don’t know that it is not only for girls… When I am dancing… the feeling that comes over me is as if I am dreaming.” – Anthony Madu
"Where I live there are no male ballet dancers…[people] think it's only for girls"
11-year-old Nigerian dancing sensation Anthony Madu tells us about his dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer and wowing the world with his talent. 🎥 📸@camerassassin pic.twitter.com/adKz38xSm2
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) July 11, 2020
“Whenever he is dancing, I feel happy, I have joy watching him dancing… My advice to parents is when they discover any talent in their children, they should follow it up and give their full support so that the child will go far with the talent.” – Anthony’s mother.
It is not unusual for parents, especially in this side of the continent, to defer at first when a child is doing something out of what is considered ‘professional.’. But rather than impose their paths, if they give full support, there is no limit to the child’s talent discovery.
We wish Anthony a truly wonderful experience in his new ballet scholarship. His story is an inspiration and a reminder for one to keep taking those ‘leaps’ of faith whether you are in puddles or not. Knowing that when it is your time, nothing in the Universe can stop you.
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