Wednesday, August 12, 2020

11 y.o Nigerian boy Anthony Mmesoma Madu is awarded a scholarship to New York City's American Ballet Theatre

An 11-year-old Nigerian boy went viral this summer when millions of people watched a video of him dancing ballet barefoot in the rain — and now the talented youngster has secured a scholarship to New York's prestigious American Ballet Theatre.
Anthony Mmesoma Madu from Lagos captivated social media users — including celebrities like Viola Davis and Cynthia Erivo — with his dedication to the dance, and his ability to pull of stunning moves in the rain without any shoes on.  
Now, thanks to the international attention the video has received, the pre-teen will train ABT online this summer as he prepares to travel to the US for more training in 2021.
'When my friends see me dancing, they feel like, what is this boy doing, is he doing a foreign dance?' he told Reuters. 'Now I have won a grand prize to go to the U.S. in the year 2021. I am very, very happy about that. I will be in the plane and this is what I am waiting for, and ballet has done it for me.' Anthony's parents wanted him to become a priest, but they're supportive of his dance dreams. His mother, Ifeoma Madu, told BBC News that she has 'joy' when she sees him dance, and advises other parents to 'give their full support' to their talented children so they can 'go far.' Anthony's school and teacher have also benefited from the attention. Owoseni, his instructor, will participate in a National Training Curriculum, which teaches instructors. 
He is also getting donations, which helps because he teaches his 12 students for free and doesn't actually have a dedicated class space.
Online fame: Anthony Mmesoma Madu went viral this summer when millions of people watched a video of him dancing ballet barefoot in the rain
Wow! Ballet is difficult even in a proper environment with the right footwear, but Anthony showed in the viral video that he can pull of a beautiful pirouette anywhere, at any time
Score! One person who saw the clip was Cynthia Harvey, the artistic director of the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Dance in New York, who arranged a scholarship
Exciting! Next year, he'll travel to the US to train further with a scholarship from Ballet Beyond Borders
'When my friends see me dancing, they feel like, what is this boy doing, is he doing a foreign dance?' he told Reuters. 'Now I have won a grand prize to go to the U.S.'
Love to learn: Anthony is one of 12 students who are taught for free at Leap of Dance Academy
Earning attention: Ballet isn't particularly popular in Nigeria
Practice makes perfect: Anthony is pictured dancing during class with other students
Viral: Anthony's school and teacher have also benefited from the attention. Owoseni, his instructor, will participate in a National Training Curriculum, which teaches instructors
Self-taught: Owoseni learned how to dance from YouTube videos after watching Save the Last Dance
Star power: Viola Davis was one of several celebrities to rave about Anthony's skills


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