The incredible journey of Nigeria’s viral ballet boy - BBC Africa

[@homodeus8713]

Can we take a moment for Anthony's original teacher please. Bravo!!!

[@vinemp]

🎯 We CANNOT simply watch & listen to "people's stories". ACTIONS speak louder. e.g. help/support/responsibility/love/appreciation/democracy is demonstrated en direct---in actual-material, not just conceptual, action.

[@paulkorede414]

The original teacher is Daniel Owoseni Ajala Go and research

[@tulsacaupain2882]

Hear Hear 🎉

[@tulsacaupain2882]

​@paulkorede414 Thank you.

[@tinamarie8061]

Bless his heart. Thats a major sacrifice. No family, changing accents, changing foods, cultures, weather… God be with him. So proud of him!

[@doctordl7757]

It's called assimilation ! His mental health will like suffer as a result

[@kellydalstok8900]

Practically all children that go to study ballet have to leave home. Nothing special about that. And there are plenty of Nigerian people living in Britain, so not as big of a culture shock as you imagine.

[@musicandbooklover-p2o]

Plenty of access to African foods, people from many parts of Africa and their cultures AND other Nigerians in the UK, including Birmingham. The weather might be a shock though.

[@saludosalsol]

@@doctordl7757no one forced him to talk like a Brit, he came when he was young so his voice naturally adapted and changed to his surroundings. It’s natural for young children to do that, if he came when he was older his accent would have stayed the same.

[@staylucky4727]

What a journey. Excellent young man

[@KristineMaitland]

The ballet instructor from Kenya 🇰🇪 is wise and sensible. I think it would be a good thing to hear more from him. Dancers from all over the world of all disciplines would have much to gain.

[@moonhunter9993]

yes, he seems really awesome.

[@katiemariie]

Agreed. I'd love it if he wrote a book or made a documentary.

[@paulkorede414]

This is wrong and a big lie His teacher is Daniel Owoseni Ajala (leapo dance academy) from Nigeria. I have a personal relationship with both of them He was deliberately erased from this boy's life. Please go and research those names I mentioned

[@kunzetale]

No the one in zimbabwe is more wise and sensible

[@udutina6256]

Have been waiting on this growth

[@alexisl9426]

Amazing dancer. So kind of the UK ballet school to offer him a scholarship and help him pursue his dream.

[@miar600]

Dont cringe to your video as a youngster, it was that beautiful inocent kid that got you to where you are. Be proud always! You carry him within you, dont hide him! If you lose him, you lose everything. Best of luck ❤❤❤❤

[@tinjadog]

Wow, he looks like he was born for ballet. So glad he has been discovered! ❤️

[@irmamehnert7277]

It’s wonderful to see him bringing the beauty of Ballet to Nigeria.

[@LuLU-ep7wf]

Nigeria has ballet?

[@JD-oz6nq]

​@LuLU-ep7wf - of course. How did he learn?

[@gmog7857]

Most of the ballet males become RAINBOW, I hate it..........................

[@prettytopia]

​@@LuLU-ep7wfyes but it usually not popular because it's not very profitable I think

[@kellydalstok8900]

@@gmog7857 I think you mean gay? People don’t BECOME GAY, it’s how they develop in the womb. It’s a perfectly natural phenomenon too, plenty of animals are gay. Religion is bigoted against homosexuality because they want the world to become populated with as many people born into the religion as possible, because it is so much easier to indoctrinate a young child into a religion. If you thing homosexuality is bad, you are a bigot and it’s entirely a you-problem.

[@misswaychannel9186]

Im smiling so hard, I pray he grows up to inspire other kids. bless him!

[@sleeprelaxation8431]

so happy for this young man, You deserve all the best.

[@erinmalone2669]

Just imagine the thousands of children that could have been more talented than Mozart or Beethoven but we’re never given a chance. This young man earned his place in an accelerated form, and drive and ambition can truly take you further nowadays because of the Internet. So many people put out content that is garbage, but that young man was out there busting his butt in the rain for the love of the art. I wish him the absolute best.

[@jmb5924]

It’s sad he had to leave home to find the training he wanted, but so cool he got a scholarship for this. I’m sure he will bring his training back home and help others.

[@kellydalstok8900]

Most children who study ballet at a higher level have to leave home.

[@musicandbooklover-p2o]

@@kellydalstok8900 Time was when many had to travel to Russia (pre Putin obviously) to obtain top quality training yet they still went and made new lives for themselves before returning to ballet companies in western countries.

[@saludosalsol]

Most highest level of any sport or discipline have to make sacrifices like this. That’s why most don’t achieve this level. It’s inherently rough and difficult.

[@yuliyarue1804]

​@@musicandbooklover-p2oand still do this. Dozens of foreign students still learn ballet in Russia. After they see Russia with their own eyes they fall in love with it. Many of them stay there and work in Russian theatres

[@macroscopes]

I remember that video!! It feels so good to know that social media worked for the good, he totally deserves it!! Kudos for the teacher in Nigeria and the dad for filming that video as well.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

I am so pleased he received a scholarship…he’s an amazing young man. He’s been through a lot, as well as his mother, to accomplish so much. It takes huge sacrifices to become a professional dancer.

[@berlynify]

.. love what the dance teacher had to say, "the world is your theatre ..take care of your mental health, your mental well-being etc." - spot on! Anthony's story had me thinking of Billy Elliot's - boys comin' from backgrounds, which don't necessarily view the arts as a viable path in life.. soOoo glad ballet is slowly, slowly opening to include everyone. ..❤🙏🏽

[@kevinroyceho]

He grew so much in just three years 🥺

[@giftofspeech]

I hope he goes far and high in his career as a ballet dancer. To see such passion in someone so young and to be able to get him the education he needs to pursue his dream is inspiring.

[@mon6745]

What a sweet child - such a beautiful spirit

[@UU-ls7xy]

So happy for him. May he find success in this! Also, I can't be the only one super surprised his accent changed completely in three years.

[@suleimanuusaini3]

Exactly! I was so surprised. I'm so excited about how far he has come and how time flies. Can't believe it's 3 years already. I wish all the very best.

[@ReviewBoard-uy5nv]

He’s a little genius. His drawing is very good too. Language ability is on the same side of the brain as the creative part

[@STRAWYB]

Yes his accent will change especially because he came as a young person going to school. Children and young people accent change quicker.

[@PreshEhi]

It's not just the accent change but the smoothness of his voice I like. Good for him. Keep excelling in all you do

[@lilyrunyowa6540]

Voice change absolutely...... accent not so much. Nothing wrong with the accent you're born with.

[@vinemp]

​@@lilyrunyowa6540 No one is BORN with an accent...or knowing how to follow logic OR synthesizing reason from context.

[@deeron1554]

@@lilyrunyowa6540 his accent changed because he was not around Nigerians or in Nigeria. People's accents change when they mix with others not from their background. It comes automatically, my accent changed when I moved to South London. I didn't have to fake it, I just realised my accent changed because of the people I hung out with.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

​@@deeron1554Yes, this happens easily when a child/ teenager. The older you get, typically the more fixed your accent becomes.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

​​@@lilyrunyowa6540I take it you did not travel far as a child, and haven't met children who have travelled far, either. During early childhood, especially, the brain is ripe for copying anguage sounds to learn the language of the people around them to communicate. This aptitude typically declines with age.

[@spoiltchild79]

That is so beautiful to watch. Very proud of him

[@dmp7252]

I remember when that video went viral. I'm THRILLED to see Anthony progressing. And MOM - don't worry, Anthony will ALWAYS LOVE MOM! But he will go through very challenging times and peer pressure, and if he adopts a more English way of life, please know that it is not a rejection of Nigerian way of life. Anthony speaks BEAUTIFUL English by the way! And as far as his U.K accent, well, when in Rome do as the Romans do. As a translator, I can tell you that Anthony, linguistically, is at a pivotal age where language and accent are taking root in his way of speaking. But look, the most important thing now: Let Anthony REACH HIS GOALS, MAKE HIS MONEY, and then come back and help the others. So, yes he's changing, but more importantly, he's GROWING. We need to support him and make sure he reaches his goal WHATEVER IT TAKES. If he made a video dancing ballet on wet stone and concrete - trust me - there is NOTHING that will stop him. NOTHING. You've got my support - heck, the world supports Anthony!

[@paolaparodi979]

Ricordo quel breve video 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Congratulazioni per i risultati raggiunti 👏👏👏👏

[@musicandbooklover-p2o]

All the Nigerians I know speak excellent English, they have to learn it at school. At least there will be many others from the African continent where he is now living so he won't be as alone as he might have been in some countries.

[@lyndawilliams4570]

Well said❤

[@mariejeanbaptiste4879]

Beautifully said

[@DeeDiamond2981]

Watch his documentary. I cried throughout omg. It's called Madu

[@jellyfish939]

4:00 some please sponsor this incredible teacher and his ballet school; what an amazing teacher

[@gmomnery945]

Omgg i literally have tears in my eyes this is such a beautiful and motivational story, the SKY is truly the limit!!

[@xMissTix]

So well deserved!

[@moniqueuu8777]

Ballet boy? BBC, he is a ballet dancer. Incredible talent, poise.

[@itsjemmabond]

Ballerino, to use the correct male term.

[@ZeruStudio]

I remember this boy. OMG, I'm soooo happy for him!

[@marymccluer1630]

He clearly has a lot of talent. Best wishes for a long and successful career!

[@CaliKiwi-]

I adore the fact that the beauty and discipline of ballet is available to everyone.. so much more than just dance!

[@orighomisandediare4990]

What a difference after training in a different continent. I wish him all the best making it to a principal. Truly motivating

[@voguehaven5154]

continent is not equated to genetics and talent

[@fistandpen2505]

I hope this brilliant young Naija boy has the opportunity to go back to Nigeria FREQUENTLY so he doesn't lose desirable aspects of his culture and pick up undersirable aspects of the West. Please retain your beautiful Nigerian accent which I know has to still be there (and your Igbo) - Burna Boy, Davido and others speak proudly with theirs. Never forget you're a proud Nigerian.

[@Maymaymayok]

The Nigerian accent is almost gone!!! He is probably taking speech classes as well. Pray that he peacefully has his training and decide what to do of his life without been torn between two cultures and systems. Don't forget that he arrived in the uk at a very sensitive age when separation is hard.

[@Maymaymayok]

@Gem-py7uz DEFINITELY NOT ASSIMALATING!! why assimilate? He is not! Who will leave his/her African culture to assimilate to this?? He caught an opportunity, he benefits of it and go back to his country. This boy is suffering already with the whole foreign things. Had Nigeria had such school, he wouldn't have been to uk!!!

[@norahtchuba8480]

This is ballet his doing and in Europe. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to be accepted in the balley world as a black person (boy for that matter from Africa)? This boy is trully adapting, and I bet you his even taken speech classes etc just to fit in. And I think his doctor in amazing. He knows who he is, he just wants to make a mark of himself while at it. I find it belittling to compare a ballet dancer to pop artists. Ballet is a different ball game on it's own. You can't be comparing him to Burna boy or whatever other pop or rap artist please. Allow this kid to...

[@Maymaymayok]

@@norahtchuba8480 it is not the end of the world. The boy's mental health is the most important!!! Ballet, ballet....in uk..🙄🙄🙄

[@Maymaymayok]

@@norahtchuba8480 to who are you teaching what is ballet???? And then???😠😠😠

[@semsimama2191]

Blessings on your journey and wishing you all the happiness life brings 🇯🇲

[@beespoet]

So beautifullly affirming.. All the best to Anthony... Give us more of these inspirational stories please..

[@TheSheerblackness]

I’m crying but it’s tears of joy

[@izerelynda]

This brought tears to my eyes, so see Africa opening up with ballet schools. I remember when I was abt 9, 10 yrs old, my sisters and I had a ballet dance on TV. I was transfixed in my spot and breathless. I asked my mom for a very long time abt learning to dance like that. Hm, nowhere in Nigeria in the 80s. So so glad that kids now have schs to go to in Africa. ❤❤❤

[@missladyanonymity]

Bless this young baby. Good luck, young man. May you prosper and have all your dreams come true. 🩰🥰🕺🏿

[@misspomerol]

Wow, only 3 years of intense training and his technique has really improved a lot. Lucky for him he was gifted with some physical attributes that are going to help him like a desirable leg/ waist ratio, and good feet which really be a problem with men . His feet have improved drastically.It’s up to you now hon.

[@lydacious7338]

Oh. what a beautiful boy! When I was a young girl, ballet was my whole life! I loved in like nothing else. I understood it, like I think he does. May all your ballet dreams come true for you! Good luck!

[@jaysenossai7165]

handsome boy!!!

[@kathya2608]

Keep on Dancing you are a SUPPER STAR ❤❤❤❤🩷🧡💛💚🖤🩶🤍🤎😊

[@mukahispahani]

Touching story. Kudos to his mum for playing a huge role in his success

[@LethalLemonLime]

I'm shocked at how his accent changed so fast. I thought that it was only really really young kids that can change their accent that quickly and easily after moving to another country.

[@barbarapeller]

His gift of dance is a natural beauty, I wish him well, follow your dreams.

[@ardeladimwit]

wishing Anthony a very successful career as a soloist to inspire the world and later transfer his knowledge to others.

[@JoshuaAttat]

Typical Nigerian mum: You’re trying to get it longer? When you come back to Nigeria I’ll cut it 😂😂😂😂

[@TribeOfGaia]

What a beautiful and strong young man. I hope he’ll keep the words of advice, by the dance instructor from Kenia, close to his heart❤

[@marythembani5430]

❤Well done!!!😊 Thank you for raising the flag for Africa! You are inspirational!!Keep true to your self & keep doing your thing!Well done!!😊!

[@yanethicks1828]

Anthony born to be a ballet dancer,well done kid to his commitment and effort to be 👏

[@katet8639]

The words fro the ballet instructor are very inspirational.

[@snsn7251]

Kudos to his initial teacher

[@princepeterwolf]

There are some truly extraordinary people in the world who clearly were born with a gift and mission, this kid clearly is one of them

[@sharonkaysnowton]

Anthony Madu is a wonderful ballet dancer. I wish him much success in his life. He definitely deserves it.

[@BBCAfrica]

We'll keep following his journey.

[@isabellechauveau7267]

Le Seigneur à récompensé ce garçon en lui permettant de réaliser son rêve, magnifique. Dieu te bénisse.

[@jamibless5347]

We thank the good Lord for how far He has brought him❤❤❤

[@xyneqanon1134]

Thank you for this follow-up. I still have the video in my YT list and it appeared on my feed sometime this current year and was wondering what came after he got viral. And about his accent it is natural for adolescents to pick up the way their peers are communicating. We were all this way when we were at this age and wanted to fit in. The Nigerian accent will come back much later each time he'll go back home and start talking with his family and friends overthere (have seen that phenomenon many times with others and myself whatever country they're from 😅). Like his teacher said keep dancing and take care of your health. This is great to see young people living their dreams no matter the odds ❤

[@jessmyapinyon1287]

Yes, it's called 'code switching'. Many people from 'outsider' communities have that ability.

[@_Churchy]

I've been following this kid since he went viral. What a beautiful story ❤

[@Christian80806]

This is SO beautiful I want to cry ❤️❤️❤️

[@lindaa2437]

Watching your commitment and pure love of dance while still so young is evidence of your passion. That commitment, passion and love of dance has already made your name known around the world. May God Bless and protect you.🕊🙏💖 Much love to you, Anthony, from 🇺🇸

[@jessicahayes5989]

Keep succeeding, keep soaring!!! ❤

[@DJ-bg3de]

Thanks for the update. Anthony, wherever you are in this world, let your light shine bright. Surround yourself with people who light up when you enter a room. We are rooting for you. Stay disciplined. Keep dreaming. Be kind to yourself 🖖🏾

[@CR-yn5sy]

Wonderful! Very inspiring role model for the kids out there wanting to make their dreams come true! I cannot wait to see him rising...

[@BanterBangers]

So good to see. Wishing you the best in the future Anthony.

[@robrivax]

He is going for it. Follow your passion Anthony. Soo much to learn. You are doing soo well. Very good story to watch. Thank you for posting.

[@mypointofview1111]

Straddling two cultures is very difficult, eventually one will dominate over the other. While its important not to forget your roots it's more important to follow your passion as that will get you further

[@DeonsDoggyDiary-pi9ym]

For a 14 year-old that looks so grown for his age in just a span of 3 years yet so wise for his age, I'm so joyful for him and his mother on the dream of a ballerina dancer he wanted to follow! 😇 Not only it makes me smile seeing how he's into art like I am, but seeing him dancing alongside other boys really makes me feel so blissful to see how this current generation (especially for Alphas for the eldest kids that are 13) to being so opened in dancing and not being seen as a *"GAY"* hobby! Even I got curious on wanting to be a ballerina dancer when I was around 6-8 I believe and trying my mother's clothes on as a way to play dress-up and still rememeber The Simpsons episode when Bart joins the ballerina class and tells Principal Skinner "dancing is for girls". It made me felt nervous that doing a feminine hobby will make me stand out and get hatred for it by other boys but Anthony expresses how it's okay to dance and being a ballerina even though that's no longer my passion of course but mainly study languages & sketching. 💭✏ I'm so hoping to Buddha he will continue to do Ballerina all the way through his adulthood and seeing how Nigerians are okay with this hobby really makes me proud knowing how they're becoming less homophobic being that this is mainly a girls' hobby which is now becoming a hobby for boys also. ☺ Fri. Dec. 22nd. 2023 @ 9:00pm. (12 nights after I became 35 months clean, transformed into 29 12 nights ago, and sluggishly healing mentally & spiritually after Cartoonshi cyberbullied me since June and labeled me a L.O.S.E.R). 💝

[@omachioma8795]

Beautiful 🥰 I pray he keeps dancing and be an inspiration to other kids. Thanks too to the UK ballet school that offered him a scholarship.

[@bronwynsteck]

Wow. Even his accent has changed. Well done young man

[@johncbny]

Wow…the Nigerian accent disappeared quickly.

[@sleeprelaxation8431]

they must have enrolled him into english courses, happy for him.

[@who_me4321]

😂😂😂😂

[@fromthefountofyouth]

That's very natural. He went as a wee boy and has spent 2, 3 years there, so that's to be expected.

[@johncbny]

@@fromthefountofyouth … wasn’t he 11 or something like that when he went to the UK?

[@exxxxcellent]

@@johncbnyKids 12 and under change accents when they move. Especially if they don’t have anyone around with the original accent. He moved without his family so he has been 100% surrounded by the British accent.

[@Allycat_8702]

I love his movement. So graceful. Wat a joy to watch

[@Lois-q8g]

I am so happy for him. I pray he soars higher and higher beyond his wildest imagination

[@eloquentia7207]

So wonderful to see him come so far!

[@jcassiopeia5790]

Absolutely gorgeous this brave boy!! My deepest respect from the bottom of my heart 👍

[@j.a.0088]

Talented young man .

[@mosestekper7659]

Aaah this is refreshing.

[@c.t.murray3632]

Good luck and good health for your future ballet career. You were born to dance

[@silky0439]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@nicolaablett7790]

keep chasing the dreams Bless you and mum

[@dianereynolds3327]

I'm soooooo happy for you when I saw you doing ballet I was in awe GOD bless keep going don't give up 🙏 pray for you

[@ridealongwithnicolle1581]

Mike his first ballet teacher should get some serious recognition

[@murphymassey9058]

It was adorable to see so many children excited to participate in ballet, but at the same time the discrepancy in studio quality one may see elsewhere was obvious. So many kids cramped into a tight space💔 Let this be a reminder that despite the ability, lack of access is a downfall for so many shining kids. I'm so happy for Anthony and hope more kids have the ability to chase their dreams too!

[@vondelthomas9590]

God bless u young man I am so happy for the opportunity u gotten keep your head up high and give thanks to God

[@kingstonstreet3726]

For those said he doesn’t have his accent I bet you he still has his accent

[@cupguin]

Definitely, he just has an extra one now.

[@Funnytoheeb]

Keep dancing Anthony 🎉

[@ileanamuntean7338]

Ballet is universal!

[@DB-qf4zy]

You are absolutely Wonderful & an Inspiration to others in your country and around the world especially for young men. You are truly Blessed. Keep God first in everything you do and keep living among the STARS ✨✨✨

[@jcspider7259]

W O W !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's a stunning dancer.

[@addictgd]

Wise words from a wise teacher🥰

[@daphnesmith1686]

Congrats🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽❤Alll of this Nonsense about his accent. He is a JEWEL to the WORLD. Praying for you and ur family. May God continue to Reign BLESSINGS. He will Survive THE WEST🎉❤

[@tinamarie8061]

I love that he has a Black male ballet dancer to look up to! This matters! I’m so happy

[@ЕленаБем-ц1й]

Я помню эту историю несколько лет назад! Так рада за парня. Ему повезло и сам он прекрасен. Нужен срочно балет по Шекспиру с Отелло и эт:м парнем в роли.)))))

[@MissJK_]

I’ll say this. When I was in my early twenties and studied abroad in England for one semester there were moments when I unknowingly would have a change in my accent. I only recognized it when my other American college friends would point it out. I wasn’t the only person it happened to while abroad either. It was interesting. Especially as I’m a proud NYer lol. It wasn’t a full blown complete difference but my pronunciation with certain words became slightly altered. When I came home it all went away. So I can only imagine a child who’s brain is still evolving to experience change.

[@cupguin]

I went through that as a kid and you can probably adapt faster and more completely but my original accent is always there. I've also picked up a few pieces along the way, two weeks in Arizona and I still say "y'all", and often I don't think about it. But I go back home and I sound like myself after a few days and have to consciously work at switching back.

[@ryomasonmercy5608]

Plus this kid only has Britons around him the past 3-4years he’s been there, that’ll for sure speed up the change in accent

[@WMeier-kd8hz]

Dream big and go for it !

[@sharonsolana]

So cool!

[@vickythefist7062]

Wow he's all grown up .amazing 😊

[@marriellengittens4206]

Think he is a Wonderfully dedicated dancer. Will bring a new look to African Dance . Still it feels strange to me. Praying for God to give him All the Guidance, Support, Protection and Grace to be the Best dancer he can be.

[@bonolomofahla]

Warms my heart ❤

[@adrianavargova]

I am happy for this young man. So many boys are discouraged by ballet. They think it's a feminine thing. Whereas it's a serious athletic.

[@derandajohnson6393]

Anthony, you are so incredible. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽You are strong and courageous, so wonderful, and beautiful. You dance well. You are a conqueror, paving the way for so many and inspiring faith, hope, and self-worth in others to soar in their ambitions, as well. Always acknowledge Him on High, for whom your help and strength comes from. Stay focused and humble, and Keep it Moving❗️As you continue to believe in God, believe in your dreams, and always believe in yourself. I'm proud of you. May God continue to encircle you and your family in His Grace, Love, and Protection. I look to see you on the big screen someday soon.🎉 Luv'ya'later ❤ Aunty DD

[@michellesmith6558]

I just loved his videos! Good job!

[@missladyanonymity]

His Nigerian teacher seems like the best!

[@valchristopher]

Congratulations kiddy 🎉❤

[@MalawiShowbiz]

😂😂am smiling! Look at the smiles of success Nd don't forget mama is gonna cut that hair once you visit 😂