Adedayo Liadi, Dance expert
`Ijodee’ Dance Company to groom dancers, choreographers
NAN-ELS-1
Dance
By Taiye Baiyerohi
Lagos, Oct. 17, 2017 (NAN) Adedayo Liadi, the Chief Executive Officer, Ijodee Dance Company, on Tuesday expressed willingness to groom and promote young dancers and choreographers across the country to attain global standard.
Liadi was the lead dancer in the popular `Olori Oko’ dance projected by the Infinity musical group.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the company had been collaborating with some artistes, choreographers, dance companies, institutions, and international dance companies.
“Ijodee which won the Most Prolific Dance Company Award in 20018, uses dance as a medium of communication and breaking boundaries of dance illiteracy in the country, continent and the world at large.
“We have a passion to elevate dance in Nigeria and in Africa as a whole.’’
Liadi added further that the company had organised both national and international dance workshops, seminars and conferences; toured over 67 countries showcasing dance in Europe, South America, Asia and Africa.
Liadi said also that the 20 year old company had concluded plans for a “Trufesta International Dance Festival’’ intended to groom dancers and choreographers through seminars, discussions and performances.
He explained further that the festival would dissect the status and progress of the Nigerian dance industry and also proffer some solutions to its problems.
“The festival is meant for the promotion of the works of young professional dancers and choreographers of different nations.
“We have not been grooming the dance industry properly; this festival will open the eyes of dancers’ to some rudiments they need to know to thrive.
“We have had all manners of dance festivals which have not tried to help improve the lives and careers of dancers,
He said that the festival would hold from October 23 to October 31 in Lagos and Rivers States with the theme, “Ijodee Educating the Passion of Dance for 20 Years: Let’s Settle the Score”.
“After the festival, dancers will be given scholarships to study abroad and work with international dance experts,’’ Liadi said. (NAN)
PTB/COF/EAL
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Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Ekemini Ladejobi