11-year-old Anthony Mmesomu Madu from Lagos went viral after he was filmed dancing ballet in the rain without wearing any shoes on.
The talented Nigerian boy has received a scholarship from New York’s American Ballet Theatre after capturing the hearts of social media users, including Cynthia Erivo and Viola Davis, with his beautiful performance.
Mastering ballet is tough even on smooth flooring and right footwear but the pre-teen showed that he can perform elegantly without shoes on.
In the viral video, Anthony is seen practicing barefoot on wet and rugged pavement but he leaps and spins expertly, and performing arabesques.
Thanks to all the positive responses he received online, Anthony will now prepare to travel to the United States for his training.
In an interview with Reuters, the talented dancer said: “Ballet is my life. When I am dancing, I feel as if I am on top of the world.
“Any time my mom sends me on an errand, I dance ballet before I go to that place and it makes me feel very, very happy. I so much love ballet.
Internet users were captivated, with actress Cynthia Erivo showering him with praises.
Erivo, who reached out to Anthony, said to NBC News: “They’re in Nigeria. I happen to be Nigerian as well. And I was like, this felt like a kismet moment.
“I think it’s extremely important because I think boys are not encouraged to do this incredibly hard craft that actually encourages strength and stamina and beauty.”
Viola Davis also said on Twitter: “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!!!”
Cynthia Harvey, the artistic director of the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Dance in New York, saw the viral video.
“A friend who lives in the UK sent me the video. Within a day, I was trying to find him,” she said to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
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
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Anthony will travel to the US next year to train with a rare scholarship from Ballet Beyond Borders.
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Replaced!