Because the solar units on the slim streets of Africa’s largest casual settlement, youngsters hurry to alter from each day garments into pointe sneakers and different ballet gear.
Fifteen-year-old Brenda Branice is among the many dancers and might’t cover her pleasure. It’s time for the Christmas efficiency in Kibera, one of many busiest neighbourhoods of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.
As an alternative of a stage, there’s dust-covered plastic sheeting in an open subject. The vacations have come early for residents as greater than 100 native ballet college students carry out. They’ve been working towards every single day after college.
“I am happy to be a ballerina,” Branice mentioned. “I am also happy to entertain my friends.”
Eyeshadow sparkles. A woman’s braided hair swings. Some dancers go barefoot.
The mom of one other ballerina, Monica Aoko, smiles as she watches the efficiency. A whole lot of residents, younger and previous, have come to the annual vacation occasion.
“This dance has given me a Christmas mood. Now I know Christmas is here,” Aoko mentioned. She mentioned she’s impressed realizing that when her daughter steps exterior their residence, she’s engaged in one thing significant.
The ballet undertaking is run by Venture Elimu, a community-driven non-profit that provides after-school arts training and a protected house to youngsters in Kibera.
“Dance has the ability of triggering resilience, creativity, and also calmness in you as an individual,” mentioned founder Michael Wamaya. “I want to use dance for emotional well-being of children here in Kibera.”