The Nigeria Dance Sport Federation (NDSF) made its debut in the Nigerian sports world on Saturday with an exhibition display at Abuja’s Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The exhibition which showcased dances like break dance, waltz, tango, cha cha, samba, rumba amongst others had Secretary-General Emmanuel Oladele saying that sports in Nigeria will grow further with the introduction of dancing as a sport.
He stated further stated that the federation wants to discover and develop dancers that will represent Nigeria in local and international competitions.
“This is our second year of exhibition. We actually started in September 2015 which was our first edition. Dance is an activity but has not been seen as a sport.
“Recently, the International Olympic Committee announced dancing as a sport that will be performed live. We want to discover athletes who will do the nation proud locally and internationally.
“We are building a federation in Nigeria that will harness the dancing potentials in the youths for the growth of the country. Dancing will help Nigeria grow, and create job opportunities,” he said.
Speaking in the same vein, a board member, Ochai Ogaba said the aim is to participate in the forthcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
“Our ambition is to get what dancing deserves for the dancers to represent Nigeria. We want to get individuals that will make up teams ahead of the Olympics in 2024. It will be great that we make it to Paris,” he said.
Nesochi Ugonna, a spectator was in awe at the different dance moves and is optimistic to see the dancers in Paris.
It’s been incredible to see the dance moves. Dance is an art and a form of expression, and through this event, they have shown what they can do. They should be able to do well if they make it to the Olympics,” she said.
