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Exciting Performance In Abuja, Lagos As Battery Dance Returns To Nigeria

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Experience the captivating artistry of Battery Dance Company as they make a highly anticipated return to Nigeria. From July 5 to 16, this renowned international dance company will be gracing Lagos and Abuja with their enthralling choreography and breathtaking performances.

In collaboration with the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria and with the support of the U.S. Mission, Battery Dance Company is bringing the Dancing to Connect Program to Nigeria. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and artistic collaboration by providing free workshops for emerging dance artists, instructors, and stage lighting professionals. These workshops, focused on contemporary dance techniques and cultural immersion, will take place in Abuja and Lagos.

Additionally, Battery Dance instructors will engage the youth, fostering creativity and teamwork through the expressive art form of modern dance. Following these transformative workshops, the Battery Dance Company will take the stage to showcase their artistic brilliance in Lagos on July 8 and in Abuja on July 15. Prepare to be spellbound by their mesmerizing choreography and compelling narratives.

Adnan Siddiqi, the U.S. Mission Counselor for Public Affairs, emphasises that the Dance to Connect initiative not only aims to entertain but also seeks to enrich local communities and promote cultural exchange. Siddiqi explains that this tour by Battery Dance Company is a testament to the U.S. Mission’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, allowing audiences to experience the innovation and diversity of American performing arts.

“We are proud to bring Battery Dance to Nigeria, showcasing American innovation and diversity in the performing arts,” expresses Siddiqi. “The upcoming workshops and dance performances promise an exhilarating and inclusive experience, fostering dialogue and strengthening cultural ties between Nigeria and the United States.”

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Jonathan Hollander, Founder and Artistic Director of Battery Dance Company, expresses his excitement, stating, “Coming to Lagos is a dream come true for all of us. We draw immense inspiration from the talented Nigerian dancers and cultural leaders we have encountered during our previous visits in 2011 and 2013. Through our partnership with Sarah Boulos and SPAN in New York and Lagos, we have discovered a shared mission of artistic excellence and social impact. We extend our gratitude to the U.S. Consulate in Lagos and the U.S. Embassy in Abuja for their belief in the power of people-to-people engagement through the Arts.”

Established in 1976, Battery Dance Company is an innovative dance company based in the vibrant city of New York. Renowned for its artistic excellence and commitment to cultural diplomacy, Battery Dance Company has graced stages in over 70 countries and collaborated with diverse artists from around the world. Their performances, educational programs, and workshops aim to inspire, educate, and connect individuals through the universal language of dance.

Prepare to be mesmerized as Battery Dance Company sets the stage ablaze with their exceptional talent and artistic finesse. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the power of dance and immerse yourself in the magic of cultural exchange. Join us in celebrating the unifying force of the performing arts.

Subheading: The Impact Of Battery Dance Company’s Visit

Battery Dance Company’s visit to Nigeria holds significant importance, not only for the artists themselves but also for the local communities and the cultural landscape of the country. Let’s delve into the impact of their workshops and performances.

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Battery Dance Company’s Workshops: Empowering Emerging Artists And Professionals

The free workshops conducted by Battery Dance Company in Abuja and Lagos are designed to empower emerging dance artists, instructors, and stage lighting professionals. By focusing on contemporary dance techniques and cultural exchange, these workshops provide invaluable training and exposure to participants, allowing them to refine their skills and broaden their artistic horizons. Through this immersive experience, participants will gain insights into diverse dance forms and connect with fellow artists, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration.

Nurturing Creativity And Team Building Among Youth

Battery Dance Company goes beyond professional training by engaging with the younger generation. Their workshops for youth focus on nurturing creativity and fostering teamwork through the art form of modern dance. By encouraging self-expression and providing a platform for collaboration, Battery Dance Company aims to inspire the next generation of artists and instill in them the power of dance as a means of communication and personal growth.

Public Performances: A Feast For The Senses

The highlight of Battery Dance Company’s visit to Nigeria is undoubtedly their public performances in Lagos and Abuja. On July 8 and 15 respectively, audiences will have the privilege of witnessing the company’s artistic brilliance firsthand. Prepare to be transported into a world of mesmerizing choreography and compelling narratives as the dancers take the stage. These performances promise to captivate and enthrall spectators, leaving them with a profound appreciation for the universal language of dance.

Cultural Exchange And Diplomacy Through Dance

Battery Dance Company’s visit to Nigeria represents a significant aspect of the U.S. Mission’s cultural diplomacy efforts. By showcasing American innovation and diversity in the performing arts, the company fosters people-to-people engagement and strengthens cultural ties between Nigeria and the United States. Through their performances and workshops, Battery Dance Company facilitates a rich exchange of ideas, experiences, and artistic expressions, creating a bridge between cultures and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of one another.

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Battery Dance Company: A Pillar Of Artistic Excellence And Cultural Diplomacy

Founded in 1976, Battery Dance Company has established itself as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural diplomacy. Their commitment to showcasing dance as a universal language has taken them to numerous countries around the world, spreading the joy and transformative power of dance. Through their performances, educational programs, and workshops, Battery Dance Company aims to inspire, educate, and connect individuals across borders, transcending language and cultural barriers.

Don’t Miss This Extraordinary Experience

Battery Dance Company’s return to Nigeria is an extraordinary opportunity for dance enthusiasts, artists, and the general public alike. Mark your calendars for the workshops and performances in Abuja and Lagos, and prepare to be enthralled by the sheer talent, artistry, and cultural exchange that Battery Dance Company brings to the stage. Immerse yourself in the beauty of dance and witness the unifying force that transcends borders and languages. It’s an experience not to be missed.

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Full list of winners at Oscars 2025

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US actress Mikey Madison attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California, on March 2, 2025. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP)

Here are the winners in key categories for the 97th Academy Awards, which were handed out in Hollywood on Sunday.

“Anora” was the big winner of the night, with five Oscars: best picture, best director, best actress, best film editing and best original screenplay.

Full list of winners below:

Best picture: “Anora”

Best director: Sean Baker, “Anora”

Best actor: Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”

Best actress: Mikey Madison, “Anora”

Best supporting actor: Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”

Best supporting actress: Zoe Saldana, “Emilia Perez”

Best original screenplay: Sean Baker, “Anora”

Best adapted screenplay: Peter Straughan, “Conclave”

Best international feature film: “I’m Still Here” (Brazil)

Best animated feature: “Flow”

Best documentary feature: “No Other Land”

Best film editing: Sean Baker, “Anora”

Best costume design: Paul Tazewell, “Wicked”

Best production design: Nathan Crowley and Lee Sanders, “Wicked”

Best makeup and hairstyling: “The Substance”

Best original song: Clement Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard, “El Mal” from “Emilia Perez”

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Burna Boy’s mother bags nomination for Best Manager at Music Week Awards

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Bose Ogulu, mother of Grammy winner and Nigerian singer Burna Boy, has been nominated for Manager of the Year at the 2025 Music Week Awards.

Organisers of the award on Wednesday announced Ogulu’s alongside other contenders for the highly coveted trophy.

This year’s Music Week Awards is scheduled to hold on May 8 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, United Kingdom.

Other nominees for the Manager of the Year, a category that highlights the best management talents in global music industry, include Alistair Goldsmith, Neil Hughes, and Wes Banton.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Music Week Awards celebrates excellence in the music industry, including labels, A&R, live events, and management.

Winners for the annual award are selected through peer voting and an independent panel of judges.

NAN also reports that this is not the first time, Burna Boy’s mum is clinching international award, as she won the Manager Of The Year at the 2022 Artist & Manager Awards in London.

Ogulu, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign languages and a Masters of Arts in Translation from the University of Port Harcourt, is from a family deeply rooted in arts and culture.

She is the daughter of Nigerian music critic, Benson Idonije, who managed Fela Kuti, and she was also one of Fela’s background dancers.

She built a successful career as a translator for the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and is proficient in English, French, German, Italian, and Yoruba.

Her role as manager is acclaimed to have played pivotal role in her son’s rise stardom on the global music stage, securing major deals and international recognition.

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Among other initiatives, she co-founded Spaceship Collective, supporting African artists and expanding the reach of Afrobeats worldwide.(NAN)

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Why I Don’t Support Disrespectful Wives—Nollywood Star

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Funke Akindele, the Nigerian filmmaker, says despite being a feminist, she does not encourage women being disrespectful to their husbands.

A feminist is someone who advocates the political, economic, and social equality of women.

In a video addressing skit maker Kamo State and his wife, the filmmaker said she rejects the notion that women are the “weaker sex,” emphasising that they are “strong and bold”.

She urged men to treat women “specially” and not confine them to traditional roles of being in the kitchen.

She further stressed the importance of women’s economic power, advising them to secure financial independence to support their husbands.

“I’m a feminist but I do not support a woman disrespecting her husband. Do what is right,” she said.

“I believe that we are not the weaker sex or vessel. Men are suppose to treat us specially and respect us. Men should not also feel that a woman belongs to the kitchen and can be talked to anyhow.

“We women are strong, and bold. Also, our economic power is important that is why we should make sure we have the power and protect it so we can support our husbands.”

Akindele and producer Abdulrasheed ‘JJC Skillz’ Bello tied the knot in London in 2016 and welcomed a set of twin boys in 2018.

But in June 2022, JJC Skillz announced his separation from Akindele, citing “irreconcilable differences”.

The singer claimed he tried to address the situation but the matter is now “beyond repair.”

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