Wednesday, 06 June 2012 00:00

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For many, dancing is a hobby but for Adebisi Mariam Adebola the art of dancing transcends this. The 20-year-old Osun State-born dancer believes dancing is a way of life. The dancing queen who is a 300 level student of the department of Political Science Education at Obafemi Awolowo University recently won the Nescafe dance competition. In this chat, she reveals to Kemi Busari, 300 level, Political Science (OAU) how she developed her skills.

When did you start dancing?

I started leading choreography dances in my school since the age of 7.When i was young, i notice that whenever I listen to music, i can’t help dancing to it even if I’m on the street. In my primary school, i usually participate in cultural dances, choreography and miming. Most of the time i usually lead the troop..Even when i finished my secondary school education at the age of 14, my school still consults me whenever occasion calls for it.

Which competitions have you featured in?

Ever since I’ve been contesting in competitions, I’ve always emerge as first. I had the chance of participating in the Maltina street dance held in Epe and Akure in 2011 of which i was the winner in both. also in 2011, i was at the Maltina family show but i was penalised because they think i was underage and my birth certificate was not there with me.

You recently won the Nescafe dance competition, how do you feel about it?

I feel very happy because i never had the opportunity to showcase my talent in school. Every competition I’ve attended so far has been outside the school. So it was a great pleasure winning this in front of my colleagues.

How do you balance your study with dancing?

God has really been helping me .i put more attention to my studies than dancing and so far one has not affected the other .the only problem is that i have to stress myself longer than usual. The time i ought to use for leisure ,i engage in practice.
What do you do apart from dancing?

I use to thank God who has bestowed a lots of talent upon me .Besides dancing, i do decorations, i make beads and hats. I also engage myself in catering, hairdressing, tie and die. I’m also good in event planning.

What future do you see in dancing?

I don’t intend to use my certificate to earn a living because I don’t believe in education, I believe in success. I always have the notion that if I have not been in school, I would have made a huge success in dancing and decoration making. For me, schooling is just a means to an end .In short, dancing is what i live for.

What has been your challenge so far?

I don’t have any major challenge other than my parent’s reluctance to support me at the initial stage. Also i dislike the public’s opinion about dancers most especially ladies ,some see us as prostitutes.

Where do you see yourself in 10-years time?

I will love to have had a dance group which will recruit talents.i have the intention of giving my would-be students the best irrespective of their financial capacity.i have a role model which is May7ven,it will also be a great achievement for me if i have the opportunity of working with her ten years to this time.

What is your advice to fellow dancers?

I advice them to always put in their best in whatever they do. They shouldn’t care about what the people do or say about them .My philosophy of life is that their is no reason why you shouldn’t be successful, so they should pursue success all the time. I also implore them to be dynamic in their dancing because it gives an edge in competitions.