Have you ever seen the film “Billy Elliot”?
That is the story of a young boy from a mining town in Northern England whose love for dance led him to the prestigious dance school of England, the Royal Ballet Hall and to become a professional dancer. A true inspiring story and a great film.
In real life, Billy’s story is the story of Addisu Demissie and Junaid Jemal Sendi. More than 18 years ago a UK charity “Dance United” recruited them and other kids into their dance training programme and gave them the opportunity to change their lives forever.
Addisu and Junaid are now working as professional dancers and choreographers, they have performed on some of the most renowned stages in the world, including The Place and Sadler's Wells in London, but also in Festivals and events across Europe and Africa.
Hear directly from Addisu and Junaid their story in this BBC video:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-20050823
That is the story of a young boy from a mining town in Northern England whose love for dance led him to the prestigious dance school of England, the Royal Ballet Hall and to become a professional dancer. A true inspiring story and a great film.
In real life, Billy’s story is the story of Addisu Demissie and Junaid Jemal Sendi. More than 18 years ago a UK charity “Dance United” recruited them and other kids into their dance training programme and gave them the opportunity to change their lives forever.
Addisu and Junaid are now working as professional dancers and choreographers, they have performed on some of the most renowned stages in the world, including The Place and Sadler's Wells in London, but also in Festivals and events across Europe and Africa.
Hear directly from Addisu and Junaid their story in this BBC video:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-20050823
They are determined to give back to underprivileged communities in Addis Ababa the same opportunity a stranger from London gave them years ago. In 2014 they set up DESTINO Dance Company.
DESTINO Dance Company aims at providing free dance training to underprivileged young people including orphans, street children, young offenders and people with disabilities. Dance has truly given them the opportunity and space for self-expression, to develop their skills and sense of self-awareness. Some of them are already involved in performances and events.
I spent a few weeks following these amazing guys and been gobsmacked by their remarkable talent and their potential.
See by yourself and don’t miss their next performance!
These photos were taken during a two week period in October 2015 during the rehearsals, preparation and show of two unique performances: Ene Man Negn [Who am I?] at the National Theatre and WOKET at the Mega Amphitheatre a beautiful outdoor arts venue unused for many years and planned to be demolished soon after the performance in Addis Ababa.
DESTINO Dance Company aims at providing free dance training to underprivileged young people including orphans, street children, young offenders and people with disabilities. Dance has truly given them the opportunity and space for self-expression, to develop their skills and sense of self-awareness. Some of them are already involved in performances and events.
I spent a few weeks following these amazing guys and been gobsmacked by their remarkable talent and their potential.
See by yourself and don’t miss their next performance!
These photos were taken during a two week period in October 2015 during the rehearsals, preparation and show of two unique performances: Ene Man Negn [Who am I?] at the National Theatre and WOKET at the Mega Amphitheatre a beautiful outdoor arts venue unused for many years and planned to be demolished soon after the performance in Addis Ababa.
- Ene Man Negn [Who am I?] at the National Theatre and the performance at the Mega Amphitheatre
- Rehearsal Studio at the Kebede near the Africa Union
- The Rehersal of Destino Annual Performance 2015
- WOKET at the Mega Amphitheatre.
Do you want to contribute to their mission? Click here to find out how:
http://www.destinodance.org/index.php/contact-us
www.facebook.com/destinodance
http://www.destinodance.org/index.php/contact-us
www.facebook.com/destinodance
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