SPAN graduates first set of dance and music students, seeks support for Nigerian youths

Nigerian youths need extra encouragement in the arts world to achieve greatness, according to Mrs. Sarah Boulos, founder, Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN). Speaking at the 1st Dance and Music Academy Graduation ceremony of SPAN in Lagos, she said SPAN was here to educate and promote Nigerian youths in what they wanted to do in arts world and that they needed to be encouraged to succeed in the industry. According to her, “we have created opportunities and enabling environment for them and also make sure that they dialogue, develop and overcome limitations through the arts.” She said it was also a healing and transformation tool to get where they needed to be, adding that, “we are defined by what we do than who we are in the present society”. The president emphasized that “it is why we motivate, encourage, reinforce, recognize, appreciate nurture and engaged youths and others to further their talents in learning their acts.” She noted that when people, especially youths were encouraged to further their education or drive to excel in their heroic journey to what they want to do, the country would benefit. ``We will see loyalty, integrity and dedication; we will see transformation in our nation,” she said. According to her, SPAN would always give and encourage the richness and diversity of Nigerian’s culture and tradition which will forever be nurtured, preserved and showcased for all to see and experience. She stressed that the academy would be a hub for creativity where ``our community not only find a place to escape boredom, appreciate the craft, be inspired and be educated, also value it. ``Our hope is to challenge the mindset of youths and others, to be empowered to serve our nation and affect our environment, and provide a promising future for the generation to come.” While 15 students indicated interest in the training in the Academy For Music And Dance Act, only nine was able to scale through. Certificates were awarded to them and two people were given scholarships to further their dance act in France. SPAN was a registered non-governmental organization founded in 2004. Its aim is to set a world standard performing arts education in Nigeria. It offers classes in professional stage acting, music and dance. It seeks to provide the much needed opportunity for the talented and gifted persons, especially the children and youths, to express themselves through the arts.