Today
started like no other, me huddled in the sheets and reluctant to get out of bed
until a bb broadcast interrupted my morning lounging ;) . Krump Studios had
scheduled a 2hour contemporary dance class free of charge! For Free!
I
hadn't danced in a while but there was no way I'd miss awoof training in
contemporary, hehe! Alas all roads led to Krump Studios...
Having
googled Anthony Edet Offiong on the short ride to Krump Studios in Jabi, my
hunger for the class and the desire to meet this person whose resume filled up
an entire blog post doubled! Seeing is believing you know. What I didn't know
was, I was in for an awakening that no one could have prepared me for.
The
class started simple with stretches to music that echoed the heart and then
went into a soul searching exercise which asked one question, Who Are You? The
trick was to express who you think you
are through movement. I realized from the exercise that I am only transparent
to people who have a depth beyond the norm, how to express myself to all is now
the challenge I take on.
Anthony
Edet Offiong is an old soul free to the world and open to the experience life
brings at every turn. He is a seasoned human being painted with expressive
talents and truly is one of a kind.
A
cross-breed Nigerian raised in the alleys of Lagos yet reborn in the image he
has chosen, Anthony exemplifies the simplicity of a life we often complicate.
His
is a story that touched my heart but I will only share the lessons of his
journey that every Nigerian must learn.
The
only thing that can rob you of your destiny is you, your choices determine your
result and regardless of what you think is your right you can not expect people
to live your life for you, or depend on people for your success, no matter
where you come from.
Anthony's
life has been a fight for existence and as an artist he is driven not by
competition but by a passion hinged on expression and experience. He is one
dancer to whom dance truly is his life.
Though
his early thoughts of a career were of the navy and medicine, he found his true
calling at a church program (that always required his trusty spoon as a
companion) and an accidental trip to the national theatre where he met Steve
James of Ivory Ambassadors which summed up his turning point and the beginning
of his journey. From performing in the first production of ‘Ori’ to winning
competitions in Madagascar and worldwide tours and workshops, his meteoric rise
in the dance industry as a member of Ijodee Dance company was proof that he was
and is where he ought to be.
His
own production 'Tears In The Rain' which he describes as a dancer's cry was
staged in March and June of 2011. He is now currently working on a solo
production named '28m', an ode to his personal struggles including the loss of
his only sibling.
A
cheerful happy-go-lucky guy with an unlimited desire to learn and grow,
ThinTallTony proved to be an inspiration to me and made my rainy day a joyful
one...
Tony with Mima Angulu (CEO, Krump Studios)
Isys
Drain
P.S.
to hook up with Tony follow him on @ThinTallTony and to register for fitness
and dance classes follow @KrumpStudios or visit, KrumpStudios Arewa hospital,
opp. Jabi lake, Abuja...
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