Keep 30 girls in school through theatre projects.

Building Confidence, Creativity, and Connection: A Story of GCAF’s Dance Program

In the heart of Lagos, at 2 Shoyemi Close, Bamako Estate, Ojodu Berger, magic unfolds every Monday and Tuesday. The Girl Child Art Foundation (GCAF) has turned its creative, safe space into a haven for teenage girls, using dance to nurture skills, confidence, friendships, and personal growth.

This July 2024, over 50 teenage girls joined our dance sessions, eager to immerse themselves in a world of rhythm, movement, and expression. For many of these girls, the sessions were more than just a dance class—they were a lifeline, a source of joy, and a safe space where they could explore their passions without judgment.

Take Chidera T, a 14-year-old who had always loved dance but never found the opportunity to truly engage with it. Her face lights up with excitement every time she steps into the studio, knowing she can finally fuel her passion and improve her skills.

Then there’s Sarah T, a 16-year-old who once shied away from crowds. Her quiet nature makes her reluctant to try dancing. But over time, the supportive environment of GCAF helped her find her confidence—not just on the dance floor, but also in her everyday life. Sarah now speaks up in school and shares her opinions with newfound courage.

And for Deborah E, age 15, who once felt left out as her peers danced effortlessly around her, the simple steps introduced by her instructor opened up a whole new world. Dance became her language, a medium through which she could express herself fully.

These stories are just a few of the many testimonies from the girls whose lives are being transformed through GCAF’s dance program. Each session is filled with laughter, energy, and cultural exchange as the girls explore traditional dances like Bata, Atilogwu, and Egu Umuagboho alongside contemporary moves like Zanku and Skelewu. This blend of tradition and modernity broadens their horizons, helping them connect with their heritage while staying vibrant and relevant in today’s world.

Beyond the studio, GCAF has taken the bold step of introducing the girls to using social media positively as a tool for expression and social change. Platforms like TikTok allow them to showcase their creativity, share their journey, and raise awareness about the importance of supporting the girl child. However, this new initiative has highlighted some challenges. When asked to wear white tops and jeans for a video shoot, many girls couldn’t participate due to financial constraints.

To ensure inclusivity, we recognize the need for resources such as t-shirts, vlogging kits, cameras, microphones, LED lights, tripods, storage drives, and laptops for video editing. These tools would unify the girls during social media shoots and enhance the quality of content, allowing their stories to reach a wider audience.

Since its inception, GCAF’s dance program has positively impacted over 200 girls, many of whom have gone on to join dance groups or use social media to showcase their talents. These young dancers prove what can be achieved when creativity is nurtured in a safe and supportive environment.

As we continue to build this movement, we are deeply grateful to our supporters, instructors, and volunteers who make it all possible. With your continued help, we can provide more opportunities for underprivileged girls, enabling them to discover their potential and share their stories with the world. We are creating a brighter, more inclusive future—one dance step at a time.

Join us in empowering the next generation of confident, creative, and connected young women.