The Beauty of Ballet Blooms in Kibera

In a cramped living room in a Kenyan slum, Bravian Mise gracefully leaps and twirls, resembling a gazelle in motion.

For four years now, a 13-year-old boy has discovered a fierce passion for ballet, sharing his favourite pastime with roughly one hundred kids in preparation to dazzle a Nairobi audience with the beloved “The Nutcracker”. This timeless classic tells the heartwarming story of a young girl, Clara, who discovers the wondrous world of “The Nutcracker” when she receives a painted soldier-shaped nutcracker as a Christmas gift. She is dazzled when the toy comes to life at night and fights against an army of mice. The nutcracker suddenly morphs into a prince and takes Clara to a magical kingdom full of surprises.

Bravian, always wearing a perpetual smile, admits that he was completely unaware of the ballet until when given the chance to showcase his skills. However, he is driven to dance because it is a splendid art form that holds his heart. Before the grand performance, the dancers receive extensive training from Cooper Rust, a prodigy of the School of American Ballet and the esteemed director of Dance Centre Kenya. This charitable institution dedicates itself to granting dance lessons to disadvantaged youngsters within the urban area. Despite Kenya’s flourishing dance community, the nation has yet to establish an official ballet company.

At the Nairobi National Theatre, a group of young performers, ranging in age from seven to 17, flawlessly execute graceful movements to the live music of a Kenyan orchestra. They captivate the audience for nearly two hours, showcasing a variety of vibrant costumes and accessories. When they perform the renowned Russian dance, the crowd is completely won over.

Bravian relishes this moment, his heart overflowing with happiness. The path that led him to the stage was not predestined. Bravian, a schoolboy, resides in Kuwinda, a rundown slum situated to the west of Nairobi, alongside his parents, brother, and sister. Along with around 50 other children, he is granted funds to purchase dance equipment, and his transportation to rehearsals is covered, as it would otherwise be beyond his means. In a tiny room, Bravian diligently practices his daily routines, undeterred by the booming music that drifts from a nearby bar.

Since its establishment in 2015, over a thousand children have enrolled in Dance Centre Kenya, but only one, Joel Kioko, who now resides in the United States, has pursued a professional career.