... Featuring “Dance Queen” — Adapted from Lekan Balogun’s Play By Abiola Oyebade Presented by Eaglesflight Nursery and Primary School ...
... Featuring “Dance Queen” — Adapted from Lekan Balogun’s Play
By Abiola Oyebade
Presented by Eaglesflight Nursery and Primary School
 |
Eaglesflight Nursery and Primary School once again shone brilliantly on stage with its colourful, inspiring, and culturally rich production titled “Dance Queen.” Adapted from Lekan Balogun’s play and inspired by the timeless Cinderella story, this year’s performance brought together vibrant culture, expressive storytelling, and exceptional creativity displayed by the pupils.
Set in the Western region of Nigeria, the play tells the emotional and uplifting story of a kind-hearted orphan girl who lives with her stepmother and two stepsisters. Though she is treated unfairly and burdened with difficult household chores, her gentle spirit remains unbroken.
One afternoon, as she sits in sorrow by the riverside, the sea goddess appears before her. Touched by her humility, the goddess blesses her with a magical cloth that transforms her into a radiant maiden. With this gift, she attends the grand village dance contest where the most graceful maidens gather to dance before the Prince.
 |
| Scene of the Sea Goddess and Dance Queen |
Her charm, elegance, and captivating dance amaze everyone present, including the Prince. She wins the contest, becomes the Prince’s chosen bride, and brings pride, joy, and renewed hope to her community. The play closes with the powerful message that kindness, patience, and humility are virtues that always lead to greatness.
 |
| Wedding Ceremony of the Crowned Prince |
Celebrating Culture and Creativity
This year’s production was much more than a school play, it was a full celebration of African culture, creativity, and expressive learning.
The Yoruba cultural theme was beautifully showcased through traditional costumes, rhythmic songs, graceful dance steps, and the use of indigenous language. The children brought the story to life with their vibrant performances, demonstrating confidence and pride in representing their cultural heritage.
 |
| Stage Dance Performance by the Children |
How the Production Developed the Pupils’ Talent
Participating in Dance Queen offered the pupils a unique learning experience that helped shape different aspects of their talent and character.
1. Confidence Building
Being on stage gave the children an opportunity to express themselves boldly. Even the shyest pupils learned to stand tall, speak clearly, and perform in front of a large audience. This boost in confidence will continue to help them in their academic work and future activities.
2. Teamwork and Cooperation
The production required pupils to work together—learning lines, timing dance steps, and supporting one another during rehearsals. This reinforced the value of collaboration, patience, and helping classmates for the success of the whole team.
3. Creativity and Imagination
From acting and dancing to costume design and prop handling, Dance Queen opened the door for pupils to express their imagination freely. They learned how to interpret characters, create emotional expressions, and bring a story to life using movement, voice, and creativity.
4. Cultural Appreciation and Awareness
Through the play’s Yoruba setting, pupils deepened their understanding of Nigerian culture, traditions, and storytelling. This helped them appreciate their roots and express cultural pride with confidence.
5. Communication and Public Speaking Skills
The children improved their communication skills by memorizing lines, using correct expressions, and projecting their voices. Many learned how to communicate feelings through body language, tone, and clarity, skills that will greatly support their academic growth.
6. Critical and Creative Thinking
Rehearsals encouraged pupils to think outside the box; imagining scenes, adjusting actions, and solving small problems as they arose. This strengthened their ability to think creatively, make decisions, and express original ideas.
 |
| Mrs. Abiola Oyebade, Making-up the Children for the stage Performance |
Students, Actors, and Parents in the Audience: A Meaningful Relationship
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the production was the bond between the young actors and their parents in the audience. This relationship added depth and excitement to the entire experience.
Support and Encouragement
Parents played a big role by encouraging their children, helping them rehearse at home, and motivating them to give their best. Seeing familiar faces in the audience boosted the children’s confidence and made them feel valued.
Shared Pride and Achievement
As the pupils performed beautifully on stage, parents watched with pride, cheering and applauding every scene. This created a strong emotional connection: children were excited to showcase their talent, and parents were thrilled to witness their growth.
Strengthening Family and School Bonds
The production brought families and the school community together in celebration of creativity. The presence of parents inspired many pupils to take their roles seriously, knowing they were performing not just for the school, but for their loved ones too.
 |
| Parents/Audience watching with excitement as their children perform |
Nurturing Hidden Talents
Many parents were surprised and delighted to discover hidden talents; acting, dancing, singing, storytelling, that their children possessed. This experience encouraged parents to support these talents further, both at home and in future school activities.
A Truly Memorable Experience
The performance of Dance Queen was filled with music, colour, culture, and joy. It offered pupils a chance to grow creatively, express themselves confidently, and learn important life skills. Eaglesflight Nursery and Primary School proudly celebrates the dedication, hard work, and bright talent of every child who took part in this remarkable production.
 |
| Participants Taking A Bow After The Play |
It was truly a production to remember: one that will inspire even greater creativity in the years to come.
 |
| Villagers Celebrating the new Bride |
 |
| Dance at the Market Square |
 |
| The Wicked Step-mother and her Daughters |
Abiola Oyebade is a versatile theatre and creative artist, who is deeply committed to the power of creativity.
No comments