By JOAN ODAFE

The Guild of Nigerian Dancers (GOND) has intensified calls for recognition of dance as viable and lucrative profession.

Incoming President of GOND, Lagos chapter, Obiajulu Ezegbe, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of an ongoing three-day event on Tuesday in Lagos.

NAN reports that the event was organised by GOND, Lagos chapter, to commemorate World Dance Day 2026, annually celebrated on April 29 to focus on dance as a universal language for resistance, hope and healing.

The theme for 2026 is “We Move.”

Established in 1982 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), a partner of UNESCO, the day honors the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a French dancer and ballet master recognised as the creator of modern ballet.

The purpose of World Dance Day is to raise awareness of dance’s cultural and artistic significance, encourage participation across all ages and skill levels, and recognise the contributions of dancers and choreographers worldwide

Ezegbe, who is also a choreographer and Artistic Director of Innovate Dance Company, said the perception of dance as a side activity was outdated.

He highlighted growing income opportunities and structured career paths within the industry, noting

that the profession had expanded into multiple income-generating streams.

He added that “dance is no longer just about stage performances.

“It now includes content creation, therapy, production, media and education.

“There are people earning consistently and even employing others through dance.”

He explained that dancers could earn from music video appearances, live shows, teaching classes and digital content, while more advanced practitioners access touring productions and international collaborations.

According to him, although earnings may not always be fixed, dancers who apply discipline and strategic planning can build sustainable careers comparable to other professions.

Ezegbe said the guild was positioning itself as a platform to connect emerging talents with established figures and opportunities within and outside Nigeria.

“If you are in the guild, you are exposed to networks that could take years to build on your own.

“It helps young dancers to grow faster and find their place in the industry.”

On activities lined up for the three-day celebration, Ezegbe said it reflected the industry’s diversity and growing structure, combining performance, capacity building and public engagement.

He said the activities were designed to demonstrate that dance was a serious profession, capable of contributing to the economy and deserving of institutional support.

He urged parents to support children interested in dance, noting that with proper training and exposure, the profession offered both local and global opportunities.

“Dance has taken many of us around the world and put food on our tables,” he said.

NAN reports that the programme opened with sporting events including football, basketball and sprint competitions at Bariga Stadium, alongside dance battles where participants competed for prizes.

Other activities, curated in collaboration with J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, included workshops led by industry professionals; covering choreography of various local and international dance steps, dance therapy and creative practice.

The event also had a legal session, delivered by Ugo Obiaya, outgoing president of the guild, which guided participants on new tax regulations and their implications, highlighting the need for financial awareness among practitioners.

Other events planned include a panel discussion on the future of dance in Lagos and Nigeria, as well as a dance film night showcasing productions by local creatives.

The last day would feature a grand finale including a cultural procession with indigenous masquerades from Lagos Island to Freedom Park, expected to draw public attention to the visibility and cultural relevance of dance.(NAN)