Hello! Steffi Carter here, professional choreographer, certified ballet teacher — and creator of Renversé Ballet (RB), a platform committed to diversity in classical ballet.

I met Ayomi Tsalu through Daphne Lee (Dance Theatre of Harlem). Ayomi's work is ground zero for lasting change in ballet diversity.

"Nobody should be told how far they can go, because everyone has a right to dream. I hope to show the world that, if given the same resources and training, we are able. Equally able! If art is for people, real people, art must expand to support and embrace everyone." (Ayomi Tsalu, Director of Above Ballet Company )

Ayomi strives to change the stars for African ballet dancers. He is an empowering fountain of knowledge, having passed his practical exams for Teaching Certification through ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers in Dancing); he has just one unit left for full qualification! Internationally recognized certification will enable Ayomi to give dancers the opportunity to enter formal exams accredited around the world, opening doors to life-changing ballet careers. In addition to local classes, private lessons, and workshops, he tours Nigeria and Ghana to bring high-caliber training to aspiring artists, professional dancers, and teachers themselves.

Ayomi works tirelessly to amplify access to quality dance training and resources, and I have never met anyone as passionate and equipped to do so. Ayomi will tour again in August to complete ISTD's Continuous Professional Development course (Laine Theatre, England), and to teach and create original works across the country (three different states in Nigeria). We ask for your help!

ABC brings ballet to the people, because ballet belongs to everyone. What makes ABC's Summer Intensive Tour so special? It seeks to rectify the global imbalance of artistic access, education, and opportunity, servicing over 1,500 Nigerian ballet teachers and students since 2015.

Your donation, no matter how small, will help finance ABC's summer studio rental costs and travel. This will impact not only Ayomi's life, but the lives of generations to come.

Thank you for your generosity!