Director Leap of Dance Academy・Ballet

Daniel Owoseni Ajala is a Nigerian dance educator, choreographer, and arts advocate dedicated to expanding access to ballet through education and social impact. He is the founder and Creative Director of Leap of Dance Academy, established in Lagos in 2017 as Nigeria’s first ballet school, providing free, high-quality training to children from underserved communities.

Recognized internationally for his innovative approach to dance education, Ajala combines classical ballet with African cultural influences, acrobatics, and holistic youth development. Under his mentorship, several students have become the first Nigerians admitted to prestigious professional ballet schools in Europe, earning scholarships and international recognition.

A graduate of the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum and The Royal Ballet School Inspire Programme, Ajala is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of the arts. His work has been featured worldwide and highlighted in the Oscar-qualifying documentary Then Comes the Body (2025), celebrating his efforts to redefine opportunities for young dancers and broaden the reach of ballet across Africa.