5 to Watch 2022: Precious Isabella
We are excited to introduce Precious Isabella, one of our 2022 “5 to Watch” honorees!
Photo: Precious Isabella; shot by Karen Anderson
Duru Ifunaya Precious is a 13-year-old ballerina from Lagos, Nigeria. She started dancing when she was 10 with online dance teachers and other dance lessons. She’s currently working on a dance project with some friends from New York City, and has online dance class every Sunday with DanceWorks.
Learn more about Precious’ ballet journey in her interview below!
Related: 5 to Watch 2022: Morgan Leigh Ligon
What’s a dance accomplishment that you are proud of and why?
I am so proud of when we danced at Terra Kulture. The music we danced to was composed by Samuel Akpabot (a prominent Nigerian composer). I am proud because we were the first dancers to dance to the song.
What’s your most memorable dance moment?
One of my most memorable moments in dance was when I danced a solo choreography in a competition for Opus Ballet School in Italy. I also went to London and had ballet class with some top principal dancers. I also got to watch Swan Lake live in the Royal Opera House.
What dance events and milestones do you have planned for this year?
I am planning to go to a ballet school in Belgium for dance classes.
What does a day in your dance life look like?
My dance life is very amazing. I practice dancing for hours during the day, to get better. Even when I am at home, I continue practicing because practice makes perfect!
What inspires you?
My dance teacher inspires me the most because he is a self-trained teacher and he has been able to teach so well. He always inspires me to dance. I remember he told us he sometimes sneaks into his brother's room and uses his brother's computer to watch some ballet videos on YouTube.
What’s your favorite part about being a dancer or the dance industry in general?
My favorite part of being a dancer is being able to express myself and inner emotions through dance.
If you could change the future of dance, what changes would you make?
If I get the opportunity to change the future of dance, I will encourage more dark-skinned dancers in ballet and also promote ballet in Nigeria. I would also work to eliminate racism in dance.
Is there anything else you want to share with dancers reading this article?
You should never give up. Do nothing less of yourself and cherish every moment you have. Your biggest competitor should always be yourself. Self-motivation is key. You won't be successful without it!
Photo: Precious Isabella; shot by Karen Anderson
Keep up with Precious Isabella’s dance journey on Instagram.
Every year, TaKiyah Wallace, the Founder of Brown Girls Do Ballet, handpicks five young dancers who are making a positive impact in their communities and/or great strides in their ballet journey. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be featuring each of this year’s honorees right here on the blog, so make sure you check back in! In the meantime, connect with us on Instagram or Facebook.
Note: This interview has been edited for concision and clarity.