SPAN set to celebrate ten years of creativity

BY ADA DIKE

It is celebration galore as the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) has made arrangements to celebrate 10 years of creativity.

To mark the decade of success in youth development, the SPAN is set to celebrate its 10^th Anniversary amidst excitement and spectacular performances. The Gala night which promises to be a beautiful story, depicted in music, song and dance filled with exhilarating experiences is billed to take place at Zinnia Hall, Eko hotels and suites, Lagos on April 25, 2015.      

The event tagged ‘A decade of Performance Perfection’ will showcase the real stars of SPAN and their unique stories via dance from the humble beginning in a little garage to ten outstanding years of creativity and talent discovery. It is a fusion of artistic choreography with international appeal through special performances by the Zap Zip Circus crew from South Africa.   

During an interactive session with the media, founder of SPAN, Mrs. Sarah Boulos, said “Our vision is to build a performing arts center in Nigeria where we educate, empower and present the performing artist and their God given arts. SPAN has trained and developed highly skilled artistes and vibrant leaders who have become pacesetters, highly sort-after in Nigeria performing arts industry and globally.” 

Boulos, who said there is a need for creativity in development noted that in achieving this feat and dream, the mindset of talented individuals will have to be challenged, renewed and empowered to serve the nation for future generations to come.   

Top on the list of partners and corporate sponsors are companies like SCOA, 7up Bottling Company Plc, Access Bank Plc, ITB Construction, Indomie, Cool FM and Eko hotels and suites who have supported SPAN over the last ten years in pursuit of her vision. These organizations provide generous funding to solve problems of academic, administrative, professional and personal needs through the development and empowerment sessions. 

The Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria has received recommendations from several international bodies like the United States Consulate (USIS), Goethe Institute, Lebanese Ladies Society, American Women’s Club (AWC), French Consulate and the South African Consulate. However, the SPAN Academy also provides outreach programs as part of its corporate social responsibility platform alongside dance, drama, music and other summer programs.

SPAN is a registered non-governmental organization founded in 2004 with the Helen O’Grady franchise in schools. It offers different classes of training which ranges from Music to Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Creative Combo, Drama, Contemporary African, fitness, Naija Craze, Salsa and Latin Ballroom dance for beginners, intermediate and professionals.