▪️’Dancing For A Living,’ Who-said-what at the 2026 Fest that drew over 10,000 participants across two states in Nigeria
The 2026 Ate’lè Fest has wrapped up its five-day dance celebration across Lagos and Ogun States, bringing together a dynamic mix of dancers, choreographers, students, and art enthusiasts.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the festival, themed “Ripples Beyond Movements,” featured performances, workshops, and interactive sessions that highlighted the unifying power of dance and its growing influence within Nigeria’s creative landscape.
Organised by Dynamic Tales Entertainment Company, the event attracted over 10,000 participants both onsite and online.
Ripples Beyond Movements: Ate’lè Fest; A Spotlight On Dance, Culture, Community Impact
The Producer and Artistic Director Director of Ate’lè Fest, Mr. Akinbile Michael Ayoola, described the 2026 edition as a significant milestone, reaffirming the power of dance as a tool for expression, learning, and cultural connection.
Reflecting on the five-day festival, he noted that “this year’s edition has reaffirmed that dance, when driven by collaboration and shared commitment, remains a powerful medium for expression, learning, and cultural connection.”
He added that the festival, held across multiple locations, served as a journey of discovery, “challenging us to rethink how dance can be made more accessible to different communities and strengthening our vision for future editions.”
According to him, the event, which took place between April 21 and 25, 2026, went beyond performances, as “Ate’lè Fest was more than an event. It was a celebration of dance, a platform for learning and exchange, and a space for exploration and growth.”
He further emphasised that this edition has strengthened the belief that dance becomes most powerful when it is shared with purpose and unity.
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Ayoola also appreciated the contributions of all participants and supporters, stating that facilitators, dancers, friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, and well-wishers remains the true heart of the annual festival.
At the Department of Theatre Arts, Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Adeniyi Adekunle, the Head of Department, described the collaboration as a welcome development and emphasised the positive impact the project had on both students and the department at large.
According to him, the initiative provided the students with a refreshing and innovative approach to dance education, complementing the conventional methods they were accustomed to.
He noted that the students appeared energized and inspired by the practical engagement, adding that with time they would fully adapt to this new learning experience. Dr. Adekunle further assured the organizers of the department’s willingness to sustain future collaborations towards a more inclusive, elaborate, and better-prepared edition of the festival.
Who said What at the Igando-Ikotun LCDA Secretariat, one of the Venues of the 2026 Event
The management and entire units of Igando-Ikotun LCDA expressed immense delight and satisfaction in endorsing ATE’LÈ FEST 2026 at the Ikotun, Lagos location, acknowledging it as an impactful artistic and educational initiative for the community.
Delivering the first official speech of the event, the Deputy Chairman of the Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Hon. Mojisola Ayinke Badmus, expressed her joy at the overwhelming presence of the participants, noting that ninety-nine percent of them were students from different secondary schools within the Ikotun axis.
She encouraged the students not to see dance merely as a form of sport or recreation, but also as a viable means of livelihood if taken seriously and pursued with dedication.
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She further expressed her satisfaction with the project and encouraged its continuity.
She said, “It brought joy to the participants while exposing them to new dance techniques from within and outside Nigeria.”
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Senior Comrade (Dr.) Lasisi Ayinde Akinsanya, equally expressed great joy in seeing the students participate with enthusiasm and happiness.
He encouraged the students to take dance seriously and remain committed to developing themselves through it.
He further congratulated the organizers of the festival, describing it as a great initiative for the artistic growth of students and for the promotion of tourism development in the state.
Mrs. Keripe Deborah, the Head of the Tourism Unit of the LCDA, also expressed her satisfaction with hosting the project, stating that it had greatly enriched the participants with diverse dance education from within and outside Nigeria.
The Council Manager (CM), Mr. Akowanu James, also expressed her satisfaction with the initiative and encouraged the participants to continue dancing as its benefit is enormous and if taken seriously, they can make a fortune with it.
Ripple Effect as a Choreographic Device
Speaking through a webinar titled ‘Ripple Effect as a Choreographic Device,’ Dr. Funmi Adewole Elliott described dramaturgy as a fascinating career path that requires intentional training and exposure.
Elliott, who is an Honorary Fellow of the Centre for Dance Research, Coventry University, England, encouraged interested participants to take relevant courses and seek opportunities to understudy experienced dramaturgs globally as a way to build competence and confidence in the field.
Impressive Lineup of Dance Professionals
The festival featured impressive lineup of local and international dance professionals, including Ajaratou Yerima from Togo, Moussa Dabo and Modibo Konate from Mali, Salanon Kpechewe from Benin Republic, as well as Nigerian choreographers such as Surprise Jakande, Obinna Sly, Ademola Soliu, and Lawrence Sinivie.
From Abeokuta to Ajegunle
Activities were held at multiple venues, including the Federal College of Education in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Igando-Ikotun LCDA Secretariat in Ikotun, Ajigbeda Girls High School in Surulere, and LA Primary School in Ajegunle.
Backed by Strong Local and International Creative Forces
ATE’LÈ FEST 2026 is supported by the Guild of Nigerian Dancers, Ijodee Dance Company & Ijodee Foundation, Theatre Centrik, and various communities and associations including the Ajegunle Theater Artists Forum (ATAF), Ugbowankwo Youth Forum, Tunkarimu Youth Council, Okorogbo Youth Forum, Gond Surulere, and the National Youth Council of Nigeria (AJIF Chapter), alongside other individuals.
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The festival is endorsed by the Igando-Ikotun LCDA and in partnership with Emajo African Arts Initiative, Dadobo Kreativ (Togo), Blackcrystalhive, Zeeestylez Clothiers, Trybe1 Arts Production and Inistic Multimedia Company.
Last Line
The word ATE’LÈ literally means “those who sojourn on the ground.” It reflects the universal human experience of movement, transitioning from one place to another for different purposes.
NOP NIGERIA
