I spoke to Doose last week about her life, her work, her relationship to dance and...to fire.
From Doose: I want you to know just how much this opportunity means to me—not only as an artist, but as a Nigerian who has long yearned to be in spaces like this.
Born and raised in Nigeria, I made my first steps as a child dancer in church. My mother showed me the way and instilled in me the unique joy that comes with bridging spirituality with movement.
This joy stood in stark contrast to what life was like at home. My father was physically abusive, and when I lost my mother to illness at the age of 8, the violence worsened. I was eventually sent to live with an extended family member, hoping for peace. But what awaited me there was even harsher—daily beatings, emotional isolation, and an environment that tried to crush my spirit.
In that toxic space, dancing became my breath—my survival. It was the only thing that brought healing, the only place I could still feel like myself. One day, at a celebration attended by the state governor, I danced instinctively, freely, and fully. That moment changed something. It reminded me that even in the darkest places, light can still pour through movement.
Now, being chosen for the ANIKAYA Bird Intensive feels like one of those moments of light. It is a full-circle moment for the little girl who danced to survive—and for the woman I am today, who dances to liberate and to give voice to others.
As a dance artist and choreographer working in Abuja, I have recently followed ANIKAYA’s work with deep admiration. Your commitment to storytelling, embodiment, and connection across cultures mirrors my own values and aspirations. Being part of this program feels like more than just professional growth; it is spiritual, it is personal, and it is a kind of homecoming.
Thank you once again for believing in my potential and for creating this transformative space. I come with open arms, a full heart, and a body ready to learn, to offer, and to become.
Bertin is a dancer, activist and cultural organizer from Goma, Congo. You can see him speak about his work in the video below.
From Bertin:
I am Bertin Kasolene, from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, a city in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Having experienced the ravages of war, this project speaks to my soul of the wounds I carry, but also of the hope I cling to.
Recently, I was forced to flee due to the war and violence caused by the M23 rebel group, which now controls most of North Kivu province, particularly the cities of Goma and Bukavu. The conflict has not only displaced thousands of people, it has also torn families apart, silenced dreams, and inflicted profound emotional and spiritual trauma on countless others, including myself.
In the face of such challenges, I believe in the power of art—especially movement, storytelling, and collective expression—to heal, transform, and reconnect us with our common humanity. The Conference of the Birds project appeals to me because it offers a space where people from around the world come together not only to perform, but also to listen, bear witness, and rise above borders with stories that matter.
For me, participating in this program is not only a step toward personal healing, but also an opportunity to regain the strength to rediscover the power of my voice, my body, and my story. I want to stand in a space where pain is not hidden but transformed, where flight is still possible even after being grounded by war.
Furthermore, I want to take what I learn from this experience and bring it back to my community, to the many other people in Goma and beyond who are still suffering, displaced, and unheard. Through art, I hope to inspire resilience, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose in those who feel lost and broken.
I believe The Conference of the Birds is not just a performance. It is a journey of healing and solidarity. I am ready and committed to walking this path with you.
We have launched our effort to raise scholarship funds for all ANIKAYA Birds Intensive - Benin 2025 participants who need them. Thanks to one generous new donor, we have already raised over $5000!
We've just closed applications - this year's cohort will include artists from Palestine, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea-Conakry, Kenya, India, the US and more!
In the next few weeks I will be introducing you to the selected participants in this next adventure. First up is Shatha Yassin of Jenin, Palestine!
