9jaNollywoodstars

Celebrity Takes2 is the first of its kind in Nigeria though the concept is as old as the club organising it...10 years plus!Its the only program in Nigeria’s illustrious Television history to ever feature such a unique and wide spread crop of achievers in various fields...pitting against themselves in dance competition!sponsored by Skye Bank but organized by Spirit of David

As the show enters week two with pulsating drumbeats synchronizing with the rhythm of sound,the opening movements of an energetic dance full of flair and verve,the fantastic presentation by musician Sound Sultan and instructor Lilian Yeri for the first stage of Spirit of David’s ongoing dance competition.Viwers were entranced by the introductory episode of the show but the second was even more intriguing!

Ten couples showcase one-minute dance routines appraised by a live audience and a panel of three judges; who are seasoned performers in their own right.

Lilian Yeri and Sound Sultan, dressed in traditional African costumes, thrilled everyone with their rhythmic interpretation of Jeremiah Gyang’s Na Barka.

The next couple was even more astounding! It was a delight seeing Pasuma Wonder, Nigeria’s Otunba of Fuji music, do the Rhumba with his partner, Funke Iroko.The couple was resplendent in complementary white costumes which dazzled as Pasuma whirled and twirled,gracefully lifting his partner in a slow,intense dance which ended as gracefully as it began.It was a dance which made up for what it lacked in message and content with a display of Waltz technique unusual for a beginner like Pasuma.Obviously, he had an outstanding instructor!

Omotola ‘Omosexy’ Jalade-Ekeinde was another star of the evening who benefited tremendously from having a good dance instructor.She and Buddy Ageda chose a fast-paced,cheerful dance using steps typical of the hip hop movement and the catchy rhythm of a techno song to entertain the ecstatic audience.From the opening ‘moonwalk’ slide showing fantastic footwork to the crisp articulation of his break dance moves,Buddy outshone Omotola who capitalised on the danceability of their song to maintain an interactive flow with her partner.Though most of her moves were out of synchrony with the music and appeared to be initiated by her partner, Omotola’s earnestness, her self-expression, and the vibrancy of her dance made their performance most refreshing.

Fashion designer Zizi Cardow and her partner Ice, were more intense.Theirs was a passionate ballroom dance. Zizi was dressed in a black-tie affair, dazzling gown with a sequined bodice. It was a beautiful dance. Zizi posed as model for Ice’s on-stage painting, her portrait on a canvas which caught the spotlights as the words ...”If I were a painting...” filled the opening strains of their classical selection. It was an intense, passionate dance with a vivid concept and clearly executed unison movement, Zizi maintaining eye contact in graceful moves with her partner who sang throughout the dance.It was breathtakingly beautiful.


The performance of Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2007, Omawunmi Akinnifesi and Wale Sodade were also dazzling.Their fantastic presentation began when Omawunmi clad in white began intricate contortions to the engaging music of their contemporary dance piece which showed Omawunmi seeking a loved one, (her partner Wale) being found by him and enduring periods of separation with eventual reconciliation in a sophisticated dance comprising elements of ballet, hip hop and Afro-Caribbean dance forms.

Their performance was astonishing for its accuracy and flow, with fantastic gestures and flying leaps which kept the audience riveted to their seats; a remarkable presentation with a clear theme of love and friendship.