Kafayat Shafau, widely known as Kaffy, recently spoke out about the troubling trend of dancers using their art as a cover for prostitution.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, she expressed concern that many young women are prioritizing the sexual aspects of dance over its true creative expression.
“Dance is not just about making money,” Kaffy emphasized. “Unfortunately, some dancers are using it as a platform to sell their bodies rather than showcasing their skills. However, the dance industry is growing rapidly, offering opportunities for various forms of expression.”
Kaffy stressed the importance of maintaining integrity in dance. “Dance is an art form, and it’s crucial to draw clear boundaries,” she explained. “I personally choose not to cross certain lines, believing that sensuality in dance doesn’t require nudity.”
Offering advice to aspiring dancers, Kaffy urged them to stay true to their passion and resist pressures to compromise their values. “Authenticity is key,” she said. “There’s a wide range of career paths within dance, from coaching and dance science to roles in therapy and injury prevention, beyond just performing in music videos or clubs.”
Addressing stereotypes about women in the industry, Kaffy challenged the notion that women don’t support each other as much as men do. “This perception is not accurate,” she argued. “Women can be just as supportive as men, though their expressions of disagreement may be more visible. Both genders are capable of both supporting and undermining each other.”
In her remarks, Kaffy highlighted the complexity of navigating the dance industry with integrity while encouraging a broader understanding of the art form’s potential beyond its commercial aspects.