Renowned dancer and choreographer Kafayat Shafau, known as Kaffy, has raised concerns about the exploitation of dance for prostitution.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, she lamented that many girls use dance as a facade for selling their bodies, which undermines the true essence of the art form.
“Dance is not about hustling,” Kaffy emphasized. “Unfortunately, the focus often shifts to the sexual aspect instead of genuine dance skills. Nevertheless, the industry’s rapid growth provides room for various expressions and approaches.”
Kaffy stressed the importance of maintaining integrity in dance. “Dance is an art, but it can sometimes become overly sensual. I set clear boundaries for myself; there are limits I won’t cross. Being sexy or sensual doesn’t necessitate nudity,” she said.
She encouraged aspiring dancers to remain authentic and resist pressures to conform. “Stay true to your passion. There’s no need to alter your body to fit in. The dance world offers diverse career paths, including executive roles, coaching, dance science, injury prevention, and therapy, beyond just performing in music videos and clubs.”
Addressing the stereotype about women not supporting each other, Kaffy argued that this perception is misleading. “The idea that women don’t support each other is a misconception. Men have their own rivalries, and the ‘bro code’ doesn’t negate that. This belief is often shaped by popular narratives.”
She added, “Women are more emotionally expressive, making their disapproval more visible. It’s easier to notice tension among women, but both genders can be supportive or undermining towards each other.”