From his videos and various challenges online, it’s clear that Eliud Etemesi, also known as Danceking 254, truly enjoys what he does, whether alone or with friends.

A Music Theory and Composition student at Kabarak University, Etemesi shares with Mtaa Wangu that dance is more than just a hobby for him; it provides financial independence and personal growth.

Etemesi began dancing in high school.

He recalls how convincing his parents of its earning potential was a challenge, highlighting that dance helps him to express himself and helps him show that dance can be professional, attractive, and competitive

“Dance practice often takes up late nights, which didn’t sit well with my parents initially. I had to prove that I could be responsible with the little money I earned and get an opportunity to change the narrative about dance,” he explains.

His first payment for dancing came during his second year when he was invited to perform at a school event, earning Sh. 4,000.

“That’s when I realized I could support myself as long as I worked hard and networked effectively,” he says.

Etemesi has seized various opportunities, both on and off campus, noting that many students are content to remain in their comfort zones rather than striving for more.

While he hasn’t yet monetized his social media accounts, he says he earns from teaching dance classes, charging Sh. 100 per session which goes for three hours, and is looking to expand his online presence for potential income.

“I’m in the process of monetizing my account because, with today’s technology, there are endless opportunities for passive income while I’m still in school. Even after school, this is something I want to continue to pursue,” he adds.

He also participated in season six of Africa Campus Battle as a solo dancer, which he describes as a fantastic opportunity to learn and connect with fellow students across Africa.

“Through the competition, I discovered how I can use my performances to inspire change both on stage and in my community,” he says.

Etemesi says that the competition enabled him to get mentorship from some of the entertainment gurus on how the industry works and how to avoid obvious mistakes like poor financial management.

His dream, he says, is to open a dance studio that would give young people a chance to express themselves through dance.

"Dance is not only a hobby but also a way I used to express myself. It's easy to tell even the hardest things through dance. I also want to provide the same opportunity to other young people," he says

Asked who he looks up to, Etemesi says he draws inspiration from Dance with Purpose Academy in Ghana.

"The dance school is more than a dance school. It aims to change lives as well through dancing because some of the members are from very poor backgrounds," he notes.

Eliud Etemesi: How dance has opened financial doors for me

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Muthoni Wanjiku