"I’ve been dragged on social media 3 times"- Esther Ekwale is breaking barriers through dance.

When the pressure becomes high, the backlash becomes unbearable and the zeal to keep on pursuing your first love seems to be fading away. Do you give up? Well, Esther Ekwale is one who is rising above all odds to continue her passion for dancing. She speaks about how the dance industry and social media has opened doors of opportunities and helped her develop a thick skin.

I’m a graduate of Finance and Economics from Widener University. I currently reside in the United States and I dance as means of expression and fun.

Dance means everything to me. I can’t count how many times dance has saved me from depression, sadness, boredom, and breakup. It's my lifesaver, and I can't do without it. That's my addiction.

Ever since I was little, everyone around me, especially my family knew I loved to dance. However, as I got into primary and secondary school, I began to get more recognition for my talent. So I was in plays, musical and dance performances. From Atilogu—an Igbo cultural dance—to contemporary dance, to… you name it. Esther was there in flesh and blood. Honestly, I decided to go pro when my parents didn’t have the funds at a certain point to further my education. So I sat down and said to myself, ‘How can I make money if I’m going to end up being a dropout?' The only thing I knew I had the strength to do and not back down was DANCE. And that’s how it all started back in 2017.