Renowned Nigerian professional dancer, Kaffy, revealed in a recent interview on Channels TV that her journey into dancing was initially a means to improve her mental health. The dancer, whose real name is Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, shared insights into her background and how dance became a source of solace during her formative years.
Growing up in a single-parent household, Kaffy turned to dancing as a form of escape and a means to navigate the challenges of adolescence. She described dance as an art form that provided solace, offering her a refuge where she could express herself and find an identity.
Even before considering dance as a profession, Kaffy emphasized that she always viewed it as a tool for mental well-being. The dancer’s personal experience led her to recognize the potential of dance as not just a form of expression but also a means to enhance mental health.
As she advanced in her dancing journey, Kaffy transformed her skills into a fitness awareness exercise, conducting sessions at the Lagos State National Stadium. Her goal was to use dance to “give people life” by promoting physical fitness and well-being.
Reflecting on her early connection with dance, Kaffy stated, “Before I even thought of dancing as a profession, I always saw it as something to help me with my mental health.” Her evolution from personal solace to a fitness advocate at the national stadium underscores the transformative power of dance as both a personal and communal experience.
Kaffy’s journey highlights the profound impact dance can have on mental health and how it can evolve from a personal coping mechanism to a platform for promoting physical fitness and well-being within the community.