Lovette Otegbola is a testament to the power of following your passion, even when it takes you down an unexpected path. Armed with a degree in Archaeology from the University of Ibadan, Lovette could have easily pursued a traditional career in her field of study. However, her journey into choreography began almost serendipitously during her time at university, where she discovered the world of dance.
Lovette stumbled into choreography by accident when she joined a dance group called Spirit of David during her university years. It was here that her natural talent for movement and her creative flair began to shine. Initially, dance was something she did for fun and self-expression, but as she gained more experience, her skills caught the attention of various organizations. Soon, people were reaching out to her, requesting her help with choreography for events and performances. It became clear to Lovette that dance was more than just a hobby—it was her calling.
After graduating from university, Lovette made the bold decision to pursue her passion for dance full-time. Recognizing the need for a space where people could learn and explore the art of dance, she founded her own studio. Lovette’s studio quickly became a hub for creativity and movement, attracting people from all walks of life who wanted to learn the art of dance. Lovette particularly enjoys working with children, as she believes in nurturing young talent and helping the next generation discover their own passion for dance.
In an interview with Just4WomenAfrica, Lovette shared her insights into what it takes to succeed as a professional dancer and choreographer. According to her, being a professional dancer requires more than just the ability to execute flawless dance moves. “It takes a director’s eye,” she said, explaining that the key to great choreography is the ability to design movements and craft a compelling performance that engages the audience. Stagecraft, the understanding of how to utilize the performance space effectively, is also essential. Lovette emphasized that you don’t have to be a highly skilled dancer yourself to succeed as a choreographer. Instead, creativity, a willingness to experiment, and the courage to explore new ideas are what set great choreographers apart from the rest.
One of the most empowering aspects of Lovette’s philosophy is her belief that dance is for everyone. She dispels the notion that one must have a certain body type to succeed in dance. “You don’t need to have a certain height or weight,” she explained. “All you need is passion.” This inclusive mindset is what drives her to create an environment where anyone who loves to move can thrive, regardless of their physical appearance or background.
When asked about the issue of copyright in dance, Lovette provided some valuable insights. She explained that while individual dance moves cannot be copyrighted, choreography can be, under certain conditions. To be eligible for copyright protection, choreography must be original and independently created, demonstrating a minimal degree of creativity. Additionally, it must be fixed in a tangible medium of expression, such as being written down in dance notation or recorded on video. Lovette noted that this allows room for others to imitate or adapt existing dance moves, as dance as an art form has always evolved through inspiration and borrowing from various traditions. “There’s a saying that there is nothing which has not been invented already,” she mused. Despite the challenges, Lovette views this as an opportunity for choreographers to continually push the boundaries of their creativity.
Lovette’s remarkable career includes collaborations on several high-profile projects. She has worked on The Voice Nigeria Season 3, a competition known for showcasing some of Nigeria’s best musical talents. Lovette also lent her choreographic expertise to Let’s Dance Africa and Celebrity Takes 2, two popular reality shows that brought dance into the homes of many viewers across the continent. Additionally, she contributed to Project Fame West Africa, a show that helped launch the careers of numerous artists in the region. One of Lovette’s most personal and memorable projects was choreographing a Cadbury Nigeria TV advert, in which she shared the screen with her son, Brian Otegbola. This experience not only demonstrated her versatility as a choreographer but also highlighted the joy of merging her professional and personal life.
Through her work, Lovette has become a respected figure in the world of choreography. Her dedication to her craft and her passion for dance have inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps. She continues to influence the industry with her innovative choreography and her belief in the power of creativity and exploration. Lovette Otegbola is proof that with passion, dedication, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, it is possible to turn a love for dance into a thriving career.
