This archive report was first published on 2 September 2021.
Arthur Maira: A Man of Many Talents ¶
Arthur Maira is a dance instructor at Crawford International School, where he has been a full-time employee since 2018. He is also the founder of Dance Definitive Point, a dance club service for private schools in Kenya.
As a dance instructor, Arthur believes that dance is a language that comes from an expressive heart. He says, "Dancers are happy people. Dance is a language that comes from an expressive heart."
Arthur's passion for dance is evident in his work, which has taken him to various prestigious schools in Kenya, including Brookhouse School, Braeburn, Kenton College Preparatory School, and West Nairobi School.
But Arthur's talents don't stop at dance. He is also an entrepreneur, with a business model that offers dance club services in private schools in Kenya. Through this business, he has worked with about 14 schools.
Arthur's entrepreneurial spirit has also led him to start another business, Dance Cradle, which features a different business model. He says, "We initiated this programme to cater for toddlers aged between two-and-half years and five in private homes and gated communities. Expatriates make up most of our clientele."
When asked about his income, Arthur is cagey, saying instead, "I get a sense of fulfilment by adding value to these children. That's more gratifying than the pay."
Arthur's artsy path did not happen by accident. He comes from a background of artistes, and his father raised them on proceeds from a curios shop, by painting and brokering artworks.
At 39, Arthur is coursing a stage in life with heightened activity and breakneck speed. He has a family to fend for, a day job, ongoing studies, and dreams to realise.
Arthur believes that humans are a sum total of other people's contributions to their lives, particularly "individuals who take a risk on us and invest in our potential." He credits Jenny Coetzee, the managing director and principal of Crawford International School, for supporting him in his growth journey.
