Music and dance have always been an integral part of Rwandan culture. The dance part, however, is considered one of the finest reflections of who Rwandans are—graceful and elegant. Travellers have often referred to it as a dance unique only to Rwandan style. Ikinimba, Ibihozo, Intore, Umushayayo among others, are some of the different types of traditional dance, with Intore considered the most famous due to its beautifully choreographed steps. Laban Bizimungu, a big fan of Intore dance, says the energy and passion displayed by dancers is what makes it so interesting. On top of that, how they dress for the dance is a unique style of its own, he adds. Female dancers wear umushanana (traditional wear), as for the men, they normally dress in skirts and cap their heads with grass wigs. “Our traditional dance makes us proud as Rwandans. Having such a rich culture is a blessing,” Bizimungu adds. He also says, the traditional dance not only tells stories of centuries and centuries ago, it also does it in a captivating way. For the dance and dance troupes, Florence Numukobwa says they do a great job with combining history and its social elements. Our traditional dance is a clear expression of joy and pride of who we are as Rwandans. That’s why you see dancers express their steps in a supple and jolly manner, she says. “Dancing is a part of our everyday-life, just like it is with other cultures. It is a staunch part of old tradition that is handed down from generation to generation. Without this, a big part of our culture can be lost.” Rwandans have always treasured their traditional dance that’s why it has always been incorporated in most of the important ceremonies in society. For example, they danced when they had a good harvest or when they were celebrating the birth of a child, she adds. Francis Wasswa, a traditionalist, says traditional dance and Rwanda’s cultural background are in bigger ways intertwined. “Who we are as Rwandans is clearly depicted in how we dance.” He explains that what makes this dance so special is the fact that it is based on three things that are very important in Rwanda, that is; God, cows and governance. That’s why, when it comes to the style of dancing, you find that they use their arms and hips a lot. This is what gives them the ability to get closer to those three things in a way that is beyond physical (spiritually), he says. “But also, traditional dances have always been a small part of village clusters, where they would learn about different things and after, there would be celebrations and dancing was a part of that,” he explains. “This traditional dance was not just choreographed for the sake of it, there is what it had to reflect upon which is what I highlighted in the three aspects I mentioned above.” Wasswa believes Rwanda’s traditional dance will always be unique for its rich and relevant past attached to it. “It is remarkable and its originality makes it outstanding,” he says.
