When Belgian dance artist Hilde Cannoodt traveled to Rwanda in 2016 to attend Ubumuntu Arts Festival, she was so attracted to Rwandan traditional dance. Cannoodt first had a glimpse of what traditional dance was like when Inganzo Ngari, one of Rwanda’s best troupes, performed at the festival’s opening day dubbed ‘Ikaze Night.’ That was the very time she fell in love with Rwanda’s Gakondo dance. And it never ended from that night. When the festival concluded, she returned to Europe but never did she take long to come back Kigali. As a choreographer, she wanted to learn a tip or two about Gakondo dances like Imishagiriro, Inkwatwa, Guhamiriza, Imisohoko and more. “I immediately looked for ways to learn it, but it was a bit challenging to do so outside the country. That’s why I decided to move back to Rwanda. You can find coaches, but there aren’t many in the diaspora,” Cannoodt told The New Times. “I started with Intayoberana cultural troupe but after three years I moved to Inganzo Ngari. It was great because by then, I had acquired the basic skills. I chose them because they are the best and has been able to maintain traditional legacy with incredible dancers who helped me grasp the culture as I wanted,” she said. Cannoodt, whom fellow dancers have nicknamed “Gicanda,” has been living in Rwanda for over seven years. She affirmed that storytelling, drumming, theatre, dance, and music have changed her perspective on Rwanda’s traditional concepts, making them easier to understand in a contemporary context. The more she practices traditional dance, the more it changes her perspective on Rwanda’s cultural heritage. ALSO READ: Inganzo Ngari deliver cultural edutainment, leave revelers wanting more “At first, I was just attracted to it because it was beautiful but as I started to study, I saw the level of history, technique, skills set. I could’ve studied this for 20 years and still call myself a beginner. That’s why I want to stay with Inganzo Ngari so I can keep growing as an artiste,” she said. Cannoodt, an accredited yoga instructor with 10 years of teaching experience, said her favorite dances are Imishagiriro and Ibitandatu because they are soft and feminine. However, she loves intwatwa as well, though she finds it challenging since it requires a lot of energy and involves improvisation, much like the Imisohoko dance style. “You have to be improvising your dance which is not easy for me. I’m not yet on that level,” she admitted. ALSO READ: Festival Nyirarumaga: A blend of tradition and modernity She said dancing with Inganzo Ngari has always been an amazing experience which deepens her understanding of Rwanda’s culture and how people celebrate it. “I love the way we focus on traditional dances. I would love to see more people learning about Rwandan culture. I happen to be here but I know so many dancers that don’t even know this beautiful art form and if it was known, many people would travel here to study because of the richness of this culture,” “It would be great idea to start inviting them to come and learn this dance. It’d be a great thing for the future and attract more people across the world,” added. ALSO READ: Umuganura: A feast that brings Rwandans to the heart of their Nation Cannoodt is a seasoned dance artist and choreologist with 30 years of experience in performance and instruction. Currently residing in Kigali, she specializes in Rwandan traditional dance and is skilled in various styles including Egyptian Dance, Contemporary, Hip Hop, West African, and Classical Indian dance. Her expertise spans choreography, teaching, and chorological practice. She will be joining, Inganzo Ngari, at a special performance titled “Tubarusha Inganji” on the occasion of the celebrating Umuganura (National Harvest Day), a feast that brings Rwandans together to celebrate their heritage. The concert, scheduled for August 1, at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, will take culture enthusiasts through Rwanda’s journey from overcoming past challenges to achieving victory and progress. According to Serge Nahimana, the Director of Inganzo Ngari, the theme ‘Tubarusha Inganji’ was drawn from Rwanda’s accomplishments, particularly considering the country’s difficult past, which it managed to overcome even when it seemed almost impossible. “There will be different performances that reflect on the journey. It’s amazing. Everyone needs to be there to witness that incredible journey in an impressive visual,” he said.
