How did the group come together?
Our dancers come from the community surrounding the lodges at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. We do this to ensure that locals are involved and can benefit from this experience.

How do people react to your performances?
Everyone who watches us loves the experience, and gives us fantastic reviews. Every time we perform, people always get up and join in, which we love.

What are some of the dances and songs you perform, and how do they represent Rwandan cultural tradition?
Almost 80% of traditional Rwandan songs and dances are performed in the same way, and 20% differ depending on the region. In the north, the musical tradition is ikinimba, in the south umushayayo, and igishakamba in the east. All in all, the songs and dances that are most commonly performed across the country are Intore.

What is Intore?
The traditional dance of Intore is a highly decorated routine consisting of three components – the ballet performed by women; the dance of heroes performed by men; and the drums. Translated in English, Intore means ‘the elite’, or ‘the chosen’ in the context of physical strength, elegance and community values.

In the past, the formation of the army was based on the Intore, as they were tasked to defend and expand the country’s boundaries. Therefore, the Intore was considered a social identity of the nation and its people.

Every movement and gesture from the Intore dance is symbolic, and is attached to fighting tactics and armory. This gives the dance importance and significance in all Rwandan societies. The Intore dance shows the physical fitness, elegance, and bravery in the army at the time. Intore is so popular because it represents unity. At the time, the army was composed of soldiers from every community in Rwanda –cattle keepers, cultivators, iron smelters, and potters –so shows togetherness and unification.

Intore is represented by the mane of a lion, which is embodied by a band of sisal worn across the crown of the head. It’s also represented by a style called ‘Agasiga’ or ‘eagle’, where the dancer spreads their arms like the wings of an eagle and turns their head majestically like an eagle inspecting the ground.

Rhythm of Rwanda