Sunday, April 06, 2008

Intore Dancing

One of the most marvelous aspects of Rwandan culture is the dancing. They are some of the most athletic dancers I have seen!

The Intore dancers (pronounced een-or-ay) often perform during parades, national holidays, and weddings. The men's dancing is said to symbolize the ancient warrior culture of Rwandans, while the women's dancing is said to symbolize the grace of cows, which are hallowed in the culture. When the women raise their arms and push their palms outward, they are representing the horns of the cows (which have some very unique horns, and can most likely be seen out east).

Other than the jumping, I love how the dancers are always smiling.

Here is a video of Intore dancers! This was taken at the Lake Kivu Serena, where on Friday nights (I think) they have "African Night," and feature these dancers.