Dance with Urugangazi
Learn about various Rwandan cultural dance groups and their styles of movement.
La danseRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Dance in Rwanda
Dance has always been one of the most spectacular expressions of Rwandan culture and element of identity and socialization.
Traditionally, male and female dancers have different styles. Always expressive, they are characterized by specific postures depending on the dance, position of the arms, typical movements of the head and rhythmic steps.
Learn about a few cultural dances below:
Performance urugangazi by National Museum of RwandaRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Urugangazi - The Traditional Dance Troupe
Urugangazi was stablished in 1996 with the main goal of teaching the youth about Rwandan traditional songs and dance in order to preserve heritage for future generations.
Through various dance songs and dances representing various regions and activities, they entertain museum visitors and perform at different venues and function.
Umushagiriro
With a slow tempo, this is a dance that is usually performed by women, with an emphasis on the elegance of gestures, movements and showing off the body.
Troop Urugangazi by National Museum of RwandaRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Umushayayo
A dance with a slow tempo that is performed by women. The dance focuses on the movement of the arms and rhythmic steps.
Ikinimba
A dance performed by both men and women with powerful steps.
Urugangazi - Men by National Museum of RwandaRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Ikinyemera
Performed by both men and women, the Ikinyemera dance shows the beauty of a cow.
Warrior dance “Umuhamirizo”
Usually accompanied by the polyphonic sound of the musical horns amakondera, drums ruharage and ingaraba. The warrior dance is a group dance performed by men, in which certain fighting and battle scenes are recreated.
DrummingRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Drums ensemble “Umutagara w’ingoma”
The Umutagara, an ensemble of 8 to 12 drums, brings Rwandan celebrations to life. Categorized by their sound (typically 4 categories), these drums add rhythm to festive occasions, weddings, welcoming ceremonies for dignitaries, and even set the stage for important speeches.
