Batala East has announced its Dance festival scheduled for this Saturday November 14, 2024 at Batalo East Creative Center, Bufujja-Kachonga Town Council, Butaleja District.
Running under the theme, Cultural Presentation (traditional Meets Urban) , the 10th edition of the festival promises to be an exciting all-round healing and perfect dance sessions, a clear testament to peace and unity showcased through dance.
The 2023 edition proved to be a vibrant celebration of cultural unity, bringing together over 102 young performers from diverse backgrounds. The festival showcased a dynamic blend of traditional, contemporary, and urban dances, featuring over 102 artists from Tanzania, Jinja, Kampala, Mbale, as well as local talents like Born to be Bad dance crew, New Steppers dance crews, Cool zaga dance crew, Embayire troupe, Suna junior troupe, Huholera-nghala troupe, and Musicians from Butaleja’s youth community and was attended by over 3500 audience.
Speaking about the event, Rachael Nakato, Communications and Media Manager at Batalo East highlighted the significance of the dance, having played a key role in not only nurturing but as well empowering the young people in Butaleja.
“As we reflect on the success of the 2023 festival, we eagerly anticipate your support and participation in the upcoming 2024 event. These celebrations not only honour our culture but also play a crucial role in nurturing and empowering the youth locally and internationally. Together, we can forge a brighter and more culturally enriched future.”
According to Nakato, the festival 2024 include; The face behind the facade dance theatre piece from Rwanda, The Jazz band from Kaberamaido District in Uganda, The shared Echoes from Kampala District, The tense from Jinja District, traditional troupes, urban dance crews, and local musicians in Butaleja District.
Inaugurated in 2013, the annual Batalo Dance Festival continues to be a beacon of cultural unity, bringing together over 1,000 young performers from various countries. This dynamic event seamlessly intertwines African culture with urban expression, fostering unity among diverse clans and tribes while celebrating Uganda’s distinctive heritage through music, dance, training, discussions and documentaries.
