Learning Dance In Uganda - Conclusions
One of the things I have realised over the years is that many people in the West have an impression African dance is "wild" and unstructured. This is clearly wrong. African dance is not any different from jazz or contemporary dance in the sense that the dancer needs to learn particular technique and practice it to get good.
Training is an important part in the daily routines of the professional dancers I have met in Africa. Groups practice once or twice a week to achieve tight choreographies and close communication with musicians. Individuals train to improve their flexibility and skills.
People also seem to think that "all Africans can dance well". However from my experience, much African dance can be considered a performing art. Many dances demand talent and training. At the celebrations and functions I attended, there was a clear distinction between performer and spectator. Just as in the western world, groups will create and perform choreographies.
I began my career as a dancer by studying ballet and contemporary dance. I remember feeling that I was dancing for myself, with the audience watching on rather passively. However with African dance, I feel a closer connection between me, the music and the audience. The musicians will follow my movements as though "talking through my body". I'll interact with the audience, and feel energised by both.
Each time I study a new African dance, I discover how to move my body in new ways. In Uganda, I have learnt new ways of using my waist.
Whilst I gained much from this experience it was a mutual exchange. Several of my teachers remarked that if a muzungu (European) can take such an interest in their culture, then surely their own young people should value it also. Siragi was keen to make this point to a wide audience, and this led to an interview on Ugandan television with my teachers.