Organisers have announced the return of the annual Batalo East Dance Festival in its 10th edition.
This year, the festival will be held at their new “Batalo East Creative Center” in Kachonga, Bufujja, Butaleja District, on December 16, 2023 where it will showcase performances from at least 30 artists from Tanzania, Jinja, Kampala, Mbale and four traditional troupes and local musicians and talents from Butaleja, soul xpressions, street dance force.
“ The festival will showcase performances from diverse regions, featuring traditional, contemporary, and urban dances, along with local talent from Butaleja’s youth community,” the organisers said.
At this year’s festival, the inauguration of the Batalo East Creative Center in Butaleja will be held.
“The inauguration of the Batalo East Creative Center marks a significant milestone. This center will serve as a hub for talent development, cultural preservation, intergenerational dialogue, and social and economic growth through performing arts for Butaleja’s youth.”
The Batalo Dance Festival, which began in 2013 at the National Theatre, has connected over 1,000 young performers from various countries, uniting African culture with urban expression.
It seeks to address the identity crisis among youth, preserve traditional African culture, and provide safe spaces for creativity and innovation in arts, science, and community engagement.
The core mission is to nurture and empower innovative Africans and artists who take pride in their heritage and are globally aware.
The annual event fosters unity among diverse clans and tribes, celebrating Uganda’s unique heritage through music, dance, training, and discussions.
