A highly codified art
First, the pace is slow and jerky, you have to gauge your opponent. Then the fight gets carried away, the dancer-warriors leap with agility, swirling their lances in a virile energy. Rallying fiercely to escape the clutches of their assailants, they sometimes seem suspended in the air. They dodge and retaliate until they strike their enemy down in a final heroic charge. It is with short breath and a gleaming chest that the triumphant dancers bow to greet their audience. If these primitive dances emanate an impression of spontaneity linked to the explosiveness of the movements and their beastly intensity, don't think that the choreographies intore are a matter of chance. On the contrary, everything is extremely codified. Each movement is executed with masterful precision in perfect synchronization with the other dancers. The bodies twist and undulate to the exact rhythm of the music. Dance intore is a noble art that does not tolerate improvisation. In Rwanda it is so sacred because it is linked to the national history.
An ancestral heritage
In pre-colonial Rwanda, the Intore were elite young fighters from the Tutsi nobility who were selected by the mwami, the king, for their physical abilities and martial qualities. In Kinyarwanda, Intore also means "the chosen ones". At the time, obtaining such a status was considered an immense honour. The young nobles aspired to only one thing, to attract the attention of the king or the warlords in order to be part of these privileged people. Once recruited, the apprentice warriors were sent for several years to a military institution called itorero. Intended to occupy high martial functions, they were trained in the use of weapons, close combat and military strategy. True athletes, they were notably virtuosos of high jumping. They were considered an elite and were expected to make their king proud, but their education was also taken very seriously. In addition to learning the techniques of war, they were introduced to poetry, art and intore dances. In 1958, they were even invited to perform at the Universal Exhibition in Belgium. In front of thousands of spectators, they performed traditional dances, spreading the Rwandan culture all over the world.
An endangered tradition
After the First World War, when the whole country was placed under Belgian trusteeship, the Intore tradition gradually disappeared and the war dances fell into disuse. It was not until 1974 and the creation of the Urukerereza, Rwanda's national ballet, that the Intore dances regained their letters of nobility. Created in Nyanza, the royal capital, this institution is dedicated to selecting the country's best musicians and dancers in order to preserve Rwandan culture and traditions.
Unfortunately in 1994, the interior of the building was devastated by looters and many of the artists in the troupe were victims of the genocide. It was not until the early 2000s that culture returned to the Rwandan agenda. The National Ballet launched a major campaign to recruit new Intore dancers, but the new troupe struggled to find an audience. The genocide is still too present, the hearts of Rwandans are not yet celebrating.A resurgence in popularity
It wasn't until the mid-2000s that Intore dances regained their former popularity. Buoyed by a new impetus, that of reconstruction, Rwanda is transforming itself both economically and socially. This desire for change and dynamism is accompanied by a pressing need to display a strong cultural identity. Intore young dance troupes are becoming more and more numerous throughout the country. They are invited to perform at weddings, village festivals and official events. President Paul Kagame himself regularly closes his speeches with Intore performances. In 2007, he had already revived the concept ofitorero, transforming these training camps for warriors into a government military academy where the country's youth come to perform their civic service. Intre dances are part of the lessons, just like handicrafts or football. This revival of the itorero is strongly criticised by President Kagame's opponents who see it as a dangerous exploitation of the youth by the government.
A cultural symbol
True showcases of Rwandan culture, the danses intore appear to be a good way to make the country known internationally and to attract tourists to the territory. It is true that it would be a terrible pity to come to Rwanda and miss such a unique experience. In addition to an epic plunge into the country's history and folklore, good dancers will offer you a breathtaking performance. Their virtuosity combined with the tribal costumes and the power of almost primitive music will leave you with an indelible memory. While performances of the national ballet are a sure bet, there are many other renowned troupes throughout the country. To name but two, the one in Kigali (the Intayoberana) and the one in Butare (the Urugangazi) are certainly among the most prestigious. If you are lucky enough to be in Rwanda at the beginning of August, you will surely be able to attend the Umuganura, the harvest festival. For this great popular event, Intore dance troupes perform throughout the country. While the national celebration takes place in the city of Ndama with great pomp and circumstance, the smaller villages also have their share of festivities. A good way to discover the Intore culture while sharing an unforgettable moment of conviviality with the inhabitants.
Last but not least, be very careful with your pronunciation of the word intore when speaking to a Rwandan. It is indeed essential to press on the o and make it drag along. Otherwise your interlocutor might think that you are asking about an aubergine!
