One of the most special evenings spent in Uganda was one I hadn't been expecting. One afternoon as I was heading into town I was told that I boy was waiting outside to see Blake. This was how I met Francis, who was a student of Blake's last summer when he taught at Awere SS. After I called Blake for Francis, he asked me it I had had the opportunity to see any traditional Acoli dances yet. I admitted that unfortunately I had not had the chance.Francis said that he re
ally wanted me to see the dances so that I could tell everyone at home about them. He said he would organise the dancing if I told him when I could come. This was the final week which was packed with activities, but I suggested that some of us could probably go on Wednesday night. He checked his exam schedule and said that he thought it would work. The next day he was at the gate to confirm he would pick us up on Wednesday at 5:30 pm.As promised, he was prompt (even early). Blake, Michelle,
Francis, and I set off on our bodas (motorcycle taxis) with Francis leading the way. We drove through back roads and then we were driving on a narrow path through tall grass, we had to pass between some very large cattle. We had no idea where we were going. We had all assumed that Francis had organised some of his friends to dance near the school. The boda ride took almost half an hour when we pulled into a very small village and saw approximately 30 people ranging in age from
6 to 20 ready to dance. There were three woven chairs set out for us.I asked Francis how he knew all these people and he told us that this was his clan. I can even really describe what an incredible experience it was. Others from the community joined us in watching the dances. Children who were too young, as well as elderly members of the community danced off to the side of the performers. We were treated to four dances:
- Dingi Dingi - young women's dance
- Laraka raka - courtship dance, where the men use toy axes to draw the women closer.
- Bwola - the dance to honour royalty
- I don't remember the name of the last dance, but I will get it from Blake
sted over an hour and the sun set as they danced. Afterwards everyone gathered around for our reaction. Then we were each served a bottle of soda.We had to leave rather quickly as it was getting dark and the path was not exactly easy for the boda drivers, who had stayed with us for the whole time.
The experience though was just so special. I so appreciate Francis for arranging it and sha
ring his culture with us in such a powerful way.Feel free to check out my facebook album for other photos: Beautiful Acoli Dances
