A highly codified art
At first, the rhythm is slow and jerky, as you gauge your opponent. Then the battle heats up, as the dancer-warriors leap with agility, whirling their spears with virile energy. Raging fiercely to escape the clutches of their assailants, they sometimes seem suspended in mid-air. They dodge and retaliate until they strike down their enemy in one last heroic charge. Breathless and torso glistening, the triumphant dancers bow to their audience. While these primitive dances give off an impression of spontaneity due to the explosiveness of the movements and their bestial intensity, don't think that the intore choreography is a matter of chance. On the contrary, everything is highly codified. Every movement is executed with masterly precision, in perfect synchronization with the other dancers. Bodies twist and undulate to the exact rhythm of the music. Intore dance is a noble art that does not tolerate improvisation. In Rwanda, it is so closely linked to the country's history that it is considered sacred.
An ancestral heritage
In pre-colonial Rwanda, the Intore were elite young fighters from the Tutsi nobility, selected by the mwami, the king, for their physical aptitudes and martial skills. In Kinyarwanda, intore means "the chosen ones". At the time, achieving such status was considered an immense honor. Young nobles aspired to just one thing: to attract the attention of the king or warlords and become one of the privileged few. Once recruited, apprentice warriors were sent for several years to a military institution called itorero. Destined to occupy high martial positions, they were trained in weapons handling, close combat and military strategy. True athletes, they were also virtuoso high jumpers. Their education was also taken very seriously, as they were considered to be elite and expected to do their king proud. As well as learning the techniques of warfare, they were introduced to poetry, art and intore dance. In 1958, they were even invited to perform at the World Fair in Belgium. In front of thousands of spectators, they performed traditional dances, spreading Rwandan culture around the world.
An endangered tradition
After the First World War, when the entire country was placed under Belgian control, the Intore tradition gradually disappeared and war dances fell into disuse. It wasn't until 1974, with the creation of the Urukerereza, Rwanda's national ballet, that Intore dances were restored to their former glory. Created in Nyanza, the royal capital, this institution was 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 troupe's artists fell victim to the Tutsi genocide. It was not until the early 2000s that culture returned to the agenda in Rwanda. The national ballet then launched a vast campaign to recruit new Intore dancers, but the new troupe struggled to find its audience. The genocide was still too present, and the Rwandan people's hearts were not yet in the mood for celebration.
A resurgence in popularity
It wasn't until the mid-2000s that Intore dances regained their former popularity. Buoyed by the new impetus of reconstruction, Rwanda was transforming both economically and socially. This desire for change and dynamism is accompanied by a compelling need to display a strong cultural identity. More and more troupes of young Intore dancers are springing up across 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 theitorero concept, transforming these training camps for warriors into a government military academy where the country's youth perform their civic service. Intore dances are part of the curriculum, along with handicrafts and soccer. Eventually, they will be recognized internationally as a pillar of Rwandan culture, and included in Unesco's intangible heritage list in 2024.
A cultural symbol
A veritable showcase for Rwandan culture, intore dances are a great way of raising the country's international profile and attracting tourists to the country. It's true that it would be a terrible shame to come to Rwanda and miss out on such a unique experience. In addition to an epic plunge into the country's history and folklore, fine dancers will give you a breathtaking performance. Their virtuosity, combined with tribal costumes and the power of almost primitive music, will leave you with indelible memories. While performances by the national ballet are a sure bet, there are many other renowned troupes throughout the country. To name but two, Kigali's Intayoberana and Butare's Urugangazi are certainly among the most prestigious. If you're lucky enough to be in Rwanda in early August, you'll certainly be able to attend Umuganura, the harvest festival. Intore dance troupes perform throughout the country to mark this popular event. While the national celebration is held with great pomp in the town of Ndama, the smaller villages also have their share of festivities. A good way to discover Intore culture while sharing an unforgettable moment of conviviality with the locals.
Last but not least, be very careful how you pronounce the word intore when speaking to a Rwandan. It's essential to press the o and drag it out. If you don't, the person you're speaking to may think you're talking about an eggplant!
