Intore is the dance that cannot miss at any celebration – from marriage ceremonies in villages of Rwanda’s countryside through the grandeur of national celebrations at Amahoro stadium to exuberant Rwandan celebrations in the Americas and Europe.
But what makes the dance more popular and identical of Rwandan style than any other dance styles in Rwanda? The answer can only be clear after rummaging through other dance styles in Rwanda and their rationale.
The Intore Dance is a word in Kinyarwanda that is loosely translated to mean Leaders and or the Chosen ones. In this dance, the men with great moral and physical abilities are chosen and taught the day to day behaviors and conducts needed in the Royal Court before their King who was referred to as the Mwami in Rwanda. Whoever watched this dance could see inspiration in it.
The dance however is said to be more than just a dance especially since you could see tales being told; of how they prepared for battles, their hunting experiences, and the celebration of their victories. All three of the tribal groups in Rwanda take part in this dance. Many audiences today join in by clapping their hands in harmony with the drums which gives the dancers morale to keep on performing with vigor and energy.
In Rwanda, music and dance lighten and brighten up almost every occasion both for the local residents and foreigners visiting y has Rwanda. Tourism today is one major factor that has and is still contributing to making the performers of these songs and dances a famously sought for activity in Rwanda.
A number of hotels and lodging facilities have traditional dance troupes that perform to the guests mostly in the afternoon or evening times. A Rwandan traditional dance group is comprised of dancers and a band of about 5-7 people that sing melodiously with tunes that capture the soul.
Being selected as an Intore in times of old was a great honor – they would receive a privileged education; intensive combat training and they held a high status within the court. Today, the dancers use traditional weapons such as spears and bows and wear brightly colored clothes and long flowing white hairpieces.