Ndere Dancers

An amazing mix of traditional music, costumes, dancing, and humor made our visit with the Ndere Dance Troupe in Ntinda a great night. The setting is in an outdoor ampitheatre within a huge expanse of land that belongs to the Ndere Cultural Centre, which is nice to explore before the performance begins. There was a mix of Ugandans bringing children and mzungu guests like us there to enjoy music and dance styles from across Uganda. The charismatic leader of the group, who wore cow-skin hat and shoes, was very dynamic in getting the crowd involved, especially the children, and using his comedic talents to get many laughs out of the locals.  We were seated at tables and had traditional Ugandan buffet, barbecue, and drinks available. There is nothing like a Nile Special and g-nuts to accompany such a display. These women could shake it like I have never seen...through 30 minute routines AND with 7 pots stacked on top of their head. Not to be outdone the men danced and played heavy drums that were perched carefully on their heads. I am told by my Ugandan friends that they perform many of these same traditional dances at weddings, but which  ones depend on which area the family originated. They had a special children's portion where all the children went up and participated and I almost cried thinking how much I miss Jaren and Pyper and how much fun they would have here!