I grew up performing Kadodi, a traditional dance from my tribe, Bagisu in Uganda. This energetic and captivating dance form is deeply ingrained in our cultural identity and carries with it centuries of history and rituals. Characterized by dynamic body movements, shoulder shaking, rhythmic stomping, and powerful jumps, Kadodi is performed either individually or in groups during important ceremonies and rituals. The dance is typically accompanied by traditional Bagisu drumming and chanting, which further enhances the energy and intensity of the artform.
Kadodi is a highly expressive dance, with movements that vary according to gender. Men often perform with strong, forceful movements, while women’s movements are more fluid and emotionally expressive, emphasizing the waist and hip area with slow, sensual body movements. This gendered contrast in the dance adds depth to its cultural significance, showcasing both masculine and feminine energies.
As a dancer, I have been exposed to a wide variety of urban street dance styles, including breakdancing, popping, locking, krumping, hip-hop, and afro dance. These influences have allowed me to blend the traditional Kadodi dance with more contemporary urban styles, creating a unique movement style that I refer to as my “movement accent.” This fusion of traditional and modern dance forms has reshaped my approach to the body and movement, enabling me to explore the alchemy of dance by using the body as a tool to express both my cultural roots and contemporary influences. In this way, I redefine myself as a movement alchemist, constantly exploring new ways to merge these diverse dance languages into something uniquely my own.
