About Batalo East
Tradition meets urban
A Ugandan nonprofit linking traditional and urban dance since 2013.
Our goal
To raise the profile of traditional dance alongside urban dance by blending the two, developing globally aware young people connected to their African culture, and dancers who bring world class Afrofusion to international audiences.
Why we exist
Mission and vision
Mission
To create an intergenerational space that strengthens both traditional and urban dance through training, documentation, archiving, networking and collaboration.
Vision
A generation of innovative Africans and artists who are aware of — and proud of — their identity.
Our values
What we stand for
01
Learn
Traditional dances taught alongside urban styles
02
Create
A safe space to practise, experiment and make new work
03
Connect
Dancers linked to stages and artists across Africa and beyond
Why it matters
Traditional dance is at risk.
40+
Ugandan ethnic groups whose social life centres on traditional dance
4
Living practitioners of Busoga’s Bigwala dance when UNESCO listed it in 2012
<5
Students on Makerere University’s Bachelor of Dance programme
200+
Young professional dancers using imported urban styles
Background
Bridging two worlds of dance
Popular Ugandan shows and dance competitions increasingly feature foreign urban styles, while many young dancers have little training in their own traditions.
Batalo East was formed to bridge traditional and urban dance. It was registered in Uganda in 2013 as a nonprofit company limited by guarantee. Our members come from Tabu Flo Dance Company, Breakdance Project Uganda and other freelance groups.
Since 2010
Our journey
From a group of young dancers in Kampala to festivals, a national stage and a movement across Uganda.
-
2010
Batalo East begins
Young dancers in Kampala start linking traditional and urban dance.
-
2012
The Equation
Monthly jams where traditional troupes and urban crews share one floor.
-
2013
First Batalo Dance Festival
The festival that now brings troupes, crews and audiences together every year.
-
2023
3,500 in the audience
Our biggest festival crowd yet.
-
2025
Kuhamahama book launch
The Kuhamahama Arts Movement story, told in print.
-
2026
Kakalabanda
Wakiso Dance Kids take Kakalabanda to the National Theatre.
The people
Meet the team
Dancers, choreographers and organisers who keep Batalo East moving.
Get to know us
Explore Batalo East
Support Batalo East
Every gift helps young Ugandan dancers learn their traditions, create new work and share it with the world.