Entogoro

Entogoro, also known as Orunyege, is a traditional courtship dance that is performed by the Batooro people of western Uganda. The dance holds great significance in the Tooro culture, practiced by young adults to select potential partners for marriage, as well as during weddings, initiation ceremonies, and social gatherings. Its name comes from the ebinyege rattles and entogoro rings associated with the dance.

History

Entogoro has been passed down through generations. Its origins can be traced back to the Bunyoro-Kitara and Tooro Kingdoms.

Dance movements

Entogoro is characterized by the rhythmic shaking of rattles—known as ebinyege—tied on the legs of male dancers and decorative rings—known as entogoro—tied around the waists of female dancers. This dynamic dance showcases the dancers' agility, flexibility, and artistic flair.

Further reading

• Performing Arts and Gender in Postcolonial Western Uganda
• Baakisimba Gender in the Music and Dance of the Baganda People of Uganda