TRADITION meets URBAN
Contemporary dance, cultural storytelling, and creative transformation — linking traditional and urban arts to raise a generation rooted in identity and ready for the world.
Who we are
Batalo East links traditional and urban arts to encourage innovation, preserve culture, and develop young people with strong roots in their home culture — and the confidence to engage a borderless world.
We bring traditional troupes, urban crews and young artists together through festivals, training, new productions and community work across Uganda.
- LearnTraditional dances taught alongside urban styles
- CreateA safe space to practise, experiment and make new work
- ConnectDancers linked to stages and artists across Africa and beyond
Now on stage
Kakalabanda
Wakiso Dance Kids take the stage in Kakalabanda, a celebration of our culture and our stories through dance, music and play, produced by Batalo East.
Our impact
Every festival, class and workshop adds up. These are the young dancers, audiences and communities Batalo East has reached so far.
since 2013
on our stages
by Kuhamahama
2023 festival
Our programs
Six ways young people learn, create and connect through dance — from our yearly festival to monthly jams in Kampala.
Batalo Dance Festival
An annual celebration fusing traditional and urban dance.
ExploreBatalo East Academy
A five-day intensive of master classes with local and international facilitators.
ExploreDance Theatre Production
Original short and full-length shows for the stage.
ExploreDance Lab & Conversations
Policy, advocacy and management dialogue for the sector.
ExploreThe Equation / Jams
Kampala turns up the volume — the last Saturday of every month.
ExploreExchange & Outreach
Regional young-dancer exchange and community outreach programming.
ExplorePartners who believe in the work.
Organisations and friends who make festivals, classes and new work possible for young dancers in Uganda.
The Batalo newsletter
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- Festival news and tickets before anyone else
- Auditions, classes and open calls for dancers
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