In June of 2013, 12 World Dancers, 2 photographers, a videographer, and a musician, traveled to Rwanda for two weeks (at their own expense) to visit the 12 communities we are serving there. Our goals were to get to know the people in the cooperatives, learn about their lives and the challenges they face, and take a careful look at the best way to partner with them to build a better future. We accomplished this, and more. We felt an extraordinary bond with the communities, from the moment we met. Each time we arrived in a new community the villagers were already dancing, singing, clapping, and playing drums at FULL FORCE. We stepped right into their dance, and right into each other’s lives—seamlessly and deeply. Some of the encounters were so poignant, so intense, that we felt the earth move under our feet. None of us, even well-seasoned travelers who knew Africa well, had ever experienced anything like it.
World Dance Rwanda – Photos from the Journey
Reflections form the Travelers
DIANE RUSSELL
The journey to Rwanda was a journey into the depths of the human spirit. We mined the gems of life with the Rwandans through dance, song, drumming, human embrace, tears, joy, sorrow and story. The generosity and warmth of welcome from a people that have suffered such a horrific history touched our hearts deeply. It was inspiring to see how hard these people have worked to come together to create a better life. They’re a role model for the rest of the world. I feel honored to have shared this experience with the World Dance community. I will hold this experience in my heart for the rest of my life.
JOJO
As an anthropologist and Africanist, my heart has been grounded in West Africa for many years, and I was a little uncertain about how I would feel in Rwanda given its recent grim history. I shouldn’t have worried a bit. Arriving in Rwanda was like going home. The connections we made were immediate and intense. The verbal language was unimportant – the real communication, through dance, touch, and really SEEING each other cemented bonds in a way that spoken language cannot. This trip was one of the most uplifting experiences of my life.
JAYNE
In all of my travels to developing countries, I have never had such a moving experience that touched my heart and soul so deeply. Joy, respect, curiosity and compassion were mutually shared through dance, song and giving. It shows that inner peace is not found in what many refer to as “progress” and material things but in interpersonal connections.
HOLLY
Connecting with the Rwandan people was unforgettable and life-changing. I was deeply touched by the genuine and abundant warmth, sincerity and generosity of the people we met. We connected through smiles, holding hands, body language, eye contact, lots of enthusiastic hugs, and dance! It was a privilege to hear the stories of these incredible people who are working so hard to make a better life. I am grateful, I am humbled, and I am a better person thanks to the people we met in Rwanda.
AMANDA [who has stayed on in Rwanda!]
This is such a loving and safe place, full of warm, beautiful, genuine people. During our trip, the raw humanity of the people was sometimes overwhelming, but was inspiring to witness and be a part of. They express Joy when they feel Joy and Sadness when they feel Sadness and in between…they simply live. They are so connected to the fact that we need each other. The trip has changed me at the core, and I am grateful to each and every one of the travelers and to Justin for his hard work. The experience wouldn’t have become a reality had it not been for Janet following her heart the way she does. It is because of this that I continue to follow my heart.
SHERRY
The trip to Rwanda was very special for me. I especially enjoyed getting to know some women in Never Again Fellowship. Riziki gave a very moving speech on the importance of women in the cooperatives. I felt such a connection to her and realized that women all over the world are united in friendship. We all have the same dreams and have the ability to work together to achieve our goals.
JULIE
Having visited countries ravaged by unrest, I was prepared to see the consequences of war and poverty on our trip. I wasn’t expecting to find such an indescribable joy of heart and soul, driven primarily by the amazing women and young people. Their determination to be remembered not as victims but as survivors – rebuilding a better future for themselves and future generations – was fest by us all in every exuberant dance step, every voice uplifted in song, and the hugs and smiles of welcome. They shared with us their overwhelming and honest appreciation of life – which changes a person forever.