The fourth edition of the East Africa Nights of Tolerance (EANT) festival kicked off yesterday at the St. Paul Hall behind the St. Famille Cathedral. 

The annual four-day exhibition will see contemporary dance lovers enjoy 12 performances by dance teams from over 11 countries across the world.

Unlike last year’s edition that had set themes, this edition allows the teams to pick themes and issues of their choice in what they termed ‘Carte Blanche.’

The organiser of the festival, Wesley Ruzibiza, who is also the artistic director for Amizero Kompagnie, the company behind the festival, promised an edition "coloured with passion, hope, creativity, and unforgettable experiences.”

Ruzibiza also says that the fourth edition will provide the artistes an opportunity to perform on a bigger stage and for more people.

"This edition provides participating artistes with opportunities to perform on a global stage and to collaborate with others, as we continue to offer our continuous support to emerging choreographers in the great lakes region,” Ruzibiza says.

The performances lined up include ‘Just a Walk’ by Julie Iarisoa (Madagascar); a reflection on walking, ‘Les Chercheurs de Phases’ by the Rhina Crew (Rwanda and DRC), about achieving dreams and ‘Symphony de la solitude’ by Vincent Harisdo (Benin-France); a contemplation on life in the past and present, among others.

EANT now works within a newly created network of regional platforms called the Africa Mashariki Dance Association (AMDA) that brings together regional platforms like, Time2Dance Festival (Tanzania), The Nairobi Festival of Performance and Media Arts (Kenya) and the Guerrilla Arts Dance Camp (Uganda). AMDA was created with the aim to promote dance in the region and create exposure on the international scene.

Other teams made up of Rwandans and non Rwandans will stage performances at different educational centres like Les Enfants De Dieu Orphanage, Ishyo Art Centre and Kaami Arts Centre.

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