{{Short description|Traditional dance of the Acholi people}} thumb|299x299px|Acholi Bwola Dance thumb|Bwola dance by the Acholi thumb|Acholi Cultural tools used in the performance of their dances '''Bwola''', also known as '''Acholi bwola''', is a traditional dance that originates from the Acholi people in Northern Uganda. It is reserved for special occasions and performances in front of royalty, including kings and chiefs. This dance is often showcased during the installation of new chiefs or at various royal functions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nunoo |first=Ama |date=2020-02-05 |title=A look at Bwola, the royal dance in Uganda |url=https://face2faceafrica.com/article/a-look-at-bwola-the-royal-dance-in-uganda |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Face2Face Africa |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Bwola and Larakaraka of the Acholi OF NORTHERN UGANDA |url=https://ebrary.net/139190/education/bwola_larakaraka_acholi_northern_uganda |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Ebrary}}</ref>
== History == thumb|300x300px|A group of Bwola dancers perform during the Pader District Referral Hospital dedication ceremony, May 5, 2009. Originally performed exclusively for royalty, Bwola has now expanded to include political leaders and dignitaries. Known as the royal dance of the Acholi people, Bwola is a symbol of honor and respect, traditionally showcased during chiefs' ceremonies.<ref name=":2" /> It plays a vital role in the installation of new chiefs or any other royal gatherings.
The practice of Bwola has encountered challenges, including the prohibition of specific animal parts that are crucial to the dance, thus posing a threat to its cultural preservation.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dance Style - Aa |url=https://www.universaltongue.com/dance-style-aa |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Universal Tongue |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-15 |title=Outlawed animal parts spell death of bwola dance |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/life/outlawed-animal-parts-spell-death-of-bwola-dance--3511892 |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Monitor |language=en}}</ref>
== Performance == Bwola is recognized by its distinct elements such as calabash called "Larakaraka" and a cylindrical drum known as "Jagi". Dancers adorn themselves in traditional attire, including an ostrich-feather headdress, a white cloth elegantly draped around their waist, and ankle bells that add a rhythmic touch to their movements.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Uganda: The Bwola – The Royal Dance |url=https://combonimissionaries.ie/2018/01/19/uganda-the-bwola-the-royal-dance/ |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Comboni Missionaries Ireland |language=en-GB}}</ref>
The dance is performed by men and women in separate groups. The men’s group performs first, followed by the women’s group. The dance is led by a group of men who play the calabash and drum. The dancers move in a circular motion, with the men moving in a clockwise direction and the women moving in an anti-clockwise direction. The dancers move their feet in a rhythmic pattern, while the upper body remains still.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Uganda: The Bwola – The Royal Dance |url=https://www.combonimissionaries.co.uk/index.php/2018/01/19/uganda-the-bwola-the-royal-dance/ |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Comboni Missionaries |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== References == <references />
== Further reading ==
* [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/journey-to-children-of-bwola-dances-amaya/1133496657 Journey to Children of Bwola Dances by Amaya] * [https://shapero.com/products/rodger-george-the-acholi-tribe-uganda-1950-75596?pr_prod_strat=use_description&pr_rec_id=9f397dab2&pr_rec_pid=8528833020209&pr_ref_pid=8528797466929&pr_seq=uniform The Acholi tribe, Uganda.] * [https://www.jstor.org/stable/41484996 The Branded Arena: Ugandan 'traditional' Dance in the Marketing Era] Category:Acholi dances Category:African folk dances Category:Ugandan dances