Salsa and Silent Disco

Back home in the States there were always opportunities to go to various arts events, whether it was our hometown’s Downtown Art and Wine Festival or sporadic gatherings in downtown Sausalito, it seemed that there was always something that could fill my weekend plans.

Never did I think that this same thing would be available to me in Uganda.

Well remember Batalo Battles?  Seems like Kampala is stepping it up and always has something going on, from art galleries and dance performances to music concerts and small poetry slams.

This past weekend was Bayimba, a festival at the National Theatre that brought together musicians, poets, dancers, artists, and vendors to showcase their work.  There were workshops on the importance of art in society. 

Mark was down from Kitgum for a meeting at the office so we decided to venture into the unknown for a mere 2,000UGX, 0.80USD.

I was taken aback by the beautiful sculptures made out of everyday items… We are talking the thousands of plastic bottles and bags littering the streets were turned into fashion ware and 3-D models of everyday objects.

I was taken aback by the unique designs and creativity.

I was taken aback by the stage of performers, accompanied by two large screens filled with videos and Twitter posts with the hash tag #Bayimba2014.

As Mark and I explored we stumbled upon a silent disco and salsa dancing.

For those who may be unaware, as I was until I participated, a silent disco is where you enter into a space and given a pair of headphones where you can alternate between different channels of music.  You put on your headphones and dance.  Everyone has their own set so you can’t hear what others are listening to.  You take off your headphones and it is somehow silent, as people are often singing to the songs. 

So entertaining and so fun!

I was far too intimated to enter into the salsa space, as the dancers were legitimate.  I decided to practice outside with Frank as my teacher.  Needless to say, I have some work to do or I can simply blame it on my choice of shoes - Chacos.

Walking around the space I kept running into familiar faces and it made me appreciate Kampala and all its uniqueness. 

It made me appreciate the community I can now call my family. 

It made me appreciate the work that these individuals do and the positive change it brings to society.

Edgar selling his scarves at Bayimba!