Andrew Ssebulime is a Ugandan dance practitioner, choreographer, cultural educator, and folk dance movement therapy facilitator with more than twenty years of experience teaching and sustaining Ugandan dance traditions in community and educational settings. Born and raised in Uganda, he trained with the renowned Ndere Troupe and with master folk dance practitioners connected to Makerere University’s Department of Performing Arts and Film. He currently works with Ugandan diaspora communities in Southern California, collaborating with elders, musicians, dancers, and young people to transmit Ugandan dance and music practices. His folk dance movement therapy practice uses culturally grounded movement, rhythm, and collective participation to support community connection and wellbeing. He is also a Ph.D. candidate in Critical Dance Studies at the University of California, Riverside.
Annual Art And Cultural Festival Virtual 2021.
Tweddabulula: Ugandan Dance Transmission in the San Fernando Valley
Funding will support ten community rehearsals and a public showcase of Ugandan dance and percussion traditions (Baakisimba, Kizino, and Amagunju) in the San Fernando Valley. The project will create structured teaching time for elders to pass these traditions to younger generations.
Andrew Ssebulime addresses the audience during a Ugandan dance and music performance. Photograph by Karim Saava.
Andrew Ssebulime performs Ugandan dance alongside members of BantuFest during a community cultural event. Photo: Karim Saava.
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