The Botswanan Diwetse Cultural Group

On the evening of July 17, 2011, the 20 young members of the Diwetse Cultural Group staged a feast of traditional Botswanan folk dances in Beijing. Between July 21 and August 4, they traveled to northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region where they performed at the Second China Xinjiang International Folk Dance Festival. Chinese audiences had the chance to experience rhythmic African folk dances live on stage. The shows are part of the China and Botswana Cultural Cooperation Agreement Implementation Plan (2010-13).

African flavor

Located in the southern interior of the African continent, Botswana is known for its steady economy and cultural diversity. The Diwetse Cultural Group is a well-known dance group in the country. With an average age of 20, the performers are passionate about their art in a way that is uniquely youthful. But they also display age-blind qualities of simplicity and strength in their dances.

To showcase Botswanan traditional dance, the artists prepared eight different folk dances, including Setapa, Selete and Tsutsube, styles that are popular in different parts of the country. Some are performed on large occasions like the presidential inaugurations, weddings and parties. Others are meant for healing ceremonies or harvest celebrations. The majority, though, retain the authentic flavor of folk dances. 

According to Pretty Judith, the group's director, traditional dance is still relevant today. Her group was founded to help young artists to find their place in society – by performing traditional song, dance and theater.

Botswana's first President Seretse Khama once said in a famous speech, "A nation without a past is a lost nation, and a people without a past is a people without a soul." Under the government's guidance, Botswana's traditional culture and arts have been passed down, and are now well preserved. Its heritage has won the nation great popularity in many countries.

Integration of two cultures 

At the live shows in Beijing, artists with the Diwetse Cultural Group played music with instruments of the Segaba and Katara brought from home, while musicians with the China National Orchestra presented the folk ensemble entitled Beautiful Africa. The piece featured traditional Chinese musical instruments. The shows brought the audience somehow closer to distant African geography.

When the Chinese dance song Yangge Tune started up – yangge is a popular rural folk dance that recalls cheerful farming scene, the Botswanan dancers joined in with the Chinese dancers onstage. Though coming from different backgrounds, together they brought to their audience a lively feast of folk dances.