Dancing Through Adversity: Artists Converge at Congo’s Largest Dance Festival

In the bustling city of Goma, nestled in the eastern part of Congo, Virginie Magumba has transformed her passion for dance into a lifeline. At just 22 years old, this professional dancer has taken the dance world by storm. Yet for Virginie, dancing is not merely a career; it’s a form of liberation and emotional therapy. Through dance, she finds a sense of belonging and emotional release that words alone can’t describe. “All that I have become, I owe to dancing,” she asserts with conviction. Virginie’s dedication paid off spectacularly when she clinched the prized title of Best Congolese Dancer at this year’s Goma dance festival.

The Goma dance festival is the crowning jewel of Congo’s dance scene. Held annually for the past seven years, the event is the largest dance festival in the Democratic Republic of Congo, attracting talent from across the globe. The backdrop of ongoing rebel attacks in Eastern Congo has not deterred the festival’s spirit, rather it has only intensified its significance. For Virginie, the festival was a turning point. Despite being familiar with the world of dance through watching performers at her father’s sports club, it wasn’t until she was 17 that she took the plunge herself.

Fresh out of high school and about to embark on a degree in humanitarian studies, Virginie decided to give dancing a shot. Little did she know that this decision would change her life forever. Over time, dancing evolved from a hobby into something much more profound—a therapeutic escape from the harsh realities of life in a conflict zone. “The festival embodies this spirit of perseverance,” she says, reflecting on how the annual event has built her up as a dancer and a person.

Virginie’s talent has given her the rare opportunity to travel outside of Congo, showcasing her skills on international stages. However, despite the lure of global opportunities, she is resolute about staying in her homeland. “So many people left in recent years,” she notes, referring to the exodus caused by ongoing unrest. Virginie’s commitment to her community is unwavering. She believes that it is essential for her to stay and inspire the next generation of dancers in Goma. After all, with only two professional female dancers in the city, her departure would leave a significant void. “If I leave, who is going to show the other girls it is possible?” she muses.

Virginie Magumba’s story is a testament to the power of dance as a force for personal and communal transformation. Through her art, she has found not only her calling but also a way to give back to her community. In a region often overshadowed by conflict, Virginie shines as a beacon of hope and resilience. Her journey reminds us that even in the most challenging circumstances, passion and perseverance can pave the way for extraordinary achievements.