### Dance as a vector of social engagement: Likit’Arts Kongo’s “Move to Change” initiative
In a world where art plays a crucial role in managing societal crises, the Congolese artistic company Likit’Arts Kongo stands out with its ambitious dance project, “Move to Change”. This program is not limited to a simple artistic expression, but positions itself as a real instrument of social transformation, combining creativity and contemporary societal issues.
#### An initiative enriched by international support
The “Move to Change” project, which benefited from a significant boost of 10,000 euros thanks to the Construire Ensemble Initiative and the French Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), illustrates the importance of international support for the promotion of the arts and the enhancement of local culture. Indeed, combining local talent with external resources can be a real breath of fresh air for cultural initiatives in Africa, which are often underfunded.
The recognition of this project by international partners should be highlighted, as it embodies a growing awareness of the challenges facing the DRC and its artists. Financial support, while crucial, is only part of the equation. This kind of partnership also provides a platform to broaden the reach of the messages conveyed by Congolese artists, thereby strengthening intercultural dialogue.
#### A rich blend of artistic disciplines
The fusion of dance and theatre, as Christian Mwalu Mwila points out, will create a new narrative dynamic in the creations. By integrating elements of staging and dramaturgy into a choreographic context, the artists do not just dance — they tell stories. This multidimensional approach allows for addressing a variety of themes, including gender issues, a particularly sensitive and relevant topic in the DRC, where socio-cultural disparities persist.
Using dance as a universal language to touch hearts and minds is essential. Recent statistics indicate that nearly 50% of Congolese have already felt touched by artistic works that address social issues. By exploiting the expressive potential of dance, the project aims to engage the public on crucial themes, thus stimulating discussions that could lead to concrete changes.
#### A personal transformation for artists
Beyond the social scope of the initiative, the “Move for Change” project also has an internal impact on the participating artists. The training received has allowed the choreographers to rethink their creative approach, as Indrick Masaku testifies. Their evolving perception of storytelling through dance indicates an ever-changing artistic vision, which could also lead to increased professionalization within Congolese dance.
Indeed, the program seems to be developing an artistic ecosystem that transcends simple performance. Residencies and assessments supported by trainers such as Jackson Lohanga play a key role in this transformation. An investment in the continuing education of artists could, according to comparative studies on other artistic initiatives around the world, increase the chances of success and sustainability of creative projects.
#### The impact of multicultural representations
The Rencontre des danseurs festival in Kinshasa, which will host “Bouger pour changer”, is a microcosm where various artistic identities will intersect. The program of shows, scheduled for February 14 and 15, illustrates the diversity of the Congolese artistic landscape. Shows such as “Lingot” and “Maisha” to the performance “Corps objets” demonstrate a stylistic range that will allow dancers to express themselves freely while addressing socio-political themes.
The phenomenon of dance as a socio-cultural rallying point is already observed in several regions of the world. For example, the experience of the Contemporary Dance Festival of Algiers, which, like “Bouger pour changer”, uses choreographic performances to address societal issues, has proven that art can be a powerful catalyst for change.
#### Towards an engaged future
As the “Bouger pour changer” project begins to take shape, it is imperative to reflect on its sustainability and its capacity to inspire other initiatives across the country. The success of such an enterprise could also depend on its capacity to establish links with other artistic and creative fields, thus promoting a multidisciplinary approach that would benefit the entire Congolese cultural sector.
Dance, with its unique ability to transcend words and unite people, could play a much larger role than we think. As the DRC continues to navigate its challenges, projects like “Move for Change” could represent not only hope for dance, but also a model for artistic engagement in social change. If we want to see a more conscious society emerge, it is essential to invest in the arts, because, as the experience of the dancers of Likit’Arts Kongo shows, each dance step can contribute to the development of a stronger collective narrative.
In this light, “Move for Change” would not be just an ephemeral event, but an ongoing movement – one that blends passion, commitment, and hope for a better future in the Democratic Republic of Congo.