In 1958, Lily travelled around East Africa, visiting Kenya, Tanganyika, Uganda and Rwanda. Rwanda was then ruled by a Tutsi king, who had his own troupe of dancers. These royal dancers were very tall, agile men, who performed both in the country and abroad. The king took an interest in Lily’s work and granted her permission to draw portraits of his dancers, many of whom were related to him. Their headdresses made of sisal endowed them with grace, dignity and spirit.