The world of Arab dance is rich and diverse, with a history that spans centuries. The term arab dance name refers to many different styles, from ancient folk traditions to modern, popular performances. These dances are a key part of the culture, and people perform them at celebrations, weddings, and other happy occasions. They are a beautiful way to understand the rhythms and traditions of the Arab world.
The History Behind Every Arab Dance Name
The history of folk dances in the Arab world dates back thousands of years. Early forms of dance often connected to rituals, storytelling, and tribal gatherings. The stomping in the Dabke, for example, may originate from an ancient ritual to protect crops or a practical way to compact mud roofs. Over the centuries, different cultures, including the Andalusians, Ottomans, and even European travelers, influenced these dances. As a result, a wide variety of styles emerged. The famous flamenco dance of Spain’s roots may even lie in a fusion of an Arab Andalusian style with Spanish Gypsy dances.
Types of Arab Dances
There are many types of dance in Arab culture, which we can categorize by their origin and purpose.
Folk Dances
Arab folk dances are traditional dances that people often perform at social gatherings. They are energetic and bring people together.
- Dabke: This is a joyful and energetic line dance popular in the Levant (Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan). Dancers hold hands in a line and move in a synchronized circle, stomping their feet to the rhythm of the music. The History of Dabke is long. Additionally, many variations of Dabke exist across the region. Each variation has its own special steps and rhythm, often reflecting a sense of national identity.
- Deheyeh: A Bedouin dance from the deserts of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Historically, men performed it before battles to stir up enthusiasm. Today, however, it is a celebratory dance at weddings and festivals, where a chorus of men sings and claps to a unique rhythm, and a woman or a male dancer performs in the middle.
- Hagallah: A folk dance of celebration from settled Bedouin in Western Egypt, often during the date harvest. This is a wedding dance or a girl’s coming-of-age dance. A solo female dancer performs in the middle of a circle of men clapping and singing.
- Ardah: A traditional folkloric dance from the Arabian Peninsula, especially Saudi Arabia. Two rows of men perform it, often holding swords, and it is accompanied by drums and spoken poetry. Historically, it was a way to publicly display a tribe’s fighting strength. Today, it is still a symbol of national pride.
- Yowlah: A traditional dance in the United Arab Emirates where men spin and throw a rifle dummy. This dance, therefore, celebrates a show of strength and skill.
Classic and Popular Dances
A single dancer often performs these dances, which are known for their elegance and expression.
- Belly dance (Raqs Sharqi): This is perhaps the most famous arab dance name. It is an expressive Egyptian dance that focuses on complex movements of the torso and hips. The term Raqs Sharqi means „Eastern dance” and refers to the classical, refined style that dancers often perform in films and on stage.
- Baladi: An Egyptian folk style of belly dance that is more stationary, focusing on deep, earthy hip movements and a feeling of improvisation. People consider it the „country” or „folk” version of belly dance because it reflects the everyday life of the people.
- Almeh: A historical class of female entertainers in Egypt. People educated them to sing and recite poetry. They were a sophisticated and respected group who performed for women and the upper class in their homes.
- Ouled Nail: A style of dance from the Ouled Naïl people of Algeria. It features small, rapid foot movements paired with vigorous torso and hip movements. This unique style of dance was part of a larger tradition where women gained wealth and independence before marriage.
- Ghawazi: A group of traveling female dancers in Egypt who performed for the public. Their dance, furthermore, features a very rapid vibrating motion of the hips, and people consider it a more earthy and public style of dance.
- Khaleegy: A joyful dance from women in the Arabian Gulf. Dancers wear a long dress called a Thawb and toss their long, beautiful hair to the rhythm. The hair tossing is the main feature of the dance and symbolizes joy and celebration at weddings and social events.
- Schikhatt: A Moroccan erotic women-only dance. It was originally a performance to teach the bride how to move in the marriage bed. It has now become a popular performance dance.
- Guedra: A ritual dance from Morocco’s desert region. People perform it to induce an altered state of consciousness. A solo performer swings their head and torso until they reach a trance.
Sacred Dances
These dances have a spiritual or religious meaning. As a result, they often connect to Sufi practices.
- Tanoura: An Egyptian folk dance with Sufi origins. The dancer, often a man, spins continuously, wearing a heavy, multi-colored skirt. It opens and closes as they turn. The dance, therefore, symbolizes a spiritual journey and the universe in motion. Each color of the skirt represents a different Sufi order.
- Zar: A dance from Sudan that is also popular among women in Egypt. People perform it in a healing ceremony to drive away evil spirits or to cure an illness.
Arab Rhythms and Moves
The foundation of all these dances is the rich and varied music that accompanies them. Arab Rhythms and Moves are often complex. Different instruments like the oud (a string instrument), the darbuka (a drum), and the tabla (another drum) provide the beat. The movements can be anything from the rhythmic stomping of the Dabke to the flowing, circular movements of the Tanoura.
A note on the keyword „Turkish Tunes and Dances”: While there are distinct differences, a lot of historical influence has been shared between Arab and Turkish Tunes and Dances. This is due to the long history of the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East. Therefore, many musical instruments and rhythmic styles are shared between the two cultures.
Conclusion
Learning about Arab dance is a powerful gateway to understanding the rich and varied culture of the Arab world. From the communal stomping of the Dabke to the individual expression of Belly dance, these traditions are brimming with history and meaning. By exploring the many types of Arab dances, you gain a deeper appreciation for the rhythms and traditions that have shaped Arab culture for centuries.
To fully immerse yourself and connect with the heritage that inspires these dances, consider learning the language itself. By mastering Arabic, you unlock a deeper context for the music and stories behind the movement. You can begin this journey today by downloading the Kaleela app, which is specifically designed to help you learn Arabic, including both Modern Standard Arabic and various dialects, thereby enhancing your overall understanding and appreciation of this vibrant culture.