Folk dance is an essential element in most areas of the United Arab Emirates, and this is true for Dubai. These dances are not limited to gender, age or social status and play an integral part in most celebrations, such as weddings, birthdays and national holidays. Drums and percussion are a primary factor of the dances, and once the tambourine begins, everyone is expected to join in the circle or line. People on work related trips and staying in any business hotels Dubai often hear of a holiday or festival involving a dance and have the opportunity to join in. Weddings are by far the most popular event where folk dancing takes place, and one would not be complete without it.
Men and women both take part in the dance, however they may express themselves in it differently. While women will usually sway to the strong beat, men will usually incorporate the act of war or hunting into their dances. One of the most popular dances in the region is the Ayyalah, which will often entail up to 200 men dancing together. The dance itself will represent defeat or victory over an enemy in war. The men will often brandish swords as they form lines facing each other and they will take turns reciting poetry. Another popular war themed dances is the Harbiya and also involves men in lines facing each other. Individual poetry recitation is not part of the Harbiya, though there are unaccompanied melodic phrasings at moments.
Another popular dance in Dubai is the Mated. This is different than the two others mentioned in that it is specifically related to religious expression. The dance is based on Sufi traditions and celebrates the birth of Mohammed. The Haban is yet another form of folk dancing. Its name refers to the stringed instrument which dominants the theme and accompaniment.
Related posts: