Haban, Ayyalah and Other Folk Dances June 2nd, 2009
In Dubai, as well as most areas of the United Arab Emirates, Folk dance is an important part of the culture. Not limited by social status, age or gender, the dances play an integral part in most celebrations. These include national holidays, birthdays and weddings. When the tambourine begins you better be ready as everyone is expected to join the dance circle or line. Drums and percussion contribute strongly to the dances. No wedding would be complete without folk dancing as they are the most popular occasion by far where folk dancing takes place. If you are staying in a business hotel Dubai while traveling for your work, or a five star hotel Dubai as part of your vacation, it is not uncommon to hear of a festive occasion or holiday that will involve a dance and possibly give you an opportunity to participate.
Though they express themselves differently and according to gender, men and women both participate in the dance. Hunting and acts of war are usually the themes of the men’s dance. Swaying to the strong beat of the music is the typical expression of the women dancers. The Ayyalah is one of the most popular folk dances of the region, and usually there are as many as 200 men involved in the dance. The theme of this dance is defeating an enemy in war. Taking turns reciting poetry the male dancers frequently find themselves brandishing swords at one another while forming lines to face each other. The folk dance Harbiya does not involve poetry recitation by individual members of the dance although it does involve a cappella singing at times. Celebrating the birth of Muhammad and based in Sufi tradition, the Mated is another popular dance in Dubai. This is a unique style of folk dance in that its common theme relates specifically to religious expression. The folk dance Haban takes its name from the stringed instrument of the same name. Regardless of the structure, theme or purpose, folk dances play an important role in the lifestyle and culture of most of Dubai’s residents.
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- Posted by Cliff
- Tagged Arts & Culture, Travel
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