Dance and Music |
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In Ras Al Khaimah the folk songs and dances are usually practiced and taught during family gatherings and are passed from generation to generation. The tradition of dancing and singing is usually carried on during special occasions such as weddings or anniversaries. There are several forms of dance still performed today in Ras Al Khaimah. Some of them can only be seen in this Emirate, while others are also popular in other parts of the UAE or the Arab Peninsula.
DANCES
Al Wahabiyyah is the oldest dance in Ras Al Khaimah and is known only in this Emirate. Men who stand in two rows facing each other perform this dance. One man is selected as a leader of a group and he recites verses of poetry that need to be repeated as long as the group memorize it. Once the first line of poetry is declaimed, other lines must follow and be repeated in the same musical voice. The dancers rhythmically move towards each other, while moving their heads to the front and back. Drums accompany the performers.
Another highly popular dance is Al Razef Al Shohooh and is performed by men divided into two rows who move rhythmically singing the verses of poems. Additionally, some of them carry rifles, which they throw high into the air. Others hold thin sticks, which they brandish in a pattern. Other popular dances in the region include Al Ayyala, Al Razfah, Al Rawah and Al Leewah. All these dances are accompanied by the instruments and performed by a large group of males, managed by a leader.
The most known women’s dance is Al Na’ashat and it is performed at various celebrations. The dancers, who are dressed in highly decorative and large dresses called thobes, roll their loose hair from side to side and sing the words of poetry.
MUSIC
The traditional music from this part of the world is called khaliji. Music is played mainly on drums, which come in various shapes and sizes. Very popular is a tambourine made of goatskin called taarah. This use of heavy beats shows some influences of the African music. The khaliji songs were sang during the work and the rhythm of the drum created the pace of work. Next to drums, a two-string spike fiddle known as rababah is often used, as well as violin, oud (a classic Arab lute) and an Arabian flute called nai. Music also served as a background to poetry.
MODERN MUSIC
Nowadays, dance and music still play an important role in the Arab culture. Young people, under the scrupulous eyes of their elders, perform traditional dances and sing verses of poetry, which express love, and praise tribal traditions and achievements. However, there is also a new inflow of modern music from the West and modern Arabic music mainly from Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. The most popular Gulf region singers include Hussein Al Jasmi, Nora, Abdullah Balkhair, Saud Abou Sultan, Al Wasmi, Ahlam, Mohammad Al Mazem, to mention just a few. |
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