Folk Dances In Aswan

Folk Dances In Aswan

Aswan, in Egypt is the hub of traditional folk and performing arts. A number of folk dances have survived the scourges of time and are still performed by the simple natives of the region. Folk dances in Aswan are rich in tradition and steeped in historic value. They are very often ritual art forms though many are simply performed for the sake of entertainment.

Nubian folk dances deserve special mention. These folk dances of Aswan are performed on everyday and special occasions. Harvesting, sowing, marriage and nuptial ceremonies, group prayers, all call for dancing and rejoicing. The folk dances of Nubia, like all other folk dances in Aswan are performed separately by men and women of varying age groups.

The El Tahtip and the Gha Wazi are two famed initiatory folk dances of the region. While the former is performed by young men wielding sticks, the latter is essentially a gypsy art form. These dances are usually performed in open grounds and used to introduce the performers. The Araguid dance is another ritual saltation commemorating the prenuptial celebration. Young men and women perform this dance singing to the rhythm of the Duff, a tambourine-like instrument. The Tata is another dance performed to comic effect. It is rendered to purely entertain and hence the lyrics and movements are rather mirthful. The Zaffa is another folk dance of Aswan, performed to add entertainment to the emotional marriage ritual of drawing henna patterns on the hands of the bride. Becharieh and the El Kaff are dances demoting the proposition of marriage made by a young man to his bride to be. These are traditions of the different tribes settled in the regions surrounding Aswan city itself. Other dances for special occasions include the Seboue, celebrating the birth of a child in the family and the El Nagrachad, another marriage dance. Folk dances in Aswan also celebrate everyday affairs such as the Karedj, where Nubian damsels dance with palm leaves and the Souk representing the bustling life at the marketplace or bazaar.

Much has been done, in recent times to protect the Nubian and other folk dances in Aswan. Troupes have been formed and with progressive thoughts permeating society, younger girls and boys perform these dances together and on stage. The international audience is often fascinated by the rich and varied performing arts Aswan and the folk dances shine out as a brilliant illustration of these performing arts.

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