Music and Dance in Muscat
Oman - Muscat - Salalah
A place where the skyline is formed of gigantic volcanic mountains and the horizon meets a gurgling Arabian Sea, it is definitely a place where music and dance flourishes to its full extent. Music and Dance in Muscat has always been an attractive subject of interest to people from all over the world. Muscat music and dance is representative of traditional Omani music and folk dance, which in turn depicts typical Arabian music and dance. The vibrant culture of Muscat has always been a major attraction to the tourists on a tour to this city. And, what else can uphold true culture of a place than its musical beats and rhythms? Omani music has always found place in different phases of the lives of the people living here. Be it a social or a political issue, religious or entertaining, music and dance in Muscat has always stolen the show.
Music in Muscat owes its origin to typical traditional Omani music. This rhythmic music has come down by oral tradition and does not have any definite notation. Various festivals and events take place during various times in the city of Muscat which patronize music and dance in Muscat . The Omani Song Festival takes place during April every two years and is conducted by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. This is a festival where young talents flourish as well as the folk and traditional cultures are taken care of. A Lute Workshop in Arab Music also takes place in the city of Muscat. Even today, the lute continues to be the main accompanist in folk music. Organized by the Ministry of Information, this seminars aims at looking into all the types of lute and their usages.
Dance in Muscat also typifies Arab foot tappings. Typical Arabian dance has elements like belly dance, debke, ghawazee, zar, shamadan, shikhat, hagallah and guedra. The regular movements in rhythm to a beating music are the characteristic of Omani dance.
Music and dance in Muscat continues to flourish in every house of this beautiful city as tradition and culture continues to prevail in the hearts of the people here.