Ballet Al Arab is a dance troupe based in Mendoza, Argentina that performs dabke, a folk dance from the Middle East. Directed by Said Hamdan, the group consists of 20 dancers of Syrian and Lebanese descent who preserve and educate others about Arab cultural traditions through their performances. One of the popular acts is the men's dabke, which Hamdan notes shows strength and features variations from Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. The troupe has nearly 100 costumes that reflect the cultures of different Middle Eastern countries and allow the dancers to authentically represent each style of dabke.
https://www.aljazeera.net/news/cultureandart/2019/2/16/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%84%D9%88%D9%83%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA
"Folklore" .. Dance of Iraqi folklore
16/2/2019
Print font size
The answer is usually dressed in the dishdasha (thobe) while playing Joby (Al Jazeera Net)
The answer is usually dressed in the dishdasha (thobe) while playing Joby (Al Jazeera Net)
Marwan al-Jubouri-Baghdad
With the bustle of weddings and social events gathering, flying around each other, the hands and shoulders converge to "play" one of the oldest folkloric dances in Iraq, "Gobi" - which resembles Dabke in other countries - with unmistakable songs and melodies, which they inherited from their ancestors.
In Iraq, which is rich in societal and cultural diversity, many folk arts are associated with certain regions and cities, where they grew up and flourished, and became a registered trademark in its name, including the famous "Jubi" dance (and the name is spoken between the gym and the Shin).
Throughout the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, starting from Baghdad and its environs towards northern and western Iraq, the local people celebrate this dance and practice it in their joys and social occasions, and they see it as an expression of their ancestral heritage with the songs, melodies and poems associated with their councils and forums.
Many consider that the "Jobi" is not limited to that dance, but also includes the associated melodies and songs and Mawwil.
Iraqis prefer to use the word "play" instead of "dance", a reference to those who practice the job.
Thus, the Gobi players - or the “answer” - have become permanent guests at every occasion or social gathering.
The dance includes high jumps in the air on drum and oboe rhythms.
The dance includes high jumps in the air on drum and oboe rhythms.
Specialized teams
For decades, most of the artists in Iraq have included at least one song of this color in their albums.
This dance is often practiced by a group of between 10 and 20 people, dressed mostly in the traditional "dashdasha" (garment), forming a semi-circle led by a person holding a rosary or handkerchief to control the rhythm, and perhaps one or two people from this group to perform a special dance In front of her, the same rhythm but in different movements.
Different age groups participate in the dance Aljoubi (Al Jazeera Net)
Different age groups participate in the dance Aljoubi (Al Jazeera Net)
Al-Joubi Square includes different age groups, from childhood to sometimes advanced ages.
Being a popular dance familiar to Iraqis, many young people are making up teams for the Gobi, to commemorate events and sometimes compete between different regions and provinces.
Omar Al Thiabi is a young man who has been fascinated by this folklore from an early age.
He tells Al Jazeera Net that their group was founded in 2010 in Ba ...
Matters Musical is a music entertainment agency for music, dance, and physical arts from around the world. Constantly researching new world music acts from around the globe, we pride ourselves in being able to find obscure and exotic live music acts and bands for your event.
Mesmerizing Tanoura Dance in Dubai Desert - Reserve Now!Captain Dunes
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https://www.aljazeera.net/news/cultureandart/2019/2/16/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%84%D9%88%D9%83%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA
"Folklore" .. Dance of Iraqi folklore
16/2/2019
Print font size
The answer is usually dressed in the dishdasha (thobe) while playing Joby (Al Jazeera Net)
The answer is usually dressed in the dishdasha (thobe) while playing Joby (Al Jazeera Net)
Marwan al-Jubouri-Baghdad
With the bustle of weddings and social events gathering, flying around each other, the hands and shoulders converge to "play" one of the oldest folkloric dances in Iraq, "Gobi" - which resembles Dabke in other countries - with unmistakable songs and melodies, which they inherited from their ancestors.
In Iraq, which is rich in societal and cultural diversity, many folk arts are associated with certain regions and cities, where they grew up and flourished, and became a registered trademark in its name, including the famous "Jubi" dance (and the name is spoken between the gym and the Shin).
Throughout the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, starting from Baghdad and its environs towards northern and western Iraq, the local people celebrate this dance and practice it in their joys and social occasions, and they see it as an expression of their ancestral heritage with the songs, melodies and poems associated with their councils and forums.
Many consider that the "Jobi" is not limited to that dance, but also includes the associated melodies and songs and Mawwil.
Iraqis prefer to use the word "play" instead of "dance", a reference to those who practice the job.
Thus, the Gobi players - or the “answer” - have become permanent guests at every occasion or social gathering.
The dance includes high jumps in the air on drum and oboe rhythms.
The dance includes high jumps in the air on drum and oboe rhythms.
Specialized teams
For decades, most of the artists in Iraq have included at least one song of this color in their albums.
This dance is often practiced by a group of between 10 and 20 people, dressed mostly in the traditional "dashdasha" (garment), forming a semi-circle led by a person holding a rosary or handkerchief to control the rhythm, and perhaps one or two people from this group to perform a special dance In front of her, the same rhythm but in different movements.
Different age groups participate in the dance Aljoubi (Al Jazeera Net)
Different age groups participate in the dance Aljoubi (Al Jazeera Net)
Al-Joubi Square includes different age groups, from childhood to sometimes advanced ages.
Being a popular dance familiar to Iraqis, many young people are making up teams for the Gobi, to commemorate events and sometimes compete between different regions and provinces.
Omar Al Thiabi is a young man who has been fascinated by this folklore from an early age.
He tells Al Jazeera Net that their group was founded in 2010 in Ba ...
Matters Musical is a music entertainment agency for music, dance, and physical arts from around the world. Constantly researching new world music acts from around the globe, we pride ourselves in being able to find obscure and exotic live music acts and bands for your event.
Mesmerizing Tanoura Dance in Dubai Desert - Reserve Now!Captain Dunes
Experience the captivating swirl of colors and culture with our desert safari featuring an unforgettable Tanoura dance performance. Join us today for a mesmerizing adventure!
2137ad Merindol Colony Interiors where refugee try to build a seemengly norm...luforfor
This are the interiors of the Merindol Colony in 2137ad after the Climate Change Collapse and the Apocalipse Wars. Merindol is a small Colony in the Italian Alps where there are around 4000 humans. The Colony values mainly around meritocracy and selection by effort.
Hadj Ounis's most notable work is his sculpture titled "Metamorphosis." This piece showcases Ounis's mastery of form and texture, as he seamlessly combines metal and wood to create a dynamic and visually striking composition. The juxtaposition of the two materials creates a sense of tension and harmony, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between nature and industry.
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Kurgan is a russian expatriate that is secretly in love with Sonia Contado. Henry is a british soldier that took refuge in Merindol Colony in 2137ad. He is the lover of Sonia Contado.
Explore the multifaceted world of Muntadher Saleh, an Iraqi polymath renowned for his expertise in visual art, writing, design, and pharmacy. This SlideShare delves into his innovative contributions across various disciplines, showcasing his unique ability to blend traditional themes with modern aesthetics. Learn about his impactful artworks, thought-provoking literary pieces, and his vision as a Neo-Pop artist dedicated to raising awareness about Iraq's cultural heritage. Discover why Muntadher Saleh is celebrated as "The Last Polymath" and how his multidisciplinary talents continue to inspire and influence.
1. األرجنتني ،ازمندو 207206
Dances of the Middle East & North Africa أفريقيا وشامل األوسط الرشق يف الرقصات دليل
Kicking off
MENDOZA, Argentina
Images
Daniela Higa
Text
Rima Alsammarae
Tucked away in Argentina’s Mendoza province,
Lebanese and Syrian dancers stomp away
to traditional dabke
2. األرجنتني ،ازمندوMendoza, Argentina 209208
Dances of the Middle East & North Africa أفريقيا وشامل األوسط الرشق يف الرقصات دليل
‘We dance out of love for our Arab blood,’ says Said Hamdan, director
of Ballet Al Arab, a non-profit organisation based in Argentina’s
Mendoza province.
Formed in 2001, Ballet Al Arab consists of 20 male and female dancers
of Syrian and Lebanese origins. Performing various folk dances from
across the Middle East, one of Ballet Al Arab’s popular troupes is its
Dabke de Hombres.
Dabke is one of the Middle East’s most commonly recognised dances,
with its history firmly planted in Levantine countries like Lebanon,
Jordan and Syria, as well as the greater region from Turkey to Iran.
Performed at various celebrations and gatherings, dabke consists of
circle and line dancing and involves complex jumping and stomping.
And while performances are often spontaneously formed at get-
togethers, some of those living abroad dance dabke not only to stay
connected to their roots, but to also educate others about the Middle
East’s rich cultural history.
According to Hamdan, the ancestors of Ballet Al Arab’s members
moved to Argentina over the past century, and played fundamental
roles in the country’s social development and growth. With
the presence of Argentina’s Arab community spreading across
generations, many Middle Eastern traditions have been preserved,
such as dabke. ‘Our shows always have educational objectives and
bring back nice memories for Arab audiences,’ says Hamdan.
‘The men’s dabke is very similar to the Argentinian malambo,’ he
adds, referring to the South American dance in which footwork
consists of tap dancing, stomping and brisk switches in direction.
‘We perform different versions of men’s dabke – one from Syria,
three from Lebanon and one from Palestine.’
While belly dancing is also popular among women of the Arab
community in Argentina, Hamdan notes that the ‘men’s dabke is
a way to show that men also dance, and with a lot of strength.’
There are a number of names for dabke, according to Anthony Shay,
an associate professor of dance and cultural studies at Pomona
01
3. األرجنتني ،ازمندوMendoza, Argentina 211210
Dances of the Middle East & North Africa أفريقيا وشامل األوسط الرشق يف الرقصات دليل
College, California. From dola in Iran to halay in Turkey, variations
of dabke are shared among Middle Eastern and North African
countries. However, like most folk dances, its long history lacks exact
dates and confirmed origins.
‘There are many indications that line dances that are similar to the
dabke have been performed for centuries,’ says Shay. ‘Prehistoric
pottery art throughout the vast region illustrates the same hand-
holding. These depictions suggest that dabke, or dances like it, were
traditionally only performed by men.’
It’s thought that the Palestinian dabke may have originated from
old Canaanite fertility rites, which were performed in part to show
appreciation for rich agriculture. Others, however, trace the tradition
back a few centuries to a time when Levantine houses were made
of stone, wood, straw and mud. As communities built shelter and
worked to ensure the mud was compact, folk songs such as ‘Ala
Dalouna’, or ‘Let’s Go and Help’, were used to keep up morale,
giving way to rhythmic stomping and jumping.
Because dabke is such a widespread tradition, with variations
occuring in nearly all Middle Eastern countries, the garments worn
during performances typically relate to the culture from which the
dancers originate. ‘The clothing most associated with dabke today is
the typical baggy pants worn by Arabs and Kurds in Iraq, Lebanon,
Syria and Jordan. Various shirts, sashes, vests or jackets are also
worn,’ says Shay. ‘The headpieces can range, and include fezzes,
kerchiefs or turbans of various cuts and colours.’
Today, women also tend to participate in dabke. For them, Shay
says the clothing is quite similar – regional costumes are preferred
and typically involve a long dress cut to the mid-calf or ankle. The
dresses, too, are usually worn over trousers.
‘We research and understand that each costume is related to
a particular geography, weather, religion or social class. For example,
during a classic Lebanese dance, the costume for women includes
the tantour,’ Hamdan says, referring to the cone-shaped headdress.
For Ballet Al Arab, each dance’s costume consists of five to
eight pieces, and the organisation’s wardrobe stores nearly 100
We dance out of love for
our Arab blood
Said Hamdan
4. األرجنتني ،ازمندوMendoza, Argentina 213212
Dances of the Middle East & North Africa أفريقيا وشامل األوسط الرشق يف الرقصات دليل
different outfits used for public performances. Hamdan finds that
the costumes affect the movements of the dancers, and that the
choreography requires a little creativity to ensure smooth, fluid
motions. ‘The choreographer needs to take into account what the
dancers are wearing so that they can spin, jump and shift well. The
colours of the fabrics also need to complement each other when
dancers are on stage,’ he adds.
Of Ballet Al Arab’s wide array of fashion choices, the Dabke de
Hombres’ royal blue and yellow costumes are perhaps the most
striking – boasting Spanish influences and embroidery evocative of
the costumes worn by bullfighters.
According to Hamdan, Middle Eastern tailors in Mendoza have
designed 80 percent of Ballet Al Arab’s costumes. ‘We only use
national fabrics that are based on original designs. The remaining 20
percent of our garments are sourced from Syria or Lebanon, brought
by members of our group or transported to stores in Argentina. Our
instruments, though, are always brought from abroad.’
Common regional instruments like the oud, mijwiz and the tablah,
a small hand-drum, accompany the folk dance and allow musicians
to provide fast, upbeat tempos. The rhythm of the music typically
calls for sharp footwork. ‘The movements can be small or large,’
says Shay. ‘They usually include squats and other athletic motions.
In a recent Jordanian television broadcast, dabke dancers executed
intricate motions that can be compared to the footwork seen in
dances from Serbia, Macedonia and even Bulgaria.’
While Ballet Al Arab continues to stage productions of Middle
Eastern folk dances, it also offers Arabic language classes and plays,
like its upcoming ‘Roses Garden… A Possible Love’. Centred on an
interfaith love story, the play hopes to shed light on certain cultural
nuances of the Middle East.
Despite Ballet Al Arab’s expansion of services it provides to
its international audiences, dabke remains at the heart of the
organisation. As the only Argentinian dance group that performs
folk dances from different Middle Eastern countries, ‘Ballet Al Arab,’
says Hamdan, ‘keeps Arab culture alive through dabke dancing.’
Across the Middle East, dabke is a common tradition with variations occurring in each country.
From Turkey to Iran, Palestine to Iraq, dabke is a source of pride among many and often
lends itself to culturally-specific costumes, like the keffiyeh.
12. األرجنتني ،ازمندوMendoza, Argentina 229228
Dances of the Middle East & North Africa أفريقيا وشامل األوسط الرشق يف الرقصات دليل
01 For Said Hamdan, the director of Ballet Al Arab,
men’s dabke is a way of illustrating strength and power.
The group’s Dabke de Hombres performs a number of
variations originating from Syria, Lebanon and Palestine
02 Based in Mendoza, Argentina, Ballet Al Arab
performs for Arab and non-Arab audiences, which
allows the group to educate others on the cultural
history of the Middle East
03 In addition to dabke, the dance troupe performs
belly dancing, which Hamdan notes is popular among
audiences, as well as stages plays
04 The dabke costume typically involves wide trousers,
billowing shirts, jackets, sashes and various headpieces.
Each element is related to the country and culture from
which the dancers originate
05 Ballet Al Arab has nearly 100 different costumes in
its collective wardrobe, which includes the ladies’ conical
tantour and the men’s chequered keffiyeh
06 As they assemble into a lined formation, the
members of Ballet Al Arab prepare to take off, wearing
their signature royal blue and yellow costumes
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