TRADITIONAL Saudi folk dancing forms the third leg of an artistic triad with Arabian music and poetry. Even though, to the uninitiated the dances may appear to share mutual characteristics, every region has its own dances and every dance has its own individual personality and story to tell. Traditional dances are performed by individuals and by small and large groups to the beat of drums, accompanied by chants of poetic verses commemorating a revered person, a great event or appropriate human emotions. The ‘ardha, a tribal war dance is arguably the national dance of Saudi Arabia. Originating in Najd, versions of it are danced all over the country and in some neighboring Gulf states as well. The word ‘ardha' means display, and may be derived from ‘ardhal khayl' meaning the display of horses, since Arabs were renowned for the beauty of their horses and proudly displayed them when going to battle. It could also be derived from the Arabic word ‘I'tiradh' which refers to opposing swords, since ‘ardha dancers hold unsheathed swords in their right hands. When performing the ‘ardha, the dancers stand shoulder-to-shoulder, brandishing swords to the rhythm of drums and tambourines, interspersed with a singer chanting verses to the beat of drums. The refrain is then taken up and repeated by the other dancers. A specific dress is worn for the ‘ardha, consisting of a loose white fabric, the ‘Qarmaliya' a black velvet coat, a black headband and a belt worn diagonally across the chest. In the past, the ‘ardha was performed by warriors while facing their enemies in battle to show their bravery and encourage other soldiers. Today, the ‘ardha is performed at major occasions and national celebrations, and is widely seen on television. The ‘ardha is a highlight of the Janadriyah folk festival, which is an expression of Saudi unity and cultural pride. A lot of contemporary ‘ardha poetry refers to the battles, wars and victories led by the founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdul Aziz. – Adapted from ‘Culture and Customs of Saudi Arabia' by David E Long __
