..What we do- iii.Khaleegy, cane dance
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The Khaleegy, a
dance from the Gulf region, is pure fun. For this, the dancer wears a "thobe nashal", a large loose dress beautifully encrusted with sequins and embroidery. |
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The skillful manipulation of the colorful thobe combined with the tossing
of the dancers long flowing hair to a very specific musical rhythm, produces quite a
joyous celebration and dance visual. |
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It is the female version of the tahtib, which comes from the Arabic word for stick or staff, even though the dance is usually done with the cane instead of the staff. |
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Tahtib is the men's stick dance that evolved
out of a display of skill in combat with a bamboo staff. Strongly rooted in the lifestyle
of the fellaheen (rural or village people) the tahtib is recognized in the Arab world as
Egyptian in origin, very similar to the martial art of Akido. Theatricalized presentations involve a mock battle as the protagonists dance, |
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style, holding the stick in one or both hands swinging it around above their heads
striking it on the ground or against each other's staff in choreographed movements. Raks Assaya, the female version, is coy and flirtatious. The movements have been softened and stylized while still retaining an air of exhibitionism. According to researchers Raks Assaya is the epitome of female charm and one of the most popular dances in Middle Eastern entertainment. It is a common occurrence at weddings, circumcisions, births, and in the floor shows of Oriental dancers. |
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