Ardah
Ardah(Arabic:العرضة) is a traditional dance inSaudi Arabia.It is also known as the national dance of Saudi Arabia. In this dance, menform two linesfacing each other. They may carryswordsorcanesand dance todrumsandpoetrywhile holding theSaudi flag.The dance is also performed in other countries in theGulf Cooperation Council.[1][2]
Originally, the "ardah" wasperformedonly by males oftribes of the Arabian Peninsulabefore going towar,but now it is done atcelebrations,weddings,and national and cultural events, such as theJenadriyah festival.Now, there are different types of ardah across theArabian Peninsula.[1]
Name of the dance
[change|change source]The word "Ardah" comes from an Arabic word which means "to show" or "toparade."It was used to boost the morale orself-esteemof fighters before battles.[3]
UNESCOsays this dance is part ofUNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.They said this in 2015 and called the danceAlardah Alnajdiyahat the time.[4]
History
[change|change source]Ardah became important when Saudi Arabia was formed underKing Abdulaziz Al Saud.It was a dance used before the start ofbattles,especially in Najd. After winning battles, it was called "the Najdi Ardah."[2]
Ardah was important during theformation of Saudi Arabia,showing unity and strength (power). It's now an officialparade,even involving theKing of Saudi Arabia.[2]
Performed before fights, Ardah got fighters ready for battle. Now, Saudis think of it as a reminder of war times.[2]In December 2015, UNESCO said Saudi Ardah was a valuable part of the country'sculture.[4]
Variations
[change|change source]| Alardah Alnajdiyah | |
|---|---|
 Ardah at aJenadriyah festival | |
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Domains | dance, drumming and poetry.[4] |
| Reference | 01196 |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 2015 |
| List | Representative |
 | |
Najdi Ardahis the most common type ofArdahin Saudi Arabia. It's also the most popular malefolk dancein the country, often seen on Television. In the 21st century, the government renamed it to 'Saudi Ardah.' But, there are different kinds of Ardah in other regions of Saudi Arabia, like Najran, Asir, and Jizan, etc.[5]
How to perform
[change|change source]Before the dance starts, a poet calls out to start the dance. His poetic call is known asMuharrabahand it is called out along withrhythmicbeats.[3]
Ardah starts with a leader's loud call, surrounded bydrummers.This call is like saying they are ready for war. As a reaction to this, everyone quickly gathers with swords andchanting.Then they line up, holding hands and ready to dance.[3]
References
[change|change source]- ↑1.01.1Urkevich, Lisa (19 December 2014). "5".Music and Traditions of the Arabian Peninsula: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar(Google Play).Routledge. p. 131/689.ISBN978-0415888721.Retrieved22 March2024.
- ↑2.02.12.22.3"5 معلومات لا تعرفها عن" العرضة "السعودية"[5 information you do not know about the Saudi “Ardah” ].Al Arabiya(in Arabic). 7 February 2017.Retrieved22 March2024.
- ↑3.03.13.2"Riyadh Ardah: A martial dance celebrates Kingdom's history, preserves its heritage".Arab News.17 September 2023.Retrieved22 March2024.
- ↑4.04.14.2"UNESCO - Alardah Alnajdiyah, dance, drumming and poetry in Saudi Arabia".UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.Retrieved22 March2024.
- ↑Urkevich, Lisa (19 December 2014). "5".Music and Traditions of the Arabian Peninsula: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar(Google Play).Routledge. p. 133/689.ISBN978-0415888721.Retrieved22 March2024.