Concept in Definition ABC

In the Arab world the dance is one of the signs of identitycultural. In this sense, in countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine a dancetraditional known as dabka or dabke, a word that is equivalent to stomping in Arabic.

Main characteristics of dance

Although there are some variants (Turkish style, triangle or lines), in general this dance requires a small group of dancers (between six and fifteen) who shake hands or hold each other by the shoulders in a semicircle and go through a series of simple steps rhythmic.

The one at one of the extremes is the leader or "al-lawah" who takes the initiative of the dance and in his free hand can hold a handkerchief or a stick as a badge. The dance group does not follow fixed steps but moves in an improvised way and throughout the dance they perform stomping, shouting and clapping.

This dance is normally male, but is also practiced by women. In some areas the dabka is performed separately and each sex dances it independently.

The fact that the dance is collective has a meaning, as it represents the union and harmony between men

It is a dance associated with the spring and it is commonly practiced in some celebrations, especially weddings and baptisms. In its most genuine version, the dancers wear traditional clothing, a kefiye and boots.

The dabka is accompanied by a music emotional and melodic that is played with the lute, derbake, kanun, cymbals and other musical instruments. As an accompaniment to these instruments there is a singer, the kawil, who is in charge of initiating the dance ritual. Sometimes when the collective dabka is over, the leader or al-lawah continues to dance completely alone.

The historical origin

Most scholars consider that its true origin is in Lebanon. It is claimed that this tradition It was not originally a dance, but groups of men gathered and trampled the I usually of cracked mud inside their houses and in this way the cracks were covered and the floor was completely uniform. So that this task was not so heavy and monotonous, the custom of singing and dancing began and in this way the dabka arose.

At present this dance has crossed the borders of the Middle East, because in countries like Argentina o The United States is danced in the streets and in bars among members of the Lebanese community o Syria.

Photos: Fotolia - Erica Guilane Nachez - dhanu3182