Bearing the distinctive characteristics of the cultures of the Gulf countries, the traditional ardah dance has recently been reintroduced to the public, especially after the coronation of Kuwaiti Emir Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
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| The traditional ardah dance is meant to showcase the strength of the tribe. |
Sword dance to the sound of drums
Originating from male tribes in central Saudi Arabia, the ardah dance takes its name from the Arabic word meaning "to show, to parade." This name refers to the dance's original purpose—to demonstrate tribal strength and boost morale before battle.
Due to its nature, the instruments used to perform the ardah dance include drums and swords. The dancers of that time were soldiers going into battle. They stood in two rows facing each other, holding swords and swinging them to the rhythmic drumming while reciting heroic verses at a fast tempo. A person in the middle would direct the ardah dance, sometimes also carrying a flag.
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| The ardah dance became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015. |
All three elements—dance, drum rhythm, and poetic rhythm—were mentioned by Saudi Arabia in its application to UNESCO for recognition as an intangible cultural heritage. And it wasn't too difficult for the ardah dance to be recognized as a heritage in 2015.
Celebrating traditions , welcoming Ramadan.
Nearly two months ago, during a brief ceremony marking the beginning of the important month of February in Kuwait, Emir Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah reminded the people of the ardah dance by stepping down to dance with soldiers at the Bayan Palace.
Around the same time, the ardah dance was used by Saudi Arabia to welcome Emir Meshal during his official visit to Riyadh, marking the beginning of a more than month-long tour of Gulf countries undertaken by the Kuwaiti head of state.
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| At receptions and large events, the ardah dance is used as a way to welcome guests. |
The aforementioned events have, to some extent, contributed to the appeal of the ardah dance. Since then, the people of Kuwait have seen this tradition more often, especially in February with the recent major holidays. At receptions and large events, the ardah dance is used as a way to welcome guests; even foreigners have had the opportunity to experience waving swords to the rhythm of the drums along with the dancers.
Most recently, at the Kuwait Sports Day event on March 9th, dance troupes were stationed on the Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah sea bridge to perform this dance to encourage people to complete their fitness journey.
Just before the start of Ramadan, King Meshal continued to promote Arab traditions and culture by attending the ceremony announcing the establishment of Abdullah Al-Salem University in the Shuwaikh area.
The image of the benevolent Kuwaiti monarch dancing a traditional dance with the people promises to bring new vitality to upcoming celebrations and major holidays in Kuwait, especially during Ramadan.
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