Khaleegy
History & Cultural Context
Traditional dance of the Arabian Gulf region.
More in Global Middle Eastern & Arab Classical & Folk
Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dance)
Fluid, undulating hip and torso movements; blends grace with strength; Turkish and Lebanese variations.
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Egyptian Sufi-origin folk dance performed at celebrations; dancers in colorful skirts spin in trance-like state.
Dabke
Levantine circle folk dance with synchronized group movements; part of shared cultural landscape.
Ardah
Traditionally performed by sword-wielding men in lines; celebration of martial prowess.
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Sufi spiritual meditation through whirling; seeks connection with Allah by abandoning ego; UNESCO Heritage (2005).
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Turkish folk circle dance performed at celebrations.
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Turkish Black Sea region folk dance tradition.
Zeybek
Solo Turkish male folk dance showing off athletic prowess.