Moroccan dance in national and foreign culture

The Kingdom of Morocco is a very colorful country. Its ancient history, unique culture and a special spirit that does not resemble anything attract tourists from all over the world. Moroccan national dances, which differ in great variety, can become an interesting topic for study. And besides, they are not limited to the bellydance, contrary to the opinion rooted among Europeans.

In this article, you will not only learn about what a Moroccan dance from "Per Gynt" is, but also get acquainted with the basic dance styles of a North African country.

What, where and in what cases are they dancing in Morocco?

The culture of this region is a harmonious blend of Arab and Berber traditions. Unfortunately, such a phenomenon as the traditional Moroccan dance has not been studied enough. With him do not perform dancers and dancers in other countries. But this part of the folklore culture is very popular among the locals.

Moroccans, especially the villagers, dance on major festivals and important family celebrations. It's like a colorful performance accompanied by folk music and bright costumes. Great role is given to traditional musical instruments: tambourines, rattle, castanets, drums, etc.

Each region of Morocco has its own characteristic dances. They are performed in different ways in the north of the country, in the mountains, in the south, on the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Let us dwell in detail on certain types of art of rhythmic movement.

Gedra

The dancer, dressed in a long dress and covered with a broad cloth, makes smooth movements with her hands. The whole body is relaxed. The key components that this Moroccan dance absorbed are the rhythmic movements of the hands and the shaking of the hair with the body swinging from side to side. Sometimes a dancer even enters a trance during performance.

Shikhat

The style became known outside of Morocco for its special purpose. This is a wedding dance, and traditionally it is performed by women at a wedding, gathering around the bride. They are dressed in bright outfits of straight cut, and around the waist a belt with a fringe is tied.

At movement the accent does on a stomach, hips and a breast. Performing rapid movements, shaking and flapping hair.

Haidus

This Moroccan dance is like a pagan dance. It is accompanied necessarily by singing under the tambourines - musical instruments like tambourines.

Both women and men participate in the dance. All participants make wave movements with their bodies. It uses Haidus for various solemn occasions: congratulations to newlyweds, meetings of dear guests, honoring warriors, etc.

Moroccan Sha'abi

It is characterized by rhythmic movements of the head with the release of hair down, as well as various types of shaking (shoulders, hips), accompanied by steps and treading in place. The dancer is dressed in a traditional dressed caftan with long wide sleeves (it is called galabeya).

The bellydance in Moroccan

Strictly speaking, Moroccan belly dancing does not exist by itself. What dances in this country within the framework of belly dance is a mixture of the Lebanese style (in which the movements are undulating and fast, the emphasis is on the thighs) and the popular Egyptian style (fast but at the same time smooth and relaxed). So belly dancing is not even part of the culture of Morocco. In this country it is performed only for tourists, and not always on a professional level.

Moroccan dance in other cultures

Eastern dance develops constantly and is often used in Western art productions. It is possible, for example, to meet him in the play based on G. Ibsen's play "Per Gynt", music to which was written by the famous Norwegian composer E. Grig.

According to the plot, a dreamy and detached from reality main character is forced to lead the life of a fugitive and wanderer. By the will of his destinies he brings to different parts of the world, including in Morocco. Here, a colorful scene for the Western spectator is played out. The main character crouches on the pillows, and in the meantime Anitra, the daughter of the Bedouin leader, and a group of other brightly dressed girls make rhythmic movements to the music. The image of the main dancer inspired many choreographers and artists.

Akhvash - this is the name of the Moroccan dance from "Per Gunnet". It is characterized by its mass character, and it is performed under drums and flutes, often accompanied by singing.

Moroccan folk dances are a bright, colorful, cheerful and dynamic spectacle that can please not only the tourists who are eager for exotics, but also the representatives of this culture.