RSSThe truest expression of the people of a region lies in the dance and music. Dance is about never-ending aspiration and music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and provides it adequate rest. Welcome to the world of marvellous music and dance!!!!!!!
There is nothing else in this world to uphold the true culture of a place than its musical beats and rhythms. Omani music has always found place in different phases of the lives of the people living here. Be it a social or a political issue, religious or entertaining, music and dance has always stolen the show.
Forget yourself and let yourself immerse in the beauty of the dance and music... while you are in the various regions of Oman.
The Sharqiya region of Oman is the home to three main types of songs which can be categorized as the sea, desert and urban areas songs. The songs about seas provide you a feeling of the responsibilities and duties of a sailor on board. There are 8 varieties of sea songs. One among this is the Shillat al Hamool, The Song of the Porters, which is generally sung while loading the ship with goods. Those who load the goods and will be sailing pray God to safeguard them during the journey via this song.
Then, there is the Hambal, which is sung by the sailors during their parade to Razha. It will be lead by two drummers who walk backwards while facing the participants. This song helps in boosting the courage and bravery of those who are ready for voyage.
The desert songs reflect the sturdy nature of the camels. The Al Taghrud, which is sung while people ride on camels, offers encouragement to both the riders and the camels during their long journey. It follows a fixed chant which does not change. Then, you can hear the Al Taariq Bedouin song. This is performed either while riding on a camel or sitting on the ground. Two singers render the beautiful music in alternate verses. The music showcases the slow pace of the camel.
The Razha is a dance form of Oman in which the participants exchange swords and poetry. The participating men leap into the air with a heavy sword in their hand and then, land on the sand without faltering. The men throw the swords up to the sky and catch as it touches the land. This dance form is an ideal mirror of the strength and prowess of the region.
In earlier days, this dance form had been used by the tribal people for expressing their requirements and also for announcing war, mustering troops as well as mediating between warring groups. But now, the Razha al Kabira, as it is known, is performed for welcoming the ruler and celebrating any special events.
The Musandam Region
The songs of this region are quite different from other parts of Oman. The Al Ruwah is unique to the Bedouins, who can be found in the mountains of the Musandam region. The 8 to 10 drummers who perform this song move forward and backward and then form circles.
The different verses of this song indicate different times of the day. The first one is Sirah, which is performed in the morning. Then, you have the Saadar, Rawah and Sira which are performed during the mid-morning, noon and evening respectively. This song is generally performed at religious festivals and weddings as well as on special events.
Yet another type of dance which is very popular in this region is the Al Mawlid. Performed as a part of the celebration of Prophet Mohammad’s birthday, the song can also be heard being played at weddings, house warming ceremonies or if a sick person is being cured. The dance has a khlaifa [leader], a shawwush [second in command] and a recite [qara]. While the position of khalifa is handed over the generations, the person chosen as a qara will usually be a scholar or a man of science.
The Al Dan dance and song has two rows of participants who stand parallel to each other. A certain number of drummers approach the rows, till a dancer comes out from one of the rows and performs a solo. The drummers then beat their drums, chasing him through the dance until he is back to his position. The dance must be performed barefoot. Anyone who is seen in sandals are entitled to receive punishment.
The Dhofar Region
The Bar'aa of the Dhofar region is a celebration of youth and rendered by two dancers. Each one holds a dagger in his right hand and his shal, fixed at the waist, in his left hand. The powerful one-footed leap into the air is the quintessential features of this dance. Both the dancers dance in a synchronised fashion, advancing and retreating while they making complete circles. At a particular moment, both dancers bow down before the musicians to allow the soloists to come forward and sing.
The Raqs al Nisaa, a dance form which is quite frequently performed in the region, is rendered by women. The women move amongst the seated participants, bedecked in gold and holding their veils while making small, measured steps. There will be two dancers at a go. They complete circling the entire area and then they sit down to allow the next pair to continue.
The Dakhliyah region
A traditional song of this region, the Taymina is rendered when a child learns the Quran by heart. The children of the local school gather in a procession behind the teacher of the Quran, who reads a passage of a religious nature. At the end of each verse the children reply with, "Amin", in a unified voice.
Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul. It washes away the dust from your soul, while dancing is dreaming with your feet. So, let your soul be happy while your dream with your feet.
Source: http://www.omanet.om/english/home.asp
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