SOMALIA
Somali traditional dance has a rich history that dates back centuries that is part of the cultural heritage of the Somali people. These dances are often performed during celebrations, weddings, and other festive occasions. Somali dance plays an important role in preserving cultural traditions, expressing joy and celebration, as well as showcasing the rich heritage of the Somali people.
The earliest evidence of Somali dance dates back to the 13th century, when Sufi mystics brought their dances to Somalia. These dances were influenced by Arab and Middle Eastern dance, and quickly became popular among Somalis. In the 19th century, Somali dance began to evolve as a result of contact with European colonists. European dances, such as the waltz and polka, were introduced to Somalia and influenced the development of Somali dance. In the 20th century, Somali dance continued to evolve as a result of changes in Somali society. The introduction of radio and television helped spreading Somali dance to new audiences, and new forms of Somali dance emerged.
The dance forms vary across different regions of Somalia, but all share common elements and reflect the vibrant cultural heritage of the Somali people. One of the most notable spiritual dances is the Sayli’i dance, which originated from the town of Zeila in northern Somalia. This dance began as an Islamic chant and gradually developed into a dance form, maintaining its religious root. Another important dance, played nearly in every Somali festive celebration, is called Dhaanto. It is originated in 19th century from the Somali region of Ethiopia – specifically the pastoralist communities. It is characterized by rhythmic movements, quick turns, jumps, foot stomping, and hand clapping. It was inspired by the camel, mimicking the actions of the camel. The dance-song was revived during the Dervish period in early 20th century, when it was used to raise the ‘spirits’ of soldiers and was often sung on horseback. It is often performed by both men and women in colorful traditional attire, accompanied by live music played on traditional instruments, such as drums and tambourines.
To celebrate and promote Somali culture, the Somali Week Festival was established in 2005. This annual event, held in London, showcases various aspects of Somali heritage, including traditional dance performances. The Somali Museum Dance Troupe is another example of many endeavors to preserve Somali traditional dance abroad among migrants. In recent years, Somali dance has evolved to incorporate modern influences and contemporary styles. Today, they are incorporating new elements into their dances, such as hip hop. This fusion of traditional and modern elements can be seen in various performances by Somali artists around the world.
references: http://www.sstem-journal.org/blog/somali-dance
List of Dances
Dhaanto
Dhaanto is a style of traditional Somali music and folk dance. It is a cultural folk dance native to Somali people in the Horn of Africa. According to Somali gabay dhaanto was believed to have been created by the nomadic Ogaden/Abasikuul/gaadsan/ and all somali galbed clans.
The origin of dhaanto could be traced back to Gödey Somali region of Ethiopia. The dhaanto dance-song was revived in the early 20th century and it was used to raise the ‘spirits’ of soldiers and was often sung on horseback. Dhaanto became popular in the Somali Region (Somaali Galbeed) and quickly spread to other Somali territories in the Horn of Africa. In the Somali region, this dance is very popular and annually you will see ethnic Somalis perform versions of the dhaanto at the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Day in Jigjiga. Additionally, the genre was employed in Islamic poetry.
Dhaanto is a rhythmic dance that is practiced in groups, where the dancers move in a circle. It is often accompanied by traditional percussion such as the drum, tambourine and hand drum. The music that accompanies this dance is usually played live, adding a touch of authenticity and spontaneity to the performance.
This traditional dance is characterized by energetic and fast movements. The dancers move with agility, making their bodies swirl to the rhythm of the music. The dance steps are often improvised, which gives the Dhaanto a unique and unpredictable dimension to each performance.
In Dhaanto, the dancers enter by skipping: this is a move the majority of Westerners will know. You begin on your right foot, pushing off and jumping up. Land on your right foot again, and hop onto your left foot, pushing off and jumping up. Land on your left foot, and repeat the entire sequence of moves. Dhaanto involves a lot of clapping. You’ll clap on beats 1 and 3 of a four-beat bar. Alternate which hand goes on top as you clap: first, clap with your right hand on top and your left underneath, then switch.
Its name is derived from the Somali word “dhaanto”, which means “move quickly”. This dance was once practiced by Somali warriors before going into battle, to boost their morale and strengthen their cohesion.
Over time, the Dhaanto became a celebration dance, used at weddings, births or military victories. The Somalis see this dance as a way to communicate with their ancestors and pay tribute to their cultural heritage.
Nowadays, the Dhaanto has become a major tourist attraction in Somalia. Foreign visitors are often captivated by this haunting dance and sometimes participate in learning sessions. Festivals and cultural events are an opportunity for dancers to perform in front of an international audience, thus contributing to the promotion of the country’s cultural richness.
Somalia
Ethnic group: Somalia
Countries: Somalia