It is performed on religious holidays, such as Eid, but also on other special occasions, such as the country’s independence of His Highness the Emir.
It is a dance performed to display the unity and strength of the group and is a display of allegiance to the Emir and the society. It combines dance and poetry, with a poet moving back and forth between two lines of singers and dancers. The poet gives each group of singers a line to repeat before moving across to the other group. The traditional lyrics are of horsemanship, chivalry and strength. But as with all dances, the pattern and format chances slightly over time and the Ardha is performed in a slightly different way now to its form many years ago. Nevertheless, the significance of the dance remains the same.
Another traditional dance often performed in public is the Lewa dance performed purely for pleasure. Originally imported from the cost of East Africa, it is very much a part now of the Qatari tradition. It is one of only two dances here that was originally performed by a mixed group of men and women. It is a popular dance at weddings and on religious occasions. Amongst the women’s dances are Khammary, performed by a group of masked women who will co-ordinate their steps to the beat of the music. It is light lyrics, often based on love poems and has been a popular dance at weddings. Other women’s dances are Sameri and Ashouri, performed on similar celebratory occasions.
Then of course there are all the dances associated with the sea. Since for many years the country’s economy revolved around pearling and fishing, these traditions are very strong and performances by the Qatari Folk Troupe at venues like the Qatar National Theatre will usually include these.
If you are out and about at a time of year when people are celebrating, keep your eyes open for the groups of dancers; go closer and join the spectators. Listen to the crisp clapping and see the glint of the golden swords!