Palestinian Folk Music and Dance: The Dabka

Dabka is a traditional folk dance deeply rooted in Palestinian cultural heritage (Al-Ali, 2015). Its origins are unclear, but it is believed to have been a part of the country's culture for centuries. Dabka is typically performed by a group of people accompanied by music and singing, and is a symbol of unity and celebration, and an important part of Palestinian cultural identity. The dance is usually performed at weddings, religious and cultural festivals, and other special events, providing an opportunity for Palestinian communities to come together and celebrate their traditions and culture, and is considered a vital aspect of Palestinian social life (Issa, 2018).

Dabka is an energetic dance that involves synchronized movements of the feet and hands, as well as intricate patterns and steps. The dancers form a line, and each person takes turns performing solo steps, while the rest of the group follows along in unison. The dance is performed in a circular formation, with the dancers moving in and out, as well as side to side (Al-Ali, 2015). The art of dabka is revered and celebrated in various forms within the Palestinian community. The two most widely recognized styles of dabka are the shamaliyya and sha’rawiyya, each distinguished by their unique six-measure phrases (Abu Jayyab & Kassis, 2019).

The shamaliyya is the most famous style of dabka, characterized by the signature dabke step of crossing the left foot over the right foot twice, along with intricate hops and leaps. At the head of the line of dancers is the lawweeh, who serves as the leader and sets the tempo and energy of the performance. During the performance, the lawweeh may break from the line to dance in the center or switch places, showcasing their skill and finesse. They are easily identifiable by a handkerchief or a masbha, which they use to maintain the rhythm of the dancers. The shamaliyya is commonly performed at weddings, family gatherings, the release of prisoners, and on national holidays (Abu Jayyab & Kassis, 2019). The sha’rawiyya, on the other hand, is limited to male participants and is characterized by strong, stomping steps. The lawweeh remains the most crucial element in this style of dabka, and their mastery is reflected in the seamless execution of the performance (Abu Jayyab & Kassis, 2019).

In recent years, dabka has become a symbol of resistance and a way for Palestinians to showcase their pride and strength in the face of political oppression. The dance is often performed at political rallies and demonstrations, serving as a form of resistance against the ongoing conflict and displacement of the Palestinian people (Al-Ali, 2015).Dabka music is a genre in itself, with popular songs such as Ala Dalouna, Al Jafra, Al Dahiyya, and Zareef il-Tool. The underlying theme of these songs is often love, and the music is played on traditional instruments such as the oud, mijwiz, tablah, daff, and yarghoul (Issa, 2018).

References:

Abu Jayyab, K., & Kassis, G. (2019). Palestinian dance heritage: A journey from the past to the present. The Journal of Dance, Movement & Spiritualities, 5(3), 369-381.

Al-Ali, N. (2015). Palestinian dabke as a tool of resistance. Critical Arts, 29(2), 223-235.

Issa, M. A. (2018). Palestinian music and dance: Expressing cultural identity and resistance. Arab Studies Quarterly, 40(1), 47-68.