Al-Naqouz Traditional Dance
Al-Naqouz or Najouz dance is a traditional dance, game, and a form of artistic singing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was once popular in Najd, where men performed it at celebrations and events, but its prominence has since faded.
The performance of al-Naqouz dance
The Naqouz dance is characterized by its light, flexible movements and rapid, successive jumps, performed with quick and easy steps that align with the rhythm. The dance is performed by two rows of dancers, with drummers of variously sized tambourines positioned in the middle. The dance was named "Naqouz" for its lightness and speed, and it is derived from the words "Naqz" and "Kafz" (meaning to jump), taken from the action performed during the dance.
Sources
The Encyclopedia of Folklore, Traditional Chants, and Their Various Rhythms by Tarek Abdul Hakim, compiled and executed by Ismail Hasnawi. 2013.