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What Is al-Daha Dance?

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What Is al-Daha Dance?
interrogative article
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It is one of the traditional dances from the northern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, also known as al-Dahiyya. It is also called Anfas al-Fursan (Breaths of the Knights).

It is performed with men lining up in a single row or two rows facing each other. The poet, usually positioned in the middle of one of the rows, recites his sung poem, while the two rows take turns echoing the verse after him. Verses alternate between themes of praise, pride, and flirtation, in a narratively structured piece. Al-Daha movement typically concludes the poetic recital, with the Hashi or Mahwashi dance performance in front of or between the rows. The dancer may wield either a sword or a stick, while wearing the bisht, and often interacts with another person. The rows clap rhythmically and enthusiastically, creating a synchronized sound and motion performance.