Yalli Traditional Dance

The Yalli Dance is a traditional group dance known in the western part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically in Makkah al-Mukarramah and al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Provinces. It is one of the diverse traditional arts performed by locals during celebrations and special occasions.

The Yalli Dance is named as such because its chants always begin with the word "Yalli," a local form of address used to express complaint or reproach, as in the phrases "Yalli naseet" (Oh, you who forgot me), "Yalli hajart" (Oh, you who abandoned me), "Yalli bareetni" (Oh, you who betrayed me), and so forth. It is a favored dance among men, elders, and youth and is known among the residents of the highlands in the villages of Taif City, ash-Shafa, al-Hada, al-Muthanna, and Shihar. It is considered an ancient dance, known for its simplicity and lightness, adding joy and delight to both performers and attendees. It is performed on occasions such as wedding celebrations, marriage ceremonies, celebrations of newborns, and holidays. The community also performs it in joyful gratitude for abundant rain, blessings, plentiful grazing, and bountiful agricultural harvests, as an expression of their gratitude and happiness.

The participants in the Yalli Dance stand in two rows facing each other, with a distance of four to five m between them, serving as an arena and space for dancing, playing, and performing. Each dancer holds a tar (frame drum) in hand, and nearby, a small fire is kept burning, where drums are occasionally brought closer to tighten and strengthen their sound. The leader or dance captain begins by beating the tar and singing the Sheilah (chant), with everyone joining in the singing and drumming to match the rhythm, creating a unified and steady beat. The dancers sway gracefully, moving with elegance to express joy and harmony. As the excitement builds and the drumming intensifies, voices rise in song and chant.

A dancer from one of the rows steps into the arena, showcasing his skills through dancing, playing, and striking the tar forcefully to demonstrate his expertise. He chants a new song with a different rhythm, and everyone joins in, singing to the rhythm he sets. Then, a dancer from the opposite row takes his turn, performing and dancing, displaying movements, and singing another chant with a different beat, with everyone joining in the singing, rhythm, and chanting. This continues with enthusiasm, transitioning from one song to another, and from one rhythm to the next, until the end of the celebration and the performance.