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DANCE PRACTICES OF THE PEOPLE OF NUBIA

Traditional dance practices of the people of Nubia

Nubians are a Nilo-Saharan ethnic group that originate from the Central Nile Valley area.They can be traced back to Sudan and their historical homeland, Nubia. They are one of the oldest ethnic group in the world and are well known for their hospitality, kind nature and possession of rich history and enchanting culture.They speak Nubian languages as a mother- tongue and part of the Northern Eastern Sudanic languages and Arabic as their second language. They are largely populated in Egypt and Sudan.In addition to that, they also practice Islam as their primary religion.

ORIGIN OF DANCE AMONG NUBIANS

Dance among the Nubians has deep cultural roots, often tied to their spiritual, social and ritual practices. It can be traced back to ancient times where dance was a fundamental part of celebrations, storytelling and ceremonies among others, reflecting on their deep connection to River Nile and their cultural traditions. Nubian dance has made progress over time as it was influenced by various factors such as trade, migration and cultural exchanges but it continues to be a high-spirited expression of their identity and cultural heritage.

TRADITIONAL DANCES

Traditional dances among the Nubians comprise of a rich tapestry of movements, rhythms and often involves a combination of fluid motions, rhythmic footwork and expressive gestures that tell stories, emotions and spiritual connections.They also vary in style and purpose and may incorporate elements such as energetic stomping, graceful arm movements and vibrant colourful costumes and jewellery reflecting the diversity of the Nubian culture. The use of the heavy drum, repetitive chants and the fast paced music create a festive and exciting mood for the performance of these dances.

Below are examples of traditional dances among the Nubians;

A) Tahtib

This is a traditional dance that is characterized by rhythmic movements accompanied by the sounds of wooden sticks clashing together. The stick is often embellished with metallic coloured foils. It involves elaborate footwork, graceful movements and synchronized stick play. Historically, Tahtib was originally practiced by Nubian men as a form of combat training (Martial Arts)and was used for self defense and in mock battles but female versions were later developed. In one form, the women dress along the lines of males and imitate the men. In another female variant, it is performed flirtatiously and with minimal aggression.

Today, it has developed into a cultural dance form performed during weddings, festivals and other celebrations, showcasing the dancers’ agility, skill and strength. Music in Tahtib features the tabl (bass drum) and mizmar (folk oboe).

B) Hagallah

This is another traditional dance of the Nubian people that is particularly popular among the tribes of Northern Sudan and Southern Egypt.It typically involves both men and women who form lines or circles and move in sync to the beat of the music. It is characterized by lively movement, rhythmic footwork and colourful costumes adorned with beads, coins and other embellishments.It is a celebratory dance that reflects the vibrancy and spirit of the Nubian cultures, fostering a sense of community among dancers and the spectators alike.

C) Aragid

This is a popular folk-lore dance among the Nubian people in which all Nubians express their emotions and translate the beauty and rhythms of Nubian music and songs into charming bodily expression. The movements arise naturally by themselves and are a lively tribute to poets, musicians and singers who offer their songs to the people surrounding them.

1) Firy Aragid

This was a wedding dance among the Nubians and in this dance, men and musicians formed a long line facing the women who would be dancing in another long line. In the space between the two lines made by both genders, elderly women from both families involved in the wedding dance but would do so at a faster tempo.

2)Ollin Aragid

This dance is also known as the “clapping dance” and it is actually slower than the Firy Aragid. A limited number of people could participate in the dance and so the dances tended to be brief and would go up to ten or fifteen minutes or so. It was also performed during weddings.

DANCE EDUCATION

The dance education traditionally involves learning through oral tradition, observation and participation in community events and rituals.The elders pass down dance movements, techniques and cultural significance to younger generations, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage.

On the other hand, due to the introduction of formal education, some organization and institutions offer dance programs and workshops that are structured to teach Nubian dance techniques, history and cultural context, hence the traditional method of learning is not fully applicable in the modern times.

GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD

The geographical spread of Nubian dances is mainly centered around the Nile River Valley. Within this area, different Nubian communities have their own distinct dance traditions which vary in costume, style and musical accompaniment. For instance,In Egypt, regions where Nubian dance is particularly prevalent are the Southern region such as the Aswan and Luxor while in Sudan, Nubian dance is widely practiced in the Northern Region along the Nile.

In addition to that, Nubian dance can also be found in other parts of the world such as in Europe and North America as a result of migration.

FESTIVALS AMONG THE NUBIAN PEOPLE

One notable festival among the Nubian people is the “Wekala” festival. The Wekala Festival is held every year in different Nubian Villages hat are along River Nile in Sudan and Egypt. During the Wekala Festival, Nubian people come together to perform traditional dances, music and rituals that celebrate their cultural identity. Other events such as religious celebrations, weddings and cultural gatherings also feature the dances, highlighting its significance in the people’s social and spiritual life which also makes them equally important in the cultural practices of the people of Nubia.

CONCLUSION

In a nutshell, the dance practices of Nubians gives a summary of a rich tapestry of cultural expression, rooted deeply in their cultural heritage and history.It serves as as a language of emotion, allowing all individuals to convey joy, sorrow, gratitude and reverence in ways that words cannot explain. Through the authentic graceful movements, vibrant costumes and rhythmic footwork, the Nubian dances serves as a strong medium for storytelling, celebration and spiritual connection. Nubian dance is a repository of cultural knowledge, embodying techniques, symbols and narratives passed down through centuries.The Nubian elders pass down dance traditions and techniques across generations to ensure the preservation of their cultural identity. Through dance, the Nubians preserve and transmit their history, values and beliefs across generations.These traditions that are passed down from one generation to another through dance serve as anchors providing stability, continuity and pride in Nubian heritage. As such the preservation and promotion of Nubian dance are essential not only for the Nubian people but also for humanity, ensuring the unique contributions to the tapestry of global culture endure for the generations to come. From the banks of the River Nile in Egypt and Sudan to Nubian diaspora communities around the world, dance remains a central element of Nubian social life, weaving together the past, present and the future.The above mentioned festivals (Wekala Festival) provide opportunities for Nubians to unite, share dance traditions and to strengthen bonds. As Nubian culture continues to develop and adapt to changing times, efforts to advocate for formal dance education and to organize specific dance festivals play a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting Nubian dance. Whether performed at weddings, in religious ceremonies or in cultural gatherings, Nubian dance serves as a high- spirited expression of identity, resilience and pride of the people’s culture. It embodies the spirit of a people deeply rooted and connected to their land and to each other. In a world

where there is constant change and development, the Nubian dances stand as an attestation to the enduring power of culture to unite, uplift and inspire various people.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

With the help from the internet, the following website links have been used in the completion of this project;

i. Wikipedia - Wikipedia reports on the history of the people of Nubia, their origin, languages they speak and all about their culture in general.

ii. https://peacefulsocieties.uncg.edu - This website reports on the types and examples of dances performed by the Nubians, their cultural significance, gender roles played during the performance and the suitable occasion for its performance whether in weddings, during performance of rituals or other community events in general.

iii. https://artofnubia.com - This website also seeks to offer all the information and necessary details about the history, culture and dance practices and the monuments of Ancient Nubian in Egypt. It also explains on the characteristics of certain dances among the Nubian people and its role in the society.

REFERENCES