FOLKLORIC DANCE

Folkloric dances are characterized as having been inspired by activities of both the men as well as women, and as with most of the traditional Middle Eastern dances, emerged from one of the activities of daily life for the typical villager.

Cane Dance
Raks Assaya or "cane dance" is a personal favorite of the troupe's choreographer.

It is the female version of the tahtib, which comes from the Arabic word for stick or staff, even though the dance is usually done with the cane instead of the staff.

Tahtib is the men's stick dance that evolved out of a display of skill in combat with a bamboo staff. Strongly rooted in the lifestyle of the fellaheen (rural or village people) the tahtib is recognized in the Arab world as Egyptian in origin, very similar to the martial art of Akido. Theatrical presentations involve a mock battle as the protagonists dance, Saiidi style, holding the stick in one or both hands swinging it around above their heads striking it on the ground or against each other's staff in choreographed movements.

Raks Assaya, the female version, is coy and flirtatious. The movements have been softened and stylized while still retaining an air of exhibitionism. According to researchers Raks Assaya is the epitome of female charm and one of the most popular dances in Middle Eastern entertainment. It is a common occurrence at weddings, circumcisions, births, and in the floor shows of Oriental dancers.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean folkloric dances often reflect the activities of everyday life such as fishing, sifting grain, or carrying water. Everyday objects associated with these activities become props in sometimes elaborate, stylized dances.