Oman- Poetry, performance, dance and drums

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- Omani folk dance performances are a common sight at both Muscat Festival venues.

However, a popular Omani folk dance troupe, Nakhal-based Al Wafa, is garnering a lot of attention at the Naseem Gardens for its traditional dance and poetry performance.

The 35-member troupe performs mainly two forms, Al'azi and Al Razfa. Al'azi is a genre of sung poetry performed in the northern regions of Oman and constitutes one of the major expressions of the country's cultural and musical identity. It takes the form of a poetry contest punctuated by sword and step movements and poetic exchanges between a singer poet and a choir.

Al Razfa, on the other hand, is performed by men of all ages and classes during social occasions, such as weddings and national festivals. Male performers form two facing lines with dancers filling the space between. Led by the main singer, the two rows create a dual chorus, singing chants in an anti-phonal manner to the accompaniment of drums and other instruments. Many chants are verses of traditional Nabati poetry, carefully selected to match the occasion. The dancers perform choreographed movements to the music while holding wooden replica of rifles in their hands.

One could also use sticks in place of the rifles as properties, said Khalid bin Saif bin Hamad al Hadrami, the head of the group. 'Our band was founded in 2001. Our youngest dancer is just seven years old and the oldest is 65 years. We have inherited this art form from our ancestors and want to keep it alive as a mark of respect. We train two hours every day to prepare for any ceremony.'

Hadrami said their troupe does not leave out any chance to perform. 'We participate in all occasions such as weddings and festivals such as Muscat Festival, Salalah Tourism Festival during the khareef season. We even perform in some other Gulf countries such as the UAE.'

Hadrami said that they ensure that the young generation too learn this performing art form so that it lives on. 'Tourists come from Europe to see us. We also offer workshops in schools to teach students. We are looking for financial support so that we can travel to different countries and showcase Oman in the best possible way. This will help us ensure that this art form does not die with us.'

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