Folk Dance which is Key to Assyrian Folk Music
Wedding of Sami & Martina
ft. Sonia Odisho
A Modern Example of a Cultural Wedding with Modern Folk Dance and Modern Folk Music
Assyrian folk dances are performed throughout the world by Assyrians, mostly on occasions such as weddings. The most common social contexts of Assyrian dances are the Khigga (or Mishtoota - social party) and the Khloola (wedding).
Assyrian folk dances belong to five metric groups: 2/4 (10 dances), 4/4 (6 dances), 6/8 (13 dances), 9/8 (1 dance), 10/8 (1 dance).
Khigga Style of Dance
The khigga is a specific style of singing that is commonly used in Assyrian folk music. The word "khigga" comes from the Assyrian word "khigga'a," which means "dance." This style of singing is characterized by its high-pitched, nasal voice, and is known for its unique sound and melody.
The khigga is typically performed by a solo singer or a choir and is often accompanied by a variety of musical instruments, including the dulcimer, violin, flute, and oud. The rhythm patterns in khigga are often complex and intricate, and the lyrics of khigga songs typically focus on religious, cultural, or historical themes.
The khigga is an important part of the cultural heritage of the Assyrian people, and it is often performed at social events, such as weddings, festivals, and religious celebrations. Today, there are many talented artists who continue to perform and preserve the tradition of khigga music, ensuring that it remains an integral part of Assyrian culture for generations to come.
The context of Assyrian folk dances are well documented in the following documentary by
Lina Yakubova titled 'Anscestral Home'.
You can see by comparing the video documented by Elena Yakoubova and the later images provided by Kiwarkis Younan, that the dance as a tradition has not changed all these years, in regards to the steps for perfoming the dance and song, however the accompanying instruments in the music have undergone several changes over time and with the introduction of technology.
The dancer depicted in the video symbolises an Assyrian highlander living in impregnable places. His performance is spirited and full of life, in this way passing on to the next generation the philosophy of the dance, which embodies the ancestral traditions.
Group dancing performed by the entire village, is how the dances were first characterised and today it is the same way. This tradition is carried till today including the decorative costumes. As long as the Assyrian dance and song lives on, where khiga (type of dance) is accompanied by the inspiring sounds of the zoorna and dawoola, the people will live on.
Gubareh Assyrian Folk Dance
Gulbareh is one of the best Assyrian dances that is well known and popular, usually danced at the end of a Wedding party. It has the most upbeat music and includes the two most prominent Assyrian instruments, the Zurna and Dawola (Duduk and Drum)
Listen to the song Gubareh Here
Comparison of zurna and dawola in Australia (Dawola
depicted) and zurna and dawola in ancient villages.
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We are lucky to have with us Kiwarkis Younan who has performed for my parents' wedding and for thousands of couples getting married over his lifetime in a variety of villages spanning across the Middle East. Kiwarkis Younan has continued his passion successfully in Australia performing with his group for many weddings and special occasions. The zurna and dawola are usually on high demand during special occasions and Kiwarkis is the best person to contact to request this.
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Gubareh is a traditional Assyrian dance that is performed to the accompaniment of live music, typically played on traditional Assyrian musical instruments such as the dulcimer, violin, and oud. The music that is played for the gubareh dance is characterized by its upbeat rhythm and lively tempo, which is designed to inspire and motivate the dancers to move and groove to the beat.
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Musically, the gubareh dance is typically performed in a simple meter, often in 4/4 or 2/4 time.
The melody of the music is often repetitive and catchy, with a strong emphasis on the downbeat and the upbeat. This helps to create a strong and steady beat that is easy for the dancers to follow.
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The rhythm section of the music, typically played by the dulcimer and the violin, is characterized by its driving and percussive quality, with fast and energetic strumming and bowing patterns. The oud, or the lute, often plays a lead role in the melody, providing a rich and harmonious background for the rhythm section.
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Overall, the musical analysis of the gubareh dance reveals a style of music that is designed to be both energetic and upbeat, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and melody. The music is carefully crafted to inspire and motivate the dancers, and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Assyrian people.
Traditionally Assyrian dance incorporates the whole body movement with particular attention given to the steps, the style of dance and its attributes such as arm movement and flow. This is imperial to the nature of each dance and constitutes the diverse villages and the many roles in society. Each song is designed to enrich the lives of all people in the villages and provide a strong sense of belonging and identity.
In the villages, the ladies from the camp would gather together, and say lets sing a song. One of these songs is the folklore song Gubareh. The women of the village would milk the sheep and say lets sing a song together. Once their work was done they would gather singing and dancing for enjoyment. One women would begin singing and the rest would join in and could be up to 10 or more.
Gubareh is a very lively song that requires ones whole body movement to enjoy the style of dance and living culture.
The context in which the song Gubareh is performed has definitely changed from what was a quiet village of women working and providing entertainment to the very loud atmosphere of a wedding. Nowadays, this song is very popular to dance to at weddings with the zoorna and dawoola still being used keeping to the tradition.
Musically, Gubareh has a bit of fast pace when it comes to executing the dance movements, you really have to be aware of where to place your foot in the cycle of the pattern. This song is typically in a major key with a time signature of 4/4 and this gives the dance a forward momentum for each new repetition.
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The image above titled "Gubareh Folk Dance" depicts the steps in footwork required to perform the dance.
Assyrian cultural bearers including Kiwarkis Younan with
Sydney Conservatorium of Music 4th Year Bachelor of Music Education Students, on the left - myself and Samantha Dieckman taking the photo - 20.5.15
Assyrian cultural bearers and I at the
Sydney Conservatorium of Music - 20.5.15
Another example of the dance Gubareh with the song heard from 3:09 in the context of a wedding...
Music holds an important place in Assyrian culture in respectfully carrying the wisdom and tradition of the people.
An Assyrian dance is a reflection and reproduction of the history, culture and philosophy of the people. The dances reflect the part of the people, their attitudes towards life and their traditions.
Every nation has its story and legends. Especially for Assyrians and many more living in the Middle East faced massacres and unsurety. For the Assyrian people, wisdom of song and dance is passed down from generation to generation and is universal with no homeland and nationality.
Riddles, parables and legends were largely popular in the villages. The folklore was essentially based on religious themes, and the people of the villages, therefore aural transmission of such valued knowledge is vital in celebrating life.
Assyrian people are very hospitable, a visitor cannot simply walk passed another’s house. People respect anyone who crosses the threshold of their house. Everything is usually in its place; tables nicely set and always clean. Assyrian people are often preparing for feasts, with large families and extended families for special occasions.
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Group dancing performed by the entire village, is how the dances were first characterised and today it is the same way. This tradition is carried till today including the decorative costumes. As long as the Assyrian dance and song lives on, where khiga (type of dance) is accompanied by the inspiring sounds of the zoorna and dawoola, the people will live on.
Assyrian folk dances and styles from ancient times...