The third Diriyah Bayt Al-Ardah in Riyadh has been training youngsters between the ages of 12 and 17 in the art of performing the Saudi Ardah dance, which is registered in the UNESCO List of World Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority seeks to “deepen the national symbolism of the Saudi Ardah and enhance its impact on the general conscience of the Kingdom’s youth, and to raise their awareness of their identity by linking them to their cultural heritage.”
Ardah remains popular among Saudis because of its festive nature and its use of accompanying poems that inspire national pride and glory. (Supplied)
The dance features a chant that was once used to rouse warriors facing an enemy. Performers, who are dressed in traditional costumes, then perform a dance with swords to the beat of drums. Combining poetry with masterful sword displays, the Ardah dance represents Saudi loyalty and pride.
HIGHLIGHT
The third Diriyah Bayt Al-Ardah in Riyadh, launched by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, trained youngsters between the agesof12and17intheartof performing the Saudi Ardah dance, which is registered in the UNESCO List of World Intangible Cultural Heritage. The previous initiatives in 2019 and 2021 involved more than 200 youths, proving the enduring popularity of the Ardah.
The authority launched the initiative on March 9 at the Prince Thunayyan bin Saud Palace in the historic At-Turaif district. The site was selected as it is “the cradle of the First Saudi State and the center of its foundation nearly 300 years ago.”
Ardah remains popular among Saudis because of its festive nature and its use of accompanying poems that inspire national pride and glory. (Supplied)
About 100 participants were involved in four rounds of training to learn the dance during the two-week program, with each round lasting three days.
Five qualified from each round and there were 20 finalists for the closing ceremony.
The participants were judged by a jury and evaluated based on specific criteria.
Ardah remains popular among Saudis because of its festive nature and its use of accompanying poems that inspire national pride and glory. (Supplied)
Saleh Abdel Wahed, the leader of the Diriyah Al-Ardah band, said: “The most important things the trainees are evaluated on are the extent of their mastery of the poetry used during the performance, the method of holding the sword, and the movement of feet and hands.
“The importance of the training lies in the fact that it contributes to spreading the Saudi Ardah culture for future generations in order to preserve the heritage.”
The importance of the training lies in the fact that it contributes to spreading the Saudi Ardah culture ... in order to preserve the heritage.
Saleh Abdel Wahed, Diriyah Al-Ardah band leader
He added: “What excites the trainees the most is the Ardah chant, the carrying of swords and the swaying of the rows during the performance.”
Tra’d Al-Dosari, a trainer in the band, said: “I began practicing the folklore art when I was 11 years old, and mastered it within five years.
A part from the activities of 'Diriyah Bayt Al Ardah' initiative organized by the DGDA in the historic At-Turaif District, in the palace of Prince Thunayyan bin Saud, one of the most important historical sites in At-Turaif District. (Supplied)
“I hope that young people in Saudi Arabia will be keen to learn the Ardah, and participate in it during Eid and the national events, in order to revive this ancient art in the minds of the current generation.”
An electronic platform enabled visitors to watch the trainees at the site this year, while the Maydan Al-Ardah provided a unique opportunity to join 15-minute demonstrations and trials.
The previous initiatives in 2019 and 2021 involved more than 200 youths, proving the enduring popularity of the Ardah.
