RIYADH: The Al-Qazoou’i dance, a traditional war dance from Saudi Arabia’s Asir region, is known for its powerful rhythm of voices and synchronized footwork, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Performed without musical instruments, Al-Qazoou’i relies on the interaction between poets and dancers. Participants line up in two opposing rows as one or more poets stand in the center, leading the performance.
The poets deliver verses to one side, then cross to repeat them to the other. The recitation culminates in a unified chorus, filling the performance space with a striking display of rhythm and unity.
Once rooted in battle traditions, the dance today preserves the heroic spirit of its origins while resonating with modern audiences.
Its cultural significance is highlighted in a Saudi Ministry of Culture report published this year, “The Art of Muhawarah in the Kingdom: A Study of the History of the Practice and Current Reality.”
The study emphasizes the Arabian Peninsula’s rich poetic and performance traditions, identifying Al-Qazoou’i alongside other heritage dances such as Al-Ardah, Al-Samri, Al-Dahah, Al-Khatwah, Al-Zamil, and Al-Khabayti.
The report also links these performance arts to the flourishing of Muhawarah, or poetic dialogue, across Saudi society.
Over the past four decades, Muhawarah festivals have drawn poets and performers from across the Kingdom, sustaining the tradition through live performances, recordings, and financial support.
These gatherings, the ministry notes, have ensured that heritage dances like Al-Qazoou’i remain not only preserved but celebrated, strengthening their role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape.
