MORE than 30 young Bahraini boys are taking part in a training camp to learn a centuries-old tribal dance form as part of efforts to preserve the country’s rich heritage and pass down the traditional teachings.
Historically, the Ardah was performed by men of different Arab tribes before going to war; however, with the passage of time, the beautiful art began to be showcased at weddings, celebrations and key national events.
The term Ardah is derived from the Arabic word Ardh which means to ‘parade’ as its purpose was to display the might of a tribe and boost their morale prior to an armed engagement.
The Bahrain Ardah Society, which was set up in 1995, has collaborated with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) to launch the training camp which will conclude with a performance on December 16 as part of the Bahrain National Day celebrations.
Baca National Heritage director Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa told the GDN that the authority’s top priority is to preserve Bahrain’s heritage and cultural identity in addition to contributing to economic development and tourist attractions.
“The Bahraini art of Ardah is one of the performing arts that the Arabian Peninsula has been famous for since ancient times and it was held as part of tribal preparations for war to mobilise the army to fight,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
“Introducing Ardah to future generations is one of the aspects of preserving this performing art, while also strengthening the national identity of Bahraini children and young adults due to its connection to our history and the Arab Gulf region.
“The training camp focuses on boys aged 10 and above and it’s being held for the first time in collaboration with Baca as it was previously done only by the Bahrain Ardah Society.”
According to Shaikh Mohammed, National Day events represent an ideal opportunity to introduce Bahraini history and identity.
He added that holding the closing ceremony of the training camp during National Day celebrations is one of the methods to showcase the heritage to future generations as wide public attendance increases the chance of witnessing what he called ‘the beautiful performing art’.
His sentiments were shared by Bahrain Ardah Society general supervisor Feras Al Thawadi, who highlighted that the performance had a direct and special link to national occasions through which love to the homeland can be expressed.
“The art of Ardah is one of the inherited folk arts that Bahrain is famous for and it is used to express joy, receive the guests of the ruler of the country and renew loyalty to the ruler as well as prepare for wars in the past,” he told the GDN.
“The Bahraini Ardah is distinguished by the different rhythms created through the use of drums and percussion instruments and the special rifle used during the display on the field.
“There are different movements during the parade through which performers display their capabilities by mastering the use of swords while the owner of the rifle controls the weapon – which is a tool of war.”
According to Mr Al Thawadi, each instrument used in the performance has an important purpose, such as drums used to create the percussion rhythm in line with the poetry being recited while swords, guns, daggers and spears are used to express the men’s readiness for war.
He reaffirmed the importance of preserving the centuries-old tribal war dance due to its integral connection to Bahrain’s history and heritage.
“The Bahraini Ardah is considered an authentic cultural and national identity and the poems speak of the heroism and glories of the rulers of Bahrain and the march and achievements of our great King,” added Mr Al Thawadi.
“We have held similar courses in the past and received a good turnout. However, we are expecting a remarkable result this time through the support of Baca.
“This is the first-of-its-kind large-scale collaboration across the GCC level and we are hopeful for an incredible performance.
“Performing the closing ceremony Ardah during National Day celebrations is the perfect opportunity to showcase the love for our homeland that the performance art carries.”
reem@gdnmedia.bh
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