Tanoura Dance: Introduction and History

The Tanoura Dance is a traditional folk dance from Egypt that has spread beyond its borders to become a cultural symbol danced in most parts of the Middle East. The Arabic word "Tanoura" literally means "skirt." It refers to the multicolored, layered pantaloons worn by these whirling dervishes. It has firm roots in Sufism and was performed to achieve a state of trance and union with God.
The Tanoura Dance is derived from the Sufi whirling dervishes, a mystical Islamic practice of the 13th century. It was first performed for meditation through rapid spinning, whereby practitioners could reach states of spiritual ecstasy. Over the centuries, the Tanoura Dance has evolved with highly colored costumes and complex choreography to become a popular form of entertainment that remains in essence a spiritual one.

The Dance Performance

The Tanoura Dance is something beyond one's imagination. The dancer, usually a man, wears a multicolored, glittering, lavishly patterned, and symbolic skirt. The music starts, and the dancer begins to whirl with elegance. What is interesting about this act is that the face of the dancer remains completely still, yet the skirt flares out like a rainbow creating a mesmerizing display of colors and shapes. Traditional music is played along with this dance. The instruments used are the Oud, Nay, and Tabla, which add to the charm of the atmosphere.

This style, generally speaking, is characterized by spinning, which the dancer does uninterruptedly and at high speeds, illustrating a tenet of Sufism: rotation is all over in the universe and life's circle. The skirt has patterns on it that often represent the universe and what is within it. As the dance unfolds, so does the increase in speed, and the spins in question become more complicated. The expression of an accomplished dancer, despite the heavy-duty physical exertion involved, is serene and meditative.

Places to Watch Tanoura Dance Shows in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. There are quite several places across the city where you can watch this dance form. 
Desert Safari Tours
Emirates Tours and Safari: If you want to experience Abu Dhabi most excellently, there should be a desert safari. So many of these tour operators incorporate the performing event of a Tanoura Dance in the evening entertainment of this particular activity. You get to view the magnificent Tanoura Dance, right under the stars in open skies, accompanied by a traditional Bedouin-styled dinner after a full day of fun activities like dune bashing, riding camels, and sandboarding. Thus, end your day with the comprehensive desert safari package offered by Emirates Tours and Safari, including this magical performance.

Conclusion
Tanoura Dance is not an act; rather, it's a lively expression of cultural heritage and spiritual devotion. Whether you are exploring the bustling streets of Abu Dhabi or embarking on an adventurous desert safari, a view of the Tanoura Dance show is bound to leave any onlooker utterly bewildered. Intricate, vibrant, symbolic—the dance has it all. It is considered a must-see for each person interested in a big and many-colored Middle East. So, next time while staying in Abu Dhabi, do remember to search for this breathtaking dance and let yourself go with the swirling of the skirts into spiritual harmony.