Traditional dabke music is performed live using a combination of instruments that usually include hand drums, woodwinds, and the oud. The band may play well-known songs or improvise, sometimes blending the two together. A vocalist also typically performs, singing songs that tell a story or are in some way significant to the event being held. Modern dabke can be done to either live music or a recording. Newer dabke music often blends traditional instruments with electronic beats. Some popular dabke artists make their music entirely digitally. [1] X Research source Vocalists are less common in modern dabke music, with many popular songs having only a small singing part with some completely instrumental. [2] X Research source Even just a large group clapping can be danced to. Clapping can also be used in addition to music to help dancers keep rhythm and as a way for non-dancers to join in. [3] X Research source
As dabke literally means “to stomp,"[10] X Research source this step is often considered the most important part of the dance. [11] X Research source
While dabke is generally made up of these two main steps, many dancers incorporate a variety of different types of jumps and footwork.
Watch your lead and try to mimic him or her while in sync with the other dancers. Because of their relatively free position, leads may perform certain moves, such as spins or flips, that are impossible for linked dancers to do. The other dancers are not generally expected to repeat these.
Splitting may also be done to spotlight solo dancers. [12] X Research source Two almost opposite moves are to move the chain inward to form a semicircle or join the ends for a temporary complete circle.
To gather a dabke group, ask family members and friends if they would like to start one. Some events may have a specific time to dabke planned. If you’re curious about when it starts, what kind of music will be playing, or who can join in, try asking the host. You could also put together a dabke team beforehand and ask to perform at the event.
Dancers may hold hands, place arms over each other’s shoulders, or switch between the two over the course of the dance. A dabke chain can be a straight line,[16] X Research source a semicircle,[17] X Research source or lack a defined shape altogether.
