What traditional Qatari performance art is a ceremonial group sword dance performed at national celebrations, weddings, and National Day by two facing rows of men chanting poetry to drumbeats?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Ardha (Al-Ardah)
- Step 1: The Ardha (Al-Ardah) is the traditional national sword dance of Qatar and the Arabian Peninsula, inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Step 2: Historically performed by warriors before battle to instill courage and solidarity, it consists of two facing rows of men clad in ceremonial thobes and carrying swords or canes, chanting patriotic poetry accompanied by resonant frame drums (Al-Ras and Al-Mirwas).
- Step 3: The Amir and leaders regularly participate in the National Day Ardha.
Answer
Ardha (Al-Ardah).
Why not the others: 'Dabke' is a vigorous Levantine stomp-dance performed in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine; 'Liwa' is an East African-influenced polyrhythmic dance performed in coastal Gulf ports; 'Mizmar' is a traditional stick and horn dance native to the Hijaz region of Saudi Arabia.
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