Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH – The Diriyah Gate Development Authority has launched the initiative of “Diriyah Ardah House,” which is the first of its kind in the Kingdom, for teaching young Saudi men the art of the traditional Ardah dance. As many as 100 young participants were selected in the first phase.

The two-day initiative, which was held in Turaif neighborhood, aimed to educate boys between the age of eight and 16 years, the art of Ardah. The initiative seeks to promote the ideals of pride and prestige among the younger generation and teach them basics of the art of the traditional dance form.

The Saudi Ardah is a type of folkloric group dance that dates back to the ancient period with a rich heritage. The dance is performed with two rows of men opposite of one another, each of who wielding a sword or cane and is accompanied by drums and spoken poetry. Originally, the Ardah was performed only by males of tribes before going to war but later it started being performed at celebrations, weddings and national and cultural events. Ever since the foundation of the Saudi state, it has become an expression of victory and pride, an art passed down from generation to generation.