Dance has been an important part of most cultures from their earliest times. In, celebrations, ceremonies, entertainment, teaching, dance serves social, spiritual, artistic and, emotional functions. It is a way of expression for many people. Folk dances are performed to celebrate the harvest and seasonal festivals. People generally use dance as a means to transfer information and knowledge. Many stories are told through dance performances done as a group. We have a variety of dances that belong to different ethnicities. Main traditional dances are:
- Bhangra
Bhangra is a traditional folk dance of the Indian sub-continent, originating in the Sialkot Majha area of Punjab. It includes various kicks, leaps, and bends of the body with upraised, thrusting arm or shoulder movement. It is mostly done on a beat of Dhol. A heavy beater on one end and a light striker on the other. Bhangra is usually danced in April, which is the start of the harvest season in Punjab.
Sammi is a traditional dance originating from tribal
areas in Punjab. The dance is very popular in the Sandalbar area of Punjab. The
dancers are dressed up in kurtas with bright colors in them. They also wear
skirts mostly known as Lehengas. A silver hair ornament is always worn and is
associated with the dance.
Luddi is historically a folk step. The dance includes steps
from the upper body, legs, lower body, and head. Luddi is performed by women of
all ages in groups. This dance is done in a group. “Luddi hay jamalo” is a song
sung by Madam Noor Jahan in which women dance in Mehendi functions.
Jhoomar is a folk dance native to Balochistan. This dance is
done by males in the region. People dance around a drummer standing in the middle.
It is performed at weddings. Up to three generations dance together, father, grandfather,
and son. Dancers move forward and backward while using arms.
This song goes from slow to fast especially when youngsters
perform. People dance while using all their bodies. The people from the coastal
town of Makran perform the Lewa dance due to its connection with the former
African slave trend.
Chap is a famous traditional folk dance of Balochistan. When
dancing, performers move to their right, and the left, facing performers on
each side. This dance is performed regularly by men and also women in some
events. This is an infectious Baloch dance. It’s a folk dance especially
performed by males. It includes clapping of hands
It’s a folk dance that belongs to the Pakhtun brothers from
Quetta and Waziristan. This dance historically derives from Afghanistan but is
also performed by the Pakhtun people of Pakistan. Pathans do the Attan at
weddings and other celebratory occasions. Attan is performed both indoors and
outdoors. Attan is a form of dance native to the Pashtun ethnic group. It is
now considered the national dance of Afghanistan. Attan is performed by groups
of 50 to 100 dancers. It is an addiction in itself.
It is a challenging dance in Pakistan. It is performed by
sword and handkerchief. People of the Khattak tribe do this dance. People do
different moves with their bodies and blades. Through this dance, Pakhtun people
celebrate their valor and bravery. This swordplay dance is used as a war
preparation exercise.
We also love religious dances. Sufism believers dance like dervishes of Turkey. We love watching these dances though in Pakistan these devotional dances are not performed and celebrated a variant called “Raqs-o-Sama” exists. Chistia school of Sufis (the most popular school in the country) has integrated dance as a part of their ritual. During religious festivals people do Dhamaal dance, pointing fingers to the sky and moving in swirls, showing the unity of the whole universe in order to unite the creation. It is loved by many spiritual people in Pakistan. These Sufi dances also happen in Lal Shehbaz Qalandar shrine in Pakistan.