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
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
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
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.
- Leva
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
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
- Attan
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.
- Khatak
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.
