You’ve probably seen the Ardah dance in which men swing their swords in a rhythm that young and old alike can recreate with ease.

From honorary visits like when President Trump visited Saudi to a neighborhood wedding, the Ardah is conducted almost everywhere, so here’s what you need to know about it.

1. Though now it is part of mainstream folklore, it was originally a war dance.

This was normally done before meeting enemies on the battlefield.

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2. The Ardah has its origins that trace back to the Najd region

A lot of the lyrics of the poems used during the dance continue to have a strong resonance to the region. Though there are other variants of the Ardah as well as the ones that are prominent in the southern part of the country.

3. Only men the men used to perform the Ardah.

4. The choreography is simple two rows face each other with the men standing shoulder to shoulder

A poet then sings a verse which is then repeated by the performers who all move in cohesion to beat of the drum.

5. There is a special dress for the Ardah called the Daghla, which is optional.

A traditional dagger and leather ammunition belt accompany the costume.

Sources: https://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/art-and-culture/2017/02/08/5-things-you-didn-t-know-about-Saudi-ardha-dance.html

http://saudiarabesque.com/al-ardha-the-national-sword-dance-of-saudi-arabia/

https://books.google.com.sa/books?id=gy-cBQAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y