Ardha Is The National Dance.

Among the different folk objects and art in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia; my cultural home, what interests me the most is the Al-Ardha. Al-Ardha is the national dance and the ancient tradition among the people of Saudi Arabia. The dance began as a war dance in Nadj, which is the Saudi Arabia central place. Fighters and warriors would do the dance before they would go to war. Moreover, at the time Al-Ardha wasn’t just a dance, it had a special meaning and purpose. It was meant to inspire strength among the leaders and their soldiers and to also show that they were not scared to fight their enemies. Soldiers believed they would win after doing the dance. Another interesting aspect about Al-Ardha is how it was performed. The dance was done by raising weapons such as daggers, guns, knives and swords that had been used in the past and holding them in the air while the soldiers sang. Another unique thing aspect about the dance is how the fighters and warriors are set up while doing the dance.

 Britain's Prince Charles donning traditional dress
 from Saudi Arabia after performing the ‘Ardha’ dance.

        There are two rows of fighters dancing, waving their weapons as they sing and recite poems while at the middle there are other men who play drums in different rhythms. Currently, Al-Ardha is usually performed by the National Guard during national holidays and celebrations and also during cultural events such as the Saudi Arabia Cultural Festival. The dance is important in preserving Saudi Arabia and culture especially with regards to war.