(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- Just as music, dance too is integral to Oman's cultural heritage and it reflects its people's multi-ethnic origin.
The variety of songs and dances differ from region to region and each represents a different environment such as sea, desert and urban life.
Muscat Daily spoke to the head of a dance troupe from North Batinah which performs Alfunun al Bahria (Ocean dance) at the area showcasing Omani folklores in Naseem Gardens.
The troupe is taking part in Muscat Festival for the first time.
Badr Garaib al Quraini, head of the troupe said the dance is associated with the activities of the sea and is performed barefeet. 'Our team represents Suwaiq which has its unique style. We have been performing for ten years but this is the first time we are taking part in the Muscat Festival. We have performed at the Salalah Tourism Festival during khareef, National Day and Eid.'
The Alfunun al Bahria dance form encompasses a variety of dances which depict each occasion in the life of a sailor. 'We perform Al Madimah and Al Shubani. Our team has 30 members and each specialises in an instrument,' said Quraini.
Elaborating on the type of instruments used in their dance style, Quraini said, this form mainly uses drums.
'A member has to be an expert in at least one instrument. This is an advantage. Some of the musical instruments we use in our performances include, Al Kaaser (drum), Al Rahmani (drum), Al Masando (drum) and Aljum (shell).'
Quraini said the troupe wishes to popularise the folk art form through Muscat Festival which sees visitors of various nationalities. 'We want to let the world know about Omani folk arts. The Muscat Festival is a global platform to showcase our talent. Besides, we want to contribute to the national income in some way.'
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