Encyclopedia of Women & Islamic Cultures

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Arts: Dance: Expression and Ritual: Arab States
(1,102 words)

Dance (Arabic raqs), is an aspect of all festive occasions in Arab Islamic society, and the inclusion of both amateur and professional dancing is vital to important formal celebrations. The amateur tradition of dancing solo to entertain friends and relatives continues down to the present day, whether the party is mixed sex or women-only. In many rural communities…

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Buonaventura, Wendy, “Arts: Dance: Expression and Ritual: Arab States”, in: Encyclopedia of Women & Islamic Cultures, General Editor Suad Joseph. Consulted online on 21 September 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1872-5309_ewic_EWICCOM_0288>
First published online: 2009



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