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THE Ministry of Culture has decided to launch a National Folk Dance Troupe. Dance, like all forms of cultural expression, reflects the society in which it exists. Just as the history of the Kingdom of Bahrain encompasses a broad array of complex influences, so do its dance forms stem from a rich pool of diversity.
While the Al Ardha is likely the popular image of dance, the reality is that dance in Bahrain has embraced and incorporated individual, cultural and stylistic elements in an ever-changing kaleidoscope that draws from, and contributes to artistic, social, religious, cultural and even political realms.
Dance can have many purposes including a way of expression, communication, education, therapy, recreation, or entertainment.
Based on popular demand for course and conference evaluations, the Ministry of Culture has designed a daily workshop for Bahraini teachers on folk dance. This course will prepare dance teachers with knowledge to present and speak about Bahrain folk dance: its cultural varieties, illustrative movements and meaning.
The workshop will involve presentations and conversations with highly-trained dancers, theatre professionals, musicians and percussionists and sound experts.
The ministry invites all interested candidates (aged 16 and above) wishing to join Bahrain’s National Folk Dance Troupe (Folk dance, Hip Hop, Ballet, Modern Dance) to fill a registration form for approval/performance tests.
The future dance troupe is expected to participate in different events and festivals abroad and reflect the prestigious Bahraini dance traditions, exactly as other international groups perform in Bahrain.
The ministry has dedicated this year to Bahraini visual arts, under the title ‘Our Year of Arts’. In her position as minister of culture and someone entrusted to develop the arts in the kingdom, Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa, believes in the ability of beauty to change the world for the better.
She has launched programmes to encourage the young, to discover real talent in the local community and to encourage this talent to help shape the future.
Media Department
Ministry of Culture
Editor’s note: To download the registration form visit the ministry’s website at www.moc.gov.bh or email dancetroupe@moc.gov.bh The deadline for submitting applications is March 8.
