Photo of the week: Giving it a spin

Visitors to the Egyptian pavilion at the Global Village this season were enthralled by the swirling, swooping dance performed by a male dancer with what appeared to be colourful swathes of fabric shaped like discs. Called the Tannoura, this is an Egyptian folk dance popular in the region.

The dancer spins like a top at an unbelievable speed while his multicoloured costume and accessories twist and twirl, combining to create the illusion of a human kaleidoscope. This dance is usually performed during the Mooled, festivities that take place in a part of central Cairo noted for its historically important mosques and other Islamic monuments. It has now become so popular that performances are held at cultural events and festivals across the globe.

The word 'tannoura' may refer to the dance, the dancer, or the large weighted skirt worn by the dancers. It was usually performed by individuals at clubs, from where
it has now progressed to festivals.

It's so popular now that folkloric tannoura workshops are held in Egypt.

Source: www.aletadances.com/