Alardah is a traditional performance that includes dance, drumming, and chanting poetry to mark the beginning and end of important occasions.
Ardah is derived from the verb Arabic verb ard (Ardah / ALA-LC: al-'ardah) which means to show or to parade. It is a form of folkloric group dance in the Arabian Peninsula.
Alardah used to be performed by males of tribes of the Arabian Peninsula only before they went to war, each of whom may or may not be holding a sword or cane. The dance performance is accompanied by drums and spoken poetry.
Alardah is considered a fundamental component of the cultural expression of the practicing communities. It is performed by drummers, dancers, and poets. Alardah males carry light swords and stand in two rows, shoulder to shoulder, leaving space between them for drummers to move between them.
The flag will be carried by a performer dressed in full costume. A poet chant verses specific to the occasion in a loud voice, and the participants then sing them antiphonally. Then, large dance drums then hit swift strokes, followed by smaller drums.
While singing, the performers rock back and forth, side to side, and move their swords up and down, in synchrony with the drumbeats and lyrics. the men then gather around the flag. Males may participate in the poem, regardless of social status, age, or professional background. Women also participate by making costumes.
The most popular ardah is the Najdi ardah, which is the most practiced and televised male folkloric dance throughout Saudi Arabia. Saudi government renamed it 'Saudi ardah' during the 21st century, but there are still numerous variations throughout the country that vary from Najdi ardah, such as in Najran, Asir, and Jizan.
The performance reinforces social cohesion while simultaneously cultivating a sense of mutual respect. Troupes and local citizens, schools, nations, and communities all participate in a variety of teaching, performing, popularizing, and transmitting activities to transmit Alardah.
Historically, it was used to gauge a tribe's fighting capability and boost morale before an armed engagement. In spite of regional variations in ardah, it serves a purpose that is nearly identical throughout the Arabian Peninsula.
As of today, it is performed by males of all tribes during celebrations, weddings, birth, graduation ceremonies, and national and cultural events, such as the Jenadriyah festival, and religious holidays. However, through this event, people are brought together in unity, and traditions are kept alive, while every participant is shown equality.
https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/alardah-alnajdiyah-dance-drumming-and-poetry-in-saudi-arabia-01196) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardah)