tanoura

Tanoura is a traditional Egyptian folk dance that is part of Sufi religious practices. The dance is characterized by the whirling movement of the dancer, who wears a long, colorful skirt that expands outward during the spin. The tanoura dancer typically wears a tall, felt hat called a "sikke" and a skirt made of several layers, each a different color, representing different stages of spiritual ascent.

The dance is performed to devotional music, often accompanied by chanting and drumming. The purpose of the whirling is to achieve a trance-like state, connecting the dancer to the divine. Tanoura is not merely a performance for entertainment but a spiritual discipline aimed at spiritual purification and meditation. The repetitive motion and rhythmic music are designed to induce a state of ecstatic awareness.

While rooted in Sufi traditions, tanoura performances are now also presented to wider audiences as a cultural spectacle. Dancers may perform in various settings, from religious gatherings to cultural festivals and tourist shows. The costumes, particularly the voluminous skirts and tall hats, are visually striking, making it a popular and memorable form of folk art. The dance is considered a living tradition, passed down through generations of practitioners.