Why do bellydancers sometimes dance with swords or canes?
Swords and canes are usually considered folkloric props, meaning their association with Middle Eastern dance is more related to village dancing. It makes sense that sword and cane dancing came from traditional peasant life and dances. When people migrate to the cities, their own unique traditions and folklore ultimately become an integral part of the larger society’s culture. There is video footage of sword dancing performed by men in the Arabian Gulf and of Lebanese female folk dancers. Likely these sword dances were more related to victory dances of long ago since they were not performed in the same manner as a bellydancer would utilize the sword. In contrast, we use it as a way to showcase our balance, isolations, and flexibility. The cane (assaya) is commonly used in Arab weddings, whereby the dancer performs with it as she leads the wedding procession (called a zeffa). Just envision a sheepherder using a cane or staff to herd the flock or a village celebration where families gathe
