As I watch the bellydancer leave the hall, and turn to my cousins to comment on her performance and flashy costume, I notice another performer walking in and settling at the center of the hall. “It’s the Tanoura!” we blurt out happily, instantly recognizing him. In a huge colorful skirt with lights attached to it, trousers below, and a white skullcap, the young man began to spin to the tunes of the Arabic song ‘Doury Beena’ (Spin Us Around) alongside the sound of rhythmic claps from the audience. As the layers of the skirts spun and the performance went on, we saw the Tanoura dancer remove one skirt, fold it and hold it in his arms as if it’s a baby. Right before the end of his performance, the dancer removed one layer of the skirts, spinning it over his head, moving from one table to another to spin the skirt over the audience’s heads. I later learnt that some believe it is symbolic of the Almighty showering the attendees with blessings. As he continued to spin effortlessly, my mind traveled far, wondering about the origin of this dance that…
