The dance of the Guedra.
This form functions as a Blessing dance. In Arabic the Guedra is also the name of the cooking pot (or cauldron) which the dessert nomads the Tuareg carry with them. This pot was covered with an animal skin to make a drum. it is also the name of the dance and the person who is chosen by spirit to act out the ritual. This seems to suggest a very holistic way of looking at the universe.
Guedra is different from other trance dances of the middle east (for example the Zar and the the Hadraa), it that it does not involve the exorcism of malevolent spirits or the sacrificing of animals It is purely beneficial joyful and healing.
According to dance anthropologist Morocco. . The Guedra is a three faceted ritual . Having the correct intentions and focus are essential for the experience to have the desired affects. Guedra may be performed by one women, two women, or a woman and a child The dance of the Guedra begins with alternate clapping, a rhythmic element is provided by drumming on the cooking pot/drum .This event is concluded by chants from the whole group. The dancer then translates and unifies this energy into movement, initially through her hands. Healing energy is believed to be transmitted via a hand flick, Different techniques can create different meanings/affects.
The dance begins with the head covered by the end of the garment (a' haik,' worn over a Kaftan . ). This symbolizes being in a dark, informationless void.. The dancer begins her hand moves and gradually lifts the material back onto her headdress . This lifting of the fabric from the head, seems to be symbolic for enlightenment or awareness.
Traditionally the dancer may begin by greeting members of the audience . The dancer may begin and end either standing or sitting. The dance begins with hand flicks to the four directions ,then to the elements: heaven (up), earth (down), wind (out), water (moving down). The hands also represent time elements: to the back (the past), to the side (present), and to the front (present). As momentum builds, the dancer may feel compelled to add head sways, swinging her braids back and forth, reaching a deep trance.