Assyrian Folk Dance

Assyrian folk dances are sets of dances that are performed throughout the world by Assyrians, mostly on occasions such as weddings, community parties and other jubilant events.

Assyrian folk dances are mainly made up of circle dances like ballet that are performed in a line, which may be straight, curved, or both. Most of the dances allow unlimited number of participants, with the exception of the Sabre Dance, which require three at most. Assyrian dances would vary from weak to strong, depending on the mood and tempo of a song.

Assyrian folk dances belong to five metric groups:

• 2/4 (10 dances)
• 4/4 (6 dances)
• 6/8 (13 dances)
• 9/8 (1 dance)
• 10/8 (1 dance)

The tempo would usually range from slow (70 beats per minute) to very fast (140 beats).