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The Halay folk dance has been around since the
beginning of the Assyrian Empire. It is now considered to be
Turkey's national dance. The Halay is danced by people gathered in
either a circle or a line. All participants hold on to one another
by the hand or dance shoulder to shoulder. The music for the dance
is performed on drums as well as zurnas, a loud, double reed wind
instrument, and often will include pipes, smaller reeds, and other
native musical instruments.
The Halay was traditionally only danced
by men at wedding ceremonies, but it is now used in other
celebrations as well. It is very rhythmic, and is generally based on
a stiff standing pose and a quick bending of the knees. Everyone
involved moves as one person. As the dance progresses, people will
add their own hops, shakes, and pauses. Occasionally folk songs are
sung along with the movement. The Halay is a great show of the
talent and inventiveness of the participants.
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