Attan

Attan ( pastunisch ) اتڼ, also Atan or Attan -i - Mili; is a traditional dance especially the originally Pashtun populations in Afghanistan and Pakhtunkhwa. He is considered the national dance.

Importance

The Attan is the symbol of national unity in the multiethnic state of Afghanistan. For the Afghan people it is a sign of independence and national sovereignty of the country. He is practiced in all social strata, making it stands out compared to other dances. Because of its special importance of Attan is perceived not as a dance, but as a national symbol such as the national anthem or the flag. At the time of Taliban rule all the dances were prohibited, except as Attans. Previously, the Afghans have listed a Attan before fighting.

Variants

In every part of the country, different variations of dance exist. These differ mainly in the instruments played, the clothes and the step sequence.

Occasions

The Attan is danced usually at the end of an event as a grand finale. The dance is performed both in important national and historical events, as well as at weddings, birthdays and engagements.

Instruments

• Dhol: beaten with sticks big drum
• Rubab: stringed instrument
• Sorna: double reed pipe
• Harmonium
• Tabla
• Toola: wooden flute

Dance rules

The dancers gather in a big circle. With the beat of the music certain combinations of steps must be performed. With increasing time the beat of the music and the step combinations to be executed faster. If one of the dancers make a mistake in the sequence of steps due to the high tempo of the music, he must leave the circle. The pace of the music takes so long to until only one or two people in the circle remain.