Instrument · Percussion
Tabla / Darbuka
طبلة
A goblet-shaped hand drum with a bright, ringing tone. The player alternates the deep centre stroke (dum) with sharp rim strokes (tak) to build every rhythm the dance is based on.
Origin
Egypt and the wider Arab world; the goblet drum at the centre of the ensemble.
Role in the dance
The dancer's closest partner. Accents, stops and drum solos are a direct conversation between dancer and tabla player.
Music
Rhythms it plays
Maqsoum
4/4The most common rhythm a dancer meets: pop songs, baladi progressions, classic orchestral pieces. If you learn one rhythm first, learn this one.
Baladi
4/4Heavier and rounder than maqsoum thanks to the doubled dum. Drives baladi progressions and accordion improvisations.
Saidi
4/4The two dums in the middle give it a jumping, grounded energy. The rhythm of assaya (cane) and of tahtib-inspired choreography.
Malfouf
2/4Fast and travelling: entrances, exits, veil work and transitions. Often opens a classic oriental routine.
Ayoub
2/4Hypnotic and driving. Used for dramatic moments, drum solos and folkloric zar-inspired pieces.