Biennale Arte 2024 - Ahmed Umar

Summary

In this powerful piece, the speaker reflects on the Sudanese Bridal dance, a tradition deeply rooted in their culture but politicized and suppressed over decades of dictatorship and Islamization. The dance, historically performed topless by brides, has faced criticism from both conservative and feminist circles. The speaker, who was once excluded from participating, is now reclaiming the tradition to honor the legacy of women who preserved it in secret. They aim to shed light on this vibrant yet overlooked cultural expression, challenging societal taboos while preserving and celebrating Sudanese heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The dance being discussed is the Sudanese Bridal dance, known as 'ttin,' performed during the final ceremony of Sudanese weddings.
• 😀 The dance has been politicized and attacked over the last 45 years due to political instability and the Islamization of Sudanese culture.
• 😀 The speaker's aim is to preserve the authentic elements of the dance, including performing topless, which was historically part of the tradition.
• 😀 There are cultural tensions around the dance, with some conservative men considering it Haram due to the display of the woman's body, while some feminists criticize it as objectifying women.
• 😀 The speaker's personal experience with the dance is rooted in family restrictions, as they were not allowed to participate due to their appearance and gender identity when younger.
• 😀 The term 'deltin' was used as a derogatory slur for the speaker, referring to someone who behaves like a boy or enjoys typically male activities.
• 😀 The dance has evolved over generations; earlier generations, like the speaker's grandmother, performed it topless, but later generations began wearing dresses during the performance.
• 😀 The speaker acknowledges that, in their family, almost no one dances the traditional bridal dance anymore.
• 😀 The speaker aims to keep the tradition of the dance alive, though they don't believe they can fully 'liberate' it, as it has already been a free expression of women's culture.
• 😀 The speaker highlights that many Sudanese people are not proud of the dance, and there is little documentation or public discussion about it, even though it was once a communal celebration involving everyone.
• 😀 The speaker’s goal is to shine a light on this beautiful tradition and share it proudly with the world, both to preserve cultural heritage and to express personal love for the dance.

Q & A

What is the 'ttin' dance, and why is it significant in Sudanese culture?

The 'ttin' dance is a traditional Sudanese bridal dance performed by the bride during the final part of the wedding ceremony. It is significant because it represents an important cultural and social expression that has been practiced for generations, yet has faced political and cultural suppression due to changing political regimes and conservative views on women’s bodies.

How has the 'ttin' dance been politicized in Sudan?

The 'ttin' dance has been politicized over the last 45 years, particularly during periods of dictatorship and the islamization of Sudanese culture. It has been attacked by conservative men who view it as 'haram' (forbidden) due to the exposure of the woman's body, and by some feminist perspectives that accuse it of objectifying women.

What elements of the dance is the artist trying to preserve in their performance?

The artist aims to preserve the authentic elements of the 'ttin' dance, particularly the tradition of dancing topless, as it was originally performed by brides in Sudanese weddings. This aspect of the dance is seen as both a cultural and personal expression of freedom and defiance.

What personal experience does the artist share about their connection to the 'ttin' dance?

The artist shares that, as a child, they were not allowed to participate in the 'ttin' dance because they were seen as 'looking like a boy' and were labeled with a derogatory term ('deltin'), which refers to a boy who enjoys traditionally feminine activities. This experience of exclusion deepened their personal connection to the dance and fueled their desire to reclaim it.

What does the term 'deltin' mean, and why is it significant to the artist’s story?

'Deltin' is a slur used in Sudanese culture to describe a boy who engages in activities typically associated with girls, such as the 'ttin' dance. It is significant to the artist because they were labeled with this term during their childhood, contributing to their feeling of alienation and exclusion from cultural traditions like the dance.

How has the performance of the 'ttin' dance evolved over time?

Over time, the 'ttin' dance has evolved from being performed topless by women, as was the tradition of the artist’s grandmother's generation, to being performed in dresses in later years. In contemporary times, the dance is rarely seen, and when it is performed, it is usually done in secrecy, with little to no public documentation.

What role does the artist believe they play in preserving the 'ttin' dance?

The artist believes they play a crucial role in preserving the 'ttin' dance by keeping it alive through their own performance. They view their act as a way to reclaim and present the dance proudly, counteracting the harm done by cultural and political repression, and shining a light on a tradition that has been marginalized.

Why does the artist want to share the 'ttin' dance with the world?

The artist wants to share the 'ttin' dance because they love it and see it as an important part of Sudanese heritage. They also want to challenge the social taboos surrounding the dance, raise awareness about its cultural significance, and inspire others to reconnect with their own traditions.

What is the current attitude toward the 'ttin' dance in Sudanese society?

The current attitude towards the 'ttin' dance in Sudanese society is one of discomfort and repression. It has become increasingly marginalized, with few people practicing it openly and little to no public documentation. The dance is now primarily performed in secrecy and is exclusively for women, unlike in the past when it was an event for the entire community.

What challenges does the artist face in presenting the 'ttin' dance publicly?

The artist faces several challenges in presenting the 'ttin' dance publicly, including societal and familial expectations about gender roles, the stigmatization of the dance due to its connection with exposing the female body, and the broader cultural suppression of women's autonomy. Additionally, the lack of documentation and the secrecy surrounding the dance further complicate efforts to share it with a wider audience.