Circassian dance troupe take centre stage at Jerash Music Festival
(29 Jul 2015) LEAD-IN:
A group of Circassian dancers and musicians is using culture to protect their heritage.
The New Generation Club is performing at the Jerash Music Festival in Jordan.
STORY-LINE:
This is traditional Circassian dress and dance.
The dancers move around the stage at speed.
The Jordanian group, the New Generation Club is presenting five traditional dances at the Jerash Music Festival.
They're highlighting their culture to try to protect it from assimilation, two centuries since they were forced from their homes.
Through music, dance, traditional clothes and recipes, the Circassian diaspora work to preserve and protect their heritage despite living as minorities across the world.
"I say the most important thing is to present our culture and civilisation," says dancer Awni Webkh.
"It is very important that more people get to know our culture because we are a people who fled their country because of a war. Dancing is one way we can share that history for people to see."
The Circassians originate from Russia's North Caucasus.
They were mostly driven out of their homeland in the Caucasus after a brutal, multi-generational war pitting the Muslim mountaineers against Tsarist Russia in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Many relocated to areas across the Middle East including what is now Jordan.
The Circassian community was one of the first of the young Jordanian state, and they served in powerful positions within the army and government, including as the royal palace guards.
Dancer, Nadine Libzu, says her style of dance is a cultural symbol that represents her traditions and history.
"There are many different Circassian dances, there's fast and slow, but for me I prefer the slow dance because it is the most magnificent. It expresses magnificence and gentleness," she says.
Circassian accordion player and composer, Anzaur Mish is proud to present his culture to those gathered at the festival.
"Even if they don't speak our language, the beauty of our culture can reach them. If you want to know why, it is because our songs are unique and beautiful."
An estimated two million Circassians live in Turkey, another 100,000 in Syria and other sizable populations are in Jordan and the United States. But their sense of ethnic unity remains strong and the pull of their homeland is compelling.
Of an estimated 3.7 million ethnic Circassians around the world, close to 100,000 are living in Jordan today, according to the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO).
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