Submitted by Ali Ikhlassi
In my culture, there is a dance I enjoy called the Atan. There is one person singing, and maybe 10-15 people dancing. Anyone can participate in the dance, but it's usually just adults. A few people play some instruments too, like the drums, the piano, and the flute. Other people watch the dancers and clap with the music.
The dance is done at special events, such as weddings following the ceremony. The bride and groom both participate in the dance, while the attendees clap their hands. The groom has one flower in his hand, while the bride has another flower in her hand. Once the bride and groom start the dance, other people join in. I love this dance because people are always so happy while it is going on.
The dancing program finishes, and everyone goes to eat lunch or dinner. Some of the foods include rice pilaf, lamb, and vegetables. After eating, some people go to play games like soccer and volleyball. Sometimes, there is horse racing that we like to participate in and watch. There are two horses, one for the bride and one for the groom. The groom’s family, friends, and neighborhood - maybe up to 200 people- all go to the bride’s village and stay for one day. After that, the bride goes to the groom’s village. The groom’s family helps the bride adjust to and learn about her new village.