What are some Inuit dances?
Yup’ik dance or Yuraq, also Yuraqing (Yup’ik yuraq /juʁaq/ sg yurak dual yurat pl) is a traditional Inuit style dancing form usually performed to songs in Yup’ik, with dances choreographed for specific songs which the Yup’ik people of southwestern Alaska.
What is Inuit drum dancing?
Drum dancing and drum singing are indigenous forms of Inuit artistic expression and music in Greenland. Drum dances and songs are frequently performed during national holidays, festive celebrations and social events, by a single person or a group. A single drum dancer may also perform with a choir.
What is the purpose of the drum dance?
Drum dancing was originally thought to be spiritual and was used to contact special spirits of the hunt or fishing or for protection. As Christianity and modern life influenced the Inuit to abandon shamanistic practices the drum dance became more of a community and social event.
Are Drummers good dancers?
Not all drummers are good dancers, but drumming provides the basis for solid rhythm and coordination required for good dancing, making it easy for drummers to learn it quickly if they like it. But drumming differs from dancing in many other aspects; some drummers don’t enjoy dancing at all.
What is an Inuit drum called?
The main Inuit percussion instrument is the wooden frame drum called the qilaut that is made from bending narrow strips of wood into a circular frame with a protruding handle. The qilaut is struck on the edge of the rim with a qatuk — a wooden stick, wand or beater.
How did the Inuit tell stories?
Stories are often accompanied by a song that describes an event or helps to explain the purpose of a story. The storytelling and the legends themselves are very important to the Inuit culture. And they help save and enrich the language tremendously.
Why do Inuit throat sing?
Mark clarified there are some Inuit men who do a form of throat singing – they imitate animal sounds while they’re hunting and shamans chant. But women and children throat sang in the way we hear it today to keep their minds busy and their bodies warm during frigid weather.
What are Inuit drums made out of?
The main Inuit percussion instrument is the wooden frame drum called the qilaut that is made from bending narrow strips of wood into a circular frame with a protruding handle. Originally, caribou skin was stretched across the frame, but today synthetic membranes are most common.