Tipped to be one of the most captivating dance forms of ancient record in the Maldives the Kadhaa Maali Folk Dance is no ordinary performance art piece in the island paradise. Revered by seasoned visitors and dance fanatics alike this traditional, centuries old form of creative expression is one of the best reasons to head down to Kulhudhuffushi Island on the Thiladhunmathi atoll this holiday season. Although the precise origins of the dance form remains a mystery it is believed that the dance variety dates back several centuries and was popular in other areas of the island archipelago though it is only visible in Kulhudhuffushi Island today..jpg)
Mesmerizing as it is exquisite the Kadhaa Maali Folk Dance ritual commences with the beating of the traditional drum known as a “Kadhaa” which is a musical instrument composed of a copper rod and plate. Containing an all-male line-up of dancers 30 men descend on to the stage to the beat of the drum dressed in multifaceted costumes performing varying postures. The costumes themselves are vibrant and emotive as the colours and the shapes are meant to denote various ghostly figures and evil spirits in mythology. Dubbed Maaali in the local tongue the spirits form an intrinsic part of the dance ritual which is performed to the percussive music provided by the drums alone.
Representing a traditional community gathering of elders which was common in early island life the dance recreates the act of denouncing evil spirits by the practice of a nightly walk. The community walk by the elders is believed to rid the space of its negative energies which cause epidemics and other physical ailments to residents. This walk preludes the Kadhaa Maali Folk Dance performance which takes place after three consecutive nights of walking and the practice was commonplace during ancient times although the dance form is largely visible in festival settings nowadays.
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