The dhaanto dance has its origins in the camel. Basically, it is a dance for the real nomads and it was inspired by the camel. By this I mean, how it walks, grasses, defends itself, runs and just socializes with her peers.
Each dhaanto action mimics the camel and its an artistic expression of her. For example when they sway the hands from side to side, that is a symbolic gesture of her grassing especially when the hands are lowed and the back bent...
When the hands make forward and back motion then she is running or gobbling. Qofka dhaantada ciyaraya hadu dhaxda jabiyo especially in an aggressive and fast manner, this is an expression of a wild camel (young ones who have so much energy and want to have fun).
When they lift the hands up high, that is a camel either defending her turf or reaching for higher pasture such as acacia trees.
The Dhaanto comes from the camel and the best dancers are the nomads especially the young teenagers who herd camels. During the night they take the camels into their ranch and venture out to compete with each others. Today, the likes of Abdi Omar (DDSI) have brought the dance from the camel yard to the studio.
Most lyrics except very few are actually taken from real nomads who have no idea their songs have gone viral on places such as YouTube. As a kid growing up in Hawd (Dhegehbur), I used to attend such events with my abtis. Sometimes, these events can lead to physical altercations should someone be completely humiliated.
Only a true nomad understands the true meaning of dhaanto and those who did not see camels, will not perform genuine dhaanto.
Now I will share with you a video that best demonstrated these techniques and artistic expressions best. There is no video like this one. The rest are kids trying to 'modernize' dhaanto and choreograph what they think is dhaanto.
The video demonstrates what an authentic dhaanto dance looks like. Pay attention to both singers and even the ordinary folks on the floor. In this particular song the message is that its peaceful and prosperous time with all the camels enjoying great feed and leisure. From the words to the actions everything is in place.
In the field of engineering, they teach students to draw objects in front of them but translate them into engineering manner not painting or cartoonish ways. For example a cup from above can but just a basic circle and rectangle (handle). This dance is the same from the actions of the camel.
The guy and girl are never insync because a group of camel even when following each others are never insync...they all take steps various times.
