Khigga is the style of Assyrian folk dance in which multiple dancers hold each other's hands and form a line. There are multiple foot patterns that dancers perform. Its thought to have been danced for thousands of year.[1]
Khigga is traditionally danced with music played on the zurna, supported by a davul, but in recent years, electronic instruments have started to replace them. The khigga has spread from Anatolia to many other regions, such as Armenia and the Balkans.
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There are many types of Khigga depending on the pace and the accompanying music. Among them are:
In many Assyrian weddings, as well as parties and other various social gatherings, people dance khigga for hours. Every region has its own style and forms.
The head of the khigga line, referred to as "resha d'khigga" (ܪܝܫܐ ܕܚܓܐ), usually dances with a yalekhta (ܝܠܚܬܐ), or a handkerchief with beads and bells added to the sides so it jingles when shaken. A Yalekhta can have many different designs on the piece of cloth. A "copala" (ܟܘܦܠܐ), or decorated cane, is also used at many Assyrian weddings.
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