Assyrian folk dance
Assyrian folk dances are sets of dances that are performed throughout the world by Assyrians, mostly on occasions such as weddings, community parties and other jubilant events. Assyrian folk dances are mainly made up of circle dances like ballet that are performed in a line, which may be straight, curved, or both. Most of the dances allow unlimited number of participants, with the exception of the "Sabre Dance", which require three at most. Assyrian dances would vary from weak to strong, depending on the mood and tempo of a song. Assyrian folk dances belong to five metric  groups: (10 dances), (6 dances), (13 dances), (1 dance), (1 dance). The tempo would usually range from slow (70 beats per minute) to very fast (140 beats). Technique. All Assyrians dances, with the exception of the "Sabre Dance", are done in a connected circle. Most Assyrian circle dances are lateral, vining and open-ended, where more and more participants can join the dance. In an open floor space, the lines assume open circular shapes where they tend to curve and acquire spiral shapes as determined by floor space availability. There are only five ways of moving the body; "Step, leap , run, hop" and "jump". The legs are also used to stamp, stomp and kick. The arms are used predominantly and they'd usually move independently of the legs. Arm gestures include bouncing, swinging forward and back, moving side-to-side, lifting above the head and clapping. In many dances, the torso, along with the shoulders and arms, bounce up and down rhythmically. Stomps and stamps are also executed in Assyrian folk dances. Knee bends, deep squats and leg extensions are a regular occurrence in Assyrian dance. The connections include, hand-to-hand, hand to shoulder, and hand to hip, with  hand-to-hand being the most popular. The hand-to-hand type has three connections; The "W", the "V" and the "T". The "W" arm hold is the most common where the arms are raised into the "W" position (or, at least, it appears to look like the letter W). The "T" dance is where hands are placed on other participants's shoulders. This is the least common dance of the three. Other dances. These Assyrian folk dances are rarely danced, but they're still practiced within some tribes and/or special events: Gallery. Video. Video excerpts of the common Assyrian  dance styles: