Region
Behdînan / Iraqi Kurdistan
Şêxanî is a fast-tempo dance famous in the Behdînan region of Iraqi Kurdistan — Erbil and Duhok. It is performed in a tight circle, dancers gripping each other's hands firmly and undulating from shoulder to knees to a quick drum rhythm. The name comes from the Sheikhan tribe that made the dance famous in the 19th century. Şêxanî is the favourite of modern Behdînî weddings; it ignites everyone present and burns until dawn. Friendly competitions between neighbouring villages are common — to see who can keep the rhythm longest.