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Dance has been a very integrated part of the Greenlanders life. It was not mere entertainment but carry several significances. The Drum Dance is one of the most important traditional dances of Greenland. This event used to take pace both in summer and winter. This can be performed both by men and women.
The songs were divided into many groups according to their own social function. The Drum Dance as a court law usually took place at a summer gathering. The person who receives most applause and makes the audience laugh the most is declared to be the winner. There used to be a chance for the loser to take revenge at a new song duel at a later time.
Though the Drum Dance is mainly performed for the sake of tourists and entertainment they are still highly respected. There are still an art form that are not performed anywhere at any time for anyone. It includes some sort of mysticism even if the drum skin might be made out of the remains of a weather balloon. Drum Dances were played on an oval drum made of wooden frame with a bear-bladder on top.
The cultural center Katuaq is named after the drumstick. A lot of symbolism is involved, especially if the drumstick is made out of very knotty wood. The National Library's logo has a drum dancer in it, signifying the power of legends and story telling. Drum Dance has become an important part of the national identity of Greenland.
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