"Ramadance," an exploration of Moroccan dances between folklore and modernity

“Ramadance” is an innovative Instagram concept that has been showcasing Morocco’s rich cultural heritage through the expressive art form of dancing. Created by photographer and content creator Mohcine Harisse, the project presents a new dance every day from different cities and regions across Morocco.

After the success of last year’s “Ramadance,” which garnered over 21 million views in organic videos, activist and entrepreneur Saad Abid convinced Harisse to revive the concept this year.

“I asked Mohcine about Season 2 and I was surprised to hear that he wasn’t gonna do another season,” said Abid in an interview with Hespress EN, in answer to what prompted him to produce this second season of the concept. 

With a small production team, Harisse has been traveling to various cities to highlight different dances, including featuring some big artists like folklore sensation Othmane Mouline, also known as “Moul Lbendir.”

Abid’s contribution to the project includes providing captions that tell the story behind each dance, allowing viewers to learn more about the history and culture of the region.

“We hope that this project will get the support it deserves especially from the Ministry of Culture whose team and Minister have been doing an amazing job for our heritage since he got in place,” declared Abid. 

The concept has faced some criticism from those who do not understand why it is being executed during Ramadan.

But according to Abid, Harisse chose Ramadan because it is the only month in the year when empty streets can be filmed organically, without the use of visual effects.

The project is expected to continue until the end of Ramadan, and a third season of “Ramadance” is being teased, possibly taking place outside of Morocco.

Through “Ramadance,” both the viewers and the creator have been able to learn new Moroccan dances, fulfilling the concept’s true purpose of discovery.