is a traditional Timorese Tebe.
Dancers form a circle, males on one side, females on the other, with hands joined or arms linked behind. Thy stamp their feet to the rhythm of the song as they move. Tebe is often performed under the moonlight, after the heat of the day or, in colder mountainous regions, around a large bonfire.
Tebe is popular among Timorese because through its words they can express their feelings as human beings.
The basic Tebe step is a L-R, R-L pattern which allows for variations (forward, sideways, large steps, small steps, knee bends). Once you have mastered the basic step, create your own style of Tebe.
To dance the Tebe, men and women dress in traditional costume. Learn all about the
Tais,
Kaibau and
Belak and how to make them in the
Great Southern Songbook 2001.
You can find the words and the music, and listen to the track from the Great Southern Songbook
here.
