Dance Styles Around the World
In celebration of National Dance Day, discover the many forms of dance all over the world! Dance is an essential aspect of many cultures, and even if you do not speak the local language, you can easily learn to move your feet. If dancing is not your forte, you can also watch the professionals at performances and festivals.
Brazil: samba
Widely popularized due to its connection to the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Samba style of music will make you want to get up and move. Emerging from the influence of African dances and rhythms, samba combines colorful costumes, hip swaying and fast footwork into the most important dance style in Brazilian culture and history. No matter where it is performed, Samba celebrates vitality and joie de vivre!
This traditional dance originates from the early dynasties of China and is mainly observed during Chinese New Year and other celebrations. One dancer holds the multicolored head of the lion costume and the other dancer acts as the hind legs. Moving in sync concealed by the vibrant lion costume, the dancers appear as a real animal, complete with blinking eyes and open mouth. This dance symbolizes good fortune for the coming year!
When one thinks of Flamenco, the image of a woman in a frilly red dress, a lace fan, and a large flower in her hair probably comes to mind. As one of the most prominent dance styles on the streets of Spain, this style consists of stomping and clapping to the tune of a Spanish guitar and beautiful singing. The passionate dance originated among the gypsies of Andalusia in southern Spain hundreds of years ago, and today it is considered a treasured art form.
Bhangra is an energetic style from Punjab, India that has become highly recognizable internationally, often appearing in Bollywood movies and international performances. Beginning as a celebratory harvest dance many years ago, this style includes boldly colorful costumes and lively, active dance moves that often carry deep meaning and symbolism. The music always incorporates the dhol drum and the dancers may also have props.
Salsa was created through the combination of existing musical and dance styles from Africa, Spain, Cuba, and other parts of Latin America. It gained great popularity in the United States in the 1900s and has become one of the most prominent styles at international competitions, clubs and festivals. Salsa typically features intricate footwork, energetic tempo, and rapid hip movements, but there are many different variations of this beloved dance.
Characterized by fluid, fast turns, a firm stance, and the characteristic “one, two, three” countdown, the Viennese Waltz is one of the most storied styles of ballroom dance performed internationally. The Viennese waltz originated in 18th century Europe and was associated with the politics and culture of Vienna. You probably recognize this style from TV and movie dance competitions, and many forms of the waltz have developed from this original style.
As one of the most popular and recognizable dances in the world, the Tango might take more than a few lessons to master. Originating from the lower classes of Buenos Aires in the 19th century, this dance style spread to the upper classes in Argentina and beyond, eventually expanding its influence worldwide. Not only is the Tango comprised of the graceful movement and meticulous harmony between the two partners, it also involves deep emotion and expressiveness.
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