Dancing is invigorating and fun. It’s exciting and entertaining and is an art form in itself. There are many dance styles in the world and you could try out different styles which have originated in different countries. We’ve all heard about the samba and rumba, but there are exotic and interesting dance forms like cumbia or the zaoli dance, which you will not be able to resist. The beats of the music will have you grooving in no time. Check out the 10 most amazing dance styles from around the world:
Frevo, Brazil
Image Source : unesco.org
The word ‘Frevo’ is derived from the word ferver, which means “to boil” and Frevo is boiling hot alright. This dance has a feverish pace and incorporates leg shifting, acrobatics and capoeira steps. The dancers are called “passitas”, display their skills during the carnival held in Olinda city and in and around Pernambuco state. The costumes are in bright hues of red, yellow and blue, with green umbrellas. The dance originated in the 20th century and Nascimento do Passo made it popular in the 1960s.
Cumbia, Columbia
The origin of cumbia is a mystery, as along the Columbian Caribbean coast many cities claim the distinction as theirs, and every city has its own form of the dance. Cumbia is a mix of the dances of African slaves, colonial Europeans and indigenous peoples. It is a dance of seduction and courtship and filled with sensuous movements. The woman dances short steps with flirty movements while the man dances around her, courting her.
Hip-hop, USA
Hip-hop is not just a dance but it’s a culture. It originated in the US and is practiced around the world now. It emerged in the 70s and the style is also known as “street”. “Locking”, “breaking” and “popping” are elements of this fun dance, but though it looks easy, it can be executed perfectly by people with a little training in dance. But, you might have a go at it too, who knows you might be a natural!
Yangko dance, China
It is a traditional Chinese dance, which has evolved over a thousand years. It is an elegant and graceful dance, in which the dancers move to the music in rhythmic movements, swaying the waist and hips. The dance is performed during the Lantern festival, and you can learn the moves from the numerous videos on YouTube.
Hopak, Ukraine
Image Source : verchovyna.com.au
Hopak is the national dance of Ukraine. The name Hopak is derived from the word “hopaty” meaning “to jump” and people have been dancing since 16th century. Characterized by squats and split leaps, men and women don traditional clothing and dance spiritedly.
Adumu, Tanzania and Kenya
The Maasai tribe’s men dance the Adumu as a coming of age ritual, and the higher they jump, the more desirable they are!
Kathakali, India
Image Source : ichef.bbci.co.uk
Kathakali is performed by professionally trained dancers and all the aspects, the makeup, acting and dancing are equally important in this dance. Originating in Kerala, this dance form has performers floating on the stage and the facial and body movements evoke expressions like anger, love, fear in a subtle manner.
Ote’a, Tahiti
Ote’a is a Tahitian dance with vigorous shaking of the hips to the beat of percussions, enacting everyday life stories with their hands, making elegant moves. The graceful but fun dance is just the thing to get you in the holiday mood.
Tap Dance, USA
This dance originated in the 1800s and is influenced by African American dances like the Juba. This dance is quite popular and special shoes with metal plates on the ball and heels are worn to give the special “tapping” sound.
Viennese Waltz, Austria
The Viennese waltz is a staple at dance competitions where dancers show off their polished moves. It is danced on formal occasions and originated in Austria.It was the favorite dance of country folk as well as the elite. You can learn this exquisite dance and waltz the night away!
Dancing is not only fun, but you can learn a lot about the country of origin of the dance – the culture, history and traditions, which adds to your knowledge and makes you understand the people of another country.
