Famous Dance Forms Around The World
Dance is an art of movement of body, usually rhythmic & to the music. It is also the best way through which a person can express feelings in front of an audience. It can be done purely for entertainment purpose also and is part and parcel of different cultures across the world. Each nation has its own dance form that has become popular in other countries over a period of time. Here are few famous dance forms that have captured the attention of people and are very popular around the world.
Ballet
Ballet has been with us since the 15th century and has gradually developed into its present concert dance form. What once graced the courts of Italy and France is now a very technical dance form enjoyed by dance lovers in every part of the world. Ballet dancing is not easy and a person has to undergo years of training to master this art. Different countries have added their unique flavor to ballet, which is now performed in theatres by artists choreographed by famous entertainment companies. Many plays and dance sequences are enacted by ballet dancers including the very popular swan lake dance.
Salsa
Salsa originated in Latin America and it is typically performed by partners. Solo forms are also known but it is more popular as a dance that is enjoyed by two people who gyrate to the beats of lilting salsa music. It is now performed by artists from Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, and some parts of the Middle East. Schools will teach you how to salsa but you should ensure that your teacher knows proper salsa techniques. Steps taken in the right manner will help you avoid injuries during dancing. Once you know the basic steps you can create your own style and move with grace on the dance floor.
Belly Dancing
Perceived as one of the most sensuous dance form, belly dancing is traditionally done by women who create magic by their rhythmic hip movements. Originated in pre-Islamic times, belly dancing was once taught within families who encouraged their women to dance during celebrations. It later became popular outside of its original birthplace and interested dancers from across the globe. Trainers advise amateurs to warm and stretch before they begin to dance so that they don’t injure their back.
Samba
Most of us who saw the FIFA world cup recognize the colorful samba dancers from Brazil. Rows of female dancers dance with gay and abandonment wearing attractive head gear and sequined short dresses. This dance form is an important part of the culture of Brazil and you will be surprised to know that there are more than half a dozen forms of samba. Dancers gyrate to the beat of samba music that is composed by string and percussion instruments. This dance form can be traced back as early as the 17th century.
Flamenco
It is the traditional dance form of people living in Spain who have been practicing this folk art since the seventeenth century. Dancers are accompanied by guitar players who play lilting tunes for those who clap and sing while they “Flamenco.” It is interesting that what originated from the Southern part of Spain is now popular in different parts of the world especially in Japan. Who would think that an Asian country will have so many dance schools of Flamenco? But the fact is that art knows no boundaries and is adopted by anyone who loves finer things in life.
Waltz
Waltz is rather a slow form of dance if you compare it with other dances such as samba or belly dancing. However, it is a very graceful dance with slow movements involving two partners who come closer and glide on the dance floor. This is also a relatively new form of dance as it first came into being around the middle of the nineteenth century. It is now accepted as a highly sophisticated form of dance ideal for ballroom and parties held for couples.
Tap Dance
African slaves who came to the USA came up with their own dance form, which is now popular as the tap dance. Introduced to the world in the early nineteenth century, tap dance was made popular by Hollywood movies. Dancers hit the floor with their shoes making tapping sounds that increase or decrease according to the force with which the shoe is hit on the surface. Tap dancers wear special shoes that have small metal sheets fixed on the heel and toe. This metal makes a sharp noise when the shoe hit the ground providing uniqueness to this dance form.
Bharata Natyam
Originated from the temples of Tamil Nadu, India Bharata Natyam is performed by a solo artist –either male or female. It is a classical dance form appreciated for its graceful and rhythmic movements. Devadasi or a lady married to god was considered to be the master of this art. Her work was to learn this art and dance in front of a group of devotees in temples. Later this dance form was learnt by more people who use this medium to express the connection between the mind, spirit and god.