Famous Folk Dances around the World

Folk dances are considered one of the most important parts of the culture because they interpret the vibrant people, their traditional dancing styles and even traditional story telling. Folk dances are the dances that are performed as certain ritual in certain countries and the characteristics of the dance is shared among every citizen of the country. The people share the dance and even teach young kids so that they can learn more about their country and their culture. Folk Dances are known for keeping the country’s culture alive and growing from generations to generations. People perform their traditional folk dances in some of the most special occasions and family gathering events. It is always interesting to learn more about the folk dances of one own country but also having knowledge about the folk dances of other countries because that can help you get along with the new and different culture and gives you an opportunity to communicate with different people. Here are some of the most famous folk dances around the world.

Samba from Brazil

Samba is the famous folk dance that originated from Brazil. Samba includes synchronization of time with music, hip movements, pelvic tilt and torso Rhythm. Samba is vibrant dance that involves a lot of hip movement. It’s not an easy dance style but for Brazilians it is an every day thing. People of all ages and genders enjoy this full movement dance and it is performed in many important occasions such as annual festival celebrations and carnivals. The dancers wear extremely colorful dresses, jewels and features. Samba is performed solo, with partner but the most famous form is when the dancers dance in groups and sync movements along with the samba music. The dance and music express the Brazilian culture very clearly. Samba is considered as the happy and fun dance that is performed to express happiness and excitement, that is why it is one of the most famous Traditional folk dances all over the world.

Dragon Dance from China

We can always recognize the famous dragon dance from china. It is the signature dance that is performed by the Chinese artists at Chinese lunar New Year night. This dance is an old tradition of Chinese culture and originally it was performed as a worship to pray for rain and prosperity from ancestor and gods. Over the course of centuries dragon dance is now become a symbol of celebration and entertainment in the Chinese culture and society. The main focus of the dance is not on the dancers but the huge dragon they are holding with sticks from bellow and making it move up, down, forward and in beautiful waves. You can observe this Chinese folk dance at the New Year celebration, lantern festival and even at other celebration at the beginning of business because Dragons are the sign of good fortune.

Viennese Waltz from Austria

Viennese Waltz is the first and oldest form of Waltz that is performed in Austria as their most famous folk dance. This dance is just bunch of turns within the fast paced music. Viennese waltz is performed in pairs and in huge ballroom filled with couples for the dance performance. This dance feels like fantasy and it will remind you of Royal castles and princess dancing in the ballroom. The most distinct feature of Viennese waltz that makes it different from other types of waltz is that it is performed at 180 beats per minute at the tradition Viennese waltz music. It is one of the most magical and romantic folk dance that is performed in major occasions in Austria.

Tarantella From Italy

It is the famous folk dance of Italy that was originated as the therapy and cure of the poison from the bite of spider named Tarantella. This is how this dance gets its name and now it is one of the most famous folk dances in the world. This dance is performed in pairs and characterized by whirls, light and quick movements on high tempo up beat Hispanic music. The dance also involves flirtatious behavior and teasing behavior between the partners.

Flamenco from Spain

Flamenco is a famous and vibrant traditional folk dance from Spain that involves the expressing for the artist’s deep emotions through quick and impressive dance movements. Flamenco includes singing, dancing and guitar playing. The dancers add clapping, snapping and even kicking with their feet to bring more life into performance. Flamenco gives artists the freedom and pride of posture along with range of new techniques and movement. Flamenco is enjoyed all over the world and it had high significance in Spain for being the nation’s identity. The red dress worn by female dancers is the symbolic form of Flamenco art.

The Tinkling from Philippines

Tinkling is the national folk dance of Philippines that is inspired by the movements of the tinkling bird. Tinkling is originated in the Spanish colonial era. This dance interprets the traditional story of rice farmers to catch and prevent tinkling bird from stealing ripe rice from the fields. It is one of the oldest traditional dances of Philippines and it involves picking up, rearranging and maneuvering between bamboo poles. The movements of the dancers within the bamboo poles represent the native tinkling bird movements to cross the obstacles to eat the rice from grains. This traditional dance is performed on many occasions and celebrations in Philippines and represents Filipino culture.

Ceili From Ireland

Ceilli is the traditional folk dance of Ireland that involves quick and up beat movements of feet while the torso and arms remain still. This dance was originated in 1500s and it is typically performed on the traditional Irish music with bunch of quadrilles, reels, jigs and long or round movements. This dance is also considered one of the most difficult dance from to learn and performed because it need lot of body and mind coordination in the movements of just feet and legs in sync with music. In scotland this dance is performed on important social events. It is performed in groups and pairs both with the proper dress code. This dance is recognized and admired all over the world and represents the Irish culture and uniqueness in dance.

Kabuki From Japan

Kabuki is the traditional Theatre dance that combines the art of signing, dancing and drama. This dance was started to originate from the streets of Kyoto in 17th century. This dance was originally performed by the male artists who play the roles of both males and females in the drama. Kabuki is very old form of dance that is heavily stylized with the glamorous costumes and traditional kumadori make up. This dance is performed to express the emotions in story telling through dance. Kabuki remains all male dance and the male actor outclass with the specialize female roles with their acting and dancing skills. It becomes the most famous traditional dance of japan that is performed in National Tokyo Theater in present times.

Tango From Argentina

Tango is another famous traditional dance that was originated from Buenos Aires and quickly take over the world and become popular ballroom dance around the world. This folk dance was originally performed by women but then later on male dancers also start performing Tango and now it is performed in pairs. It is a sensual dance that expresses an element of romance in the movements and dance steps of both dance partners. Tango is all about having the low center of gravity and holding each other close with strong emphasis on the body movement. Tango is considered very important folk dance because it shaped the whole culture and society of Argentinian nation.

Hula from Hawaii

Hula is a Polynesian dance that was originated from Hawaii Islands and it is performed with the traditional musical instruments and it is accompanied by chants. Originally this dance was performed by the professional and trained dancers before the king or as a religious ceremony in the honor of gods and states chiefs. But later on It evolved and it is now performed for entertainment purpose on numerous occasions. The dance is very vibrant and colorful and involves a lot of hip movement. The dance is the symbol of Hawaii Island and it is recognized world wide due to this reference.

Bhangra from Punjab, India

Although India is a diverse country with numerous vibrant cultures with many folk dances but Bhangra is the most famous folk dance. This folk dance was originated from Punjab in those times when India and Pakistan both didn’t got separated and known as the subcontinent. Punjab is the area that is agriculture rich that’s why Bhangra is the traditional folk dance that was originally performed in the season of harvest known as vaisakhi . The dance is the symbol of prosperity and celebration for the farmers. But later on it become the dance of celebration and happiness in every main occasion. This dance identifies the pride and culture of Punjab and had a strong significance among the people.