all dance forms
Armenia – Kochari
A traditional group dance characterized by rhythmic movements and hand-holding, Kochari is performed during celebrations and has been a symbol of unity among Armenians for centuries.
Bosnia and Herzegovina – Kolo
A collective folk dance performed in a circle, Kolo is integral to social gatherings and celebrations, fostering community cohesion.
Brazil – Samba
Samba is a lively, rhythmical dance with roots in Afro-Brazilian communities, central to Brazilian Carnival celebrations.
Bulgaria – Nestinarstvo
A ritual fire-dance performed in some Bulgarian villages, where dancers walk barefoot over hot embers, blending Christian and pagan traditions.
Cambodia – Robam Apsara
A classical dance form depicting celestial dancers, characterized by graceful movements and elaborate costumes, reflecting Khmer mythology.
Canada – Métis Jigging
A traditional dance of the Métis people, combining First Nations and European influences, performed to fiddle music.
China – Yangge
A popular folk dance performed during festivals, especially the Lunar New Year, featuring vibrant costumes and rhythmic movements to celebrate community and harvests.
Croatia – Nijemo Kolo
A silent circle dance from the Dalmatian hinterland, performed without music, emphasizing footwork and communal unity.
Cuba – Rumba
An Afro-Cuban dance characterized by complex rhythms and expressive movements, reflecting the island’s diverse cultural heritage.
Egypt – Tahtib
An ancient martial art and folk dance involving stick fighting, Tahtib has evolved into a performance art symbolizing strength and cultural heritage.
France – Bourrée
Originating from the Auvergne region, the Bourrée is a lively dance in double time, traditionally performed in wooden shoes and accompanied by bagpipes.
Georgia – Kartuli
A romantic duet dance symbolizing courtship, performed with elegance and restraint, reflecting Georgian ideals of chivalry and respect.
Greece – Kalamatianos
A popular Greek folk dance in a 7/8 rhythm, often performed at weddings and festivals, embodying joy and communal spirit
India – Bharatanatyam
One of the oldest classical dance forms, originating in Tamil Nadu temples, known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, intricate footwork, and expressive gestures.
Indonesia – Saman Dance
Also known as the “Dance of a Thousand Hands,” this Acehnese dance is performed by a group sitting in a row, showcasing synchronized movements and harmony.
Iran – Yaldā Night Celebrations
Marking the longest night of the year, Yaldā is celebrated with poetry, music, and dance, emphasizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Ireland – Sean-nós Dance
A traditional form of Irish dance characterized by its low-to-the-ground footwork, free movement, and improvisational style.
Italy – Tarantella
A lively southern Italian dance with rapid footwork, historically believed to cure the bite of the tarantula spider through frenzied movement.
Japan – Furyu-odori
Ritual folk dances imbued with hopes and prayers, performed to dispel evil spirits and strengthen communal bonds, especially in rural areas
Kazakhstan – Kara Zhorga
A traditional Kazakh dance featuring dynamic movements, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle and cultural identity of the Kazakh people.
Kenya – Isukuti Dance
A fast-paced, energetic dance of the Isukha and Idakho communities, performed during ceremonies and celebrations.
Korea – Talchum
A traditional Korean mask dance-drama combining dance, music, and theater, often satirizing societal issues and performed during festivals.
Mexico – Jarabe Tapatío
Known as the Mexican Hat Dance, it is a courtship dance symbolizing national pride, often performed with mariachi music and colorful costumes.
New Zealand – Haka
A traditional Māori war dance involving vigorous movements and chanting, performed to intimidate opponents and to honor guests
Nigeria – Bata Dance
Originating from the Yoruba people, the Bata dance is performed with drumming and intricate footwork during religious and social ceremonies.
Norway – Halling
A traditional Norwegian dance known for its acrobatic movements, including high kicks and leaps, often performed by young men.
Pakistan-Balochi
A popular balochi dance perform in capital of pakistan balochistan Balochi dance shows unity, simplicity, and the deep love the Baloch people have for their traditions.
Peru – Wititi Dance
A folk dance associated with the beginning of adult life, performed by young people at religious festivities, symbolizing renewal of nature and society.
Philippines – Tinikling
A traditional dance where performers skillfully step between rapidly moving bamboo poles, mimicking the movement of the tikling bird
Poland – Polonaise
A stately, processional dance of Polish origin, historically performed at noble courts and now a symbol of national pride and cultural identity
Portugal – Pauliteiros de Miranda
A traditional stick dance from the Miranda do Douro region, performed by men in traditional attire, reflecting ancient warrior rituals.
Romania – Calusari
A ritual dance performed by men, believed to have healing powers and to protect against evil spirits, featuring complex steps and acrobatics.
Russia – Beryozka Dance
Performed by the Beryozka Ensemble, this dance gives the illusion of gliding across the stage, showcasing grace and traditional Russian femininity.
Rwanda – Intore Dance
Known as the “Dance of Heroes,” Intore is a traditional Rwandan dance performed by men to showcase bravery, strength, and cultural heritage.
Saudi Arabia – Alardah
A traditional cultural expression combining dance, drumming, and poetry chanting, performed by men carrying swords and moving in time to beating drums.
Serbia – Kolo
A traditional, collective folk dance performed by dancers interlinked to form a chain, usually moving in a circle holding hands, integral to social gatherings
South Africa – Indlamu
A traditional Zulu dance performed by men in warrior attire, characterized by high kicking and stomping movements.
Spain – Flamenco
An expressive dance form combining percussive footwork, intricate hand and arm movements, and passionate music, originating from Andalusia.
Sri Lanka – Kandyan Dance
A classical dance form from the Kandy region, featuring elaborate costumes and dynamic movements, often performed during religious ceremonies.
Sweden – Polska
A traditional Scandinavian couple dance in triple time, with regional variations, often accompanied by fiddle music.
Switzerland – Schuhplattler
A traditional folk dance involving stamping, clapping, and striking the soles, thighs, and knees with the hands, performed by men in traditional attire
Thailand – Khon
A classical masked dance-drama depicting scenes from the Ramakien, Thailand’s national epic, combining dance, music, and elaborate costumes.
Turkey – Horon
A fast-paced folk dance from the Black Sea region, performed in a circle with rapid foot movements and synchronized steps.
Turkmenistan – Kushtdepdi
A form of performing arts combining improvised poetry, dance, and song, performed during traditional celebrations to expel evil and misfortune.
Greece – Kalamatianos
A popular Greek folk dance in a 7/8 rhythm, often performed at weddings and festivals, embodying joy and communal spirit
Ukraine – Hopak
A dynamic and acrobatic dance characterized by high jumps, kicks, and squats, traditionally performed by Cossacks.
United Kingdom – Morris Dance
A form of English folk dance performed by groups of dancers wearing bells on their legs, involving rhythmic stepping and choreographed figures.
United States – Square Dance
A traditional American dance where four