*Also check Dances' History Intertwined to see how different dances are inter-related*
(Ancient) Religious Dances- People dance these dances to worship their gods. They want to please the gods and in difficult situations ask for their help. In their dances they ask for rain, a good harvest, a successful hunt, many children, or good health for their family. The dancers paint their faces and bodies and wear elaborate costumes.
(Ancient) Religious Dances- People dance these dances to worship their gods. They want to please the gods and in difficult situations ask for their help. In their dances they ask for rain, a good harvest, a successful hunt, many children, or good health for their family. The dancers paint their faces and bodies and wear elaborate costumes.
War
Dances- Warriors danced before they went into battle. With fierce
masks and holding their weapons, they wanted to reassure each other
and ask for help from the gods. At the same time, small battles would
sometimes be re-enacted.
Celebratory
Dances- A child is born, a couple gets married, or the new village
schoolhouse is finished. People have always found reasons for a
celebratory dance. Dances were also performed for the new chief or an
important visitor to the community.
Dancing
as entertainment- People also dance for fun and to entertain an
audience. Good dancers in beautiful costumes dance on a stage and
delight the audience. There are also theater dancers that tell
stories.
Artisan
Dances- The clothiers dance the flag dance, the cobblers dance the
cobblers' dance and the shepherds the shepherds' dance. Time and
again, guilds (or professions) find a good reason to perform their
particular dances.
Courtship
Dances- Men want to be liked by women and women want to liked by men.
There are dances that let them display their beauty, grace and
strength. Men and women court each other, flirt and want to find a
marriage partner.
Seasonal
Dances- Important events determine the course of the year. These
include recurring celebrations and their dances. There are dances for
the Mardi Gras parade, the spring festival, a carnival, summer
solstice or Halloween.
National
Dances- In every country, particular dances have developed to music
that is characteristic of a region. The music is played with special
instruments and the dancers wear the traditional grab of their
country.
Austria
|
Viennese Waltz, Polka
|
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Hungary
|
Csardas
|
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Germany
|
Waltz
|
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Holland
|
Clog
Dance
|
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Italy
|
Tarantella
|
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Russia
|
Kasatschok
|
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Poland
|
Mazurka
Krakowiak
|
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France
|
Can-Can
|
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Greece
|
Sirtaki
|
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Spain
|
Flamenco
|
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Turkey
|
Belly
Dance
|
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USA
|
Square
Dance
|
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