1.

Samba (Brazil)

Yes, it might sound as one of the toughest dances to

excel at but for the Brazilians’, it’s all in a day’s work.
Well, maybe not a day’s work but certainly a must
during carnivals and celebrations. There are different
variations of Samba based on regions but the basic steps
are similar; what changes usually are the music and the
movement of legs. It is a fun dance and perhaps that is
why the dance is highly appreciated all around the
world.

2. Tarantella (Italy)
Around the 16th century in Taranto, Italy, people broke
into a dance to ward off death from the highly
poisonous bite of a Tarantula spider. They would dance
in a frantic and hysterical fashion to fast music, and this
is what later came to be known as Tarantella. Today, it
is one of the most popular folk dances in southern Italy
and also the world. With its hypnotic music set at a high
tempo, Tarantella is also used for therapeutic purposes.

3. Flamenco (Spain)

The captivating flamenco is native to the Andalusian

region of Spain. It isn’t just a dance but an art form
which is expressed through singing, dancing, guitar
playing, hand clapping or finger snapping. The female
flamenco dancer’s red billowy dress is symbolic of the
art form.

4. Dragon dance (China)

Although this dance may not be as popular as the lion

dance in our country, the dragon dance is popular not
only in mainland China but in other countries such as
the USA with a big Chinese population. The Chinese
dragons are the symbol of China and this dance is
practiced only during festive occasions.

5. Kabuki (Japan)
Kabuki isn’t merely just a dance, it combined the art of
drama, singing and dancing. Kabuki began in the streets
of Kyoto in the 17th century by only female performers
who played both female and male roles. Kabuki
translates to ‘out of the ordinary’.

6. Tango (Argentina)
Buenos Aires is the birth place of one of the world’s
most famous ballroom dances. However, before it hit
the ballrooms, this highly sensual and erotic dance was
only performed in bars by the lower middle-class group
in the late 19th century.

7. Hula (Hawaii)

The hypnotic hula dance from Hawaii was created by

the Polynesians of the country. The hula is performed
either sitting or standing or a combination of both. The
ukulele is an important accompaniment to the hula
creating the soothing vibes alongside the dance form. 

8. Bharatanatyam (India)
Bharatanatyam, a pre-eminent Indian classical dance
form presumably the oldest classical dance heritage of
India is regarded as mother of many other Indian
classical dance forms. Conventionally a solo dance
performed only by women, it initiated in the Hindu
temples of Tamil Nadu and eventually flourished in
South India. Theoretical base of this form traces back to
‘Natya Shastra’, the ancient Sanskrit Hindu text on the
performing arts. A form of illustrative anecdote of Hindu
religious themes and spiritual ideas emoted by dancer
with excellent footwork and impressive gestures its
performance repertoire includes nrita, nritya and natya.

Accompanists include a singer, music and particularly

the guru who directs and conducts the performance. It
also continues to inspire several art forms including
paintings and sculptures starting from the spectacular
6th to 9th century CE temple sculptures. 

9. Apsara (Cambodia)

Apsara is actually a female spirit or nymph found in

Hindu and Buddhist mythologies. The dance was created
by the Royal Ballet of Cambodia under the patronage of
the Queen in the 1940s. The elaborate heavily
ornamented costumes add to the intrigue of the dance.

10. Irish step dance (Ireland)

Irish step dance evolved from traditional Irish dance and
is today quite popular around the world. The dance can
be performed wearing either of the two kinds of shoes –
hard or soft.  The best part is that it can be danced solo
or in groups. Such is the popularity of this dance form
that several competitions are held in its name. It is
dance performed during celebrations and carnivals and
involves quick and intricate foot work.