Dances from Around the World to Try at Home

One thing world cultures have in common is an appreciation of dance. Although it may fill some with sheer terror, learning how to dance is also a fantastic way to explore different cultures worldwide. Here are five dances from around the globe that you can easily try at home.

1. Bhangra

Bhangra is a high-intensity dance that traces its origins back to late 19th-century Punjab, India. Traditionally, it was performed to celebrate the harvest. Moreover, over the years, this lively dance has grown in popularity and has been featured in numerous Bollywood and Hollywood movies. Nowadays, Bhangra is typically enjoyed to loud, upbeat tunes, often accompanied by traditional instruments like the dhol drum and tumbi. Therefore, not only will you have a serious workout, but you’ll also learn some of the most basic steps. For an in-depth understanding, Learn Bhangra offers various online classes.

2. Flamenco

Flamenco’s origins are enigmatic; however, many believe it is linked to the movements of the Roma population from southern Spain, blending with the existing cultures of the region. Flamenco consists of six fundamental elements: cante (singing), toque (guitar playing), bailé (dance), jaleo (singing and chorus), palmas (hand clapping), and pitos (finger snapping). Most tutorials you’ll find online focus primarily on bailé and palmas.

“In dancing Flamenco, the dancer learns to step into her power and be seen. She learns to be emotionally strong yet vulnerable enough to express her emotions through dance,” remarks Rina Orellana of The Rina Orellana Flamenco Company, Academy and Online Studio.

3. Country Line Dancing

Cowboy boots, hats, and live country music characterize country line dancing, which is crafted for lively bars and saloons rather than stuffy ballrooms. The roots of country line dancing can be traced back to folk dances like contra. Notably, line dancing experienced a resurgence in the 1990s thanks to Billy Ray Cyrus’ catchy tune “Achy Breaky Heart,” and today, it thrives in honky tonks from Nashville to Austin. The routines start with basic steps and advance to more complex moves that will challenge even the steadiest of snakeskin-shoed feet.

4. Afro-Pop Dance

Currently, Afro-Pop is the hottest dance craze circulating across social media platforms. Originating from traditional African music and rap, Afrobeats is a fast-paced, rhythmic genre. The dance moves meld traditional styles with new-age variations from different African nations. Some popular moves include the gwara gwara (South African), azonto (Ghana), shoki (Nigeria), and shaku shaku (Nigeria). Although mastering these dance moves may take time, don’t let that deter you from enjoying the vibrant atmosphere they create.

5. Salsa

If you can move your hips, you can salsa! This energetic (and somewhat sultry) dance originates from Cuba and swiftly spread throughout the Caribbean and areas in the United States with significant Latino populations. The music is lively, featuring brass, drums, and piano. Salsa dance primarily focuses on the hips while also incorporating arm and shoulder movements. Consequently, leave your inhibitions behind and allow the rhythmic music to take over your movements. Dancer Magga Braco offers a fun, bilingual tutorial to help you get started.