Top 6 World Famous Folk Dances Folk dances are the dance forms that not only serve as a source of enjoyment but also connect to the ethos of the land.

Top 6 World Famous Folk Dances

Folk dances are the dance forms that not only serve as a source of enjoyment but also connect to the ethos of the land. These dances boast of a tradition, history and culture that the land is well known for. There is a plethora of folk dance forms that still convey similar passion and joy associated with them several years ago. Such dances are considered significant as they keep the cultural heritage of the land live.

Here’s the list of popular folk dances across the world:

1. Tarantella, Italy

   Tarantella is an Italian folk dance which involves spinning and the playing of tambourines. It is considered amongst one of the most famous forms of traditional southern Italian music. Tarantella is popular in the regions of Southern Italy and Argentina. This dance form began as a dance to prevent death from the poisonous bite of a Tarantula spider; however, it transitioned into a dance of courtship later. Colourful knee-length skirts/pants paired with a white blouse/shirt under a black/colourful vest constitute the traditional costume of the dance for men and women respectively. 

2. Bhangra, Punjab, India

   The Bhangra is a heart-pumping dance form which was started by Punjabi farmers to celebrate the harvest season. Generally, it is performed during the Vaisakhi festival in which the successful harvest of the year is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour. Bhangra dance performances reflect a very energetic tone. The bright and colourful dresses worn during this dance performance also symbolize the joyful nature of the occasion. It is the Indian dance form which has extended its reach all across the world.

3. Irish Stepdance, Ireland 

   Irish Stepdance traces its roots from traditional Irish dance and is regarded as one of the famous dance forms across the world. Generally, it involves stiff upper body postures and precise feet movements. Most importantly, it is the intricate footwork that makes it quite challenging than other art forms. It is the dance form that can be danced solo or in groups. Though it can be performed by both men and women, major parts of the society consider it to be predominantly female. In this dance form, two types of shoes are worn, soft and hard shoes. The performances of the dance form are primarily held in Northern Ireland.

4. Pendet Dance, Bali, Indonesia 

   Pendet Dance is a dance form central to the Balinese culture in Indonesia. In this dance form, floral offerings are made to cleanse the place before the ceremonies start. Particularly, it is performed by young girls to welcome the audience and invite spirits to enjoy dance performances. This oldest dance form of Bali has simple dance movements. It begins with a dancers’ group entering the stage slowly with a bowl of flowers and taking a vajrasana pose. Colourful costumes further add charm to these dance performances.  Watching Pendet Dance performances during a tour to Bali can introduce travellers with the artistic side of the Balinese culture.

5. Bharatanatyam, Tamil Nadu, India

   Bharatnatyam is the dance form of the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is usually performed on the Carnatic music’s celestial tunes. The origin of this dance form dates back to 1000 BC. Mainly, it is famed for its attractive body movements and gestures that are referred to as Mudras. It majorly focuses on the leg movements, hand gestures and the dancer’s facial expressions. Bharatanatyam’s performance repertoire includes nritya (solo expressive dance), nrita (pure dance) and natya (group dramatic dance). Of-late, it is regarded as one among the most respectable dance forms of India.

6. Samba Dance, Brazil 

   Samba is a rhythmical and lively dance of Afro-Brazilian origin. It was created in Brazil from the music and dance culture that African people brought from Africa. Samba music has been influenced by several Angolan music genres along with other Latin American dances and music genres. At present, it is said to be the most prominent dance form in the country. It is a great spectacle to watch this dance reaching the height of its importance during Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival. This dance form has evolved over time to become Brazilians’ cultural identity.

These are some of the International dance forms that draw the attention of people from different geographical boundaries. These cultural dances allow people to celebrate occasions in their own unique ways.