Flamenco is a traditional dance form of Southern Spain, originating among the Romani people of Andalusia. It is considered a highly emotive form of dance with the artists expressing deep feelings through movements and music. The dance (baile) is one of the three elements that make up flamenco with the other two being song (cante) and music (toque). Generally the musical instruments used are the guitar and castanets, with clapping also providing the rhythm.
2. Ballet
Despite its strong association with France and French culture, ballet actually originated in Italy during the Renaissance. It then spread to France and Russia where it gained much popularity. Many of the terms used in ballet are derived from the French language.
The name ballet itself is a French word derived from the Italian word 'balletto' that comes from the Latin word 'ballo', meaning 'to dance'. Ballet is highly technical and performers must begin training at a very young age.
3. Kathakali
Kathakali is a classical Indian dance form, native to the southern state of India. It is not to be confused with kathak, another classical Indian dance, however, which originated in northern India. Kathakali is a complex form of theatre art. The dance is used as a medium for story-telling, and its name is derived from the Malayalam words for story ("katha") and performance ("kali"). One of the distinguishing features of kathakali is the elaborate costumes and face make-up of the dancers.
The dancers are all-male.
4. Tango
The tango originated in the late 19th century along the Río de la Plata, the river that forms the boundary between the South American countries of Argentina and Uruguay. It borrowed elements from various traditional dance forms like the Milonga from Argentina, the Candombe from Uruguay, and the Habanera, which has Spanish-Cuban origins.
When the tango spread to other countries in the early 20th century, it initially caused shock for the extremely passionate movements, since the other dances of the period tended to be more formal and genteel.
The tango was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2009.
5. Can-can
The can-can originated in the mid-19th century in France. It is a high-energy dance characterized by high kicks, splits and cartwheels. When it first started, the can-can was danced by couples. It soon morphed into its present form where it is performed by a line of girls. The dance continues to be popular on the French cabaret scene.
6. Hopak
The hopak is a traditional Ukrainian dance. It can be performed solo, in pairs, or as a group. The dance originated among the Cossacks who lived along the Dnieper Rapids, and at the beginning was performed by men only. The dance has a lot of acrobatic movements including jumps, spins, and squats.
This led to the name hopak which is derived from the Ukrainian word meaning 'to hop'. The hopak is informally considered the 'National Dance of Ukraine'.
7. Waltz
The waltz is one of the best known ballroom dances. It is believed to have derived its name from the German word 'walzen' which means 'to revolve'. The dance itself evolved from a traditional folk dance called the Ländler. The waltz gained popularity among the British during the Regency period. Today, there are many different variants of the dance practiced in different parts of the world.
8. Tarantella
The tarantella is a folk dance originating in southern Italy. The dance gets its name from the bite of a locally common type of spider and is nicknamed "dance of the spider". The tarantella features a quick tempo, usually to the beat of tambourines. It is performed by couples and it is common to see the tarantella performed at wedding feasts.
9. Kabuki
Kabuki is a classical Japanese art form. It combines drama with dance. A key characteristic of this dance is the elaborate costumes worn by the performers and the detailed kumadori make-up. Originating during the Edo period, the dance form initially was performed by women.
In 1629, however, women were banned from participating and since then, the troupe has remained all male. In 2008, kabuki was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
10. Paso Doble
Paso Doble translates to 'double step' in Spanish. This Spanish dance form draws inspiration from the traditional sport of bullfighting. This dance form is mostly performed competitively, rather than as a social art. The dance floor transforms into the bullfighting arena.
In all versions, the male dancer plays the part of the matador. The woman may either be the cape that entices the bull or the bull itself. The Paso Doble is considered one of the toughest Latin dance forms due to the sharp, quick movements.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor looney_tunes before going online.
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