Natya is an Indian theatrical dance involving a codified system of body positions and hand and finger gestures. Classical Indian dances — religious dances originating in Indian territory — are divided into seven basic styles. 1)
The name “foxtrot” is derived from the actor Harry Fox. He introduced trotting steps to this dance not seen before in ballet. The foxtrot was intended to be a simple, flowing, and relaxing dance. Through evolution, it became very technical and is now called “the world's most difficult walk.” 2)
“Stationary samba walks” (or just “stationary”) is a basic samba figure, performed very often (especially by beginning dancers) to begin a samba choreography. It consists of rapidly throwing the leg far back, without transferring the bodyweight to it, and then pulling it back under the body. It is a stationary figure (dancers do not move on the dance floor while performing it). In pairs, dancers perform it symmetrically (as in a mirror image) while facing each other. 3)
Quickstep is a ballroom dance belonging to a group of standard dances. It originated in the 1920s in the United States. It appeared for the first time in Europe in England in the first half of the 20th century, being a kind of fast variant of the foxtrot. Like the foxtrot, it is characterized by an even meter (4/4). 4)
Jive is a very dynamic Latin American dance full of specific leg kicks. A very characteristic feature of the jive is placing the bodyweight firmly in front, which is unheard of in other Latin American dances. Dancers in this dance keep the torso leaning forward. 5)
The United States is the cradle of breakdancing. This urban dance was born in NY in the 1970s, especially in the Bronx and Brooklyn areas. It is a part of hip-hop culture. 6)
One of the world's best breakdancing groups is Jabbawockeez, winner of a famous TV competition “World of Dance”. 7)
Another street style characterized by precise movements and tension is popping or so-called robot dancing. What is interesting, the precursor of robot dance is supposed to be Michael Jackson. 8)
The Cherokee had a ritual called the “rain dance.” Residents donned feathers and masks and danced in a circle to attract rainfall. It was believed that with them came ancestors who fought evil spirits. Therefore, it is considered a religious dance. 9)
The song Jingle Bells originally had nothing to do with Christmas, but with drinking. 10)
The Marinera is the national dance of Peru. It is danced in pairs and elegantly represents a cross between Spanish, black, and indigenous cultures. A corresponding international competition is held in the city of Trujillo in January. 11)
Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic. It began as marginal music in the 1960s, and while it was originally a kind of bolero, it gradually became different. That's since the 1980s when it became popular and spread to other countries such as Ecuador. 12)
In Colombia, there is the cumbia dance, which began in the Caribbean. It is a mix of indigenous, African, and Latin cultures. Its name comes from the African word cumbe, which means “celebration.” It represents the courtship of a man to a woman. 13)
The lion dance is practiced in China. Two dancers are presented in a lion costume and perform agile and acrobatic movements. The animal is believed to attract fortune. 14)
In China, there is a dragon dance in which twelve participants hold a dragon costume and make it go up and down. 15)
Belly dance, whose official name is Oriental Dance originated in Egypt a thousand years ago. It is characterized by the movement of the hips. At first, it was a worship of fertility, both of man and of the earth. 16)
In Japan, you can experience Nihon Buyō, a combination of dance and mime. Its only function is entertainment, so it is practiced on stage. It is interpreted by geisha, girls created to entertain at parties and gatherings. 17)