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Southern Bulgarian Folk Dancing is markedly different from folk dancing throughout much of the country. The musical accompaniment is slower and flows more without any sudden starts and stops. The movements are slow and fluid. Because of this slow pace it’s important to accentuate all the steps performed. Make sure each movement... more »
Bulgarian folk dancing is an interesting amalgamation of dance steps and traditions from many different cultures. Much of the country was influenced by longstanding Turkish invaders throughout the medieval era. This can be seen in the large gender-divided and choreographed dances that are prevalent during exhibitions and shows. Roma,... more »
Bulgarian folk dancing is an interesting amalgamation of dance steps and traditions from many different cultures. Much of the country was influence by longstanding Turkish invaders throughout the medieval era. This can be seen in the large gender divided and choreographed dances that are prevalent during exhibitions and shows. Roma,... more »
The dramatic Paso Doble and fiery Flamenco of Spain are international dance sensations popularized by TV shows like "Dancing With the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance." Yet these styles of dance do not constitute all there is to know about the complex history of Spanish dances. Dating back to pagan celebrations, Spanish dances... more »
Nowhere is the diversity and rich cultural heritage of Mexico more evident than in its folk dances. Called "Ballet Folklorico," Mexican folk dancing is a carefully preserved tradition passed down from generation to generation. While there are dances common to all of Mexico, each of the country's 31 states has its own style. Some of... more »
Troika is the Russian word for "third," or "threesome." Its most common meaning was actually in reference to a commission of three judges used in... more »
"Itik" means "duck" in the Philippines. The Itik Folk Dance of the Philippines mimics the flying and waddling of a duck. According to... more »
Kagura is an ancient Japanese dance that offers thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest and serves as a purification ritual. Kagura, or... more »
Hungarian folklore is often experienced through folk dance and folk music. Dance and music groups all over the world preserve this colorful and... more »
Square dancing has a fascinating history and along with many other acidities in America, one can trace its beginnings to other countries around... more »
The term folk dance describes a large number of dances that tend to share some or all of the following attributes:
*They are dances performed at social functions by people with little or no professional training, often to traditional music or music based on traditional music.
*They are not designed for public performance or the stage, although traditional folkdances may be later arranged and set for stage performances.
*Their execution is dominated by an inherited tradition rather than by innovation (although like all folk traditions they do evolve)
*New dancers often learn informally by observing others and/or receiving help from others.
More controversially, some people define folk dancing as dancing for which there is no governing body or dancing for which there are no competitive or professional performances.
Terminology
The term "folk dance" is sometimes applied to certain dances of historical importance in European culture and history; typically originated before 20th century. For other cultures the terms "ethnic dance" or "traditional dance" are sometimes used, although the latter terms may encompass ceremonial dances.
There are a number of modern dances, such as hip hop dance, that evolve spontaneously, but the term "folk dance" is generally not applied to them, and the terms "street dance" or "vernacular dance" are used instead. The term "folk dance" is reserved for dances which are to a significant degree bound by tradition and originated in the times when the distinction existed between the dances of "common folk" and the dances of the "high society".
A number of modern ballroom dances originated from folk ones.
The terms "ethnic" and "traditional" are used when it is required to emphasize the cultural roots of the dance. In this sense, nearly all folk dances are ethnic ones. If some dances, such as polka, cross ethnic boundaries and even cross the boundary between "folk" and "ballroom dance", read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folk+dance
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