Interesting International Dance Styles

Dance is an art form that spans the whole world and many countries have their own traditional dance styles. These can carry symbolic values and even hark back to events in a countries history and culture. Some international dance styles are more popular than others but there’s a wide selection of interesting dance styles out there, so let’s take a look at some of them in more detail.

Salsa – America

The Salsa is a popular international dance style that actually originated in New York City in the 1970’s although it’s strongly influenced by Latin American styles in particular many Cuban dances. Rhythm is very important in a Salsa dance but compared to other similar dance styles the Salsa is much freer flowing and less technical.

The Salsa isn’t the easiest Latin dance style but it’s still a good choice for beginners to tackle as it offers a good challenge and allows you to learn more technical skills.

Jive – America

Introduced in the 1930’s in America by African-Americans the Jive is actually a variant on the Swing Dance the Jitterbug. And as the proud distinction of being a dance style that is popular with all age groups despite its high speed and technical difficulty.  

The more modern ballroom Jive is a little slower than the Jive of old but it’s still considered by many to be one of the more difficult Latin American dance styles but on the other hand it’s also considered by many to be one of the most fun.

Flamenco – Spain

Flamenco dancing is a dance that is now popular nearly all around the world, it originated in Spain and is one of only a few dances that as the distinction of being declared a Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) The Flamenco dance is loud and sensual so it’s a difficult dance to master but you’ll no doubt have fun learning it.

Cha-Cha-Cha – Cuba

The Cha-Cha-Cha is a dance that originated in 1950’s Cuba and it was developed from the Mambo. The Cha-Cha-Cha as many variants to it but it’s usually always an energetic and reasonably fast dance. It’s often thought to be one of the easier and simpler Latin Dance styles to learn so it’s usually the dance beginners will start with.

Samba – Brazil

The Samba is a dance that originated in Brazil although its roots go back to Africa, there’s many variants of Samba including versions used in group dances. It’s a fast and lively dance that as remained popular consistently popular since its introduction to Western audiences in the 1930’s.

The Samba is a good starting point for beginners to get into Latin dance styles and although it’s often considered moderately difficult it does offer a good challenge and allows you to learn the fundamentals of many other Latin dances. Plus doing a group Samba is always guaranteed to be fun. 

Break Dancing – America

Break Dancing or B-boying is a style of street dance that originated in America during the 1970’s it’s a very popular dance style with youths, particularly in African American communities. And it’s gained fans from many countries like the UK, Japan, Russia and many others so you’ll find dedicated Break Dancing communities and groups all around the world.

Breaking Dancing uses four main elements in the dance: top rock, down rock, power moves and the final freeze. But there are many variants and styles to these moves so more complex Break Dancing can look very difficult to perform. While it will take a lot of study and practice you might be surprised how soon you get the basics down and then can start adding your own flavour to the dance.  

Dancing around the World

We’ve only looked at a handful of the many international dance styles in the world and what is interesting is that despite how different our cultures and societies may seem at first, we all share a love of dance. Dance is in a way something we all share together and can enjoy learning and performing.