Traditional dances from around the world

Cossack dancing - Ukraine

Also known as the Hopack, this dance form originated in Ukraine in the 1600s. Performed by men and women, it's known for its energetic, highly acrobatic style, and exuberant presentation.

Whirling dervish - Turkey

The whirling white skirt (called a tenure) worn by a dervish as he revolves at speed right to left is a visual spectacle that dates back over 700 years to the Sufism and the Mevlevi Order.

Waltz - Vienna

As early as the 17th century, waltzes were taking place in the ballrooms of the Hapsburg court. Its name comes from walzen—"to turn" in German— and it's danced during the annual Vienna Opera Ball, one of the highlights of Austria's social calendar.

Step dancing - Ireland

Noted for its strength of rhythm and grace in delivery, step dancing is rooted in ancient Celtic tradition. The dance remains enormously popular in the Emerald Isle and in Irish communities around the world.

Dragon dance - China

Dragons have been dancing in China since the distant Han Dynasty (180–230 AD). The dance banishes evil spirits and the bad luck associated with them, and is especially relevant during Chinese New Year celebrations.

Kabuki - Japan

A classical Japanese dance-drama, Kabuki is a 400-year-old theatrical art form rich in showmanship. It blends music, dance, and mime in a highly stylized manner. It's also known for the elaborate makeup worn by its performers.

Bharatanatyam - India

This extraordinary and pre-eminent Indian classical dance form was initiated in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu. The dance serves the expression of Hindu religious themes and expressions, with performers attired in bright, shimmering costumes.

Capoeira - Brazil

Developed by slaves who wished to hide from their masters the fact that they were learning and practicing martial arts, the deadly ballet that is Capoeira is said to have originated in Africa, arriving in South America in the early 16th century.

Morris dancing - England

"Moryssh daunsers" first appeared in the mid-15th century, dancing in the cobblestoned streets of London. The dance eventually migrated to the countryside, where the odd spectacle of English gentlemen skipping to an accordion accompaniment while wielding sticks and handkerchiefs is now part of summertime lore.

Kathak - India

Another one of India's main genres of ancient classical dance, Kathak originates in the north and is traditionally associated with the traveling tales imparted by the roaming bards known as Kathakers, or storytellers.

Court dance - Korea

Appearing graceful and serene, these women are performing a court dance in a tradition that dates back centuries. Members of the royal family, court officials, and foreign envoys would have been entertained this way.

Maypole dance - Sweden

With the ceremony rooted in Germanic pagan fertility rituals, dancing around the maypole is a centuries-old celebration of the arrival of summer. The dance is prevalent in England, Germany, and Sweden.

Indlamu - South Africa

The traditional art form most often associated with Zulu culture and the war dances of warriors, Indlamu is a powerful expression of male Zulu identity and is performed in full regimental attire.

Jarabe Tapatio - Mexico

With women attired in radiant and flamboyantly styled china poblana dresses, and men wearing slick charro suits, this is simply the most colorful and patriotic of all Mexico's traditional dances.

Schuhplattler - Germany

Essentially a courtship dance, the art form dates back to the mid-19th century and is the most characteristic of all Bavarian forms of expression. Munich's annual Oktoberfest is one of the best places to witness the Schuhplattler.