Folk dances

Folk Dances from Around the World

Folk dances are traditional dances, from all over the world that people pass down from generation to generation within a community or culture. These types of dances will generally have specific steps and patterns and can be performed solo or in groups. They might tell a story or have some particular meaning i.e. as a courtship dance or help celebrate a successful harvest. These types of dances can be a great way to learn about different cultures, are a lot of fun and bring people together!

If you're hosting an event to celebrate a particular culture, for example, an Indian cultural fair, or if you're getting married and want to celebrate your or your partner's roots, having a traditional national dance or folk dance at your event can make it a truly special event.

At Hips Don't Lie our experienced dance artists can perform almost any type of folk dance, from European folk dances to Indian folk dance, to help make your event truly meaningful and memorable.

Types of folk dancing

There are many different types of folk dance or national dance in every country around the globe. Here are a few that our dance team at Hips Don't Lie regularly performs. This is just a highlight of many of the traditional and folk dance styles that our dancers perform, so if the one you want isn't on this list, please get in touch with our team:

Belly dance: Belly dance originally came from Egypt and is well known for its sensual and fluid movements. It typically features intricate hip and abdominal movements. It has many different forms from different regions and can be performed solo or in a group, but the most famous type of Belly dance is the Egyptian style.

Brazilian dance: Brazil has a wonderfully rich tradition of dance, with a variety of different traditional dances with their roots in both Europe and Africa. Some of the many Brazilian dances include Samba, Forró, and Quadrilha. Samba, in particular, is a very popular dance in Brazil and is often performed at parties and festivals.

Indian traditional dances: India has a rich tradition of classical and folk dance, each with its own unique style and meaning. Some popular traditional dances from India include Ras Leela, Pulikali, and Garba, which are known for their intricate hand and foot movements, expressive gestures, and colourful costumes.

Greek dances: Greek folk dance is an integral part of Greek culture, and there are thousands of different types of traditional Greek dances. Some of the most popular include the Pentozali, Kalamatianos, and Zeibekiko, which are known for their lively music, fast-paced steps, and energetic movements. Greek dances are often performed in groups.

Ukrainian folk dance: Ukrainian folk dance is a vibrant and lively tradition that has a rich history and cultural heritage. It often features bright, colourful costumes and lively music, and is known for the high-energy steps and acrobatic moves of the Ukrainian folk dancers. It can be performed in groups or solo and is a representation of the country's cultural heritage.

Irish folk dance: Irish traditional dances are performed in a lively and energetic style that features a wide variety of steps and patterns. It is known for its fast-paced, foot-stomping moves. It can be performed solo or in groups and is a representation of the Irish cultural heritage.

The Hips Don't Lie dancers are well-versed in a huge number of national dances and folk dance styles from many cultures around the world. Our costume department is stocked with many types of traditional dress which will truly give you an authentic cultural experience, no matter the style of dance you choose. From Ballroom dance to Bhangra and Samba to Spanish Flamenco you'll be wowed by the best folk and national dancers in Canada.

Whether you're planning to host folk dance parties or a folk dance festival, or are looking to add some of your own personal cultural roots to your wedding or special event, we can provide a traditional dance performance to have your guests clapping for more!

Folk dancers for hire

Our folk and national dancers for hire are experienced in styles of national dances from their home country as well as many other countries and have danced at a wide range of events. Many are award-winning folk dancers in their own right and others have studied at top folk dancing schools, so every performance with us will be a show-stopping moment for you and your guests.

Contact us today to discuss the requirements for your event. We have performed folk dances at:

• Weddings
• Cultural fairs and festivals
• Folk dance events
• Private parties and events
• Conferences
• Corporate events

What is the meaning of folk dancers?

Folk dancers are people who perform traditional or folk dances. These dances often have cultural or historical significance and are typically passed down through generations within a community or group of people. Folk dances can vary widely depending on where they originate and may include elements such as specific musical instruments, costumes, and specific steps or movements. Almost all cultures have their own traditional music and dances which are performed at events or celebrations.

What are the 10 popular folk dances?

There are many different traditional and folk dances from around the world, and what is considered "popular" can vary widely. Here are ten examples of well-known folk dances from different regions of the world:

Bhangra: a lively dance from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, typically performed to upbeat Punjabi music.

Hula: a traditional dance from Hawaii that is often accompanied by songs or chants in the Hawaiian language.

Salsa: a popular dance from Cuba that has evolved to include a variety of styles.

Tango: a passionate dance from Argentina that originated in the late 19th century and is typically danced by a couple.

Square Dance: a dance from the United States that is typically performed to country or folk music by groups of four couples.

Belly Dance: a dance style that originated in the Middle East and is typically performed by women, characterized by the fluid, undulating movement of the abdomen and hips.

Flamenco: a dance from Spain that has passionate, intense movements and is accompanied by guitar and singing.

Jig: a cultural dance from Ireland, the Irish Jig is typically performed to Celtic music and characterized by quick, lively moves.

Sirtaki: this dance from Greece is performed by dancers in a line, making a chain of people. The tempo of this dance starts out slow but gets increasingly rapid.

Kuratsa: this traditional Filipino dance has various versions depending on the part of the country but follows a moderate waltz style.

Please note that this list of folk dances only contains a few of the many beautiful, creative folk dances from many countries around the globe and does not state if the dance has a formal or informal designation.

What is folk dancing called?

Folk dancing is called various names depending on the region or people you are talking about, and folk dance means many different things to many different people. The name used also depends on whether the dance has a formal or informal designation. Informal dances are often referred to as traditional dancing, ethnic dancing, or rural dancing. A national dance generally has a more formal designation as it is performed to represent the heritage of a specific country or nation. Generally, nations officially recognize national dances as part of their rich cultural heritage.

Why is folk dance important?

Folk dance is important as it is a wonderful way to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of a community or group of people. These dances have deep historical and cultural significance and are a way to connect with the past and understand the traditions and customs of a particular people.
Folk dance is also great for promoting social cohesion and bringing people together, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared identity. It can also be used as a tool for education and cultural diplomacy, helping to improve cross-cultural understanding and promote peace and harmony between different communities. Folk dance is also an enjoyable form of physical activity and can be used to promote tourism and showcase the cultural heritage of a region or country.

What is ethnic dance?

Ethnic dance is usually a dance associated with a particular culture or community of people. It is a form of traditional or folk dance that is passed down through generations and often has deep cultural or historical significance. Ethnic dances generally have specific music, costumes and dance steps or moves.

Ethnic dances are often rooted in the traditional customs and practices of a specific ethnic group and can include both ancient and contemporary styles. They often reflect the daily life, customs and rituals of a specific community. They can also be used as a form of storytelling, as many ethnic dances have symbolic meaning and can tell stories about the culture's history, beliefs and traditions. They are a wonderful way to preserve and promote cultural heritage.