Many recent graduates embark on a Europe tour with their friends and family before starting their adult-world jobs. They’re probably only thinking about the food, wine, and travel, but dance is just as prevalent! In fact, for every country that one may find themselves in, there is a complementary, traditional dance style. Check them out while soaking up the local culture!
Are you heading to…
Italy?
Ciao Bella! Enjoy some spaghetti while doing the Tarantella. Yes, it sounds like a pasta dish, but it’s actually one of the most popular Italian dances! The Tarantella is a traditional dance style of southern Italy that is usually described as a flirtatious couple folk dance. It involves light, quick steps between partners – a great way to bond with your partner!
Spain?
While you’re in Spain, you’re definitely going to want to check out a Tapas restaurant. Tapas are small, savory dishes that take the place of appetizers in Spanish cuisine. You can also combine a bunch to make a full entree!
Do you know what the best way to burn off those Tapas is? THE FLAMENCO! Flamenco comes from the southern part of Spain and is a unique, living form of art that combines dance, song, and music! Many people perceive it as a dance of deep emotions. You’ll be able to recognize the Flamenco from bright costumes accompanied by guitar playing!
France?
Bonjour! Escargot anyone? After you indulge in the rich, French cuisine, you may find yourself viewing the traditional Breton Dance while in the Brittany region.
The Breton Dance is a type of folk dance that is commonly used to unite the older generations with the newer generations as a way to celebrate ancestry. It is most popularly affiliated with weddings and the agricultural society. The most ubiquitous instruments are the accordion, along with Breton wind instruments such as the biniou and the bombarde.
Germany?
It’s time to take out your lederhosen and trachts! The traditional Waltz dance, the oldest of the ballroom dances, can be traced back to 13th century Germany and Austria. Fun fact: the Waltz actually started off as a popular form among peasants, but slowly made its way up to the higher-class dance as it is known today. If you’re planning on going to Oktoberfest, you can bet you’ll see it live in action at every street fair!
Wherever you go, you’ll find yourself immersed in a new culture. With that, comes the art of dance! As important as it is to get a feel for other culture’s traditional dances, you don’t have to leave the country to do so! At All For Dance, we enjoy teaching and learning a variety of different dance styles. We offer over 10 different classes – sign up your child today!
