Dances of the Peoples of the World
“The world speaks in thousands of rhythms and one human motion.”
History & cultural context
Every culture dances, and each tradition carries its own meaning: ritual, celebration, storytelling, courtship or community. In India, eight forms are recognised as classical, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi and Kathakali. Indonesia has the court dances of Java and the Balinese legong; Japan has the dance of kabuki and noh and the summer bon odori.
In Hawaii, hula exists in an ancient form, kahiko, and a modern form, ʻauana. Brazil's capoeira circle joins dance, music and martial art and was inscribed by UNESCO in 2014. Across Africa, dance is closely tied to drumming and community life, with great diversity between peoples and regions.
Masters, schools & legacy
These traditions are carried by communities, families and teachers more than by individual stars. Festivals such as the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo for hula, or the Carnival of Oruro in Bolivia with its diablada, show how dance keeps identity alive. When learning a tradition, it matters to know where it comes from and who holds it.
Dances of this world
Further reading
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