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Dance Around the World

Seven dance traditions, each born in one place and now shared everywhere.

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The stops

Folklore

Kathakali

Cheruthuruthy, Kerala, India

A dance-drama in which performers in elaborate makeup and costume tell stories from epics through gesture, facial expression and drumming. Cheruthuruthy is home to the Kerala Kalamandalam school.

Kind: Classical dance-drama
Folklore

Ghoomar

Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

A graceful Rajasthani dance in which women in flowing skirts twirl in circles, traditionally performed at festivals and weddings.

Kind: Folk dance
Folklore

Flamenco

Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia, Spain

A passionate art form of song, guitar and dance developed in Andalusia, with Jerez among its cradles. It is recognised by UNESCO.

Kind: Song, dance and guitar
Folklore

Tango

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Tango emerged in the working-class port districts of Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the late 19th century. UNESCO recognises it as intangible heritage.

Kind: Dance and music
Folklore

Samba de roda

Recôncavo, Bahia, Brazil

A circle dance with singing and percussion that developed among Afro-Brazilian communities in Bahia. It is on UNESCO's intangible heritage list.

Kind: Dance and music
Folklore

Hula

Hilo, Hawaiʻi, United States

Hula tells stories and records genealogy through movement and chant. Hilo hosts the annual Merrie Monarch Festival dedicated to the art.

Kind: Dance and chant
Culture

Haka

Rotorua, New Zealand

A forceful group performance of chanting, stamping and gestures, once used before battle and now at welcomes, celebrations and sporting events.

Tradition: Māori ceremonial performance