World Dances

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From which country does this dance originate?

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China

Answer explanation

This form of dance utilizing elongated sleeves originated in China during the Zhou Dynasty and gained popularity during the Ming Dynasty. Over time, this dance form has gained more popularity and can now commonly be found in other countries. Water Sleeve is merely one form of dance amongst the many that are showcased in Chinese culture as theater and dance hold many popular traditions and rituals.

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Where does this dance come from?

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Germany

Answer explanation

German Schuhpattler:

The Schuhplattler is a traditional style of folk dance popular in the regions of Bavaria and Tyrol (southern Germany, Austria and the German speaking regions of northern Italy). In this dance, the performers stomp, clap and strike the soles of their shoes (Schuhe), thighs and knees with their hands held flat (platt).

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Where does this dance come from?

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India

Answer explanation

Bharatanatyam is an Indian classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu. It is one of eight Indian classical dance forms recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, and expresses South Indian religious themes and spiritual ideas, particularly of Shaivism and in general of Hinduism.

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Mexico

Answer explanation

"El Son de la Negra" is a Mexican folk song, originally from Tepic, Nayarit, best known from an adaptation by Jaliscian musical composer Blas Galindo in 1940 for his suite Sones de mariachi. It is commonly referred to as the "second national anthem of Mexico."

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Where does this dance come from?

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Ukraine

Answer explanation

Ukrainian Hopak

The Hopak is the most well-known and probably the most awe-inspiring of all traditional Ukrainian dances. While dancing the Hopak, Kozaks practiced the basic elements of a fight – speed, powerful kicks, and cuffs, special stands, and tactics. Of course, the art of the Hopak was for men only. Nowadays, the Hopak is danced by both men and women, but men usually play the main role in this dance.

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Where does this dance come from?

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Ireland

Answer explanation

Riverdance

Irish dance or Irish dancing is traditional Gaelic or Celtic dance forms that originated in Ireland. It can be performed as a solo or in groups of up to twenty or more trained dancers. In Ireland, Irish dance is part of social dancing or may be for formal performances and competitions.

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From which country does this dance originate?

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South Africa

Answer explanation

Zulu Dance

Traditional Zulu dancing is an important part of the Zulu culture. Dancing is usually performed during a traditional Zulu ceremony, and is accompanied by vibrant singing and sometimes the beating of drums. Zulu dancing is something quite spectacular, especially when the men and women are fully dressed in their traditional attire.

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From which country does this dance originate?

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Turkey

Answer explanation

Whirling dervish ceremonies were started as a form of meditation by Jalaluddin Rumi, the famous Sufi Muslim mystic and poet, in the 13th century. The Persia-born Rumi — who was living in Konya, then the capital of the Turkish Seljuk Empire — told his followers, “There are many roads which lead to God. I have chosen the one of dance and music.” He would fast, mediate and then dance to reach a state of unparalleled enlightenment.

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From which country does this dance originate?

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The United States

Answer explanation

Hip hop

Early hip-hop music saw its roots in the 1970s in the New York City borough of the Bronx. It started as a collaboration among intersecting groups of Black, Latinx, and Caribbean American youth at block parties—community gatherings that featured DJs playing soul and funk music

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From which country does this dance originate?

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Spain

Answer explanation

Flamenco

Nobody really knows where the term “flamenco” originated, but all agree that the art form began in southern Spain—Andalusia and Murcia—but was also shaped by musicians and performers in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe.