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Traditional Dances From Around the World: A Complete Cultural Guide

By the Dance Engagements Editorial Team | Fact-checked by Cultural Dance Experts | Last Updated: August 2, 2025 Traditional dances represent one

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cdc 2013: And.. that’s a wrap! (9/13 – 9/15/13) CDC 2013: And.. that’s a wrap! (9/13 – 9/15/13) After countless months of planning, fundraising,

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Dance Engagements, Inc.

Dance Engagements, Inc. is a world-renowned, Los Angeles nonprofit dance company that believes in modeling and training the “whole” dancer in a hands-on environment, nurturing their needs, and encouraging self-betterment.

Our mission is to engage and educate dancers of all ages, shapes, & sizes in the arts of cultural dances worldwide while promoting positive physical health, community outreach, environmental awareness, and self-betterment.

Our dance company in Los Angeles is composed of artists ranging from student dancers to world-class performers, and master choreographers respected around the globe.

Our globally-recognized  Los Angeles dance instructors are not only award-winning and extremely talented performers but more importantly, they love to teach and promote their passion for the art of dance.  Read More About Us

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Traditional Dances From Around the World: A Complete Cultural Guide

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Copyright © 2026 Dance Engagements, Inc.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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  • Flamenco (Spain)
  • Waltz (Austria)
  • Can-can (France)
  • Barynya (Russia)
  • Irish Stepdance (Ireland)
  • Greek Syrtaki (Greece)
  • Russian Ballet
  • Polish Polonaise and Mazurka
    • Polonaise
    • Mazurka
  • Bulgarian and Romanian Hora
  • Hopak (Ukraine)
  • Aurresku (Basque Country)
  • Halling (Norway)
  • Dragon Dance (China)
  • Chinese Classical Dance
  • Lion Dance (China)
  • Kathakali (India)
  • Bharatanatyam (India)
  • Kathak (North India)
  • Manipuri (Northeast India)
  • Japanese Kabuki Dance (Japan)
  • Japanese Noh Dance
  • Korean Buchaechum – Fan Dance (Korea)
  • Thai Khon Dance
  • Balinese Legong (Indonesia)
  • Apsara Ballet (Cambodia)
  • Saman – “Dance of a Thousand Hands” (Indonesia)
  • Attan (Afghanistan)
  • Kandyan Dance (Sri Lanka)
  • Adumu – The Jumping Dance (Kenya/Tanzania)
    • Ritual Significance
    • Cultural Role and Community Bonding
  • West African Traditions
    • Sabar Dance (Senegal)
    • Dundunba (Guinea/Mali)
  • Gumboot Dance (South Africa)
  • Bata — Talking-Drum Dance (Nigeria)
  • Ahidous (Morocco)
  • Raqs Sharqi – Belly Dance (Egypt)
  • Ardha – The Sword Dance (Saudi Arabia)
  • Turkish Folk Dances
    • Halay (Eastern Turkey)
    • Urban Turkish Dances
  • Dabke (Levant)
  • Mevlevi Sema Ceremony — Whirling Dervishes (Türkiye)
  • Khaleegy Hair Dance (Arabian Gulf)
  • Tango (Argentina)
  • Tinikling (Philippines)
    • Origin and Story
    • Key Elements and Techniques
    • Cultural Significance and Symbolism
  • Mexican Jarabe Tapatío – Hat Dance (Mexico)
  • Capoeira (Brazil)
  • Peruvian Marinera
  • Cuban Salsa
  • Jamaican Dancehall
  • Square Dance (United States)
  • Métis Jig (Canada)
  • Brazilian Samba
  • Merengue (Dominican Republic)
  • Bomba & Plena (Puerto Rico)
  • Cumbia (Colombia)
  • Powwow Fancy Shawl & Jingle Dress (Indigenous North America)
  • Haka (New Zealand)
  • Hula (Hawaii)
  • Lakalaka (Tonga)
  • Siva Samoa
  • Meke (Fiji)
  • ‘Ura (Cook Islands) & ‘Ote‘a (Tahiti)
  • Corroboree (First Nations Australia)
  • Line Dancing (United States)
  • Pole Dancing (Global Contemporary)
  • Street Dance USA (Hip-Hop Culture)
    • Breaking (Breakdancing)
    • Popping and Locking
    • House Dance
  • K-Pop Cover Dance (South Korea)
  • Folk Dance Traditions Worldwide
    • European Folk Traditions
    • American Folk Traditions
    • Global Folk Expressions
  • Global Trends Reshaping the Dance Landscape
    • Fusion Styles
    • Digital Exchanges
    • Competitive Dance
  • Keeping Traditions Alive and Open
  • What are traditional dances, and why are they important?
  • Which traditional dance is the most popular worldwide?
  • How do traditional dances differ from modern dance forms?
  • Can anyone learn traditional dances from other cultures?
  • What role do costumes play in traditional dances?
  • How are traditional dances being preserved in the modern world?
  • What is the oldest traditional dance still performed today?
  • How do traditional dances contribute to physical and mental health?
  • Are traditional dances still evolving, or are they fixed in time?
  • How can I find traditional dance classes in my area?
  • How many traditional dances are there in the world?
  • Academic and Cultural Sources
  • Expert Consultations
  • Cultural Institution References
  • Field Research and Documentation
→ Table of Contents