Fabulous one-day itineraries designed exclusively for SilverKris readers.
Paris
Milan
Find flights or check-in online at www.singaporeair.com
Content accurate at time of publication
01 Nov 2011
From stomping feet to twisting hips, dance is a language that tells of a country’s past and present. NICK WALTON gets in step for a jig around the world.
1. Samba, Brazil
Introduced to South America by West African slaves, the rhythmic hip twisting movements of the samba are synonymous with Brazil and its annual carnival. Its traditional form, the Samba de Roda, is commonly seen in Rio de Janeiro, and involves clapping and singing. The first specialist samba school was founded in the 1930s. Today, the best dance troupes perform in the annual carnival.
2. Belly Dance, Egypt
This has its origins in both Middle Eastern and Greco-Turkish tradition. While popular as a performance, belly dancing was traditionally an act of celebration – which even involved men – at social gatherings like weddings and festivals. Top belly dancers, prized for their elegance and curvaceousness, can be spotted in the clubs on Cairo’s bustling Al Haram Street.
3. Irish Dance, Ireland
Made famous by Michael Flatley’s Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, traditional Irish dancing is characterised by the dancer’s stiff upper body and quick foot movements. The styles vary across the regions, and today, jigs, polkas and step dances are commonly performed. Unlike the wooden ones of the past, dancers now wear shoes with fibreglass tips and heels to enhance the tapping sound.
4. Khmer Dance, Cambodia
Designed to tell a story through movements, traditional Khmer dance is often referred to as Apsara, named after a popular classical style. There are four modern genres: classic dance, shadow theatre, an all-male masked style and folk dance. Every evening, catch these ancient dances as they are recreated at Siem Reap’s Apsara Theatre.
5. Tango, Argentina
Known as the dance of love, tango’s roots can be traced back to the slums of Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the late 1800s. Its quick, eye-catching movements have since evolved into various interpretations including Finnish, vintage and international. For free lessons, Rooney’s Boutique Hotel in Buenos Aires teaches the Argentine and Uruguayan styles.
6. Flamenco, Spain
This intoxicating, rhythmic dance originated in the mid-1800s in the Andalusian city of Seville. Boasting Arabic and gypsy characteristics, it is a combination of singing, dancing, stamping, clapping and guitar playing. When in Seville, drop by Museo del Baile Flamenco, a museum dedicated to the dance form, then watch the real thing at the city’s iconic La Carboneria bar.
PHOTOS PHOTOLIBRARY / CORBIS
leave a comment