Need new dance moves? Did you know that many popular dance moves have multicultural origins? Check out some of these global dance moves you can learn at home to stand out on the dance floor, and show off your multicultural swagger!
Everyone can agree that dance is a universal language that connects people across cultures. Learning new dance moves is more accessible than ever, with online resources and tutorials at your fingertips. Learning new dance moves from around the world is a fun way to stay active, broaden your cultural knowledge, and connect with global traditions from home.
1. Salsa (Latin America, especially Cuba)
You don't need a studio to start your salsa journey. Born from the vibrant streets of Cuba, where African rhythms met Spanish melodies, salsa has become a global phenomenon that you can now master from your living room. Remember, the magic of salsa lies not just in the footwork, but in the way your hips naturally sway to the rhythm. Start with the basic step – a simple side-to-side or forward-and-back movement that forms the foundation of all salsa dancing. Let your body feel the Latin beat, and don't be afraid to add a little Cuban flavor to your movements.
The best part? All you need is a few square feet of space and the desire to connect with one of the world's most passionate dance styles. ¡Báilalo!
2. Bhangra (India, Punjab Region)
Bhangra is a lively folk dance that originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. Initially a harvest celebration dance, it has become a symbol of stape in Punjabi culture, especially during festivals like Vaisakhi. Known for its energetic beats and colorful costumes, Bhangra has gained international popularity, blending traditional and modern elements.
Bhangra has high-energy movements that often mimic tasks associated with farming. Some of the basic moves include the Jugni, where dancers wave their arms above their heads, and Dhamaal, a stomping movement with rhythmic hand claps. The dance also incorporates frequent jumping, shoulder shrugs, and fast footwork, giving it a joyous and infectious energy!
To master Bhangra:
Keep your energy high—Bhangra is all about enthusiasm.
Focus on rhythm. Sync your movements to the upbeat tempo of the dhol drum.
A great Bhangra song to start with is "Tunak Tunak Tun" by Daler Mehndi. Its upbeat rhythm and catchy tune make it perfect for getting into the groove of Bhangra. Another song that works well with the high energy of Bhangra is “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee, which you can see being performed in the video linked below!
3. Afrobeats (Ghana, West Africa)
Afrobeats, or Azonto is a Ghanaian dance style tied to Afrobeats music, known for its expressive moves that often mimic everyday activities. Azonto has inspired many viral dance trends of the TikTok era – learning it might even help you pioneer the next one!
The Basic Azonto Step – Small, bouncy footwork paired with expressive hand and arm gestures. Tips for success: emphasize fluidity and creativity; the moves can be playful and are often improvised to fit the rhythm.
How to get started: first, familiarize yourself with the basic steps. Watch some YouTube videos to get a feel for the style. Next, work on body isolation – crucial to stylish afrobeats dancing. And finally: add some personality. Azonto is all about self expression. Try and incorporate a story!
Check out the video below for some inspiration and a song to practice!
4. K-Pop Dance (South Korea)
K-pop dance is a high-energy, precise, and visually captivating style that originated in South Korea and has since captivated fans worldwide. With roots in hip-hop, jazz, and street dance, K-pop choreography is designed to match the catchy beats of popular K-pop songs. One defining aspect of K-pop dance is its synchronicity because the dancers move in perfect harmony. This creates intricate formations and hits every beat with sharp, controlled movements.
For beginners, a great starting point is learning the iconic chorus moves from popular songs like BTS's “Boy With Luv” or BLACKPINK's “How You Like That.” Some Moves that you can incorporate are the mic drop, wannabe shoulder shimmy, the point move, rock symbol arm swing, point move, the love shack move, bang bang bang move, sorry sorry point move, Gee point move, and gangnam style (these moves are demonstrated in the video below). While these moves can be fast-paced and challenging, the appeal lies in their energetic, powerful style that leaves an impression.
Give these dance moves a try to learn something new and expand your horizon! It is a great way to get some exercise while honoring the traditions and stories embedded in each dance.
Come to our global celebration event on December 9th in the Carlson Atrium to show off all of the new moves you learned and to learn more about cultures around the world!
Komentarze