Youth Incorporated Magazine

Since childhood, we have been taught that dance is a form of expressing emotions. Dance has changed and evolved through the years. It seeps into cultures beautifully. A blend of costumes and other props make these rhythmic movements even more fascinating.As the world evolved , so did dance. People across the world came up with new dance forms, each becoming an identity of either cultures or regions. Hip-hop, Salsa, Tap, Break, Belly, Tango, Jazz Dance, etc. are all very popular in the world. However, there are many other dance forms that are not popular but yet are equally unique. These are dance forms that we hardly know about. 

If you are someone who loves dancing, then you have arrived at the right place. Here are some of the lesser know dance forms that you can consider learning:

1. Ghode Modni

Ghode in hindi literally translates to horse. This dance form inculcates the use of horse movements while dancing. A folk dance found in Goa, it is done to celebrate the victory of Maratha rulers over the Portugese and praise the warriors. It is usually performed during the Shigmo festival. 

2. The Chhau Dance

Originating from Oddisha, “Chhau” in Sanskrit means mask or shadow. Celebrated in spring every year, only males perform this dance.  The themes of this dance revolve around stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata and local lore. This dance is held when one circle of agriculture ends and another begins, mostly in March. 

3. Polka

Polka is actually a popular genre of music that originated from Bohemia. It has evolved through the years and today different variants of it are found throughout the world. The variance in the dance are characterised by the degree of smoothness and bounce. It is usually performed in pairs and is performed by lightly stepping from one foot to the other. It is a compulsory dance in International ice dance competitions. 

4. Flamenco

Flamenco, an emotional dance from Spain is known for its impressive footwork accompanied by hand and body movements. Elements of this dance have been inspired from India. It is usually accompanied with tambourines, bells and guitar music. It takes devotion and practise to master this form. 

5. Capoeira

Capoeira is an Afro- Brazilian dance that involves dance, acrobats and combat moves. Slaves in Africa were forbidden from practising any sorts of self defense and so they disguised combat moves in this dance. Previously it was practised using knives. In fcat, it was even a taboo until the early 1900s. Then people slowly stopped associating this dance with violence and criminal activities. Today Capoeira is of great cultural significance in Brazil. 

6. Chholiya

This dance form is practised in Uttarakhand. It is a sword dance which is performed on auspicious occasions. At one point they used to be performed only at marriage processions with the belief that bad spirits should be kept away on happy occasions. This dance is followed by war-like music and swords. Traditionally, only men perform this dance. The instruments involve the use of dhol, bagpipes and flutes. 

7. Cha-Cha-Cha

It is a vibrant and playful dance of Cuban origin. It follows a basic footwork pattern. Music of the same name was introduced by Enrique Jorrin in the early 1950s. The name is obtained from the shuffling sound of the feet on doing two consecutive steps. The music is provided by big band instruments like trumpets and saxophones.  

8. Swing Dance

Swing dance is actually a group of dances that was associated with the swing style of jazz music. Music is played a few notes late and the dancers catch up in the next few beats. This is referred to as “swinging the beat”. The different types of swing dance include Jitterbug, Lindy hop and Jive. They originated in Harlem in early 1930s 

Whether you pick a dance form mentioned above or any other, you are sure to grow into a calm, graceful and expressive individual because that is what dance does to all.