Folk Dance: Traditional Dances in Different Cultures
Traditional folk dances are integrated into the histories of many countries like China, Columbia, Russia, and others – all with different movements, music, and rhythms. It is all dependent on where the dance is being observed. The traditional folk dance in the Philippines will significantly differ from the traditional folk dance of Japan. However, despite these differences, they do share specific characteristics. That is what makes the dance so rich and fascinating. It is rare to find a dance that is celebrated around the world, falls under the same name, and yet, has almost a completely different style depending on where it is being performed. This is Traditional folk dance essay where will be reviewed different kinds of folk dances throughout the world.
The Swiss folk dance of Switzerland has perhaps one of the most vibrant and exciting interpretations of the dance, and it is worth observing how they stand out when it comes to this particular dance. In a country known for its valleys, cheeses, cuckoo clocks, and milk chocolate, the traditional swiss folk dance can often go unrecognized by the outside world. This can be attributed to the fact that it is not performed often – typically only at special gatherings, festivals, or social events. Additionally, it is worth noting that these dances are not usually performed professionally, and they are hardly ever performed on a larges stage. Instead, it is often performed by everyday citizens who have grown up watching the dance. This adds to the Swiss folk dance’s low profile – leading to unrecognition unless otherwise experienced by luck.
Also, regarding Switzerland, it is worth noting that it is a small country and geographically, it is located in the heart of Europe. This, in turn, has created a melting pot of different European cultures in which the Swiss enjoy celebrating. Their diversity is something in which the people of Switzerland take great pride in, and they use the folk dance as a symbol for their unity and pride for their nation.
Interestingly enough, the traditional folk dances are most often taught by observation. There is no structure to teaching the upcoming generations the dance. Instead, it’s lifespan within these countries is solely dependent on the younger generation’s ability to watch closely, take in the steps, the movements, and to carry it on throughout their lives. Unfortunately, this has created some inconsistencies along the way. The dance one would see today would likely be different than the way it was performed in the early 19th century.
However, there are still parts that have been well-preserved and maintained. Some of the movements date back centuries. For example, in Europe, the folk dance was once sacred. It began in Rome, and it was intended to be a religious dance that was to be performed at specific ceremonies. Rome was the only city to have a sacred dance at that time, but more traditions were picked up by surrounding cities or countries along the way until it became a dance meant for entertainment and, in many ways, art. The dance began to play a significant and vital role in society.
In the Philippines, one of the more famous folk dances is the “Itik-Itik.” In this style, the dancers almost appear to be mimicking the ways a duck would walk. It is said that this dance originated at a baptismal party by a woman named Kanang. Kanang began dancing, and the other people there were so intrigued by the dance that they began to copy her movements. They enjoyed it so much that they kept the dancing culturally ever since.
Another popular folk dance in the Philippines is the Tinikling. For most, this is regarded as the national dance of the Philippines, and it originated in the Spanish colonial era. Similarly to the Itik-Itik, the movements of Tinikling mimic the actions of a bird. However, this is more in the fashion of a bird walking through grass. The dance typically requires long cuts of bamboo and is carried out in a similar way to jumping rope.
Meanwhile, in Japan, the folk dances serve as the foundation for other dances. The sparrow dance is a prevalent form of folk dance in Japan, and ironically also mimics a bird in the ways the dancers move their hands and their bodies. They flutter in a way that is supposed to honor the Eurasian tree sparrow. It began when a group of stonemasons improvised the dance while building the Sendai Castle, and it is carried on to this day. The sparrow dance is performed every year at the Aoba Festival.
Japan also has what is known as Bon Odori, which is another type of folk dance that is demonstrated at the Obon Festival. Similarly to Europe, the dance originated as a sacred dance that was meant to communicate to the dead. The sounds and movements that are incorporated into this dance vary and depend on what part of Japan you are in. However, the dance often requires the dancers to move around what is known as a yagura, which is just a high wooden tower. The dancers will move backward and forwards and left and right, often switching up their rotation or direction.
What is so interesting about the Bon Odori dance and its different interpretations, is that the style that is performed is usually modeled to tell a story that is important to that region. For example, Soran Bushi is a work song, and the dancing is supposed to tell the story of fishers dragging their nets or carrying luggage. And similarly to how the Philippines use the bamboo poles, the Japanese will also integrate tools into their folk dances, like fans or towels.
To conclude essay about folk dance, the traditional folk dances around the world carry such a high weight to the cultures in which they are performed or celebrated. I was fortunate enough to witness a traditional folk dance in Switzerland, and it was one of the best parts of my experience because I felt as though I was given a glimpse into a different side of their history and their culture.
