853.TABLE DANCE / Global
TABLE DANCE, called also BARTOP DANCING, is typically an erotic dance performed at (or on) a patron’s table, as opposed to dancing on a stage. It may be an erotic dance performed by a sex worker or it may be done as a leisure activity. In some jurisdictions, table dance may be an alternative to a lap dance, due to laws preventing exotic dancers from making contact with customers.
854.Tahtib / Egypt
TAHTIB is a term for a traditional stick-fighting martial art in Egypt, which later evolved into an Egyptian folk dance with a wooden stick. The name is derived from the word “Hatab” which means “a piece of wood”. Tahtib is related to exhibiting such qualities as honor, courage and power.
855.Tajik dance / Tajikistan
TAJIK DANCE is an umbrella term for the various traditional and folkloric dances originating from Tajikistan. They have several styles: Pamir, Mountain, Bukhara, Southern, Hissar Valley, and Northern Tajikistan, and each of them is distinguished by costumes, movements, manners characteristic for the population of these regions. Tajik dances were born before the early Middle Ages and were an integral part of everyday life, accompanying all significant events‚ births‚ family holidays, etc. They are divided into: pantomime dance (the most ancient), based on imitation of animals and birds; ceremonial dance; dance beside death bed, still preserved in Pamir. Men’s dances are frequently aggressive. The movements are sharp, dynamic, swift in order to symbolize power and force.
856.Takamba / Mali
TAKAMBA music and dance originated from the Songhai Empire in the 15th century, and used to be performed by Tamasheq griots and blacksmiths of the Gao region in Mali to celebrate the end of harvest, welcome and encourage warriors back from the battle and praise noble families. The word “Takamba” has its origins in the village of Temera, situated between Timbuktu and Bourem. Nowadays, the genre is listened mostly by the Songhai people and urban Tuaregs, frequently performed at ceremonies, such as marriages, but is also present at festivals. It is usually performed by a band consisting of two tehardents, bass and solo, calabashes, a singer and dancers. The songs evoke such values and themes as love, honor and generosity.
857.Takenoko-zoku / Japan
TAKENOKO-ZOKU (“bamboo shoot tribe”) describes a type of dance group active from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s in Tokyo, especially in Harajuku. The teenagers, mainly girls but often with one boy leading, were colorfully dressed and danced in a distinctive style on the sidewalk to music from stereos. To an extent, they were precursors to the gyaru groups that would eventually arise in the 1990s.
858.Tamberma / Togo
TAMBERMA DANCE is an amazing traditional dance of the Tamberma people in the north of Togo. The region is also called Koutammakou and the people Batammariba.
859.Tambú / Curaçao
TAMBÚ is a drum, music genre and dance form found on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Curaçaoan tambu is a major part of that island’s culture, and a genre that is considered “muziek di zumbi” (literally, spirit music, referring to music of African origin). Tambú, sometimes called the Curaçao blues, was first sung by slaves (mostly women) expressing pain and sadness, usually accompanied by the tambú drum and the agan (a piece of iron or ploughshare) or chapi (a hoe), along with clapping (usually only by the women in the audience). The moves are often “suggestive”, yet the dance follows a strict etiquette of no physical touching, despite sexual appeal of the dance. Due to its suggestive nature, it was long banned and persecuted for many years by the Catholic Church and government.
860.Tamenhaibuga / Uganda
TAMENHAIBUGA is a royal dance style and also an entertainment art of the Basoga people in Uganda. Literally, it means “do not break the gourd”. Gourds are fruits much like pumpkins, but are not edible. They are used for storage of grains, fetching in water, carrying in milk or beer and other things. Tamenhaibuga dance has connection to the gourd, a symbol of royalty and unity, and it is also rooted in the Basoga chiefs’ palaces.
861.TAMURE / Tahiti
TAMURE is the oldest dance from Tahiti. When European colonizers arrived in Tahiti in the mid-19th century, they prohibited this dance because of its erotic, almost satanic aspect. Half a century later, the French protectorate allowed to perform it again. Its movements are based on warrior dance and daily life gestures. Usually danced by a group of boys and girls, all dressed in “more” (the Tahitian grass skirt, not made of grass but of the fibers from the bark of the “pu-rau”—hibiscus). The boys shake their knees and the girls shake their hips. The girls are largely standing still, the boys move around their partner, either facing her in front or hiding behind her back. The tempo of the music is continuously increasing to the point where only the most experienced and fittest dancers can keep up.
862.Tango / Argentina
TANGO is a partner dance that originated in the 1880s along the Río de Plata, the natural border between Argentina and Uruguay. It was born in the impoverished port areas of these countries, where natives mixed with slave and European immigrant populations. Tango is the result of a combination of the German Waltz, Czech Polka, Polish Mazurka, and Bohemian Schottische with the Spanish- Cuban Habanera, African Candome, and Argentinian Milonga. It was frequently practiced in the brothels and bars of ports, where business owners employed bands to entertain their patrons with music. Then it spread to the rest of the world. Many variations of this dance currently exist around the world. On August 31, 2009, UNESCO approved a joint proposal by Argentina and Uruguay to include tango in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
863.Tanoura / Egypt
TANOURA is an Egyptian folk dance with roots in Sufi dances. It merged with folk and Baladi elements to create its own style. The word “tanoura” refers to the colorful skirt worn by the whirler, with a color representing each Sufi order. It may also refer to the dancer, traditionally a Sufi man. The dance is associated with Sufism and is performed at Sufi festivals, but it is also practiced by non-Sufis as a folk dance or concert dance.
864.TAP DANCE / USA
TAP DANCE is a dance that uses the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. The sound is made by a metal “tap” on the heel and toe. There are several variations of the tap dance: Rhythm Tap, Classical Tap, Broadway Tap and Post-modern Tap. Broadway Tap originates from English theatrical tradition and is widely performed in musical theatre, and often focuses on formations, choreography and generally less complex rhythms. Rhythm Tap focuses on musicality. Its practitioners consider themselves to be a part of the jazz tradition. Classical Tap has a long tradition that marries European “classical” music, American foot drumming, and a wide variation in full-body expression. Post-modern or Contemporary Tap has emerged over the last three decades to incorporate abstract expression, thematic narrative and technology.
865.Tapetta Gullu / India
TAPETTA GULLU is a folk dance style of the people of Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a devotional dance performed by the shepherds and cowherds in the worship of the local goddess Gangamma, praying for rain. The main feature of the dance is a procession with the sacred pot known as “ghatam”. The dance is also performed during the Dasavatara festival and danced by a group of 10 to 15 men.
866.Tarantella / Italy
TARANTELLA is a group of various folk dances with a fast upbeat tempo accompanied by tambourines. It is among the most recognised forms of traditional southern Italian music. The specific dance name varies in every region, for instance “tammurriata” in Campania, “pizzica” in the Salento region, “sonu a ballu” in Calabria. The Tarantella’s origin is typically connected with tarantism, a sickness associated with the bite of the tarantula spider, named after the Taranto province in Apulia, which was seemingly cured by frenzied dancing. Later, it evolved into a courtship dance characterized by light, quick steps and teasing, flirtatious behaviour between partners.
867.Tarantism / Italy
TARANTISM, also called DANCING MANIA, is an Italian social phenomenon, in which the victims were said to have been poisoned by a tarantula or scorpion. Its earliest known outbreak was in the 13th century, and the only antidote known was to dance to particular music to separate the venom from the blood. People would suddenly begin to dance, sometimes affected by a perceived bite or sting, and were joined by others, who believed the venom from their own old bites was reactivated by the heat or the music. Dancers would dance accompanied by the music which would eventually “cure” the victim. Some participated in further activities, such as tying themselves up with vines and whipping each other, pretending to sword fight, drinking large amounts of wine, and jumping into the sea. Some died if there was no music to dance to.
868.Tarpa Nach / India
TARPA NACH is a tribal dance, usually performed on moonlit nights. It is an extremely popular folk dance in the regions of Thane, Dadra and Nagar Haveli in Maharashtra, India. Some villages in Maharashtra perform this dance after Diwali Night celebrations. Tarpa is the most popular dance form of the Warli, Kokna and Koli communities and is performed in celebration of the harvest in September and until the festival of Diwali. The lead dancer of the group taps the ground in a rhythmic beat with an ornamental stick. The others hold each other around the waist and wind their way around the musician. The man plays on the Tarpa, a wind instrument fashioned from gourd and bamboo sticks. The pace of the dance and steps change with the tune played by the musician.
869.Tarraxinha / Angola
TARRAXINHA is a slow dance style from Angola, originating from Kizomba. The word means “little nut bolt”. Danced on the spot and with partners very close to each other, Tarraxinha has few steps and is focused on isolations and two bodies moving as one. The music has often little melody and a much heavier hitting beat than Kizomba.
870.tchiloli / São Tomé and Príncipe
TCHILOLI is a traditional cultural performance, a mixture of ceremony, theatre, music and dance coming from São Tomé and Príncipe. Typically it tells a story (most commonly, a dramatic one), consisting of the theatrical recreation of the mediaeval conflict between the court of Charlemagne and the court of the Marquess of Mantua. It is syncretic, subversive and mystical, a melting pot of several traditions, a unique work that lends to different levels of interpretation.
871. TEBE DAI / East Timor
TEBE DAI is a traditional circle dance from East Timor. It is one of the most performed dances throughout the country, often presented during customary events and official ceremonies, such as flag raising, church events and when welcoming special guests. The music is played mainly by different drums and the dancers perform in traditional tais.
872.Techno / Global
TECHNO is a dance performed to the electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan, in the United States in the mid-to-late 1980s. It resulted from the melding of African American music including Chicago house, funk, electro, and electric jazz with electronic music by artists such as Kraftwerk and Yellow Magic Orchestra. It is influenced by futuristic and fictional themes relevant to life in American late capitalist society. This unique blend of influences aligns techno with the aesthetic referred to as Afrofuturism. To producers such as Derrick May, the transference of spirit from the body to the machine is often a central element; essentially an expression of technological spirituality. Techno music defeats what Adorno saw as the alienating effect of mechanization on the modern consciousness.
873.Techno Viking / Viral
TECHNO VIKING is an Internet phenomenon or meme based on a video from the 2000 Fuckparade in Berlin, Germany. The 4-minute video was shot by experimental video artist Matthias Fritsch. The camera shows dancing people with a blue haired woman in front. A man stumbles into the scene grabbing the woman. A bare-chested man (known colloquially as the Techno Viking) enters the scene while turning to that man. He grabs him by the arms and the camera shows the confrontation. The bare-chested man pushes the guy back in the direction he came from. He looks at him sternly and then points his finger at him, ensuring that he behaves. Then the camera follows the bare-chested man as the techno parade continues. As the situation calms down, the bare-chested man starts to dance down Rosenthaler Straße to techno music.
874.TEMATE / Ivory Coast
TEMATE is a dance coming from the Wobe people in Ivory Coast. It is a joyful dance, traditionally performed by young women who mime the actions of cultivating the rice field, from the seeding to the harvest. Nowadays, the dance is performed by both females and males of all ages.
875.TEMNE DANCES / Sierra Leone
TEMNE DANCES are dances performed by the Temne people. Currently, they are the largest ethnic group in Sierra Leone, at 35% of the total population, living in the Northern Province and the Western Area, including the national capital Freetown. They have a great variety of traditional dances performed on different occasions. in Central Sierra Leone and dressed in colourful attires perform often at graduation dances.
876.Tenjin Festival Dragon Dance / Japan
TENJIN FESTIVAL DRAGON DANCE is a dance performed in Osaka Prefecture in Japan during the Tenjin Festival. Unlike the typical dragon dance done by a group of people manipulating a long flexible dragon figure, this dance features dancers mimicking the dragon. Its shapes and moves are expressed by bending fingers, and twisting hands and body. In addition to the Tenjin Festival, the dance can be witnessed in a number of shrines and during street performances.
877.Tera Tali / India
TERA TALI is a famous folk dance of Rajasthan, India, performed by the Kamar tribe. It is an elaborate ritual with many different types of dance. The women sit on the ground during the performance, while the men sing. Tera Tali includes tying of metal cymbals (Manjiras) to different parts of the body, mostly to the legs. On many occasions the women clench a sword between their teeth and balance a decorative pot on their heads.
878.Tharaka DANCE / Kenya
THARAKA DANCE is a traditional dance of the Tharaka people from Kenya.
879.THEYYAM / India
THEYYAM is a popular ritual form of dance worship of the northern part of Kerala, India, a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs. It is a combination of ritual, theatrical and lived culture with music and elaborate costumes. Dancer acts possessed with different Hindu, Shaivite and other belief system deities. Performers belong to the lower caste community, and have an important position in Theyyam. The dance is generally performed in front of the village shrine. It is also performed in the houses as ancestor-worship. It is accompanied by the chorus of various musical instruments. There are over 400 separate Theyyams, each with its own music, style and choreography.
880.Thlomela / Botswana
THLOMELA is a popular dance around Botswana. Many saw the dance move for the first time in Mochudi when a certain Jacqueline Mooketsi and her friends took to the stage to showcase their skills. Resident DJ of Masakeng, DJ Thoko, even went to the extent of shooting a video of the dance move and it went viral on social media. The move requires one to go down on their toes, hold on to something with their hands and gyrate. According to Thoko, “this dance move can be done only with high pitch songs such as house music. Ever since I shot the video, it is amazing how people call and want to learn the move. Even South African artists have called seeking for permission to edit the video and use it on their music videos”.
881.Tigray DAnces / Ethiopia
TIGRAY DANCES are traditional Ethiopian dances performed to a two beat drum rhythm, originating from the northernmost of the nine regions of Ethiopia, homeland of the Tigrayans, Irob and Kunama people. The dance is characterized by various movements and steps, such as skipping steps, distinctive shoulder movements, and delicate neck motions. Dancers often move in a circle and change the tempo and direction of the dance based on the drums. Tigray dancers often perform wearing traditional Ethiopian clothing.
882.Tinikling / Philippines
TINIKLING is a traditional folk dance from the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. It involves two people beating, tapping, and sliding bamboo poles on the ground and against each other in coordination with one or more dancers who step over and in between the poles in a dance. The poles act as percussion instruments. The dance is traditionally accompanied by rondalla music, but it is also commonly adapted to modern music.
883.Tinku / Bolivia
TINKU is a ritual and a folkloric dance that is performed originally in the north of Potosí, in Bolivia. Its name means “encounter” (from the Quechua word “tinkuy” meaning “to be found”). The dance is performed in a crouching stance, bending at the waist. The performers move in circles following the beat of the drum. Every jump from one foot to the next is followed by a hard stomp and a thrown fist to signify the violence from the ceremonial Tinku combat. Many times the dancers will hold basic and traditional instruments in their hands that they will use as they stomp, just to add more noise for a greater effect.
884.Tippani / India
TIPPANI is a folk dance from the Chorwad region of Saurashtra in Gujarat, India. Tippani is an instrument made of two long wooden sticks of about 175 cm, joined by a square wooden or iron block called Garbo at the lower end to make it stronger in opposite rows. It was used to press lime into the foundation of a house or floor. Tippani dance originated among labourers, such as the Koli community, who broke the stones and leveled the ground, and who performed it to avoid the monotony of work. It is performed exclusively by women, holding the tippani and dancing while beating the floor in two opposite rows, accompanied by folk songs. Turi and Thali (brass plate) are used to create music. Zanz, Manjira, Tabla, Dhol and Shehnai are the main musical instruments. Tippani is performed during festivals and weddings.
885.Tobelo / Indonesia / Viral
TOBELO is a line dance originating from Maluku, Indonesia, that became a viral dance trend in 2017/2018. It is a group dance full of aerobic moves.
886.Tondero / Peru
TONDERO is a Peruvian dance and musical genre that originated from the Morropón Province in the Department of Piura. It was derived from the fusion of music brought by migrants from southern Spain and Eastern Europe with the indigenous as well as African contribution. The former is expressed in the introduction of Tondero, very similar to an indigenous Yaraví, and the latter is evidenced in the drum rolls.
887.Tooro DANCES / Uganda
TOORO DANCES are dances performed by the Tooro people, living in one of the five traditional kingdoms located within the borders of Uganda.
888.tori-sashi ODORI / Japan
TORI-SASHI ODORI (bird-catching dance) is a tradition unique to Unzen city, Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan. Like real old-fashioned bird-catchers, men carry a special bird stick painted with birds on the tip, a pole called a “mochizao”. Unlike real bird-catchers, they only wear “fundoshi”. They also dance around chirping and pretending to be birds. Only men can perform this dance.
889.Totur / Denmark
TOTUR is a folk dance from Vejle in Denmark. Its name means “two figures”. It is danced by mixed couples in a circle. Basic steps include walking, two-step, grand right and left.
890.Traditional dance / Barbados
TRADITIONAL DANCE of Barbados is related to the popular music that includes calypso, soca, dancehall and reggae. There are also traditional folk songs with accompanying dances, telling stories of times gone by. Dancers often perform at festivals, on local holidays and other special events, presenting a variety of styles. Dances and traditional costumes are an iconic part of Barbadian culture and rituals. Dance is also often part of school education—many of the local primary schools on the island have dance classes as a part of the curriculum, or as a highly recommended after school activity for the students.
891.TRADITIONAL DANCE / Cameroon
TRADITIONAL DANCE is an integral part of the culture, religion, and socializing in Cameroon—with more than 200 traditional dances, each associated with different ceremonies or rituals. Colonial authorities and Christian missionaries discouraged native dances as threats to security and pagan holdovers. After Cameroon’s independence, the government recognised traditional dances as part of the national culture and decided to preserve them. Traditional dances follow strict choreography and segregate dancers based on age, occupation, sex, social status, and other factors. Some require special costumes and props (masks or fans). Dances accompany births, christenings, weddings, funerals and invoke the spirits of ancestors to cure the ill or increase fertility.
892.Traditional Dance / China
TRADITIONAL DANCE in China is a highly varied artform, consisting of many modern and traditional dance styles, from folk dances to performances in opera and ballet, performed in public celebrations, rituals and ceremonies. There are 56 officially recognised ethnic groups in China and each of them has its own folk dance. Folk dances are important historically in the development of dance culture in China. Some of the earliest dances in court rituals and ceremonies of various dynasties may have evolved from folk dances. Many of the folk dances are related to harvest and hunting and the ancient gods associated with them. Among the best-known of the Chinese traditional dances are the Dragon and Lion dance.
893.TRADITIONAL DANCE / Ecuador
TRADITIONAL DANCE in Ecuador originates from a long indigenous, African and Spanish tradition. Ecuadorians simply love to dance. One of the most traditional forms of dancing is Sanjuanito. Originally from northern Ecuador, it is danced to local music in the festivities of the mestizo and indigenous cultures. Another best known Ecuadorian dance is Pasillo, with origin in the classical waltz. Local dance culture embraces erotic hip movements, used a lot by partners dancing close to each other.
894.TRADITIONAL DANCE / Equatorial Guinea
TRADITIONAL DANCE and music are the central elements of the culture for both the Fang and Bubi people living in Equatorial Guinea. Many of the songs and dances have religious significance. Drums are a commonly used instrument, so are wooden xylophones, bow harps, zithers and the sanza, a small thumb piano fashioned from bamboo. Dances are usually accompanied by three or four musicians. The Balélé dance is usually performed on Christmas and other holidays. The Ibanga, the Fang national dance, is popular along the coast. Its movements are highly sexual. The men and women who perform it cover their bodies in white powder.
895.TRADITIONAL DANCE / Haiti
TRADITIONAL DANCE is an important part of Haitian life. In the case of Vodou, the religious experience of spirit possession is usually accompanied by dancing, singing, and drumming. Carnival and rara celebrations feature exuberant dancing in the streets. Dancing is also a social activity, used for celebrations such as church socials and informal parties, as well as evenings out with friends. In small restaurants, social dance music is played by relatively small twoubadou groups, while larger clubs with big dance floors often feature dance bands reminiscent of the American big bands in size. Social dance music has been one of the most heavily creolised music forms in Haiti. European dance forms such as the quadrille, waltz, and polka were introduced to white planter audiences during the colonial period.
896.Traditional Dances / Korea
TRADITIONAL DANCES in both South and North Korea began with early shamanistic rituals five thousand years ago, and now range from folk dance to newly created and adopted contemporary dance. Many South Koreans these days are not interested in traditional dances, especially young people who use K-Pop to express themselves. Unfortunately, traditional dances as a social medium are disappearing. However, some special government programs and grants are introduced to keep these dances alive. Furthermore, college students may major in traditional dance. There is a wide variety of traditional Korean dances. Muyonggwa is a graceful dance primarily performed by women in groups or individually. Janggu is an exciting upbeat dance featuring drums.
897.TRADITIONAL DANCES / Kuwait
TRADITIONAL DANCES in Kuwait show connections with the music of southern Iraq and south-eastern Iran. The music of the Gulf also has roots in African music, due to the extensive links with East Africa, including the slave trade and immigration. Kuwait’s dance and music traditions were well recorded until the Iraqi occupation, during which the music archives were destroyed. Many of the dances in Kuwait are related to the sea, sailors’ life, boats, but also to the desert life. Many of the dance songs use the zither and the lute, and many dances include the performers clapping along in rhythm while dancing. Some dances, such as ardah, showcase the performer’s sword skills. At weddings and other social events such dances as tanboura, samri and khamari are performed.
898.TRADITIONAL DANCES / Myanmar
TRADITIONAL DANCES from Myanmar, including the Belu, Nat Gadaw and Zawgyi dances, are performed to honour classic folklore characters, some from pre-Buddhist times. The Burmese dance, with origins in the pre-Christian era, evolved during the many invasions throughout the country’s history. The different traditional dance styles have references in Pali and Sanskrit myths, Burmese folklore, Buddhist practices, amongst others.
899.Traditional DANCE / Papua New Guinea
TRADITIONAL DANCE plays an important role in the very complex culture of Papua New Guinea, a land where no native written word exists and with more than 700 spoken languages. Songs and dances are one of the most popular forms of education. Each dance or sing-sing (a gathering of a few tribes or villages) has a special meaning. Sometimes it is a way to say “hello” and “welcome”. At other times, the ceremonial dance celebrates hunting or a war victory. Traditional celebrations include song, dance, feasting and gift-giving. On these celebrations or special occasions, beautifully painted faces, stunning headdresses, vibrant and colorful traditional costumes adorn the dancers, and an array of tumbuna songs and dances—representing and telling a legendary story with each step, twist or jump—have its own significance and value.
900.Traditional FOLK dances / Tibet
TRADITIONAL FOLK DANCES of Tibet are of a great variety, according to the folk music of each region of the Tibetan plateau, now Autonomous Region of Tibet. They are usually cheerful, performed by communities and general people, inspired by regional songs and costumes. They praise local deities, celebrate harvesting, represent Buddhist deities, and more recently even unite different regions into dancing to express the hope that the Tibetan exiled will return to their homeland, like in the Lhoka dances.
901.Traditional dances / Vietnam
TRADITIONAL DANCES of Vietnam include dances performed in theatre, at festivals, and royal imperial court dances. Much of Vietnamese theatre and dance are intertwined with each other, but popular theatre dances are performed in a rather liberal manner without set rules. Among the dances performed at traditional festivals, such as Lunar New Year, but also during other occasions such as opening of a new business, is primarily the Lion Dance, which was imported from China but developed distinctive local style—highly symbolic, used to ward off evil spirits, typically accompanied by martial artists and acrobatics. Imperial court dances, highly preserved as intangible cultural heritage, are performed at festivals and other special occasions in order to promote the traditional arts. Some of the most popular dances are: Lantern dance, Lotus dance or Ribbon dance.
902.Traditional Dance / Singapore
TRADITIONAL DANCE in Singapore can be described as multicultural. Singapore is a multinational country, so the dance styles reflect its cultural diversity. Traditional dances in Singapore usually refer to the generic and popular forms of dances from China, the Malay archipelago and India. Since independence in 1965, these dance forms have been institutionalized as Singapore’s official “traditional” or “ethnic” dances, thus for example Chinese Lion Dance is performed during New Year festivities. With the constant Westernisation of the country, there is also a consistent struggle between the rejection and acceptance of the western dance influences, such as ballet, jazz and tap, that have been locally popular for a long time.
903.traditional nomadic danceS / Bhutan
TRADITIONAL NOMADIC DANCES by the Nomadic people of Bhutan, who live in the eastern (Yak Cham Dance) or western (Layab Dance) parts of the country, are known for their particular dance styles. The nomads who live in the eastern Bhutan perform dances to honor the local deity known as Aum Jomo. The western nomadic yak herders’ dance is usually performed by men who sometimes dance inside the costume of a yak body.
904.TRASH DANCE / Global
TRASH DANCE is freestyle dance performed around or on top of trash bins.
905.Trastrasera / Chile
TRASTRASERA is a dance typical of Chiloé Archipelago in southern Chile. It is a simple dance that can be adapted as a rhythmic game even for young children. It is a couple dance, yet it is best performed by larger groups. The dance follows a pattern of three quick steps in place, one beat per step, and on the fourth beat there is a raising of the knee. The pattern then repeats, starting with the opposite foot. All the figures are performed using this step, whether in place, advancing, or turning. The woman is dressed in a dark skirt and a brightly colored jacket, with a scarf tied around the head. She wears thick, dark-colored cotton or wool tights, and closed-toe shoes. The man wears dark pants, a striped shirt, espadrilles or boots with thick white tights folded over the pants. He also wears a poncho and a Chilote gorrito or beret.
906. TRIANGLE DANCE / Viral
TRIANGLE DANCE is a dance challenge that started in February 2019. A TikTok user named Matthew Jones posted a video performing the dance to “Milkshake” by Kelis. The dance quickly went viral and it has been really blowing up on Twitter ever since, with friends and colleagues desperately trying to master the intricate footwork. Danced by three people, standing in a triangle with their hands locked on each other’s shoulders and then taking turns to jump into the middle, it is a pretty simple dance as long as you remember to jump in a straight line and avoid giving your pal a concussion.
907.TRIBA / Guinea
TRIBA is a dance from the Landuma people of the Boke and Boffa regions of Western Guinea. It used to be performed after the initiation (circumcision) of young women when mothers and daughters celebrated and danced together. Today it is a very popular rhythm performed at festivals.
908.TRIBAL FUSION / Global
TRIBAL FUSION is a mixture of various “tribal” or folk dances from around the world.
909.Trigona / Greece
TRIGONA is a traditional dance from Greece that belongs to the Horon dance group. “Trigona” means “pigeon”.
910.Trojak / Poland
TROJAK is a Polish folk dance coming from Silesia region. It is a double partner dance, performed in groups of three: one male dancer and two female dancers. The music of the dance has two parts: a slow one in 3/4 metre and a fast one in 2/4 metre. These parts are repeated several times, one after another. Ignoring the footwork, the figures may have the following arrangements: all three move in sync from the same foot; the male dances with one female, the second one dancing alone, then the male switches the female; the females are rolling on and then rolling off the arms; the trio forms a circle; the male and the females separate and move in the opposite directions, then join again.
911.Tropicana DANCE / Cuba
TROPICANA DANCE is a name for dance performances in the Tropicana Club, a world-known cabaret and club in Havana, Cuba. It was launched in 1939 at Villa Mina, a six-acre (24,000 m²) suburban estate with lush tropical gardens in Havana’s Marianao neighbourhood. It is famous for its exotic dancers and their performances.
912.TROT / South Korea
TROT is a folk music from South Korea aimed for older people in their 50s and 60s. It is like country music in America, and the rhythm is very similar—one two, one two. The beat is simple and so is the dancing. There are no complicated movements as in the K-Pop. Couples may dance together or one can dance by oneself in a group. In many cities and towns, there are clubs for the over-50 crowd to enjoy the trot dance music and to dance together.
913.Trote Nortino / Chile
TROTE NORTINO is a dance from the North of Chile. The pair of dancers perform steps as if they were jogging. While moving rhythmically they move back and forth. They hold hands and turn to one side and another, constantly moving their arms. The clothing used in the dance is very colourful, predominantly made of alpaca or vicuña wool. Both the man and woman wear a hat. The music is accompanied by the guitar, quena, zampoña and bombo.
914.Tsamikos / Greece
TSAMIKOS is a popular traditional folk dance of Greece, performed to the music of 3/4 meter. It follows a strict and slow tempo not emphasising on the steps, but more on the “attitude, style and grace” of the dancer. The dancers, moving in a row or an open circle, hold each other by the hand raised at shoulder height. The steps are relatively easy but have to be precise and strictly on the beat. The dancer might even stomp his foot in response to a strong beat. There is some improvisation involved and many variations of the steps, depending on which area the dancers come from. Over time the dance has taken on many variations. In the past, it was danced exclusively by men, but in modern times both men and women take part.
915.Tsifteteli / Greece
TSIFTETELI is the Greek belly dance. It follows a rhythm common all over the Middle East. Its name is Turkish and comes from “chifteteli”, which originally means “two strings”. Typically it is not performed by a single belly dancer in a Rhine-stone costume, but by a massive number of dancers populating the dance floor, just like in a disco. It is danced by both men and women, in solo, couples and group formations. Essentially it is a seductive female dance. Many women dance it on the tables or bars trying to seduce men who are watching them. It is one of the most important and meaningful dances in Greek music and culture.
916.Tsutsube / Botswana
TSUTSUBE is a traditional dance in Botswana, which is practised by the Basarwa or San people. Tsutsube is performed in four ritualistic categories or stages, which are: the first kill, puberty, marriage and trance. According to the history, the first kill was for males or boys, and trance dance was for healing purposes to engage ancestors spirits.
917.Tuareg Sword dance / Mali
TUAREG SWORD DANCE is a dance performed by the Tuareg people with a sword called Takoba. Since the Tuareg have an aversion to touching iron, the Takoba’s hilt is fully covered. The dancers are usually surrounded by men, women and even children accompanying them by clapping and singing while they do movements with their swords.
918.TUCA TUCA / Italy
TUCA TUCA is an Italian dance style created by Raffaella Carrà in 1970. Since the early 1970s, it has got a complex choreography, mesmerising elaborate themes, and uninhibited style. Raffaella Carrà was the first television personality to show her belly button on camera with this song. This was met with heavy criticism from the Vatican and Catholic churches in the countries that watched her show, Canzonissima. Carrà had a hit song with the sensual “Tuca Tuca” (1970), written for her singing and dancing television presentations by her longtime collaborator and former boyfriend, Gianni Boncompagni.
919.Tufo / Mozambique
TUFO is a traditional dance from Northern Mozambique. It is performed by groups of women, mostly in Maputo, the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula and the Island of Mozambique. Of Arab origin, the dance is performed to celebrate Islamic festivals and holidays. It is traditionally performed by dancers moving just the top halves of their bodies and accompanied by songs and tambourine-like drums. Tufo songs are transmitted orally and may be composed by one of the dancers or by the group’s poet. They are usually in the Emakhuwa language but may also be in Arabic or Portuguese. The dancers must wear matching scarves and capulanas, which are a kind of sarong made from brightly coloured printed cloth. Each dance requires a new capulana to be worn.
920.TURFING / USA
TURFING, an acronym for Taking Up Room on the Floor, is a dance style hailing directly from Oakland, California. It is much based on non-traditional ways of storytelling or representing a specific turf or place that a particular performer seeks to represent. Turfing is very improvisational and free-form, with dance moves that come from different traditions in order to fully express or narrate a particular life story.
921.Turkish Roman Dance / Turkey
TURKISH ROMAN DANCE is a type of mainly Turkish folkloric dance, with the main base and elements from Byzantine music, famous for its signature 9/8 rhythm. The dance highlights intricate pelvic isolations, including tossing the belly and expressive gestures often mimicking aspects of life, such as playing instruments, cleaning clothes, churning butter, or drinking coffee. Delightfully cheeky and playful, this solo improvisational dance provides an opportunity for each dancer to show off their personality, and each dancer’s unique expression within the form is highly valued.
922.Tutting / Global
TUTTING is a dance style inspired by the art of Ancient Egypt. It exploits the body’s ability to create geometric positions (such as boxes) and movements, predominantly with the use of right angles. It generally focuses on the arms and hands, and includes sub-styles such as finger-tutting.
923. TUVALU DANCE / Tuvalu
TUVALU DANCE called FATELE is a dance performed to a traditional dance song of Tuvalu, a Polynesian island country located in the Pacific Ocean. Dancing songs are the most common type of traditional Tuvalu songs, with other traditional dance styles including “fakanau” and “fakaseasea”. Fatele is performed at community events and to celebrate leaders and other prominent individuals who visit Tuvalu.
924.TwerkING / Global
TWERKING is a type of dance originating as part of the bounce music scene of New Orleans in the late 1980s. It is performed individually, chiefly but not exclusively by women, with dancers moving in a sexually provocative manner by throwing or thrusting their hips back or shaking their buttocks, often in a low squatting stance. Twerking is part of a larger set of characteristic moves unique to the New Orleans style of hip-hop known as “Bounce”. Moves include “mixing”, “exercising”, the “bend over”, the “shoulder hustle”, “clapping”, “buttcheeks clapping”, and “the wild wood”—all recognised as “booty shaking” or “bounce”.
925.Twin-Style / Global
TWIN-STYLE is a dance style performed by identical twin brothers Laurent Nicolas and Larry Nicolas Bourgeois, French dancers and choreographers, professionally known as Les Twins, who are often referred to by their respective nicknames, “Lil Beast” and “Ca Blaze”. They are recognized internationally for their talents in new style hip-hop dancing, which is a commercial form of hip-hop with a strong emphasis on isolations and musicality. They are known to have created a unique Twins-Style dance in which they form a perfect symbiosis. They look totally disjointed with their very jerky movements, although at the same time displaying an amazing fluidity. They undulate, bend and twist, impossible to assess where their center of gravity lies: both phenomenal and unreal.
926.Twist / Global
TWIST is a dance inspired by rock ’n’ roll music. From 1959 to the early sixties it became the first worldwide dance craze, enjoying immense popularity among all people and drawing fire from critics who felt it was too provocative. It is performed by standing with the feet approximately shoulder-width apart. The torso may be squared to the knees and hips or turned at an angle so one foot is farther forward. The arms are held out from the body, bent at the elbow. The hips, torso, and legs rotate on the balls of the feet as a single unit, with the arms staying more or less stationary. The feet grind back and forth on the floor, and the dance can be varied in speed, intensity, and vertical height as necessary.