Dance Across the Globe

There are many different ways to get to know cultures in the world. Despite language, there are many other possibilities that may not be so obvious, which help to cross barriers.

We want to make the world dance today! On International Dance Day, we are reminded that the art of dance can bring us closer to a culture and its people. All over the world, dance enthuses us and brings us into a great mood.

In Bali, Curaçao and Peru, you can discover many different and exciting dances – maybe the next time you visit, you will simply get up and dance?

Art and religion: Balinese dances

The Balinese dance is one of the oldest dances of the world. Many of the traditional dances of the country are part of religious and cultural expressions of locals. Thus, Balinese dances are very dynamic and tell a dramatic story, which is supported by gestures of fingers, hands, head and eyes. Dance plays an important role at Puri Dajuma and there are dances regularly, giving you another glimpse of Balinese culture.

Altogether, there are three different traditional dance genres in Bali that all have varying functions and express the Balinese lifestyle in another way:

1. Wali describes the sacred dances: depending on the occasion, women or girls in ceremonial dresses or an equal number of men dance. Sanghyang Dedari for example is danced, to counter negative supernatural forces, while Baris Upacara expresses the holy spirit.
2. Bebali are the semi-sacred dances: a combination of tradtional Wali dances and dances for entertainment. Here, bad ghosts are dispelled, for example.
3. Balih-balihan covers the entertainment dances: Barong Ket show a fight between two mythical characters, good and evil and Joged Bumbung is a very popular dance among couples during harvest season or on any other special day.

Dancing for the Soul in Curaçao

In Curaçao, dances were influenced by immigrants from Africa. Dance is used as an expression for the own mood and life situation: the Curaçao blues “Tambú” developed first from the locals of Curaçao, in order to express their frustration and sadness about their life’s merits.

With influences from merengue, African-American sounds and Jazz, Tumba is one of the most important music genres in Curaçao. Today, you probably recognize this infectious dance from carnival.

Seú was the official harvest dance. There, actual movements during harvest, “wapa”, were integrated into the dance style. Ever since the decline of the country’s agriculture, this dance is now only performed on Easter Monday in Willemstad. Today, the capitol Willemstad is known for its street music – at almost every corner, locals and also travelers dance to live music on the streets. Only 10 minutes away from Willemstad is Morena Eco Resort – a perfect starting point for a look into the dance culture of Curaçao.

Mating Dance in Peru

In magical Peru, dance is all about love: the traditional Marinera dance resembles flirting between a man and a woman. Thereby, a woman traditional wears an embroiled, large skirt and always has handkerchief. With her passionate movements, she teases the man – it is a very entertaining dance for the observer.

There are several variations of the Marinera dance: depending on the region, dance steps, tempo and even clothing can differ.

Coqueto Marinera in the region of Cusco is very popular for example and mimics the mating of birds. No surprise, because many birds are native in this area. From  Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, bird lovers can take part in a birding excursion and discover the variety first hand. And who knows, maybe you will see the birds dancing in the tree tops!