European dances: Difference between revisions

European dances refers to the dances of Europe, it should take into account the many cultural differences in musical and movement styles.

Brief history

In ancient times, from high cultures to the Greco-Roman world, the dance took place in two ways: sacred or hieratic dance, participating in religious ceremonies, and profane dance intended for public and popular entertainment.

The Greeks, eminently worship people, is known to dance was part in the plans of education. Was part not only of all solemn, religious or civil ceremonies, but also of all the festivities, including in the famous public games. Some Greek dances became very famous as the dithyramb in honor of Dionysus, where a celebrant and 50 dancers interpreted the cycle of life, the warrior dances pyrrhic character, those of the innocence, the of hymen, theatrical dances, etc.

In Rome the dance becomes important when conquered Greece. Bring Greek teachers and dance becomes a social necessity. Highlighting that were related to the Bacchanalia or Lupercalia festivities or of purification. Usually those ended in orgies. And some, such as the May 1, were suppressed by the emperor Tiberius.

With the suppressor Christianity, the dance becomes controlled by the Church and will fundamentally religious. In the Middle Ages leaving the temples to take refuge in the secular and appear dances somewhat grotesque and macabre as the Danse Macabre. Also in the Middle Ages, together with the unions, appear many dances, many of which have survived to this day with minor variations, running the day of the patron saint and within the religious ceremony. In the Renaissance, the dance reaches a new richness and increases its character show.

Catherine de' Medici, which emphasizes sheself as a consummate dancer, brought this art to France choreographed, becoming the first ballet. Throughout the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, it is becoming known the dance within the various courts; So, what at first those were typical dances of a country, are exported and imported to others and, in virtually in all countries found branies, courantes, pavanas, sarabandes, gavottes, chaconnes, landiers, saltarellos, allemandes, etc. And it can say that begins to differentiate the dances of the court of the itself popular.

In the 15th century, the minuet with its bows, courtesies and gallant gestures permeate all the courts and relegate most of the dances. In Germany, from a modified ländler, appears the waltz, and gradually, was introduced in all the European courts. Something similar could be said of the polka or the mazurka. Thus, the group dance gives way to the couple dance.

Examples

Germany

Speaking of traditional dance from Germany, it is important to mention that not there is a dance that is considered as Germany's national typical dance, however, are recognized:

• Ländler: It is a dance for couples showing markedly fierceness and trampling. Sometimes it was purely instrumental and sometimes had a vocal, offering sometimes yodeling. When in the ballrooms became popular in Europe in the 19th century, it became faster and elegant, and the men took off the nails of the boots they used to dance. It is believed to be the forerunner of the waltz.

• Polka: is a popular dance appeared in Bohemia in 1830.

Netherlands

• Scapino Ballet: A typical dance from the Netherlands, this has become in recent years into a company with a modern repertoire. The National Ballet in Amsterdam mainly presents works of classical romantic repertoire. But also raise interest parts of the 20th century choreographers such as the Russian Balanchine and Dutch Van Dantzig, Van Maanen and Van Schayk.