From 26 January 2022
Traditional
Your song choice should be traditional music or a song from any country. For example, Boeremusiek from South Africa, Portugal and their “Fado”, the Dutch and their “Levenslied”. As long as the song is in the authentic traditional style of your selected country.
Paul
Portuguese folk dances
The traditional dances of Portugal & costumes
https://portugueseculturecr.weebly.com/traditional-dancing.html
Folk dancing is a very traditional type of dancing that still happens in Portugal today, these dances are usually celebrating a Saint as Portugal is a very Catholic and religious country. There are many types of dances depending on which part of Portugal you are living in, each with a different story to tell. Some types of dances include the Vira, Chula, Corridinho, Malhão and Fandango.
Vira
Vira is a traditional dance from the north of Portugal (Minho). It is similar to the Australian Waltz, where couples form a circle facing each-other and go around a circle doing different steps, changing partners as they go, or sometimes the women may have ‘solos.’
The costume is a long length red and black skirt with a flower pattern on the hem of the skirt. Women wear a white shirt and a red head-piece.
Chula
The Chula is very similar to the Vira in the way that you are still a couple going around in a circle, but it is also very popular in Douro which is also in the North of Portugal.
While the Vira is danced as the waltz, this dance is danced to a piano accordion and also a guitar with a singer. There are a lot of fast moves and feet stomping while hands are clicking. The costumes are fairly similar however the patterns on the women’s skirts differ.
Corridinho
This dance is very popular in Algarve, danced in pairs forming two circles, girls on the inside and boys on the outside. This is one of the most popular kinds of dances that people do, as it is said to be easier faster and more fun. The music is fast and there is also stomping involved, and changing direction within the circles.
The costume is more detailed and uses more of the Portuguese colors in the design (green and red).
Malhão
Malhão dancing is very well known in Estremadura. It is not really one of the dances that is done as it is not very popular.
The costumes are plainer with no bright colours of designs, a red and black skirt.
Fandango
The fandango is similar to the Vira, however the steps and music is much different. It is a dance which is originally formed in Spain. This dance is much loved and celebrated in Portugal not only on special saint celebrations but also at Christmas.
The costume is a long red skirt and a red shirt. Also, the design is different as well.
Lynda
DUBROVNIK │CROATIAN DANCE. NEW VIDEO! HD
Karen
Zorba The Greek Dance – The Greek Orchestra Emmetron Music HD
Chrisna
Russian folk dance!
Russian folk dance was and still is an important part of Russian culture. Traditional Russian folk dance has its origins in various groups, including those with Slavonian and Tatar origins. Some of the first Russian folk music and dance appeared around the 10th century when the Slavic tribes moved into Russia.
Errol
Recuerdos de la Alhambra (F. Tárrega) – Isabel Martínez, guitar
Allo allo! Sadly tonight no whirling men in tights, or Russian maidens in colourful dresses. In fact no dancing at all. Before you listen, take a seat, settle your mood, and prepare to enjoy a gentle and melancholy piece of soul music. Once ready, press the play button.
The Al Hambra is one of the most beautiful Islamic structures remaining in Iberia, Spain. The palace was so beautiful that the Spanish inquisitors in 1492 decided to spare it from their wild spree of destruction (of anything related to Islam).
Francisco Tarrega composed tonight’s masterpiece in Granada in 1896 to recount the old days of the Al Hambra palace (the ‘Red One’ because of the red colour of the stone used to build the palace). This famous piece means “memories of the Al Hambra”. It is one of the most endearing Spanish classical guitar compositions ever written.
In the 8th century, Moors (Muslims) introduced the ‘oud’ musical instrument to Iberia. The oud is the grandfather of the modern-day guitar. The guitarist you will see in the video, Isabel Martinez, is one of Spain’s leading young guitarists.
The is technically a very demanding piece. The playing involves a technique for classical and Flamenco players called tremolo, which is played with a four-finger pattern of the right hand, or the five-finger pattern in Flamenco. The guitarist separates the melody: The bass strings with the thumb, and rapidly repeating notes on the treble strings.
I find this a very emotional piece. It deserves a quiet moment to take in its beauty.
Wilfred
The HU – Wolf Totem
I am not strong in the ring dancing department, so I went for something ’else’.
With traditional Mongolian instrumentation, including the Morin khuur, the Tovshuur, and Mongolian throat singing, they call their style “Hunnu Rock”…inspired by the Hunnu, an ancient Mongolian empire, known as The Huns in western culture.
Some of the lyrics include old Mongolian war cries and poetry.
The HU, is the Mongolian root word for human being.
Deborah
ZULU CULTURAL DANCE GROUP ( INKANINI ) – EMAHLATHINI
A little closer to home, a traditional Zulu dance.
I am always amazed at the stamina and stretchiness (is that a word?) of these young women, how do they get their legs UP THERE?
The Zulu tribe has many rituals that have been passed down through the generations. Joyous dancing like this is incorporated into Zulu ceremonies to mark a significant event.
Geraldine
Presenting the 2020 Tattoo Finale
Scotland is world renowned for its traditional music – sometimes referred to as folk music – and its origins can be traced back thousands of years. Today, this music remains just as popular and culturally relevant as it has ever been. Bagpipes, violins and drums are used and the Scottish dancers complete the picture.
I have selected this specific clip as it includes all these components. Enjoy my selection of Scotland, The Brave, at the 2020 Tattoo Finale, Edinburgh Castle. WATCH TO THE END.
Scotland the Brave History. Scotland the great! Refer to the movie Braveheart. The history:
William Wallace, in full Sir William Wallace, (born c. 1270, probably near Paisley, Renfrew, Scotland—died August 23, 1305, London, England), one of Scotland’s greatest national heroes and the chief inspiration for Scottish resistance to the English king Edward 1 (also mentioned in the Scottish national anthem).