Classical and traditional music for dance varies widely around the world, making it especially colorful. Different regions and cultures have developed unique styles of dance music, often deeply rooted in their traditions.
Music for dance is particularly enjoyable because it is usually written for the broader public and often based on catchy rhythms and melodies. As a young musician, much of my favorite classical music to perform was dance-based. In getting to know these genres of music and dance, we can broaden our horizons and make life a little more fun. After all, variety is the spice of life, and there is such beauty in the many cultures of the world.
Here are some examples of traditional dance music from various parts of the world. (Try looking these up online to enjoy videos or audio recordings!)
Flamenco (Spain)
Flamenco is a traditional Spanish art form that includes singing (cante), guitar playing (toque), dance (baile) with pronounced floor stomps (zapateado), castanets (palmas), and clapping to the beat. The music is characterized by its passionate and rhythmic nature, providing a dynamic and lively backdrop for the dancers’ expressive movements. For an enjoyable introduction to this genre of dance music, look up a piece called “Fandango” by Luigi Boccherini. Female flamenco dancers wear vibrant, ruffled dresses, while men sport fitted suits, enhancing the visual impact of their precise footwork and dramatic gestures.Ballet (Europe and Beyond)
Ballet music is a key component of Western classical dance. Composers such as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky created iconic scores for ballet productions such as “Swan Lake” and “Sleeping Beauty.” Ballet music is known for its elaborate orchestral arrangements and for its expressive and emotive qualities. A ballet score naturally encompasses many scene and mood changes, so it has to be versatile to fully bring out the story. The most popular ballet score of all time is, you guessed it, “The Nutcracker.”Bharatanatyam (India)
Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form that often incorporates the traditional Carnatic music of South India. The music includes vocal performances, rhythmic patterns created by instruments such as the mridangam (double-sided drum) and nadaswaram (a long type of oboe), and melodic elements from instruments such as the flute and veena. The compositions, known as “ragas,” play a crucial role in guiding the dance, along with the dancers’ teacher, who typically serves as a kind of conductor. Fascinatingly, a classical Indian dance performance often contains movements found in yoga, as well as hand gestures known as “mudras,” which are common to statues in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions.Irish Folk Dance (Ireland)
Irish folk dancers at the 42nd Lorient Interceltic Festival parade in Lorient, France, on Aug. 5, 2012. JEAN-SEBASTIEN EVRARD/AFP via Getty Images
Traditional Irish music and dance go hand in hand, as lively jigs, reels, and hornpipes provide the soundtrack for step dancing. Many people are familiar with this dance form because of the popularity of Riverdance theatrical shows. Instruments such as the fiddle, flute, and accordion are commonly used in Irish folk music. Irish step dancers wear distinctive costumes, including dresses adorned with embroidered Celtic designs for women and tailored suits or vests and sometimes hats for men, adding visual flair to their lively footwork.
Classical Chinese Dance (China)
Classical Chinese dance is deeply rooted in the country’s profound cultural history. The music for this dance form is diverse and often includes pieces played on instruments such as the guzheng (zither), pipa (lute), and dizi (flute). The melodies sometimes draw inspiration from ancient Chinese poetry and folk stories, providing graceful and expressive accompaniment to the many movements found in classical Chinese dance forms. In recent years, the dance form and accompanying music have become more familiar to the West because of its popularization by the Shen Yun performing company. Classical Chinese dance costumes are elaborate and often include silk robes, flowing sleeves, and intricate headdresses, reflecting the cultural and historical influences of various dynasties.Hopak (Ukrainian Folk Dance)
The hopak dance tradition is an integral part of Ukrainian cultural heritage. It originated as a male-only dance form but later included women. The hopak is so popular in Ukraine and neighboring areas that composers such as Tchaikovsky and Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov included hopaks in their music. Those who have watched the rhythmic gymnastics competitions at the Olympics in the 2000s may have heard Hopak music used to accompany the routines of Ukrainian female athletes. The dance’s music does not follow a set melodic or rhythmic form; it normally changes pace from segment to segment, allowing different dancers to express themselves in different ways. The music typically ends with a climax involving a very fast-paced segment. The dance often involves high kicks, jumps, and spins. Hopak dancers wear distinctive costumes, including wide, flowing trousers or embroidered skirts.Polka (Czech Republic and Beyond)
In the Czech Republic, Poland, and beyond, a prominent dance form is the polka, which is accompanied by lively and rhythmic music. In fact, the polka does not originate in Poland, but in Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. Its music features a fast tempo and is often played with accordions, clarinets, and brass instruments. If you’re ever looking for a lift on a gloomy day, try some polka music—it’s sure to brighten the mood, especially if you dance along.These examples represent just a fraction of the bountiful variety of classical and traditional dance music found worldwide. Each culture’s music reflects its unique history, customs, and artistic expressions, providing a kaleidoscopic window into the richness of our world.
