Traditional Formal Dance in the World

Oldest Traditional Formal Dance in the World 

Dance has long served as a powerful form of cultural expression, history and spiritual practice. In many styles in civilizations, traditional formal dance has a unique place in history, which goes through generations, maintains ancient customs and artistic topics. The oldest traditional formal dance in the world has been recognized as Bharatanatyam for Indian classical dance, which has been over 2000 years. The origin of the temples of Tamil Nadu in South India, Bharatanatyam was originally built as a sacred gift for the gods, and combined with facial expressions and hand activities (mudra) combined complex footwork, beautiful movements and expressive history. This dance form is not only a symbol of spiritual devotion, but also represents one of the early structured systems in dance dances in older writings. Searching for such ancient dances provides a window in the values, faith and artistic sophistication of the early human communities, which highlights the permanent role of dancing in adding the past and the present.

Bharatanatyam: oldest traditional dance:

Bharatanatyam is considered to be the oldest traditional formal dance in the world, which has originally tracked in temples in Tamil Nadu, India for more than 2,000 years. Inacconnately in devotion, it was originally performed by the temp auxiliaries, known as Devdasis , which was performed as a spiritual offering to Hindu deities. The dance combines complex footwork, hand gestures (muds), facial expressions and rhythmic patterns, such as telling stories from old writings Ramayana and Mahabharata. Code in ancient text follows the strict rules of Natya Shastra, Bharatanatyam attitude, movement and spirit.

Today, Bharatanatyam has evolved into a famous classic art form in global stages from the origin of the temple. Although it is still deeply spiritual, academies are now being taught, performed at cultural festivals and hugs of artists all over the world. This change has preserved the essence of letting India blossom as a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of India.

Sattaria (India- Assam):

Sattaria is a classic dance form from Assam, India, built by Saint and Reformator Simanta Sankardev in the 1400s. This began as a devoted dance performed by male monks in Setras (Vaishnava monasteries) to tell the stories of the Swami Krishna and spread the devotable movement.

Style:

It combines rhythmic footwork, expressive gestures and history history. The dance is with Assamic classical music, especially Borgate (devoted song).

Now its known as Sattariya:

• On stage and cultural ceremonies were performed by both men and women.
• Dance is learned in schools and is recognized as one of India's 8 classic forms of dance.
• Supported by institutions such as the Sangeet Natak Academy and depicted in national and international demonstrations.
• It has moved clean to religious contexts to the classic form, while it still preserves its spiritual essence.

Haka (New Zealand – Māori):

 Haka is a traditional formal dance of New Zealand's Maori people, originally performed by warriors before the war to show unity and scare opponents. It is characterized by powerful movements, rhythmic songs, foot stamps and deep facial expressions, often including the spread of the tongue. Beyond war, Haka has long been used to welcome guests in Maori culture, celebrate performance or mark important opportunities.

Today, the chin is a live cultural tradition  that is widely practiced in modern New Zealand . This is known by New Zealand's national rugby team, all Blax before international matches. HAKA is also part of school programs,  Community programs, Cultural ceremonies  and Official state work. It acts as a powerful symbol of  Maori identity , Cultural Gaurav and National integration.

Pyrrhic Dance (Greece) :

pyrrhic dance (or  pyrrhiche) was an old Greek war dance which was athletic combined with martial arts. Mainly performed by young men, it means fast, fighting -like movements  means fooling techniques such as avoiding, striking and rescue. It was not only a form of artistic expression, but also a way of preparing soldiers for war and celebrating military victory. The dance had an important cultural value in festivals and ceremonies in ancient Greece.

Today, the original form of pyredans is considered extinct , as it is not actually done, there is no complete choreographer recording of how it was done. However,  modern reunification and interpretation sometimes is presented during cultural festivals and  historical exhibition window in Greece, keeping the memory of this ancient martial arts tradition alive in a symbolic and educational form.

Ghost Dance (North America – Native American):

Ghost dance was a spiritual and formal dance, practiced by various original American tribes , as in the late 1800s, especially among the tribes of  pyute, Lakota and other plains. It emerged as part of a religious movement established by pillow Prophet Vovoka , which conceived a peaceful world, where native people would be repeated with their ancestors, free of grief and harassment. The dance was often performed in circles, for several days, and is believed to be the restoration of native land and lifestyle. It received widespread attention and fear from the US government, which led to the tragic cooperation in 1890 with  damaged knee .

Today, the ghost dance in its original form is largely extinct , suppressed by government forces. However, there is  spiritual heritage  in modern original communities,  cultural memory ,  art , Literature , and survive through the revived ceremonies . This  remains a symbol of flexibility, resistance  and the permanent spirit of original American identity.

Flamenco (Spain) :

Flemenco Andealia is an emotional and expressive traditional dance form from Spain , Romani (Gypsy), Moorish, Jewish and Andalusi is deep in the cultural effects of local communities. The intensive footwork , Towel (palamas) ,  Vocal Music (Cant) , and  to play guitar (Toque) to express deep feelings often often reflects the topics love, struggle and pride. Flemko is known for its improvised nature, emotional intensity and specific rhythm.

Today, Flemenco is a rich art form , by UNESCO is recognized as a abstract cultural heritage. It is performed at global stages, dancing all over the world in dance academies , and all of Spain and beyond festivals. Flemenko has also evolved in different modern styles, combined with jazz, pop and classical music, while still retaining his traditional essence.