Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Polka and Belly Dancing?

After searching for modern polka, I came across this interesting fusion of cultures: polka and belly dancing. By using polka music, the dancer belly dances to the beats found in the accordion. I think this is a really interesting representation of not only the influence that dances and music have on other cultures, but other dances. I had never considered mixing such different cultures together to create a fusion dance form. Can you think of any other dances that fuse cultures together? Recently I saw a performance by the Danceworks club team where they fused tap dance with rap music, taking a traditional dance style and bringing it modern. Here's the video that I found.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zKhLJtN0co

1 comment:

  1. It seems to be a reoccurring theme throughout all of our dances we learn about. It is interesting to see how all of the older forms of dance we learn about have throughout time found a way to evolve and become relevant as they are influenced by new and varying factors. I never feel as though it takes away from the original dance itself, but more so speaks to the new and changing environments that surround the people practicing the dances and how it influences their own connection to the dance.

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