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April 29th is a global celebration of dance, the day is known as International Dance Day. One can wonder why the celebration is on April 29. Well, the event takes place on this day every year because is the anniversary of the birth of Jean–Georges Noverre (1727–1810), the creator of modern ballet. The day strives to encourage participation and education in dance through events and festivals held on this date all over the world. Its also a celebration day for those who can see the value and importance of the art of dance.

Usually, on this day the outstanding dance personality is selected by International Theatre Institute to write a message for International Dance Day. There’s also a Gala celebration event in a selected host city, at which there are dance performances, educational workshops, humanitarian projects, and speeches made by ambassadors, dignitaries, dance personalities, and the selected Message Author for that year.

In honor of celebrating this day, we want to showcase some of the dance styles around the world. Here we go;

Salsa-Cuba

Salsa is a Latin dance originated in the 1960s in New York City strongly influenced by Latin American culture. Salsa is a result of the combining of Cuban dances that were popular in the ballrooms and nightclubs of Havana by the end of the 1950s. Developed by Puerto Ricans living in New York in the late 1960s and early 1970s. There is a distinct salsa style from different regions of Latin America and the United States. Salsa dance socials are commonly held in nightclubs, bars, ballrooms, restaurants, and festivals.

Breakdance- United States

Breakdance also is known as b-boying/b-girling or breaking is a style of the street from the United States. African American youths created this dance in the early 1970s, by the late 70s, it started to spread to other communities and gained popularity. Breakdance mainly consists of four kinds of movement: top rock downrock, power moves, and freezes. Breakdancing usually plays set to songs containing hip hop funk, soul music with drum breaks, and electronic music that utilizes breaks also known as breakbeats.

Bollywood Dance-India

Well if you are a fan of Bollywood movies and watch those dancing scenes, that dance you see is what known as Bollywood dance. Bollywood dance is usually used in Indian Bollywood films. There are different styles used in executing this dance. The mix of different dancing styles such as Indian folk, jazz, belly dancing, kathak, western popular, and many more. Bollywood dancing has gained wide recognition around the world due to his well-executed choreography.

Flamenco-Spain

Flamenco dance is a famous dancing style that originated in Spain. Its a very highly-expressive dancing style based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain. The flamenco is usually performed solo features hand clapping, percussive footwork, and detailed body movements. The dance is usually accompanied by a singer and guitar player.

Belly Dance-The Middle East

Belly dance is an expressionist and impressive style of dance that originated from Egypt and spread all over the Middle East. Belly dance emphasizes the complex movements of the torso. The belly dancing style and costume can be different depending on the country.

Tango-Argentina

Tango is a social and partner dance that originated in the 1880s in Rio de la Plata the border between Argentina and Uruguay. This dance style is the combination of African Candombe Spanish-Cuban Habanera and Argentinian Milonga.

Samba-Brazil

Samba is a rhythmical lively dance of Afro-Brazilian. Samba was created by African people in Brazil from the music and dance culture they brought from Africa. In other ways, we can say Samba is originated in Africa. Samba music is influenced by Angolan and Latin American music genres and dances. Samba is the most predominant dance style in Brazil and plays a big part during the festivals or Carnival.

Culture, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures,

Travel Tips to European Countries: Spain

by travzdlaJanuary 31, 2020

Spain is famous worldwide for its flamenco dancers and bullfights and the architecture style. Cave paintings, renaissance cathedrals, Moorish palaces prove the diversity of the country. Spring, fall and early summer are very pleasant here, though summers are hot. Spain’s capital and largest city are Madrid.

Culture

Spanish is the regional language of Spain. English is spoken there. Over a period of time, Spanish people have become modern in order to gel with the changing times and are no longer conservative. But that hasn’t changed the values, traditions, manners, and customs of the locals. People here have two surnames(last names). The first surname/last name can be used to refer to the person. To greet someone, a handshake will do the job. It’s normal to take a small gift along when visiting someone’s house. Dinner is generally taken very late at the night most restaurants in Spain open late for dinner. People wear casual but not too casual compared to the U.S. most of the time. Men are expected to wear jackets at some restaurants. Swimsuits should be confined to the pools and beaches. Recently a ban has been applied to smoking in public places.

Shopping

Shops open quite early in the morning and stay open late in the evening. In the afternoon, they are closed for lunch or siesta. Porcelain and leather goods are famous and they will be good gifts for friends and family members back home. Bills are to be paid along with the service charges, so tipping is a matter of gratitude.

Electricity

Voltage is 220 volts and the frequency is 50 Hz

Transportation

IBERIA airline is the national airline of Spain. Many other low-cost airlines offer services in the country such as Air Europa, Wamos Air, Vueling Airlines, and Binter Canarias. There are nearly thirty international airports in Spain, out of which Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, and Malaga are famous. Duty-free shops, restaurants, banks, car hire, and tourism information are available at the airports. There is also railway transportation between Spain cities and nearby countries or Europe in general. Cities that you can get metro/rail system are Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Granada, Madrid, Malaga, Murcia, Palma, Parla, Santa Cruz, Seville, Valencia, Velez Malaga, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Zaragoza. Underground service also works to transport passengers to their destinations. Buses are available every 15 minutes and trains are available every 20 minutes. Bus fare and schedule and operations depend on the city you are. Taxis are available throughout the day. There is a good network of roads connecting Spain north to south. Toll booths are installed in some parts of the country. Carrying a few Euros will help smooth sailing at the toll booths. If driving one’s private car, it would be better if the travel insurance covers medical costs too. Carrying a medical kit can prove to be of some help.

Duty-Free Items

200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos 50 cigars or 250g tobacco (300 cigarettes, 150 cigarillos, 70 cigars and 400g of tobacco for EU nationals)
1litre of spirits if exceeding 22 percent volume or 2 liters of alcoholic beverage not exceeding 22 percent volume and 2 liters of wine (1.5 liters exceeding 22 percent and 3 liters of up to 22 percent and 5 liters of wine for EU nationals)
250ml eau de toilette and 50g of perfume
500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract (1000g of coffee and 4000g of coffee extract for EU nationals)
100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
Gifts up to the value of approximately €37.26. (the U.S $ 41.58).

Places to Visit in Spain.

1: Barcelona.

Barcelona is my favorite city in Spain. There are a lot of things to do and a lot to experience in this magnificent city. You can do a lot of things from sightseeing to cooking classes. My must-see /visit or do while you are in Barca(as I like to call it, and yes I’m a soccer fan) are;

La Sagrada Familia
Park Guell
Las Ramblas
Camp Nou Stadium(again soccer fan)
La Boqueria (Boqueria Market)

There is a lot to do, and for beach lovers, there are tons and tons of beaches in Barcelona.

2:Madrid

Madrid is the largest and capital city of Spain. If you like the sound of Spanish guitar, the swish of flamenco this is your place to be. A lot of food, dancing and partying all day and all night in this beautiful city. My pick for must-do/see or visit while in Madrid are ;

Prado Museum
Plaza Mayor
The Palacio Real
El Rastro flea market
Puerta del Sol

There is a lot to do in this city, you can hop on bus tours which they provide a lot of activities to do from wine tasting to cooking classes.

3: Valencia.

If you like to be outdoor or on the beaches, Valencia is your place. You can visit the beach with golden sand and have a very wonderful view of the Mediterranean. My pick for Valencia are :

Mercado Central
Plaza Ayuntamiento
City of Art and Science
Valencia beaches

There are tons of things to see and do in Valencia. In general, Spain is a very beautiful country there are a lot of places to visit such as Seville, Granada, Ibiza, San Sebastian, Canary Islands, etc.