There are as many reasons to travel as there are travelers and the world is full of interesting places to visit. So how should one go about choosing destinations? Places that have something you like to do or see are always a good choice. I’m a romantic at heart and love the exotic intensity of all kinds of dance, so here are my favorite places that have a distinct dance or music culture.

 

1)      Boot Scootin’ in Texas – A country-western dance bar is the ideal place to experience true cowboy culture. At any honkey-tonk worth its name, you’ll find pointed toed boots on both guys and gals. Gallant men tip their Stetsons to the cute fillies in a show of true southern charm as they dance the Cotton Eyed Joe, the two-step or line dance. Country-western dance is popular throughout Texas, from Austin to Amarillo.

2)      Salsa in Cuba – Although Salsa dancing is popular throughout Latin America, its origins are from Cuba where the music flows and dancing is second nature.  In salsa, the weight shifts, but the upper body stays very level, resulting in the sultry “Cuban hips.”  There are many Salsa clubs in Havana and Santiago de Cuba to practice your steps or just watch the local talent. While Cuba is still off limits to Americans, other nationalities can enjoy her charms and I am anxiously awaiting my turn.

 

3)      Tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina – Ahh, Tango! Possibly the most sensual of all dances. Said to have been born in Buenos Aires, Argentine Tango is a captivating choreography of steps where the man leads and protects, while the woman elaborates and seduces.  Experiencing Tango is a must in Buenos Aires. There are dinner shows, Tango salons, and open air milongas where you can watch, participate, or take lessons to appreciate the musical culture.  And true aficionados will want to visit on December 11, when “Tango Day” is celebrated throughout the city.

4)      Flamenco in Andalusia, Spain – Flamenco is both a dance and music art form. The dance, or baile, is characterized by an emotional intensity, rhythmic foot stomping, and a confident posture. The heart of the music is the song, or cante, and the guitar, or toque. The individual style is called the palo and there are over 50 different kinds. Shows can be dinner affairs, or less formal performances in bars. While flamenco shows can be found throughout Andalusia, and indeed other parts of Spain, Seville is the acknowledged luminary of the genre and has excellent shows available year round.

 

5)      Waltz in Vienna, Austria – For the Cinderella romantic, the waltz is the most marvelous way to twirl around the dance floor. And of course, the belle of the ball should go to the home of the waltz, Vienna. In traditional waltz, couples rotate left and right toward each other while traveling counterclockwise around the floor in a three-beat step. Vienna’s annual three-month ball season begins in January when hundreds of balls are held by many different civic, professional, and private organizations. The general public is welcome, for the price of a ticket, at most of them.

6)      Belly dancing in Istanbul, Turkey – Belly dancing is an ancient and erotic improvisational dance that is performed solo. usually by women, but men can perform also. This dance isolates muscle groups and although it looks like only the midsection is moving, many muscle groups are called on. Belly dancing is an intrinsic part of Turkey’s culture and while you may not see belly dancing in the street, you can readily find it in clubs and night shows.

 

7)      Tahitian dance in, well, Tahiti – Tahitian dance is a spiritual interpretation of the Polynesian culture. The dancer’s hips shake in a blur, while the arms and hands gracefully tell a story. The strain of traditional music accompanies the lovely dancers and the air is perfumed with the scent of the exquisite local flora, creating a feast for all of the senses. Tahiti is an idyllic place for romance and seeing the dance only enhances the mood.

Dancing around the world is a wonderful way to experience other lifestyles. Whether you are watching or participating, dance can give you insight into other cultures and you just might find some common ground. So on your next trip, enjoy the dance!