World Dances

About World Dances

World Dances is a free general knowledge quiz with 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 5 easy, 5 medium, 5 hard questions. How well do you know traditional dances from around the globe? A typical run takes about 7 minutes, hints are always one tap away, and your streak ticks up the first time you finish a game on a given day.

A few sample questions

1. 1. The tango is a passionate dance that originated in which country?

   Answer: Argentina

   The tango originated in the late 19th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay. It blended influences from African, European, and indigenous cultures.

2. 2. Flamenco is a passionate art form combining dance, singing, and guitar from which country?

   Answer: Spain

   Flamenco originated in the Andalusia region of southern Spain. It is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is deeply rooted in Romani culture.

3. 3. The hula is a traditional dance form from which U.S. state?

   Answer: Hawaii

   The hula is a traditional Polynesian dance from Hawaii that uses graceful hand movements and hip swaying to tell stories. It was originally performed as a form of worship and storytelling.

4. 4. The waltz, a ballroom dance in 3/4 time, became hugely popular in which city in the 18th century?

   Answer: Vienna

   The waltz became immensely popular in Vienna, Austria, in the late 18th century. Composers like Johann Strauss II, known as the 'Waltz King,' helped popularize it worldwide.

5. 5. Ballet, as a formalized art form, originated in which country during the Renaissance?

   Answer: Italy

   Ballet originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century. It was later developed into a concert dance form in France and Russia, becoming the classical art we know today.

Things you'll learn along the way

• ✓Samba is deeply intertwined with Brazilian culture, especially the famous Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro. It has roots in African rhythms brought to Brazil by enslaved people.
• ✓Irish step dancing is famous for its rigid upper body while the legs and feet perform incredibly fast and intricate footwork. The show 'Riverdance' brought this dance style to global attention in 1994.
• ✓The Haka is a traditional Maori war dance involving vigorous movements, foot-stamping, chest-beating, and chanting. New Zealand's All Blacks rugby team famously performs it before international matches.