Origins

As one of the products I plan to produce is a calendar, I've decided to look at 12 dance styles, this way there would be an illustration for each of the month. I am also fascinated by regional, cultural and ethnic distinctions that give rise to incredible costumes, so the dance styles I've picked are also very distinct and different from one another and some that aren't so well known so that it would be more interesting and people would be able to learn more about one another's culture and custom.

Ballet - Ballet as a dance form is believed to have been around since the 14th century, when it was used as a form of entertainment at court balls in Italy. Although the term balletto was used in Italy, ballet as we know it originates mainly in France, and formal ballet instruction started with Louis XIV. Over time, ballet has evolved and been influenced by Russian and American dancers. The style and outfits worn for ballet have also evolved from cumbersome heavy headdresses, masks and costumes, to lighter more moveable attire.

Irish step dance -  a style of dance with its roots in traditional Irish dance. It can be performed solo or by groups. Two types of shoes are worn; hard shoes, which make sounds similar to tap shoes, and soft shoes, which are similar to ballet slippers. Dancers stiffen their upper bodies while performing quick, intricate footwork. Costumes are considered important for stage presence in competitive Irish stepdance.

Hip-Hop - This more recent but increasingly popular dance style was developed in the US and derives from hip hop music and hip hop culture. Hip hop dance started around 30 years ago. Hip hop dancing incorporates a number of different moves and can include breakdancing.

Swing - The history of swing dates back to the 1920's, where the black community, while dancing to contemporary Jazz music, discovered the Charleston and the Lindy Hop.

Flamenco - is a form of Spanish folk music and dance from the region of Andalusia in southern Spain

Bharata Natyam - Bharata Natyam was developed over centuries in the temples in Southern India. It was handed down as a living tradition from one generation to the next under the Devadasi system, wherein women were dedicated in serving the deity as dancers and musicians.

Kabuki/Odori - Kabuki is a classical Japanese dance-drama that is known for the stylization of its performance and for the elaborate make-up worn by some of its performers.

Barynya - Barynya, which literally means "landlady", is a traditional Russian folk dance that combines chastushka (a traditional folk poem that is often in the form of satire) with spirited dancing. The dancing usually has no set choreography and consists mostly of fancy stomping and squatting. The refrain "Barynya, barynya, sudarynya-barynya" (landlady, landlady, madam-landlady), is also typically repeated throughout the course of the dance.

Kujawiak - The Kujawiak is a Polish folk dance from the region of Kujawy in central Poland. It is one of the five national dances of Poland, the others being the krakowiak, mazurka, oberek, and polonaise. It is a simple slow dance with much dignity that appeared in the 19th century. The dance usually involves couples walking gracefully in a quarter-note rhythm, on slightly bended knees, with relaxed turns and gently swaying. Colourful striped costumes are used which makes wonderful spectacle.

Marinera - The most internationally known dance in Peru is the Marinera Norteña. It is a graceful and couple's dance that uses handkerchiefs as props. The dance is energetic, with elegant movements and shows a blend of the different cultures of Peru.

Jarabe Tapatío - Better known internationally as the "The Mexican Hat Dance", the "Jarabe Tapatío" is a popular Mexican dance that has come to symbolize Mexico both domestically and internationally. The dance represents the courtship of a man and a woman, with the woman first rejecting the man’s advances, then eventually accepting them.

Cendrawasih Balinese dance -

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