folk dance

Tibetans perform a popular traditional dance. Dance, both secular and religious in origin, forms an important part of Tibetan cultural life.

Dancer in colourful traditional costume, Buota Village, Tarawa, Kiribati (formerly the Gilbert Islands). Although the main religion of Kiribati is Christianity, traditional customs survive.

Group of folk dancers, Hungary. Eastern Europe is rich in traditional dance and music.

Dance characteristic of a particular people, nation, or region. Many European folk dances are derived from the dances accompanying the customs and ceremonies of pre-Christian times. Some later became ballroom dances (for example, the minuet and waltz). Once an important part of many rituals, folk dance has tended to die out in industrialized countries. Examples of folk dance are Morris dance, farandole, and jota.