Z

Zambra

Zambra is a Spanish flamenco dance, performed exclusively by women. The Zambra, also known as the Zambra Mora is a flamenco dance performed by the Romani people (Gitanos) of Granada which is believed to have evolved from earlier Moorish dances and has some similarities to belly dancing. In Maghrebi Arabic spoken in Morocco, zambra means "party". The Zambra dance forms part of the wedding ceremonies at Gitano weddings, and gypsies perform it for tourists in the Andalucian Sacromonte Caves and Hills. It was outlawed at one time in history and became known as the "Forbidden Dance". In modern times it has been espoused by flamenco dancers Carmen Amaya, La Chunga, Pilar Lopez and Puela Lunaris. It is danced barefoot with finger cymbals, the blouse is tied under the bust and the skirt is tight around the hips, then flares out and has a ruffle at the end.

Y

Yoruba

This is the dance of the Yoruba, one of the largest ethnic groups of south western Nigeria, in Africa. Characteristics of the dance are a controlled body, a calm, expressionless face and a motionless head.

X

Xtoles

Xtoles is the Mayan Warriors Dance of Mexico.

W

Waltz

The waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in 3/4 time, performed primarily in closed position. In the waltz, dancers seem to glide across the floor effortlessly, in smooth flowing movements.

V

Viennese Waltz

Viennese Waltz (German: Wiener Walzer) is the genre of a ballroom dance. What is now called the Viennese waltz is the original form of the waltz and the first ballroom dance in the closed hold or "waltz" position. The Viennese Waltz is a rotary dance where the dancers are constantly turning either toward their right (natural) or toward their left (reverse), interspersed with non-rotating change steps to switch between the direction of rotation. A true Viennese waltz consists only of turns and change steps. Other moves such as the fleckerls, American-style figures and side sway or underarm turns are modern inventions and are not normally danced at the annual balls in Vienna. Furthermore, in a properly danced Viennese Waltz, couples do not pass, but turn continuously left and right while travelling counterclockwise around the floor following each other.
Today the Viennese Waltz is a ballroom and partner dance that is part of the International Standard division of contemporary ballroom dance.

U

Ungkulatem

The Ungkulatem is a round dance of the Yakut people (from Siberia). The dancers hold hands and move in a circle, taking a step to the left and leaning slightly forward, then leaning backwards as the right foot closes next to the other. The dance can go on for hours!