Top 10 dance facts

Flamenco. In traditional flamenco, young people are not considered to have the emotional maturity to adequately convey the "Duende" (soul) of the genre. Therefore, unlike other dance forms, where dancers turn professional early to take advantage of youth and strength, many flamenco dancers do not hit their peak until their thirties and will continue to perform into their fifties and beyond.

It originates from the actor's Harry Fox last name. Harry Fox has indeed introduced trotting steps to this dance. Originally, the foxtrot was supposed to be a simple, smooth and relaxation giving dance. After years, it has become very technical, and today is called "the world's hardest stroll".

Haka. New Zealand sports teams' practice of performing a haka before their international matches has made the haka more widely known around the world. This tradition began with the 1888–89 New Zealand Native football team tour and has been carried on by the New Zealand rugby union team ("All Blacks") since 1905.

Maasai warriors are well known for, and often photographed during, their competitive "jumping dance". A circle is formed by the warriors, and one or two at a time will enter the center to begin jumping while maintaining a narrow posture, never letting their heels touch the ground.

Charleston, South Carolina. The dance was named by composer James P. Johnson for the harbor city of Charleston. Johnson said he first heard the rhythm from Charleston dockworkers.

Bullfight. Paso doble is the type of music played at bullfights during the bullfighters' entrance to the ring or during the passes just before the kill. Famous bullfighters have been honoured with pasodoble tunes named after them.

Cuba. In 1952, Pierre Zurcher-Margolle, a dance teacher from London known as Monsieur Pierre, visited Cuba to find out how and what Cubans were dancing at the time. He brought cha-cha-cha to England and eventually created what is now known as ballroom cha-cha-cha. Typically it is danced to authentic Cuban music.

Andalusia. In Spain, every autonomous region has its own national costume.

Thailand. Dance is the main dramatic art form of Thailand. For centuries, the elegant Thai dance drama was supported by regal patronage.

Brazil. Samba was founded in the early 20th century in Brazil and it is an important part of the Brazilian culture. The roots of dance go back to Africa - it is based on the music and beliefs of people from the western part of the continent.