Humans have always danced, whether for recreation, self-expression or as a component of cultural or religious ceremonies. Researchers in psychology and sociology have found that the "synchronous movement" of dancing with others can improve our memories, moods, and sense of community. We experience the same positive emotions when we watch dancing, which draws us into a more wonderful tradition that has marked the passage of time and culture. Dance enthusiasts can visit this location to sample prominent styles worldwide.

Havana: Rumba

The rumba was created in the mid-19th century by fusing Spanish colonizers' music with the drumming of enslaved Africans. The Afro-Cuban dance was mainly performed on street corners and served as a vibrant form of rebellion. It was rhythmic, fiery, and frequently characterized by exaggerated hip movements. Due to its sexiness and "dangerous" suggestiveness—after all, rumba does translate to "party"—it was occasionally restricted or forbidden. The fashion changed over time, absorbing new varieties like the ballroom fashion most popular in America.

Nowadays, the rumba is the only dance that is done all year long and on holidays. It is widely taught across the nation and is a particular aspect of Cuban heritage due to its intricacy on the cultural level.

Where to See It: The Callejon de Hamel in Havana hosts a variety of bands and dancers every Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. This tiny passageway is the ideal location to witness rumba as it originated. It is lined with vibrant murals, sculptures made from found objects, and a food and beverage stand.

Honolulu: Hula

Every Hawaiian island has claimed to be the birthplace of hula. Hence its roots are disputed. Native Hawaiians can trace the dance's origins to their spiritual beliefs; it is said that native goddesses danced the hula as its oldest known form.

Due to the advent of Christianity and the subsequent framing of the hula by converted Hawaiians, it was forbidden to perform it between 1830 and 1832. Many islanders disregarded the ban and maintained the practice when Queen Ka'ahumanu passed away in 1832; it wasn't until 1874 that the fashion was again made legal. Today's hula comes in two variations. While hula'auana fuses traditional Hawaiian dance with Western influences, hula kahiko is more conventional.

Where to Go: The only free all-Hawaiian show on Oahu, the Khi Beach Hula Performance in Waikiki, aims to promote appreciation for indigenous cultures. Live musicians accompany the performers and might even give the audience dancing instructions. Narration, translations, mythology explanations, and other elements may be featured in shows. The event is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The ceremony is held in November and December from 6 to 7 p.m.

Seville: Flamenco

Flamenco, now a national icon, was born in Southern Spain from a fusion of Latin American, Caribbean, and other European influences. Flamenco's elements are poetry, singing, guitar, dancing, rhythmic handclapping, and finger snapping. Due to a boom in international tourism and increased urban migration in the middle of the nineteenth century, the dance quickly spread throughout Spanish towns.

Spain's upper classes previously despised Flamenco because of its ties to the Roma community. But with time, the flaming aesthetic began to represent Spanish culture and finally served as a draw for numerous tourists.

What to See There: Tonás and sevillanas are two well-known flamenco Palos (styles) that originate in Seville. Additionally, it is the location of the Flamenco Dance Museum, which provides live performances and an entire history of the dance.

Rio de Janeiro: Samba

The samba, a vibrant Afro-Brazilian form, thrives during the yearly Brazilian Carnival. The contagious dance, which originated in Rio de Janeiro in the 20th century, may be seen at any time of the year at parades, bars, live events, and on the streets. However, samba schools construct elaborate floats and routines to compete against one another during the Parade of the Champions, a climax celebration, in early February or early March, which also marks the start of Lent. This rapid, rhythmic dance is set to the sounds of drums, guitars, and horns. Did we also mention that there are several styles?

Where to See It: Visit Bip Bip in the boisterous Copacabana district for a firsthand peek at Brazilian samba. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays after 8 o'clock, this dive bar entertains residents and visitors with free samba performances.

Paris: Ballet

Despite being frequently associated with Russia, ballet began in Italy during the Renaissance as a popular form of court entertainment before thriving in France. Ballet terminology is entirely French because King Louis XIV founded numerous ballet schools during his reign. one of our preferred ones? The phrase "step of the cat" is known as the pas de chat.

Ballet's enduring appeal aided the dance form's recognition as fine art in France. The Paris Opera Ballet, which Louis XIV founded, still produces dancers among the best in the world. They later went on to perform for numerous international and European ballet companies.

Visit the Opéra Bastille, a state-of-the-art opera venue in the 12th arrondissement, to see it. The Paris Opera Ballet will perform "Swan Lake" in December, and they will also perform other ballet showcases and tributes to significant ballet figures in the spring. Planning is advised because tickets frequently sell out.

Buenos Aires: Tango

Even though it takes two to dance, only one plane ticket is required to watch the tango. The tango developed in the late 19th century by blending African and South American styles at brothels and dance halls in Buenos Aires, much like several other styles on this list. The working class initially enjoyed the tango the most because it is a social dance that calls for two partners.

The dance became popular in upscale European towns around 1915. Some describe it as a smoothed-down and slowed-down version of Flamenco that is more upbeat and lighthearted than the traditional Flamenco. It is now highly regarded throughout, but Argentina, where it originated, is where it is most prized.

Where to Go: Professional dancers perform in tightly choreographed tango espectáculo stage shows, which feature numerous lifts and tricks. For one such performance in the center of Buenos Aires, visit the Astor Piazzolla Theatre. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. The $90 ticket includes two drinks and the 60-minute concert. Even a private tango class is an option.