Folk Dancing
It doesn’t matter if you have never been to the paradise island of Cyprus, Europe, or if you are a returning visitor one thing you cannot miss is the folk dancing in northern Cyprus. It has been a long time tradition for the Cypriots and they usually do the folk dancing during harvest, weddings, and other special events.
Folk dancing to some people seems to look easy, however it is something that is passed down from generation to generation. And, if you are a tourist just to see the residents that do the folk dancing, you soon realize that it is not that easy to do.
Folk dancing is not just simply dancing. It is a form of expression for those who live in northern Cyprus, Europe. And they like to show tourists about the folk dancing as well. In fact, you will find that some residents will actually be trying to teach the visitors to folk dance before they leave the island. And amazingly, some of the visitors and tourists know the folk dancing routine that northern Cyprus residents have learned from generations before them.
Women were restricted from folk dancing during social events, and it was strictly for men at these events. As time has passed however, the idea of folk dancing has become more lenient in the extent that now some women do participate or in couples. Regardless, folk dancing is a form of getting a greater understanding of the Turkish Cypriot traditions as well as other residents who live on the island.
Folk dancing by the residents often entertain the tourists and visitors although most of the folk dancing is traditional and reserved for special occasions. However, sometimes you will find folk dancing for entertainment purposes in hotel bungalows or hotels and villas as well.
Northern Cyprus prides itself on the concept of folk dancing as part of their heritage. Children learn how to folk dance at a very young age, especially the little boys. As it was mentioned above, traditionally men were the only ones allowed to participate in social folk dancing.
Tourists stand in amazement when they see very young children folk dancing just as good if not better than older residents that live on the island of Cyprus. It is truly something to see and definitely something a visitor or tourist will remember for a long time to come.
If you have the opportunity to visit northern Cyprus, make sure you get the opportunity to see some of the local residents folk dancing and see if their expressions on how they feel about their lifestyle doesn’t touch you in some way.
To see over 30 different people folk dancing at one time is truly a sight to see. Mostly men of course however, some women, and children, and this is a sight no one should miss. Folk dancing in northern Cyprus is a tradition that will not come to an end any time soon. Be sure you don’t miss it when you visit!