Experience it for yourself at our Adult Ballet Intensive this April (2025)
When I was a younger ballet student, I used to think character dances were a bit boring and simple. But since I started Flamenco, a dance that’s alive in every stomp and clap, I’ve realised the richness and complexity of the dance traditions that have inspired character dance. The fiery footwork, rhythmic intricacies, and deep connection to the music—it’s nothing like I imagined. Character dance is much more than I once thought—it’s an explosion of energy, culture, and passion. It’s a celebration of storytelling, all expressed through movement.
Inspired by our upcoming Character Dance workshop by Anna Rybakova at our Adult Ballet Intensive this April, this post dives into the vibrant world of character dance, encouraging those who may have dismissed it as "easy" to reconsider and embrace its challenges. Whether it’s the fiery rhythm of Flamenco, the dramatic power of the Russian Trepak, or the festive energy of the Italian Tarantella, character dance offers an exciting challenge for every dancer, embracing cultural depth and exhilarating movement. It’s an experience you can’t miss!
"I love character because it highlights the beauty and diversity of who we are as humans. In character, you can discover a wide variety of dance styles, as each country, region, and culture has its own unique choreography that reflects the lifestyle of its people. Through dance, just like through language, we can connect with one another and appreciate how beautiful we all are. In this class, I would be excited to take a journey together—from one dance style to another—to explore and celebrate this beauty. From Ukrainian dance to Oriental, from Bulgarian to Mexican, and beyond, there's so much to experience Anna Rybakova
What is Character Dance?
The word 'character' may lead you, mistakenly, to believe that Character Dance is about creating a character or personality in your dance. Character dance draws inspiration from specific regional styles, such as Spanish, Russian, Polish, and Hungarian folk dances, yet it doesn’t simply replicate them. Instead, it takes the essence or charaacter of these traditions—its bold footwork, energetic rhythms, and cultural flair—and refines them into theatrical performances that are larger-than-life and impossible to ignore. It’s about evoking the spirit of a dance and capturing its unique energy.
Iconic and thrilling character dances
Character dances are a spice that adds colour and excitement to ballet. These dances have become legendary, with the Spanish Fandango and Flamenco, the Russian Trepak, the Hungarian Czardas, and the Polish Mazurka bringing their cultural vibrancy to the stage. Imagine the high-energy taps of the Tarantella from Italy or the regal elegance of the Polonaise. Every step bursts with history and emotion, allowing dancers to embody the spirit of their country while putting their own stamp on these classic forms.
Where it all began
Character dance traces its roots to the lively celebrations and festivals of peasants, whose foot-stomping rhythms and dramatic gestures became the backbone of these national dances. The bold, unrefined movements, often performed in open fields or town squares, have evolved over time into the more elegant, structured versions seen in ballet today. Yet the essence remains: lively footwork, strong rhythms, and a spirit of celebration that’s impossible to ignore.
As these folk dances made their way into aristocratic courts, they transformed into more sophisticated versions—poised and elegant, but still brimming with energy and life. This fusion of folk and courtly styles gave birth to the character dance we see on stage today.
Incorporating character dance into ballet
Ballet’s integration of character dance started gaining momentum in the 19th century, thanks to choreographers like Marius Petipa. By adding folk and national dances into the repertoire, Petipa brought cultural richness and excitement to story ballets. Think of the spirited Russian Trepak in The Nutcracker or the passionate Spanish Fandango in Don Quixote—these dances allowed dancers to explore different movement qualities and dive deep into emotional storytelling.
The magic of character dance: expression, movement, and style
Character dances aren’t just about steps—they’re about embodying a culture. Each dance tells a story through sharp, rhythmic footwork, grounded movements, and expressive gestures. Unlike ballet’s airy lifts, character dance requires a more rooted, earth-bound energy, with bold stomps, claps, and dramatic poses. The rhythms—syncopated, fast-paced, and often complex—demand focus and energy. And then there are the stylised gestures: the wrist circles of Flamenco, the prideful stance of the Polish Mazurka, the joyous leaps of the Russian Trepak—all of these movements speak volumes about the spirit of the culture they represent.
The facial expressions in character dance also deserve a mention. For me, mastering the strong, dramatic expressions of Flamenco was a challenge. It’s different from the smiling faces of ballet; in Flamenco, the frown and the intensity are just as important as the footwork, adding layers of emotion that speak to the soul.
Music and rhythms that get under your skin
The music is where character dance truly comes alive. Folk and traditional instruments, with their deep-rooted cultural origins, create a soundscape that echoes through your body as you move. The rhythms are a force of nature—quick, powerful, and syncopated, like the sharp beat of castanets or the thunderous clap of palmas in Flamenco. The polka, mazurka, and tarantella pulse through you, their syncopated rhythms igniting a sense of urgency, while irregular time signatures keep you on your toes, pushing the boundaries of what you thought possible.
And then there’s the percussion—clapping, stomping, and clicking. These aren’t just accompanying sounds; they’re integral to the dance itself. In Flamenco, the palmas (hand clapping) are so much more than a rhythmic backdrop—they’re a conversation between dancer, musician, and audience, building a communal energy that cannot be replicated in any other dance form.
Character dance: a journey of passion and power
Character dances are a celebration of culture, passion, and the power of movement. They’re the fiery, pulse-quickening heart of ballet, adding layers of depth, excitement, and raw emotion to any performance. Whether you’re creating complex foot work in Flamenco, clicking in a Fandango, or twirling in a Tarantella, the energy you feel in these dances is electric. It’s a challenge, a thrill, and an expression of something much bigger than yourself—a celebration of the vibrancy of life itself.
Try it for yourself
If you're ready to discover or return to the world of character dance, join us at our Adult Ballet Intensive this April! We are holding two workshops (for different levesl) on the first day, Easter Monday, 21 April 2025. Taught by the incredible Anna Rybakova, these workshops will connect you to the expressive, high-energy world of character dance. Get ready to explore the rhythms, movements, and cultural storytelling that make these dances so electrifying and unique. Don’t miss the chance to challenge yourself, unleash your creativity, and experience the joy of character dance firsthand!
See it for yourself
Here are a selection of videos featuring some famous and well loved character dances in well known ballets
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