The air is thick with humidity on a Bali afternoon as marinated snapper sizzles inside a bamboo shoot over an open fire. I’ve been invited to lunch at the home of a local craftsman, where his wife moves between frying vegetable fritters and drizzling palm syrup over rice flour pancakes topped with grated coconut. When she pauses to rest in their outdoor kitchen, I casually mention to our guide that I’d love to learn about Balinese dance. The woman’s face lights up—suddenly, her arms rise gracefully, elbows bending as her fingers arch backward. Her wrists flow through elegant patterns before she freezes, eyes darting sharply to each side. “She used to dance,” her daughter whispers from across the room. The mother smiles briefly before returning to her cooking. In the weeks ahead, I’d witness elaborate Legong performances and the dramatic Kecak fire dance, but this spontaneous moment in the countryside revealed dance as something deeper—a living heritage passed between generations.

Dance has always been part of my world. I remember the scent of dusty theater curtains, the sticky hairspray clinging to carnation bouquets backstage, the scratchy sequins of childhood costumes. Chopin’s nocturnes for ballet class, Portishead’s beats for jazz warmups—for twenty years, dance shaped how I moved through life. It wasn’t just steps; it was a whole culture that guided me through awkward teenage years. I learned pirouettes alongside more practical lessons, like what to do when you get your first period (which happened to me at a dance retreat). Now when I travel, I’m drawn to dance as a way to understand a place.

While I’m no expert, dance has clearly been woven into human culture for millennia—as vital as music or visual art, though harder to trace. Ancient paintings show dancers in rituals, weddings, and stories across civilizations. Some traditions remain sacred, while others now welcome outsiders as a way to keep them alive.

Recently, in South Africa’s misty Soutpansberg Mountains, I watched Venda women—all over 50—circle handmade drums, their beaded necklaces clicking as they performed the Malende dance. Between songs, a community member explained their hope that visitors might help inspire younger generations to continue these traditions. Across Africa, from Zimbabwe to Limpopo, modern influences threaten such practices, making these cultural exchanges more urgent.

But with this openness comes responsibility. In Maui, cultural advisor Clifford Nae’ole once told me something I’ll never forget: “Visitors shouldn’t treat Hawaii like an amusement park.” The difference between entertainment and heritage matters. “Learn our history,” he said, “so you might recognize ways to support our people.” It was a powerful thought to carry into my first hula lesson—a reminder that dance isn’t just steps; it’s a story that asks for respect.That afternoon, I found myself mirroring sacred movements representing the sun, land, and sea—a simple yet profound experience that stayed with me.

Dance offers a window into understanding people—their resistance, passion, grief, transcendence, and joyful celebrations. When communities invite visitors to share in these traditions (whether through ceremonies or cultural centers), don’t miss the chance. And if you’re asked to join in, the answer should always be yes. I’ve swayed in a circle with Samburu women, leaped between bamboo poles with the Manggarai, and two-stepped across a Montana dance hall—each moment deepening my appreciation for these cultures (and humbly reminding me I should probably stick to ballet).

So, travelers planning their trips, take note: every culture has its own traditional dance. Here are a few highlights. Clear your schedule—and your dance card.

Khmer Dance (Cambodia)
Cambodia’s landscape, dotted with temples and ancient ruins, pulses with spirituality. At Amansara, guests can book the Dance & Devotion experience, visiting the Angkor Conservatoire to witness Khmer dance as a spiritual offering—not just a performance. Watch rehearsals and the basrei ceremony, then learn hand movements and storytelling from a master teacher.

Viennese Waltz (Austria)
From November to April, Vienna transforms into a glittering ballroom with over 400 waltz-filled events, including the famed Opera Ball at the Vienna State Opera. Guests at Almanac Palais Vienna can book the Night at the Ball package, featuring a private dance lesson, a couture gown, and a horse-drawn carriage to the ball—followed by a limousine ride home, breakfast in bed, and a spa treatment.

Legong (Bali)
Bali’s Hindu traditions shine through its dances, from the fiery Kecak to the dramatic Barong and Kris. But don’t miss Legong, where intricate fingerwork and expressive faces tell the tale of a king and a lost maiden. For deeper insight, take a lesson at Hoshinoya Bali in a jungle-view gazebo.

Tango (Argentina)
While Argentina and Uruguay debate tango’s origins, travelers in Buenos Aires can dive into its passion with Untamed Traveling. Options range from lessons to stays in a tango hotel in historic San Telmo—or even a lecture on tango history followed by a night at a milonga (a local dance hall).

Bon Odori (Japan)
Japan boasts countless dance styles, from Kabuki theater to geisha’s Kyomai. For immersion, visit Gifu’s Gujo Odori festival (July–September), where dancers honor ancestors with ten traditional steps (learn them on the spot!). Many wear yukata kimonos and geta sandals for the occasion.

Sau Sau (Rapa Nui)
Rapa Nui (Easter Island), the Polynesian Triangle’s southern tip, has a vibrant culture…At Nayara Hangaroa, a luxury hotel owned by a local family, guests can immerse themselves in Rapa Nui culture. They can learn about traditional dress and watch performances by the Haka’Ara Tupana dance group twice a week during peak season. One of the most popular dances is the Sau Sau, a lively dance with rhythmic arm and hip movements, performed in skirts made of feathers or grasses.

Sema (Türkiye)
This mesmerizing dance, performed by the Mevlevi Order of Sufi Muslims (also called “whirling dervishes”), traces its roots to the 13th-century teachings of the poet and mystic Rumi. Often described as a “moving meditation,” the sema ritual involves dancers in tall hats and white robes spinning in circles to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The dance symbolizes letting go of the ego and uniting with the divine, requiring months of practice to master. Visitors can witness sema ceremonies at places like the Mevlana Cultural Center in Konya or Istanbul’s Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum, which holds performances every Sunday at 6 p.m.

Caci (Flores)
This traditional whip fight is a key part of Manggarai culture on Indonesia’s Flores Island. Two male fighters take turns attacking with a whip and defending with a buffalo-hide shield, all set to rhythmic chanting and drumming. Though energetic, the ritual is ceremonial, not violent. Guests at the new Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Labuan Bajo, can experience Caci every Thursday at the resort’s amphitheater or arrange an off-site performance.