The traditional dance of Catalonia: the Sardana

The Sardana.
The great difference between the Sardana and the many other folk dances is that it is not performed solely by specialists, but is the inheritance of the entire community. However, this does not mean that you can simply barge in and have a go.

It is a very complex dance, and etiquette demands that you join a circle of dancers at your own standard.

Following the movements of the arms is not too challenging, as every dancer holds hands with his or her neighbours in the circle-consequently, your limbs will be hauled up and down at the appropriate moments.

But the footwork is fiendishly difficult, with the step changing mid-bar and the beat changing mid-step.

The haunting musical accompaniment is provided by a band known as a 'cobla', comprising ten wind instruments plus a double bass, a brass section and percussion.

The dignity and intensity of the event, the linking of the hands and the upright posture all suggest Classical Greek images of dancers, and indeed the Sardana may have originated with ancient Greek settlers who established the port of Roses.