Dance Styles

The various dance styles reflect the varied heritages which had an influence such as Africa, India, Europe and the Middle- and Far-East.  Traditional dance styles change as they adopt new influences, and it has become more and more difficult to find teachers and performers of the truly traditional dance forms in their pure form.

Guyana has many festivals and holidays throughout the year.  As there are various religious groups, each has their own customs and festivals.  These include Christmas, Easter, Divali, Phagwah and Eid-ul-Azha.

The most important festival in Guyana is the “Mashramani”.  Translated from the Amerindian language;   “The Celebration of a Job Well Done”.  The festival is normally on February 23rd and is Guayana’s Republic Day, commemorating the Birth of the Republic.  It’s a colourful festival with spectacular costume competitions, float parades, masquerade bands and dancing in the street accompanied by steel band music and calypsoes.  Acrobatic dance routines are performed, a vivid reminder of Guyana’s African heritage.