Belgian traditional clothing and dances provide insight into the country's history and culture. Traditional Belgian clothing varied between the rich and poor but often included dark fabrics, wooden shoes, and red and white dotted scarves. Folk dances are traditional dances passed down through generations that were performed at social gatherings and religious celebrations to music that was specific to certain regions. Some common Belgian folk dances include couple dances, column dances, and dances that represented games or had unclear origins. Folk dancing offered social, physical, and cognitive benefits to participants.

1. Traditional Dances and Clothes
BELGIUM

2. Belgium: YOUNG country!
• Belgium was founded in 1830 after Belgian Revolution
• Independant from The Netherlands
• Still a lot of Dutch habits

3. Traditional Clothing
• Big difference between rich and poor

4. • Mostly dark coloured fabrics
• Wooden shoes and white dotted red scarves

5. • Many professions had their own uniforms:
‘de Champetter’: a policeman
‘de Pastoor’: a priest

6. Folkdance?
• Traditional dance on typical music linked to a place.
• Passed from generation to generation.
• No permanent partner.
• Purpose: to meet each other.
• Following rhythm of seasons.
• Around important events or religious celebrations.

7. Some history.
• Our region: 12 folkdances with European influences:
• Couple Dances: Jan Smet, Kletskesdans, Walking
Dance, Jan Pirrewit, Polka Step and Stripe
• Column Dance
• Kissing Dance (Kuskesdans)
• Seven Leaps (Zevensprong)
• Luksie
• Mieke Stout
• Klepperwals

8. • Some dances expressed games:
• The Garde Sus
• Broom dances
• Koterhaken-dance
• Stick dances
• Egg dance
• Rozenhoed-dances
• Dances with unclear origin:
• The Horlepiep
• Vendel Waving

9. Advantages:
• Folk dance stimulates:
• Social development
• Coordination
• Orientation in space and time
• Body control
• Rhythm and musical sense

10. • Let there be
some good influence
from our Eastern and
Soutern neighbours!!