The sardana is danced… Hand in hand in a circle. There are only two main steps, called short steps and long steps. A number of short and long steps alternates repeatedly to form the pattern of the complete dance.

1. Our Common European Roots

2. Type of circle dance typical of Catalonia, Spain.
Originally from the Empordà region.
 Nowadays it is danced throughout Catalonia during the
city festival, on Sundays…
In the year 2010, the Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalonia
government) added the sardana to the Catàleg del
Patrimoni Festiu de Catalunya (Catalonia's festivities
heritage catalogue) and declared it a festivity of national
interest.

3. o The sardana is danced…
o Hand in hand in a circle.
o There are only two main steps, called short steps and long
steps.
o A number of short and long steps alternates repeatedly to
form the pattern of the complete dance.
o There is usually an experienced leader leading the circle.
o New dancers can incorporate at any time during the dance.
o The dancers hold hands throughout the dance…
o Arms down during the short section.
o Arms raised to shoulder height during the long section.

4. o A dancer is called a
sardanista.
o As a relatively slow dance,
the sardana does not require
special fitness.
o The dance circle can be
opened to a highly variable
number of dancers and more
circles can be added inside
the main circle.

5. o In order to dance sardanes comfortably the footwear must
be flexible enough to allow the dancer to jump slightly
when the long steps come.
o Traditionally sardanistes wear special dancing shoes
called espardenyes made of esparto grass fabric and with
two long fabric strips to tie them up around the ankle.
o Nowadays most people have replaced these with regular
trainers.

6. o The music written for the sardana is called… a sardana.
o It is played by a cobla.
o a band consisting of 10 wind instruments, double bass and
tamborí.