The history of tango is culturally rich and full of different styles originating in the 1880s along the border between Argentina and Uruguay. Unlike other dances such as the waltz which were characteristic among the aristocracy and saved for formal occasions, the tango was something much different. In fact, the tango originated in poverty-stricken streets…
French culture is quite unique. Did you know Paris is home to more than two million people? While this is a large number, it’s no where close to France’s total population of 67 million, not to mention all those other millions of people can be quite different from the Parisians. Beyond the stereotypes of Dior…
There are more types of poetry forms than you might expect. Most people believe that a necessary part of poetry is rhyming, but this is not always the case. Sometimes there is no rhyming at all in poetry. Poetry is not just a single expression of the written word. It can come in a variety…
There are many benefits of ballet. Ballet is an art that has been around for hundreds of years. Though ballet performances and dancers are known for their gracefulness and elegance, the art is anything but easy and can offer a surprisingly wide range of benefits, both mental and physical, and for children and adults. 1….
What is commedia dell’arte? Commedia dell’arte, translating as “comedy of the profession,” was a highly popular type of theatrical entertainment that blossomed in Italy between the 1500s and 1700s. However, this theatrical form did not only exist in Italy. It quickly spread to France where it became known as the Comédie-Italienne, while in Briton it…
What do you know about Italian culture? In my last post of this type, Japanese Culture Through Pictures, I found that it seemed to get pretty popular, which I didn’t expect. I’m glad it got some attention because culture and anthropology are some of my favorite topics. So, I’ve decided to make the “Culture Through…
What is Art Nouveau? Art Nouveau (or Modern Style) was a kind of art movement that was not limited to only canvases and paint. This art movement, between the late 1800s and early 1900s, had a huge influence on not just ordinary artworks, but also architecture and decorative arts such as furniture and jewelry. It…
The Roman Colosseum is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city of Rome, besides the Pantheon, of course. With its massive, circular structure, many arches, and impressive history of holding immense battles within its walls nearly two thousands years ago, who wouldn’t be enthralled by this Roman marvel? Though much of this structure…