People all over the world dance traditional and popular dances that have
been staged for purposes of representing specific national and ethnic groups.
Anthony Shay suggests these staged dance productions be called “ethno identity
dances”, especially to replace the term “folk dance,” which Shay suggests
should refer to the traditional dances found in village settings as an organic
part of village and tribal life. Shay investigates the many motives that impel
people to dance in these staged productions: dancing for sex or dancing sexy
dances, dancing for fun and recreation, dancing for profit - such as dancing
for tourists - dancing for the nation or to demonstrate ethnic pride. In this
study Shay also examines belly dance, Zorba Dancing in Greek nightclubs and
restaurants, Tango, Hula, Irish step dancing, and Ukrainian dancing.