Created in the Scandinavian region is a traditional dance form known as Hambo. This “social” dance is said to have originated from Sweden during the late 19th and early 20th century. Apparently, this dance style has also fast gained popularity in North America due to a gradual rise in migration of Swedes into the continent. Furthermore, this dance style is mainly performed in social clubs, and in international folk dance events. In addition, many waltz dance groups around the world have also included hambo as a form of dance.
a. History/origin of Hambo:
According to the cultural history of Sweden, this dance form is said to have originated from polka-mazurka, a style of dancing that was popular in Europe during the late 19th century. Yet another historical fact states that this dance form may have actually originated from Hambo-polska. Furthermore, it was during the late 19th and early 20th century that the Hambo-polska proved to be an extremely popular form of dancing in several areas in Sweden. It was therefore the growing popularity of Hambo-polska that eventually led to the creation of this dance form. Apparently, it was young men who lived in big towns that changed the basic steps of the “Hambo-polska” to finally create a new form of dance which was called “Hambo”.
b. Costumes used in the Hambo:
In terms of costumes worn, the men generally wear leather pants (usually yellow in colour), a white shirt, and a colourful vest. As for women, the attire worn generally includes colourful dresses.
c. Music involved in the Hambo:
The musical instrument mainly used in this dance style is the accordion. In addition, the tempo of the music produced for this dance may vary between 100 to 120 beats per minute.
d. Training availability and technique involved in the Hambo:
In terms of technique, this dance involves three basic steps used by the male performers as well as by the female performers. The steps are as follows:
1. Male steps:
Step 1: Basically involves moving of the right foot forward along with pivoting of the ball of the right foot.
Step 2: Involves the movement of the left leg and pivoting of the ball of the left foot.
Step 3: Involves moving the right foot to the heel of the left foot.
2. Female steps:
Step 1: Involves moving the left foot forward and pivoting the ball of the left foot.
Step 2: Involves moving the right foot in close proximity to the instep of the left foot.
Step 3: Involves moving the right foot forward and pivoting the ball of the right foot.
As for training centers/schools, there are none available around the world since this dance is mainly performed in Sweden.