One of the most popular forms of Paraguay culture is the Dance which has a rich history and heritage. Many dance forms in Paraguay have been developed with the influence of Spanish dances.

Several traditional dances are still being practiced by the Paraguayan’s, many of which emerged out from the ballroom dance. The traditional as well as classical styles of dance remained confined in the Paraguayan dance form.

Some of the major dances of Paraguay are given below:

Polka- The Paraguayan polka is also known as the Danza Paraguaya which is very much different from the traditional polka. Polka is a style of music that is created in Paraguay and combines the ternary as well as binary rhythms. Polka can be danced in several forms like the Alfonso Loma, Carreta Guy and many more. The style adopted in every form is different from the other.

El Chopi- The Chopi is also known as Cielito Chopi, Santa Fé or Cielito Santa Fé. It is the most appreciated grouping dance which is full of gracefulness, enthusiasm and agility. Chopi is a faster form of dance with its own music and has typical costumes. The dancers are supposed to be standing front to front according to the size of the place. The girl stands in the middle and boys on her two sides or the girls in the front and boy in the middle.

La galopa- Galopa is a form of music as well as the fast polka which is danced very happily and vividly. La galopa is basically a dance only for girls of all ages. The advancement with rotation or turns of the body from one side to another is the basic movement of galopa. In this dance form, the galoperas, very gracefully balance a jar with water or any other drink on their heads. While dancing or after finishing it they offer the audience the drink contained in the jar.

The Paraguayan dances are performed by artists in group containing both males as well as females. Since the early days, the Paraguayan dances have come a long way and at present are amongst the world’s most popular dance forms.