Dansuri

Dansuri is the Romanian word for dances and refers to the plural form of the noun dans (dance). The term is used for both traditional dances in Romanian culture and for broader categories of dance in modern contexts. The word derives from the French danse, transmitted into Romanian through historical contact with Western European culture.

Romanian folk dances form a core part of dansuri, with regional repertoires that include circle dances like hora, fast couple dances such as sârba, and ritual or ceremonial dances like călușul. Typical features include group formations (circles, lines, or paired couples), coordinated steps, and emphasis on rhythm and musicality. Dances are performed to traditional songs or instrumental music and can be learned informally at celebrations or formally in dance schools and ensembles.

Romanians also engage in non-folk genres of dance, including ballroom, contemporary, hip-hop, and other styles, which are collectively covered by the umbrella term dansuri in everyday language and in cultural discourse.

Preservation and study of dansuri occur through folk groups, cultural organizations, and academic programs that document and teach regional styles. Festivals and competitions showcase repertoire and support transmission between generations, helping to maintain both traditional forms and their adaptations in contemporary contexts.