What is the Limbo Dance?

Limbo is a traditional dance that actually originated on the island of Trinidad, in the Caribbean. However, it is often associated with the island of Hawaii, where the limbo dance is very popular. The name "limbo" is from the Trinidad English dialect, and comes from the word limber. It is also known as the "under stick dance," particularly in Trinidad and Tobago. Although the dance was not well-known outside the Caribbean until the mid-twentieth century, it actually dates to the early or mid nineteenth century.

Although most people associate the limbo dance with leaning backwards to walk under a horizontal stick, in fact there is much more to the limbo dance. The dance is set to a tropical Caribbean rhythm, and includes many movements seen in other traditional dances originating in the same area of the world. Limbo music has a strong beat and depends largely on percussion instruments. As part of the dance, the dancer then leans backward to dance under the pole in the manner recognizable worldwide as "limbo."

The limbo dance includes a group of dancers. When the dancer dances under the pole and emerges successfully on the other side, the dancer is still in the group. If the dancer touches the pole or falls backwards to the floor, the dancer is "out", and the rest of the dancers continue without them. As the dancers continue, the pole is typically lowered until only one dancer can make it under the stick without touching it or falling. There are many different stances and techniques used by limbo dancers to help them achieve the lowest limbo possible.

The movements of the limbo dance are said to represent the cycle of life. This idea stems from traditional West African beliefs, like many customs found in Trinidad. As the dancers move under the pole and emerge at the other side, their head clearing the pole represents the triumph of life over death. Another belief for the history of the dance's movements maintains that the dance portrays the people of Trinidad being taken down into the hold of a slave ship. Unlike today's limbo dances usually seen in a festive and carefree atmosphere, the limbo dance was also traditionally used as a funeral dance. In this setting, it is related to African dances called legba or legua.

This traditional dance gained widespread popularity in the 1950s and 1960s as knowledge of the dance spread from the islands worldwide. In Jamaica, limbo music was considered trendy in the 1950s, and many songs based on a limbo beat were recorded, including many not intended to be used for limbo dancing.

Occasionally, performances are held in which the limbo stick is on fire. "Fire limbo" performances were very popular in the 1960s, although they have been prohibited in many locations due to safety concerns. In any case, attempting the fire limbo should only be done by professional limbo dancers.

Today, limbo contests are popular for kids' hula dances and other all-ages parties, particularly those with a tropical or Hawaiian theme. They can also be found in games for tourists at tropical resorts, where they serve as an "icebreaker" and the winner typically receives a prize.

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