MUSIC

Historically, Icelandic music has always been associated with religion. For this
reason it was very common to present choirs in schools, churches and
community meetings, and this tradition still exists today, even though it is not as
closely linked to religious beliefs as it was in the past. The songs sung by corals
have their origin in the works produced in the 13th and 14th centuries, with the
traditional rhyming poems known as rímur. This relationship with the past
represents a symbolic cultural importance for the Icelanders up to the present
time. Until the early twentieth century, there were practically no musical
instruments in the country, so the country's musical history is so different and
peculiar of other countries, with folk and religious songs originating from other
Nordic countries being sung a cappella.

One of Iceland's most important music festivals is the Iceland Airwaves, created
in 1999 with annual editions taking place in October. In addition to the
performance of world-renowned singers, the festival is a kind of showcase for
new Icelandic and worldwide music.

DANCE

Icelandic Dance
Icelandic Schottische

Traditional dance of the past in the very active Iceland, in which the dancers
must have much pique and agility. The pairs dance in a circle, parallel feet, with
the arms passed by the shoulders, that is, side by side, evolving with steady,
alternating, bouncing and repetitive steps. As they shrug their shoulders,
couples dance face to face hand in hand, and the gentlemen surround the
ladies with tied hands as well.