Germany: In Germany, the traditional dance is known as the polka. It originated from a group of people known as the Danube-Swabians. They came from many parts of Germany, primarily Wurtemberg and the Palatinate. They settled in a place that was known as the Austro-Hugarian Empire, back in the 18th century. They were extremely hard workers and always aimed to work to the best of their ability at creating the land profitable. The Danube-Swabians were definatley among the working class people, they were peasants, craftsmen, blacksmiths etc. Their culture was very important to them, so they respected the traditions and beliefs of their ancestors, which were faith in God and the Church. Loyalty and strength were elements needed to be apart of this group. These people had many celebrations and a love for costumes and make-up. One polka dance takes its origin from the Danube-Swabians' s efforts to chase away demons and ghosts from going into their church and stealing their ancestors's souls.

http://learn.sdstate.edu/melissa_mork/German.html

Spain: In Spain, the traditional dance is known as "flamenco", it originated in Andalusia in Southern Spain. It is said that "flamenco" is a mixture of different dances, combined together such as Arabic, Sephardic and Gypsy. The word comes from the Andalusian gypsies who danced in their social community, the people living there called them "flamencos". Over the years, flamenco has developed with contributions from the regions of Extremadura and Murcia. The dance is supposed to be an expression of the gypsies feelings of happiness and full of spirit.

http://www.centralhome.com/ballroomcountry/flamenco_history.htm

Ireland: Irish dancing originated in Ireland but the earliest recorded practioners of this dance were the Druids. They did Irish dancing to honour the oak tree and the sun in religious rituals. The dance was supposed to express their praise and love of their beliefs. When the Celts came to Ireland, they brought with them new moves to the original dances and methods which made the dance slightly more difficult. Then the Anglo-Normans came who brought their Norman cultures with them. They learned the dance from the native people and altered it with styles of their own. This gave us the basis of what dances we learn today. It is a popular dance, with many different versions, performed all over the world.