One of the most common dances of the Azoreans was the "Chamarrita," which is a dance to a 3/4 rhythm. It is traditionally played on a fiddle, sometimes with accompaniment and sometimes without. It is usually done at weddings or the Holy Ghost Festival. The dance is done in a circle while a caller will sing out directions to the dancers. The "Chamarrita" is still performed today at the Holy Ghost Festivals.
One of the oldest dances of the Portuguese would be the "Vira" which is very similar to a waltz, only faster. The couples dance facing each other without holding hands.
The "Chula" is another traditional Portuguese dance which incorporates singing accompanied by violins, violas, accordions and percussion. The tempo and rhythm are marked by a bass drum, triangle and cymbals.
Another dance in the Portuguese culture would be the "Fandango." Although this dance comes from Spain, it is rooted in Portugal and has been danced in most of the country for many years. This dance is usually preferred in the Ribatejo region, the outskirts of Minho andBeira Baixa and Beira Litoral. It is danced to the sound of a harmonica or the Iberian bagpipe in Ribatejo. In Ferreira do Zêzere, Tomar, Mação en Borba, and Trás-os-Montes it is danced in a circle to the sound of a guitar. It is also danced in the Northeastern States and is given the name "sailor's ball" or "sailor's dance" to show that the Portuguese were the ones who had brought it there.