Many factors influenced the creation of music and dance expressions: the nature of the country, the way of living, distance from major cities, convention in the clans and villages, transmigration of the population, customs and requirements of the peers, also a significant expression of gifted individuals, celebrities – composers that proceeded from ordinary people.
Most of the Slovak dances had a vocal accompaniment. Otherwise, the most common musical accompaniments were bagpipes, a violin, bass and a flute. The Polish and Hungarian folklore had some influence in certain parts. Slovak folk dances are characterized by temperament and some syntactic freedom. Most dances are danced without holding the partner, in a free position next to him, with hands on the side. The fast turnings, tramples and swirling variegate the charming choreographic construction and has a unique temperament.
In the 20th century classical dance folklore was dying. After the World War II folk dancing became an art scene. Folklore groups were gradually created, which kept folk dances on professional level. There are more than hundred folk groups in Slovakia. They are seeking the authentic representation of customs and traditions of their surroundings. This means that the choreography is built according to the celebrations of the year and includes traditional songs and spoken word to the given holiday.