List of dance styles

This is a list of different dance categories and styles. Dance is a fun way for people to move to music and tell stories without words. There are many kinds of dances from all around the world, each with its own special moves.

You can find dances that people do for fun, for performances, or as part of their culture. For older and more region-based dances, you can see the list of ethnic, regional, and folk dances from different places. Dancing helps bring people together and lets everyone enjoy moving to the rhythm.

Belly dance

Belly dance is a fun and expressive style of dance from many places. Popular types include Raqs Sharqi, Turkish belly dance, Oriental fusion, Tribal belly dance, American tribal fusion, Saidi, Kawleeya, Khaleeji, Baladi, Dabkeh, Romani dance, Bharatanatyam, and Odissi. Each style has its own special moves and music, making belly dance colorful and joyful.

Ceremonial dances

Ceremonial dances are special dances done during important events or rituals. Some examples include the Haka, a powerful dance from New Zealand, and Sufi whirling, a spinning dance that is part of a spiritual practice. Others like the Sacred dance and Worship dance are used in religious ceremonies to show respect.

Other ceremonial dances include the Kagura from Japan, Ritual dances of China, Cham dance from India, Drametse Ngacham from Bhutan, Khon from Thailand, Prophetic dance, Rejang dance from Indonesia, and Sanghyang from Bali. Each of these dances has its own special movements and meanings, often done to celebrate traditions or mark special occasions.

Disco / Soul dance

Disco and Soul dance have many fun and lively moves. Popular styles include Boogaloo, Electric boogaloo, Bump, Waacking, Free step, Hitch hike, Hustle, Pony, Robot, The Shake, and Watusi. There are also many other creative steps like Bird, Boogie, Boomerang, and more. These dances are full of energy and joy!

Free and improvised dance

Free and improvised dance styles let dancers move in their own special ways without strict rules. These dances include 5Rhythms, Bogo lelo dance, Contact improvisation, Dance improvisation, Ecstatic dance, Free dance, Fusion dance, Interpretive dance, and Modern dance. These forms help dancers show their feelings and be creative through movement.

Historical dance

Historical dance has many lovely styles from long ago. Some of these dances are Ballet, Baroque dance, Medieval dance, Regency dance, Renaissance dance, Ultapulta dance, and Highland dance. These dances share stories and traditions from different times.

Latin dance / Rhythm

Main articles: American Rhythm, Bachata, Cha Cha, International Latin

Latin dance has many fun and lively styles from different cultures. Some popular types are East Coast Swing, Mambo, and Rumba. There are also dances like Samba (ballroom dance) and Samba (Brazilian dance), each with its own special moves and music. Other dances in this group include Pasodoble and Tejano dance, showing the rich variety of Latin dance.

Novelty and fad dances

Novelty and fad dances are fun, popular dances that people enjoyed for a short time. These dances include the Animal dance, Bossa Nova, Bunny hop, and Conga line. Others like the Freddie, Frug, and Go-go were also popular. Dances such as the Jitterbug, Lambada, and Madison were loved by many. The Pony, The Shake, Swim, Floss, Turkey trot, Twist, and Watusi completed this happy group.

Social dance

Social dances are dances people do together at parties or gatherings. Some popular types are Country dance and Contra dance. There are also dances where one person dances alone, called Solo dance, or where two people dance together, called Partner dance. Partner dances can include Circle dance, Line dance, Round dance, Square dance, and Slow dance.

Street dance / Electronic dance

Street dance and electronic dance have many fun and energetic styles. Popular types include Hip-hop dance, with forms like Locking, Popping, and Breakdancing. There are also dances like House dance, which includes Footwork and Vogue. Other dances in this group are Flexing, Majorette, and Waacking.

Swing dance

Swing dance is a fun group of dances that many people like. It includes dances such as Balboa, Big Apple, and Charleston. Other popular swings are East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and West Coast Swing. These dances are lively and full of energy, great for parties and dance halls.

Other

There are many different kinds of dance! Some dances are performed on Broadway, while others, like Bhangra or Flamenco, come from specific cultures. Dancers can also compete in events, perform on ice, or use special props.

Here are some more dance styles: Acrobatic dance, Calypso, Competitive dance, Concert dance, Contemporary dance, Dance squad, Fire dance, Flying Men dance, Ice dance, K-pop, Liturgical dance, Lyrical dance, Nordic Folkdance, Pole dance, Rhythmic gymnastics, Vintage dance, and Wuju.