Popular Types of Dance

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Ballet

Renaissance to modern form of dance. Elaborate costumes or minimalistic staging. Core methods studied worldwide. Classic to contemporary subgenres

Ballroom

Partner dance from 16th-century France. Standard/Smooth and Latin/Rhythm subgenres. Waltz, tango, foxtrot, pasodoble, bolero, samba. Popular competitive dancesport worldwide.

Contemporary

Popular and technical form drawing from classical, modern, and jazz styles. Emphasizes strong torso and legwork, contract and release, and floor work. Dynamic and unpredictable

Hip-Hop

Breaking, Locking, Popping, and more. Performances in outdoor spaces, studios, battles. Improvisational and competitive street styles

Jazz

African roots, evolved with jazz music. Improvisational, dramatic movements. Popular in early 20th-century jazz clubs. Swing, Lindy Hop, Shimmy, Charleston

Tap Dancing

Percussive dance with shoe taps. Popular in musical theatre. Choreography, formations, multiple dancers. Includes flamenco, rhythm, classical, Broadway, postmodern

Folk Dance

Celebrated worldwide, portrays emotions, stories, daily life. Types: Bharatanatyam, Samba, Hula. Public events, inclusive participation, traditional music

Irish Dance

Popular for centuries, known for footwork and formations. Accompanied by music and singing. Group and solo performances at festivals.

Modern Dance

Popular for centuries, known for footwork and formations. Accompanied by music and singing. Group and solo performances at festivals.

Swing

Jazz variation, evolved with swing music. Fast, rigorous movements. Lindy Charleston, Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, Balboa. Accompanied by Big Band musicians

Types Of Music Genres