List of dance styles

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

You can find dances that people do for fun, for performances, or even 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 that comes from many different places. Some 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 of these styles has its own special moves and music, making belly dance a colorful and joyful art form.

Ceremonial dances

Ceremonial dances are special dances performed 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 and honor.

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 unique movements and meanings, often performed to celebrate traditions or mark special occasions.

Disco / Soul dance

Disco and Soul dance include many fun and lively moves. Some popular styles are 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 unique 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 encourage personal expression and creativity through movement.

Historical dance

Historical dance includes many beautiful 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 tell stories and show traditions from different times in history.

Latin dance / Rhythm

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

Latin dance includes 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, trendy dances that became popular 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 also joined the list. Popular ones such as the Jitterbug, Lambada, and Madison were enjoyed by many people. Dances like the Pony, The Shake, Swim, Floss, Turkey trot, Twist, and Watusi rounded out this lively group.

Social dance

Social dances are fun dances that people do together at parties or gatherings. Some popular types include Country dance and Contra dance. There are also special dances where just 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 include many fun and energetic styles. Some popular types are Hip-hop dance, which has many forms like Locking, Popping, and Breakdancing. There are also dances like House dance, which includes styles such as Footwork and Vogue. Other interesting dances in this group are Flexing, Majorette, and Waacking.

Swing dance

Swing dance is a fun group of dance styles that many people enjoy. It includes dances like 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, perfect 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 like fire or poles.

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.