“Dancing Through History: 20 Iconic Dance Styles and Their Masterful Choreographers”
Welcome to the exciting world of “Most Famous Dance Styles Around the World”! We’re about to go on a fun trip through the world of dance, where we’ll learn about 20 unique dance styles that have had a lasting effect on the world stage.
Dance is like a universal language because it breaks down barriers and brings people from different cultures together in a rhythmic celebration. It has been an important way for people to express themselves for hundreds of years, changing from old rituals to the modern, varied forms we see today. Each dance style has its own history, music, moves, and cultural meaning, which makes a beautiful mosaic of people’s lives.
20 Most Famous Dance Styles in The World
Diversity is the driving force behind dance styles, and the world is home to a plethora of dance styles that have withstood the test of time. Each type of dance carries with it its own distinct history and meaning, from the refined grace of ballet to the streetwise moves of hip-hop. Here are 20 of the most influential dance styles in the world:
1. Ballet
Ballet is a type of famous dance style that started in the Renaissance courts of Italy in the 1500s. It stands out for its grace, elegance, and accuracy. Ballet is thought to be the dance style from which all other dance styles come.
key Aspects: Ballet
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Originated in Italian courts |
| Fundamental Technique: | Classical, precise movements |
| Costumes and Attire: | Tutus, leotards, tights |
| Positions: | Five basic positions |
| Music in Ballet: | Classical orchestral |
| Choreography: | Traditional story-based |
| Training and Schools: | Ballet academies globally |
2. Jazz
Jazz is a type of famous dance that started in the early 1900s. It is known for how it is made up on the spot, how it uses syncopated rhythms, and how expressive it is. Jazz has influenced many other dance styles, like hip hop, modern dance, and tap dance.
key Aspects: Jazz
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Rooted in African dance |
| Fundamental Technique: | Syncopated rhythms, fluid movements |
| Costumes and Attire: | Leotards, jazz shoes |
| Positions: | Varied |
| Music in Jazz: | Jazz music |
| Choreography: | Lyrical, upbeat routines |
| Training and Schools: | Jazz dance studios |
3. Hip-Hop
Hip-hop is a style of famous African American dance that started in New York City in the 1970s. It is known for its lively movements, use of breakdancing, and freestyle style. Hip hop has spread all over the world and has changed the way many other dance styles are done.
key Aspects: Hip-Hop
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Originated in NYC in 1970s |
| Fundamental Technique: | Diverse styles, emphasis on groove |
| Costumes and Attire: | Streetwear, sneakers |
| Positions: | Various |
| Music in Hip-hop : | Hip-hop, rap |
| Choreography: | Freestyle, choreography |
| Training and Schools: | Many hip-hop schools worldwide |
4. Tap
Tap is an American dance style that has been around since the 1800s. It is known for its percussion sounds, tapping on the floor, and acrobatic dance moves. Tap has had an effect on many other kinds of dance, like jazz and musical theater.
key Aspects: Tap
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Originated in the United States in the 19th century |
| Fundamental Technique: | Rhythmic footwork using tap shoes |
| Costumes and Attire: | Tap shoes, comfortable clothing |
| Positions: | Various tap positions |
| Music in Tap: | Jazz, blues, Broadway tunes |
| Choreography: | Routines with syncopated rhythms and steps |
| Training and Schools: | Tap dance schools worldwide |
5. Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam is a type of classical Indian famous dance that started in the state of Tamil Nadu in the south. It is known for its smooth movements, complicated footwork, and use of hand gestures called mudras. Bharatanatyam is one of India’s oldest and most well-known types of dance.
key Aspects: Bharatanatyam
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Originated in Tamil Nadu |
| Fundamental Technique: | Intricate hand gestures, storytelling |
| Costumes and Attire: | Traditional attire |
| Positions: | Various |
| Music in Bharatanatyam : | Classical Indian |
| Choreography: | Traditional compositions |
| Training and Schools: | Bharatanatyam academies |
6. Flamenco
Flamenco is a type of Spanish dance that comes from the region of Andalusia. It is known for its passionate movements, use of castanets, and heavy footwork. Flamenco is a type of dance that is very expressive and is often used to show feelings like love, pain, and joy.
key Aspects: Flamenco
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Originated in Spain |
| Fundamental Technique: | Emotional expression, footwork |
| Costumes and Attire: | Traditional Spanish costumes |
| Positions: | Various |
| Music in Flamenco : | Flamenco guitar, singing |
| Choreography: | Traditional forms, improvisation |
| Training and Schools: | Flamenco schools globally |
7. Salsa
Salsa is a type of dance styles that started in Cuba in the 1950s. It is known for its fast-paced rhythms, complicated footwork, and dancing with a partner. Salsa is a very popular type of dance that people of all ages and skill levels like to do. It is one of the famous dance styles.
key Aspects: Salsa
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Originated in Cuba |
| Fundamental Technique: | Partner dance, intricate footwork |
| Costumes and Attire: | Latin-inspired attire |
| Positions: | Close hold |
| Music in Salsa : | Salsa, Latin music |
| Choreography: | Partner patterns, shines |
| Training and Schools: | Salsa schools worldwide |
If you’re interested in different cultures, you’ll love our article on Famous Cultural Icons and Figures from Around the World. It’s a fun look at interesting people who have made a difference in the world.
8. Belly Dance
Belly dance is a Middle Eastern dance style that comes from Egypt. It is known for its graceful movements, use of hip isolations, and torso that moves back and forth. Belly dance is a sensual form of dance that is often used to show the power of women.
key Aspects: Belly Dance
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Ancient Middle Eastern |
| Fundamental Technique: | Fluid torso movements, sensual |
| Costumes and Attire: | Belly dance costumes |
| Positions: | Various |
| Music in Belly dance: | Middle Eastern music |
| Choreography: | Improvisational and choreographed |
| Training and Schools: | Belly dance studios |
9. Modern Dance
Modern dance is a type of dance that came about in the early 20th century as a response to how formal ballet was. It is known for its use of improvisation, its focus on the dancer as an individual, and its exploration of movement that is not typical.
key Aspects: Modern Dance
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Developed as a rebellion against classical ballet |
| Fundamental Technique: | Emphasis on freedom and expression |
| Costumes and Attire: | Varied, often contemporary |
| Positions: | Fluid movements |
| Music in Modern dance : | Varied music genres |
| Choreography: | Innovative and abstract choreography |
| Training and Schools: | Modern dance schools and studios |
10. Ballroom Dancing
Ballroom dancing is a group of dances that are done with a partner in a ballroom. It has elegant moves, uses traditional ballroom dances, and puts a lot of emphasis on technique. Ballroom dancing is a popular social dance that people of all ages and skill levels enjoy.
key Aspects: Ballroom Dancing
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Evolved in Europe and gained popularity worldwide |
| Fundamental Technique: | Partner dance with precise footwork |
| Costumes and Attire: | Ballroom gowns, tuxedos |
| Positions: | Partner positions |
| Music in Ballroom dancing : | Ballroom music |
| Choreography: | Standard and Latin styles |
| Training and Schools: | Ballroom dance schools and studios |
11. Breakdancing
Breakdance, also called B-boying or B-girling, is a high-energy dance style that started in the Bronx, New York. It is set to hip-hop music and has acrobatic moves, spins, and freezes.
key Aspects: Breakdancing
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Originated in the Bronx |
| Fundamental Technique: | Acrobatic moves, spins, freezes |
| Costumes and Attire: | Streetwear, sneakers |
| Positions: | Floor positions |
| Music in Breakdancing : | Hip-hop, breakbeat |
| Choreography: | Freestyle battles |
| Training and Schools: | B-boying schools worldwide |
12. Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance is a modern style that can be done in many different ways. It gives dancers a chance to show their creativity and individuality. It is often a mix of ballet, jazz, and improvised dance.
key Aspects: Contemporary Dance
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Modern evolution |
| Fundamental Technique: | Freedom of expression, versatility |
| Costumes and Attire: | Varied, often contemporary |
| Positions: | Fluid movements |
| Music in Contemporary dance : | Varied music genres |
| Choreography: | Innovative, experimental |
| Training and Schools: | Contemporary dance schools |
13. Capoeira
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines dance and acrobatics with fighting moves. It is usually done to rhythmic music and consists of smooth movements and kicks.
key Aspects: Capoeira
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Originated in Brazil |
| Fundamental Technique: | Martial art elements, acrobatics |
| Costumes and Attire: | White pants, colored belts |
| Positions: | Ginga stance |
| Music in Capoeira: | Capoeira music |
| Choreography: | Rodas (circles), sequences |
| Training and Schools: | Capoeira schools worldwide |
14. Irish Step Dance
Irish step dance is a traditional Irish dance style that involves moving your feet quickly and keeping your upper body still. It is usually done at competitions and shows.
key Aspects: Irish Step Dance
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Originated in Ireland |
| Fundamental Technique: | Rapid foot movements, upper body |
| Costumes and Attire: | Dresses, kilts |
| Positions: | Upright posture |
| Music in Irish Step Dance : | Irish folk music |
| Choreography: | Traditional routines |
| Training and Schools: | Irish dance schools |
If you are interested in different kinds of celebrations, don’t miss our article on Famous Cultural Festivals in the World. It’s a lively trip through bright traditions and lively celebrations that will make you want to travel.
15. Krumping
Krumping is a style of street dance that started in Los Angeles. It has a lot of energy and is very expressive. It has strong, over-the-top movements and is often used as a way to express oneself.
key Aspects: Krumping
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Originated in Los Angeles |
| Fundamental Technique: | Expressive, exaggerated movements |
| Costumes and Attire: | Streetwear, face paint |
| Positions: | Varied |
| Music in Krumping : | Hip-hop, electronic |
| Choreography: | Freestyle, battles |
| Training and Schools: | Krumping crews worldwide |
16. Hula
The hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance in which the dancers use their bodies and hands to tell stories. A lot of the time, chanting and the sound of ukuleles go with it.
key Aspects: Hula
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Traditional Hawaiian |
| Fundamental Technique: | Storytelling through movement |
| Costumes and Attire: | Grass skirts, leis |
| Positions: | Upright and fluid |
| Music in Hula : | Hawaiian chants, music |
| Choreography: | Traditional chants and hulas |
| Training and Schools: | Hula schools worldwide |
17. Bhangra
Bhangra is a style of dance that started in the Punjab region of India. It is a fast-paced, lively dance. It is known for its lively footwork and happy movements.
key Aspects: Bhangra
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Originated in Punjab, India |
| Fundamental Technique: | Energetic footwork, joyful movements |
| Costumes and Attire: | Brightly colored attire |
| Positions: | Upright posture |
| Music in Bhangra : | Punjabi music |
| Choreography: | Group formations, freestyle |
| Training and Schools: | Bhangra dance groups |
18. Polka
The Polka is a lively European dance with quick steps and fast-paced music. Different countries have their own versions of it, such as the Czech, Polish, and German Polkas.
key Aspects: Polka
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Lively European dance |
| Fundamental Technique: | Quick steps, lively music |
| Costumes and Attire: | Traditional costumes |
| Positions: | Upright posture |
| Music in Polka: | Polka music |
| Choreography: | Traditional patterns |
| Training and Schools: | Folk dance groups |
19. Swing
Swing dance is a type of American dance that started in the 1920s. It is known for its fast-paced rhythms, lively movements, and close embraces.
key Aspects: Swing
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Rooted in African rhythms and African-American jazz |
| Fundamental Technique: | Upbeat and energetic movements |
| Costumes and Attire: | Vintage-inspired attire |
| Positions: | Swing dance positions |
| Music in Swing: | Swing music |
| Choreography: | Partner routines and solo improvisation |
| Training and Schools: | Swing dance communities and clubs |
20. Tango
Tango is an Argentine dance style that began in the 1800s. It is known for its dramatic flair, passionate movements, and close embraces.
key Aspects: Tango
| Aspects | Description |
| Origin and History: | Originated in Buenos Aires |
| Fundamental Technique: | Intense connection, close embrace |
| Costumes and Attire: | Elegant attire |
| Positions: | Close embrace |
| Music in Tango: | Argentine tango music |
| Choreography: | Improvisation, patterns |
| Training and Schools: | Tango studios worldwide |
Dance honors human expression, culture, and creativity. The 20 dance styles above are just a small part of dance’s incredible diversity. Whether you’re a dancer or just a lover of movement, these dance styles can be a fascinating look at global culture. Next time you tap your feet to a catchy rhythm or watch a mesmerizing dance performance, remember that dance connects us through movement.
FAQ
Which dance style has been around the longest?
Bharatanatyam, one of the dances on the list, is thought to be one of the oldest classical dances. It comes from ancient temple rituals in South India.
How does dancing help your health?
Dancing is good for your health in many ways, including improving your cardiovascular fitness, increasing your flexibility, making your muscles and bones stronger, relieving stress, and making you feel better mentally by releasing endorphins.
How do I learn to dance a certain style?
You can start by looking for dance studios in your area or online that teach the style of dance you want to learn. Look for qualified teachers, join workshops, or use instructional videos to learn and practice at your own pace.
