Types of Dance - Categories
Here are some of the most popular dance categories and types:
Ballroom Dances
These dances started appearing first in Italy, during the early years of Renaissance.
Popularity of this kind of entertainment quickly swept over the Europe, United States and
the World. Although many other simpler and more easily preformed types of dances caused
the ballroom dances to lose some of their influence, modern worldwide dancing audience
started resurrecting these immortal dances in ever increasing pace.
● Waltz - This graceful and slow two person dance was first introduced in mid-19th
century and was greatly popularized by the music of the famous composer Johann
Strauss. Today this dance represents gold standard and the most famous dance of the
ballrooms around the world.
● Viennese Waltz - Original form of waltz, first performed at the Italian courts is today
remembered as Viennese Waltz. It differs from the much more famous "English Slow
Waltz" by having much faster 180 beats per minute and was the first who introduced
"closed hold" between performers.
● Tango - Originally created in the Argentinean region of Rio de la Plata, this dance is
today known by many of its variations (Argentine tango, Uruguayan tango, Finish Tango
and two types of Ballroom tangos - standard and American) and the fascinating sensual
and energetic style.
● Cha-Cha-Cha - This incredibly rhythmic dance created in Latin America managed to
meld together both the slow and very energetic movements, making it an instant hit
among the dancers around the world.
● Rumba - Popularity of this Cuban dance came from its focus on sensual hip movements
of dance partners. Since its creation in 1930s many types of Rumba were created, most
notably Cuban Rumba (with the style of the African slaves which created it), Catalan
Rumba (with Spanish flavor), Flamenco Rumba and African Rumba.
● Samba - Samba is a famous dance and musical genre that originated form the coast of
Africa and land of Brazil. Today infectious rhythm of Samba is regarded as the national
dance of Brazil, and its famous Brazilian Carnival gathers millions Samba dance fans
every year.
● Mambo - This Cuban dance that accompanies the music of the same name was
introduced in 1930s, and quickly managed to gain popularity with the exploits of famous
musicians and dancers such as Perez Prado, Benny Moré, Tongolele, Adalberto Martínez,
Rosa Carmina and Lilia Prado.
● Quickstep
● Jive
● Bolero
African-American and Traditional Jazz dances
● Charleston - This extremely popular dance type was popularized by famous tune called
"The Charleston" by composer and pianist James P. Johnson. Charleston craze soon took
over the enthusiastic dancers of Prohibition era of United States.
● Swing - This dance is today synonym for the jazz and swing music of the
1920s-1930s.Because of the many styles of Jazz music, Swing also comes in many
flavors - Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Boogie Woogie, West Coast Swing and Rock and Roll.
● Tap Dance - This extremely popular form of dance was first introduced during 1920s
Prohibition era in United States. Originally created by the African slaves, tap dancing
came into the mainstream with the performances of Nicholas brothers. Few short years
later, tap dancing conquered Hollywood and then entire world.
● Moonwalk - This extremely famous dance move that emuates the illusion of walking
backwards was first performed by pop icon Michael Jackson in March of 1983, and ever
since then it gained planetary fame. No single dance move ever created managed to
receive this amount of popularity and recognition.
● Boogie-woogie - This quick and energetic style of dance became widely popular during
1930s and 1940s.
Worldwide Dances / Latin dances
● Salsa - This Latin dance is today one of the most popular dances in Latin America, North
America, Europe and Australia. It's very sensual form, energetic movement and
innovative choreography that was influenced by Mambo, Changuyi and Rumba made it
very popular all around the world.
● Flamenco - This famous Spanish dance originated from the region of Andalusia, and it
gained its name only in 18th century. Its magical, passionate and energetic fusion of
singing (cante), guitar playing (toque), dance and handclaps (palmas) made it famous in
entire world and became one of the accepted heritages of entire humanity.
● Argentine tango - Among many types of tango dance, Argentinian dance strives to
preserve original form of tango that was first created in the region of Rio de la Plata.
● Lambada - This famous dance that originated from Para, Brayil became internationally
popular during 1980s. It managed to successfully fuse aspects of Forro, salsa,
merengue, maxixe and the carimbó into unforgettable dance style.
● Polka - Appearance of polka in mid-19th century created one of the largest "dance
crazes" that our world ever seen. It managed to influence countless other dances,
became national dance of many European countries and is extremely popular in entire
Western hemisphere.
● Jive
● East Coast Swing
● Capoeira
● Country/ Western Dances
● Folk Dance
● Belly dance
Professional performance dance
Professional dancing was first introduced in the early years of Italian Renaissance when
music, dance, arts and poetry started to rise in popularity after the millennia of medieval
stagnation. Refined by the efforts of the France and Russia, ballet became the premier
technical concert dance. Hailed as one of the most revered and most complicated dance of
all time, ballet continued its rise to worldwide domination. In the modern times, many other
professional dances came to be, such as Contemporary dance, Modern Dance, Concert
dance, but none of them managed to surpass the complexity, physical strain, and heritage
of ballet.
● Ballet
● Contemporary dance
● Concert Dance
● Modern Dance
● Tap Dance
Modern Dances
Advancements in music technology brought the birth of many new types of dances.
Introduction of electronic and rock music brought the era of House, Punk, Rave and Disco
dance. Faraway country of India did not cared much for those styles, and in accordance to
the deeply seeded religious beliefs, they incorporated dance of their gods to everyday life
and was and profitable Bollywood movie scene.
● House dance
● Punk dance
● Rave dance
● Disco dance
● Bollywood dance
Hip-hop & Funk dance
Dancing style of Hip-Hop evolved from the music style that was first introduced during
1970s. Powered by the great popularity, exposure in media, movies and television
programs, hip-hop dances found a great foothold in United States, France, United Kingdom
and South Korea. A very similar style called Funk was also created during 1970s, and is
today regarded as one of the most influential pieces of Hip-hop dance styles.
● Breakdance (Breaking)
● Bounce
● Electric boogaloo
● Street Jazz
● Jookin'
● Locking
● Popping
