Dance is the art of moving the body rhythmically to music or a beat. It expresses emotions and brings people together.
Dance is one of humanity's oldest forms of expression, transcending language, geography, and time, and serving as both an artistic performance and a deeply personal act of communication. Whether performed on a stage, a bar floor, a village square, or the privacy of a living room, dance reflects the human impulse to move in harmony with rhythm, emotion, and story.
The origins of dance predate recorded history.
Cave paintings in India dating back over 9,000 years depict human figures in rhythmic postures, suggesting that dance was a part of ritual and communal life. In ancient Egypt, dance was closely tied to religious ceremonies that honored various deities, and was part of theatrical traditions, with choreographed movements enhancing drama and poetry. In Medieval and Renaissance Europe, court dances reflected social hierarchy and etiquette, while folk dances preserved local traditions.
The 19th and 20th centuries saw the rise of ballet as a codified art form, and modern dance came about as a rebellion against its rigidity. Various dance styles likely developed as a result of migration, media, and cultural fusion.
Music and rhythm are the essence of dance. While dance is not exclusively performed to music, it is most often accompanied by it. Music influences the mood and emotional tone, from the solemnity of a funeral dirge to the exuberance of a samba beat, while rhythm provides structure, phrasing, and synchronization of movement. Even in silent dance forms, an internal rhythm shapes the choreography of dance. In many traditions, music and dance are inseparable. African drumming patterns dictate steps, while flamenco's guitar and handclaps (palmas) drive its intensity.
There are several approaches to dance, each with its own aesthetic and function. Theatrical dance is performed for an audience, often with narrative or abstract themes. Examples include ballet, contemporary dance, and musical theater. Participatory dance involves community members as active participants rather than spectators, as illustrated in circle dances and folk festivals. Social dances, such as salsa, swing, and ballroom dancing, emphasize interaction, often in pairs or groups, with a focus on enjoyment and connection. Dance movements are also used as a form of exercise, with Zumba, dance aerobics, and barre workouts being particularly effective for this purpose.
Dance is also closely associated with cultural identity.
In Africa, dance is often integrated with drumming, storytelling, and rites of passage, emphasizing polyrhythms and grounded movement. In India, classical forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak combine intricate footwork with symbolic gestures (mudras) to convey spiritual narratives. Latin American styles such as tango, samba, and cumbia reflect a fusion of Indigenous, African, and European influences. In the Middle East, raqs sharqi (belly dance) blends fluid torso movements with percussive accents, often performed at celebrations. For Indigenous peoples worldwide, dance serves as a conduit for preserving oral history, fostering spirituality, and maintaining a connection to the land.
Dance is often categorized into styles. However, genres of dance often blend, influencing each other.
Classical includes ballet, with its codified positions and emphasis on grace and precision. Modern and contemporary dance focuses on expression, grounded movement, and breaking traditional rules. Street and urban styles, such as hip-hop, breakdance, and krumping, are born from community expression and often tied to social commentary. Folk and traditional dance preserves heritage, from Irish step dance to Japanese Bon Odori. Fusion and experimental blends of genres, such as contemporary ballet or Afro-jazz, reflect the growing influence of globalism.
Topics related to the performing art of dance are appropriate for this part of our guide.
Recommended Resources
Originating with the Dizzy Feet Foundation, co-founded by Nigel Lythgoe (So You Think You Can Dance) and Adam Shankman (Hairspray, Step Up), the organization champions dance education in underserved communities, highlighting the benefits of dance, including improved cardiovascular health, enhanced self-expression, and developed social skills. The organization is active across 32 states, offering community dance education grants, scholarship programs, and health-focused campaigns.
http://americandancemovement.org/
A global franchise founded over a century ago, Arthur Murray Dance Centers are in 22 countries, offering structured programs tailored to the goals and experience levels of their clients. Included are wedding dance packages, social dancing lessons, competition training, classes for children four and up, and beginner-friendly private lessons. Its curriculum covers over thirty partner dances, which are featured on its website, and a "Find a Studio" tool is available.
https://danceinnj.com/
Dance 101 is an adult dance studio in Atlanta, Georgia. Interested clients can purchase classes from among its class packages, register, and sign into class through its website, then arrive at the studio at the appointed time. Three hours of free parking in the adjacent garage are included with a class purchase. Class offerings include "New to Dance, "Returning to Dance," "Performance Series," and "Employee Wellness & Empowerment," all defined on the studio's website.
https://dance101.org/
The community-based dance studio, located in Waldoboro, Maine, offers quality instruction for all ages and skill levels. Its mission is to instill a lasting love of dance in every student through an environment filled with smiles, hugs, and laughter. Its classes include ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, and one-on-one private lessons. Performance opportunities include an annual Spring Recital, a Summer Showcase, and optional local competitions for advanced students.
https://dancemaineia.com/
The national service organization for professional dance in the United States, serving a diverse cross-section of the dance field, including independent artists, companies, presenters, educators, administrators, and funders. The organization advocates for an inclusive and equitable dance field by leading, convening, advocating, and supporting individuals and organizations, structuring its work around engagement, advocacy, research, and preservation. Membership information is provided.
https://www.danceusa.org/
The digital platform offers online dance classes, audition listings, and dance-related articles. It serves dancers of all skill levels, providing convenience and flexibility through on-demand video tutorials and a global audition database. A free 7-day trial grants full access to its course library. The platform offers tutorials across various genres, including easy-to-follow, customizable video lessons, including hundreds of combinations, exercises, fundamentals, and warm-up routines.
https://www.danceplug.com/
Offering free, beginner-friendly lessons and tips for the ballroom and Latin dances, the site's goal is to make learning to dance as straightforward and enjoyable as learning to drive: start slowly, practice consistently, and soon basic moves will become second nature. The site features step-by-step descriptions of each dance move, accompanied by diagrams that illustrate footwork for visual learners. Tips for absolute beginners are included. Several dance styles are covered.
https://www.dancing4beginners.com/
Abbreviated CID (Conseil International De La Danse), and known as the "United Nations of Dance, the International Dance Council is the umbrella organization for all forms of dance in the world. Founded in 1973 as UNESCO's consultative body in the field of dance, CID is recognized by UNESCO and by national and local governments as the highest authority representing the art of dance. Membership details, its structure, programs, services, and contact details are featured on the site.
https://cid-world.org/
The 472-seat dance performance venue is situated in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. Founded in 1982 by and for dancers in the renovated Art Moderne shell of the former Elgin Cinema, it attracts more than 100,000 patrons each year with a rotating roster of New York City-based, national, and international companies. The Joyce retains its original patterned-brick and streamlined Moderne facade, while its black-box auditorium places audiences in close proximity to the stage.
https://www.joyce.org/
National Dance Council of America
The NDCA is an organization formed in 1948 to set standards for ballroom dance teachers and competitions. The NDCA is the official governing council of dance and dancesport in the United States, comprising member organizations that include dance professionals, as well as over a hundred sanctioned competitions and championships. It is the leading authority of dance for professionals, amateurs, and Pro/Am competitors. Directories, registration, and rules are listed.
https://www.ndca.org/
National Fast Dance Association
The NFA is the largest dance organization of its kind in America. It provides dancers, social dance clubs, event hosts, instructors, and DJs with discounted licenses from the three major performing arts organizations, allowing them to play music legally at classes, parties, and multi-day events. The organization was founded in 1998 to simplify music licensing for the fast dance community. Its current mission, memberships, and pricing are listed on the website.
https://fastdancers.com/
North American Morris Dance Organization, The
Morris dancing is a form ot English folk dance based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by a group of dancers in costume. NAMDO is a non-profit association of representatives from self-governing Morris teams and individuals. It seeks to promote and maintain interest in Morris dancing across all ages, serve as a central hub for activity, preserve North American Morris dance history, and support ongoing development, education, and innovation within the tradition.
https://morrisdance.org/
Serving as a hub for information and data related to Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, listing performances around the world, and providing historical context, music, reviews, and multimedia resources. Features include a historical overview of the ballet's origins, story, and evolution, interactive performances by state, city, and company, reviews and audience feedback, detailed summaries of the story and musical highlights, and links to other relevant resources.
https://www.nutcrackerballet.net/
Created by Pattie Wells, Dancetime serves as a comprehensive dance resource, covering a wide range of dance styles, genres, competitions, and social dance events from around the world. The website features articles on partner dances, including salsa, bachata, International Latin and Standard, and American rhythm and Smooth, as well as coverage of Afro-dance styles such as kizomba and Brazilian samba, plus Argentine tango and club dances like West Coast swing and hustle.
https://www.dancetime.com/
A central hub for exploring, learning, and celebrating Native American culture, the website provides tools to locate Pow Wows, access multimedia educational content, connect with community members, and purchase Native-made products. Key features include a calendar of Pow Wows across the United States and Canada, live streams across North America, in-depth articles, videos, and other resources. Other resources include tips and highlights for experiencing Native American culture.
https://www.powwows.com/
The official dance team representing Canadian dancers on the world stage provides dancers across Canada with the opportunity to compete internationally, perform at high-profile events, and gain training and performance experience. Select dancers travel to world championships in various genres, including street dance, tap, hip hop, ballet, jazz, modern/contemporary, show dance, and acrobatic dance. Team Canada Dance operates under the auspices of the International Dance Organization.
https://teamcanadadance.ca/
Initially known as the United States Amateur Ballroom Dance Association, USA Dance is a national governing body for DanceSport, the competitive form of ballroom dancing, in the United States. It is recognized by the World DanceSport Federation, the U.S. Olympic Committee, and the Amateur Sports Act of the United States Congress. USA Dance organizes and hosts the annual USA Dance National DanceSport Championships. Membership information, a calendar of events, and other resources.
https://usadance.org/
Formerly known as the International DanceSport Federation, the WDSF is the international governing body for dancesport and Para dancesport, recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee. Founded in 1957 as the International Council of Amateur Dancers, it is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. The organization's website provides information on members, events, officials, athletes, news, media reports, and various disciplines.
https://www.worlddancesport.org/
Established in 1999, YAGP is a non-profit international youth ballet and contemporary dance competition and scholarship program. Each year, participants take part in the competitions and auditions that YAGP conducts in various locations throughout North America and internationally. YAGP is a member of the International Federation of Ballet Competitions and is a partner competition to the Moscow International Ballet Competition and the USA International Ballet Competition.
https://yagp.org/
