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.

 Jive - Jive is one of the five most popular Latin dances and is also known under the
names of swing, boogie or boogie-woogie. It is considered to be one of the liveliest of all
Latin dances, promoting the happy and bloopy type of performances, with lots of knee
movement and hip rocking. Its official ballroom jive variation that is commonly danced at
a speed of 176 beats per minute was formalized in the 1990s.
 Bolero - Bolero is an Argentine dance, but it also has different international variations of
the same name coming from Cuba and Spain. Today’s popular ballroom version of this
dance is based on the Cuban bolero, and it is also known under the name “rumba”. This
2/4 or 4/4 music with a tempo of around 120 beats per minute that is well known all
around the world.

 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 - Swing dance has many variations, of which one of the most popular
is the East Coast Swing. This social partner dance is known today under names of
Eastern Swing, Jitterbug, American Swing, East Coast Lindy and Lindy originated
between the 1940s and 1960s as the alternative to the other types of harder-to-learn
swing dances.

 Capoeira - Capoeira dance is a unique dance that can be found in the combat moves of
the Afro-Brazilian martial art of the same name that takes heavy inspiration from music,
dance, and acrobatics. Practitioners of this martial art are famous for being highly
athletic dancers who can take advantage of dance-like moves to perform quick and
complex maneuvers that can deliver a wide variety of kicks, spins, jumps and other
techniques used in combat. Today, Capoeira is famous as one of the most celebrated
cultural heritages of Brazil and South America.
 Country/ Western Dances - - The country dance style is a social dance activity that is
closely associated with American country and its Western traditions. It is made not from
a single dance but encompasses many forms and styles of dance that can be performed
to country-western music. No matter the type of music style or dance type, Country
dance gatherings employ strong dancefloor etiquette and even ability to perform multiple
dances styles on a dance floor at the single time.

 Folk Dance - Folk dances represent musical, cultural heritage, reflections of daily life or
ethnic history of people who live in a certain region or country. Popular all around the
world in hundreds of unique variations and styles, folk dances (also known as traditional
or ethnic dances) are usually performed at dance gatherings with the accompaniment of
traditional music of the region. Majority of folk dances are not regulated, and they slowly
morph during the passage of time.

 Belly dance - Belly dance is one of the most famous oriental folk dances in the world. It
is an expressive form dance that originated from Egypt, and it emphasizes the complex
movement of the torso and entire body utilizing sudden percussive movements,
unstopping fluid body motions and presence of small and fast shimmies, shivers and
vibrations of the hips or the ribcage. Belly dance is regarded as very sensual, emotional
and captivating.

 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 - Ballet is without any doubt one of the most highly technical and famous of all
performance dances. It was originally created in 15th century Renaissance Italy, but it
received popularization in countries such as France and Russia. It’s incredible popularity
and influence has had a profound impact on techniques found in many other dances,
and has even morphed the cultural histories of many countries around the world.
 Contemporary dance - Contemporary dance is a highly complicated type of modern
performance dance that originated in the mid-20th century as an alternative to classical
dance styles (such as ballet), modern styles (free dance) and Jazz dance. Its focus on
free leg movement, strong stress on the torso, disordered choreography,
unpredictability, multiple and simultaneous actions, improvisation, and non-standardized
costumes, sets, and lighting has pushed this dance into the forefront of modern art
dance scene.

 Concert Dance - Concert dance (also known as stage dance) is any choreographed
dance that is performed for an audience, usually at the theatre or an organized gathering
setting with the presence of set music. It is a polar opposite of social or participation
dances, where participants can freely dance how and when they wish. Most popular
concert dances are Ballet, Acrobatic dance, tap dance, modern dance, classical Indian
or Persian dances and others.

 Modern Dance - Modern dance is an influential performance dance that originated as a

reaction against the classical ballet and its movement style. Shaped by many factors in
late 19th and early to mid-20th century, modern dance evolved into a popular free dance
style that includes elements of performance art, release technique, improvisation and
contact improvisation.

 Tap Dance - Among many types of popular dances around the world, tap dance may be
one of the most unusual dances. Instead of focusing on body movements and dancing
with a partner, tap dance is characterized by the creation of percussion-like musically-
focused rhythm performance using tap shoes striking on the floor in accordance with the
dancing music.

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 - After the years of popularity of Disco, the genre of House music and
house dance became born in New York and Chicago clubs. Built on top of subtler
rhythms, riffs of the music and influences of jazz, Latin, soul, funk, R&B, and many other
music styles, this social dance quickly found its way into homes and clubs across the
entire world.

 Punk dance - Born as an extension of 1960s garage rock, the punk rock managed to
attract fans who enjoyed not traditional social dances of before, but more energetic and
sometimes violent dance style of moshing (sometimes called slam-dancing) and
headbanging. This dance styles were characterized by the strong and full body contact
of live band audience, with frequent bumping and jostling both alone and in groups.

 Rave dance - Fueled by the unending focus on pulsating beats, loud volume and
psychedelic music effects, dancers of rave music are free to create their freestyle of
movements, with no rules about dance routines or synchronized moves, usually in dark
and crowded venues of dance clubs, nightclubs, and festivals. Dancers are encouraged
to find inspiration in music, other people, and their mood.

 Disco dance - The popular disco music genre of the 1970s would not found such
popularity if it was not so easy to dance with. Fans of this music often wore extravagant
and sexy clothing while dancing free form or structured versions of various disco dances,
such as Bump, (several variations of) Hustle, Robot, Boogaloo, Watergate, and others.

 Bollywood dance - The cultural history of India and the rest of southern Asia would not
remain the same without the strong influence of Bollywood movie industry which has
promoted Hindi dance music to the world. Created as the mix of traditional Indian music,
Hindi dance traditions of the Indian sub-continent, and Middle-Eastern techniques,
Bollywood dance is characterized by elaborate choreographies, energetic movements,
and dances that involve a large number of participants.

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) - One of the most athletic dances in the world, Breakdance,
have originally found its popularity in the 1970s as the street dance in the New York’s
Bronx. Since then it has spread all around the world where it was viewed as one of the
most unique dance styles ever made. Usually danced solo, this dance requires talented
dancers to perform the series of either choreographed or freeform dance and athletic
movements alongside usually breakbeat, hip-hop or funk music.
 Bounce - Born in the 1980s as a mix of New Orleans hip-hop music and the traditions of
the Mardi Gras Indian chants, Bounce dance can today be danced both in its common
and hypersexual form. Since it is so closely connected with the traditions of the Mardi
Gras culture, many forms of Bounce today remain to be highly regional and can rarely
be seen dancing outside of the music scenes of New Orleans, Miami, Baltimore, and
other music hubs.

 Electric boogaloo - Funk style of hip-hop was popularized not only by its music but also
by the worldwide acceptance of the famous dance style called Electric Boogaloo, which
was originally promoted in the 1970s by the dance group of the same name. Danced
both by individuals and groups in both free form and choreographed manner, Electric
Boogaloo is filled with the wide variety of moves that focused on the movement of legs,
hips, knees and frequent use of exaggerated robotic-like moves.

 Street Jazz - Created with the influences of African American slaves, Jazz dance gained
popularity in the early 20th century as any form of dance that was performed alongside
then new Jazz music. Highly improvisational and freeform, Jazz dance quickly morphed
into a performance dance that emulated elements of ballet. Today, Jazz dance is
enjoyed in many forms which are collectively called “modern jazz dance”.

 Jookin' - Jookin’ or so-called “gangsta waling” style of dance is a street dance that
originated quite recently in the 1990s on the streets of Memphis, Tennessee. The dance
is characterized by the movement set that tries to emulate the “bounce” in the core beat
of the crunk music that often accompanies this dance style. Even though this dance has
found some popularity worldwide, it is still a regional dance that can rarely be seen
outside of the city of Memphis.

 Locking - Funk dance is incredibly diverse, and one of its famous variations is “locking”.
The core gimmick of this style of hip-hop dance is to suddenly stop and hold the position
(or get locked) in the middle of dance routines for a short while, and then suddenly
resume the dance. It requires full body motion, but most of the dance is focused on top
half of the body. Many Locking dancers prefer to use various acrobatic and physically
demanding moves to augment their dance routines.

 Popping - Very close in style with popular Electric Boogaloo, Popping is another
variation of the funk-themed street dance from the 1960s and 1970s that found
popularity all around the world. The technique that dancers need to master to properly
dance Popping is controlled and quick contrasting and relaxing of muscles that will
create the feeling of a jerk throughout the body. This jerk is referred as “pop” or “hit” and
can be used to augment dance routines, movements and possess
List of Philippine Folk Dances

(Kelly Roper)

Filipino folk dancers; copyright Cafebeanz Company at Dreamstime.com

The Philippines enjoys a rich cultural heritage which includes a diverse collection of traditional
dances. From the well-known national dance the Tinikling, which pays homage to the
movements of a much-loved bird, to dances that reflect elements of daily Philippine life, these
folk dances all offer a glimpse into the history of the country.

Traditional Folk Dances of the Philippines

The Philippines has many popular folk dances which have evolved and changed as they have
been passed down from generation to generation. Although a particular dance might be
performed slightly differently from one region to the next, its remains true to its roots. Here are
some of the most popular dances from the region.

The Itik-Itik

The best description of the Itik-Itik is that the steps mimic the way a duck walks, as well as the
way it splashes water on its back to attract a mate. According to popular tradition, the dance
was created by a lady named Kanang who choreographed the steps while dancing at a
baptismal party. The other guests copied her movements, and everyone liked the dance so
much that it has been passed along ever since.

The Tinikling

The Tinikling is considered by many to be the Philippines' national dance. The dance's
movements imitate the movement of the tikling bird as it walks around through tall grass and
between tree branches. People perform the dance using bamboo poles. The dance is
composed of three basic steps which include singles, doubles and hops. It looks similar to
playing jump rope, except that the dancers perform the steps around and between the bamboo
poles, and the dance becomes faster until someone makes a mistake and the next set of
dancers takes a turn.

The Sayaw sa Bangko

The Sayaw sa Bangko is performed on top of a narrow bench. Dancers need good balance as
they go through a series of movements that include some impressive acrobatics. This dance
traces its roots back to the areas of Pangapisan, Lingayen and Pangasinan.

The Binasuan

The Binasuan is an entertaining dance that is usually performed at festive social occasions like
weddings and birthdays. Dancers carefully balance three half-filled glasses of rice wine on their
heads and hands as they gracefully spin and roll on the ground. The dance originated in
Bayambang in the Pangasinan province, and though it's usually performed alone, it can also
become a competition between several dancers.

The Pandanggo sa Ilaw

The Pandanggo sa Ilaw is similar to a Spanish Fandango, but the Pandanggo is performed
while balancing three oil lamps - one on the head, and one in each hand. It's a lively dance that
originated on Lubang Island. The music is in 3/4 time and is usually accompanied by castanets.

The Pandanggo Oasiwas

The Pandanggo Oasiwas is similar to the Pandanggo sa Ilaw, and is typically performed by
fishermen to celebrate a good catch. In this version, the lamps are placed in cloths or nets and
swung around as the dancers circle and sway.

The Maglalatik

The Maglalatik is a mock war dance that depicts a fight over coconut meat, a highly-prized food.
The dance is broken into four parts: two devoted to the battle and two devoted to reconciling.
The men of the dance wear coconut shells as part of their costumes, and they slap them in
rhythm with the music. The Maglalatik is danced in the religious procession during the fiesta of
Biñan as an offering to San Isidro de Labrador, the patron saint of farmers.

The Kuratsa

The Kuratsa is described as a dance of courtship and is often performed at weddings and other
social occasions. The dance has three parts. The couple first performs a waltz. In the second
part, the music sets a faster pace as the man pursues the woman around the dance floor in a
chase. To finish, the music becomes even faster as the man wins over the woman with his
mating dance.

La Jota Moncadeña

The La Jota Moncadeña is adapted by the Filipinos from an old Spanish dance. It's a
combination of Spanish and Ilocano dance steps set to Spanish music and castanets. A more
solemn version of this dance is sometimes used to accompany a funeral procession, but it is
also performed at celebrations.

The Kappa Malong-Malong

The Kappa Malong-Malong is a Muslim-influenced dance. The malong is a tubular garment, and
the dance essentially shows the many ways it can be worn. There are men's and women's
versions of the dance since they wear malongs in different ways.

The Habanera Botolena

The Habanera Botolena is a strongly flamenco-influenced dance that comes from Botolan,
Zambales. It combines Filipino and Spanish steps, and is a popular dance at weddings. It is also
considered a courting dance in some situations.
The Pantomina

Also known as the Dance of the Doves, the Pantomina mimics the courtship between doves and
is often also a courtship dance between the couples that perform it. This dance is an important
part of the Sorsogon Kasanggayahan Festival held each October, where it is mainly performed
by the elders of the community.

The Cariñosa

The Cariñosa is a dance made for flirting! Dancers make a number of flirtatious movements as
they hide behind fans or handkerchiefs and peek out at one another. The essence of the dance
is the courtship between two sweethearts.

The Surtido

Surtido literally means "assortment," and this square dance combines influences of French,
Spanish and Mexican dance. Traditionally the Surtido is performed by a head couple
accompanied by two other couples who lead all the dancers through various formations that
resemble an old-fashioned quadrille.

The Singkil

The Singkil is a dance traditionally performed by single women to attract the attention of
potential suitors. Dancers perform a series of graceful movements as they step in and out from
between bamboo poles which are rhythmically clapped together. Fans and scarves are often
used to enhance the dancers' movements.

The Polkabal

The Polkabal shows some European influence in its steps. The dance is composed of nine
different steps which include various movements such as fluttering, stepping heel-to-toe, a
reenactment of a bull fight, and even a leisurely walk.

The Magkasuyo

The Magkasuyo is a variation of the balse - the one-two-three graceful triple meter that Filipino
traditional dance borrowed from the Spanish waltz. It is a formal series of close-step-close
movements with a couple facing each other in a courtship configuration. Balse incorporates
German and Spanish influence, but the Magkasuyo is the specific invention of Quezon province,
a large farming and fishing region southeast of Manila with a rich tradition of outside influences,
including Spanish, Malay, and Muslim. A popular song Magkasuyo Buong Gabi (Lovers for the
Night) expands on the romantic nature of the dance.

History Through Dance

Dancing plays an important role in Filipino culture, telling their history and preserving traditions
through folk dances and music. These dances are entertaining to observe, and even more fun
to learn and perform yourself.