Dance is a global human practice with a vast variety of styles that differ by cultural origin, social function, technique and historical development. A useful list of dances can be organized in several ways: by social function (ceremonial, social, theatrical), by geography (European, African, Asian, American, Oceanic), by technical lineage (classical, folk, contemporary) or by performance context (stage, street, court, studio).
Common categories and representative forms
- Classical and theatrical: ballet, bharatanatyam, kathak, Chinese classical dance and court traditions, classical flamenco in its concert form.
- Folk and traditional: polka, mazurka, hora, hula, Irish stepdance, Russian folk ensemble dances, various village harvest and work dances.
- Social and ballroom: waltz, tango, foxtrot, salsa (with regional styles), cha-cha, rumba, swing and lindy hop.
- Street and urban: hip hop culture forms such as breaking, popping, locking, house and krumping.
- Contemporary and modern: modern dance techniques, contemporary ballet, postmodern improvisation and site-specific movement.
- Ritual and ceremonial: liturgical dances, initiation and healing dances, masked and trance dances used in communal rites.
- Partner, formation and social folk: contra and square dance, line dancing, traditional couple dances and community circle dances.
- Competitive and display: dancesport (competitive ballroom), breaking competitions, show dance and pageant choreography.
Each category contains many local variants and hybrid forms. For example, salsa includes Cuban, Puerto Rican/NY, and Colombian approaches; folk dances vary widely between neighboring regions; contemporary forms often blend classical technique with popular movement. When compiling or teaching a list, state the organizing principle and offer brief defining notes for entries rather than exhaustive descriptions.
Organizing a practical list
- Group by function (social, ceremonial, theatrical) to emphasize purpose and context.
- Group by region to showcase cultural specificity and local names.
- Include technical notes where relevant (codified technique, improvisational rules, partner roles).
- Note cross-pollination and modern hybrids that do not fit single categories.
Terminology matters: "folk" often implies community-based transmission and informal learning; "classical" suggests extended formal training and codified technique; "popular" or "street" forms are frequently youth-driven and rapidly evolving. Any comprehensive list should respect local names and contexts, acknowledge variation, and avoid presenting categories as fixed or universally defined.