Top 10 Dance Styles from Around the World

Hip hop dance, like many other versions of the art form, can incorporate a number of different styles and approaches under its creative umbrella. Breaking, for instance, is an early example of it that emerged from New York City neighborhoods in the ‘70s and B-Boy culture into the ‘80s. Hip hop dance as a whole has always moved forward, though, creating fresh new trends while acknowledging those who came before. One constant behind the style, however, is how it can basically be anything. This is an improvisational form of dance that encourages energetic movements, free sexuality, and the embracing of personal freedom and expression.

There’s a lot of historical significance and power behind the history of Japanese kabuki theater. The art form combines many elements from traditional folk dancing together with evocative costumes and purposefully theatrical movements. Storytelling and acting go hand in hand with the dance segments of Kabuki, with the shosagoto kabuki plays centering their performances on them. What unites different forms of kabuki, though, is the intense emotional connection audiences are treated to. The period costuming, acting, music, and, of course, dancing come together to create a potent and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Some dances can be performed solo, while others simply require a partner, in order to achieve the full effect. The Tango is one of the latter kinds, having first found life along the Río de la Plata estuary that borders Argentina and Uruguay. African and European influences permeate the style’s languid, romantic movements and symbolism. With its close holds and intertwining movements, the dance was deemed scandalous by some in the early 1900s, when tango was gaining popularity worldwide. The style has never gone away either, with many variations ensuring that the classic dance continues to captivate duos to this day.

Here’s a question: how would you describe traditional ballroom dancing to a visitor from outer space who was seeking information about humanity? You’d probably show them images or video clips of the waltz, and with good reason. There’s an elegance to a traditional waltz that makes it feel very cinematic, the sort of dance that’s evocative of fancy dress, grand music and an elaborate party setting. The waltz became trendy in places like Vienna and London amid the 19th century, although, like nearly every couples’ dance, it also received pushback from those who saw it as obscene. Today’s dancers know better, of course: the waltz is a classic, and classics never go out of style.

Flamenco is both music and dance, a fiery combination that exudes life, passion and excitement. Flamenco dancers hold their heads high, often moving their arms and stomping their feet along with the percussive, guitar-based music. In fact, the history of Flamenco is so tied to Spanish culture, that it even permeated that country’s progressive rock bands of the 1970s, who often incorporated such passages into their music. Elsewhere, traditional Flamenco dancing is beautiful to watch, and impossible to resist. This is an art form that combines gorgeous clothes, memorable music and fancy footwork to bring something truly special to the world.

Salsa, unlike many other dance styles on our list, possesses a comparatively recent history. It’s somewhat similar to hip-hop in this respect, since both have important histories in cultural communities in New York City. Salsa dancing gained steam in the 1960s, acting as an amalgamation of Cuban dances like the rumba and mambo, along with tap moves and swing dancing courtesy of the USA. The result is a style that typically hinges upon a specific 3 step movement for every four beats, while still allowing each dancer to sail off and show off some solo moves. Salsa can also be combined with other forms of music like jazz and funk, to create an intoxicating sonic brew.

Belly dancing is practiced and performed in many different countries around the world, with origins in Egypt and the Middle East more broadly. This evocative and instantly recognizable style also gained popularity in North America, especially in the ‘60s, amid burgeoning cultural change. The hip and torso movements make it a style all its own, while the beautiful and often elaborate costumes just bring the entire aesthetic together in a wonderful way. Shimmying, swaying and staccato hip gesticulations are just part of what makes it not only a fun dance to watch, but great exercise for those who partake!

If there’s any style of dance on this list that just instantly screams “class,” it’s this one. Ballet possesses roots that date back to the Italian Renaissance period, while performances in countries like Russia subsequently captivated audiences and propelled it to new heights. This style of performative dance often tells a story, à la Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” but the 20th century also saw ballet pushing boundaries in both artistic expression and athleticism. The art form can occasionally be associated with a perception of perfectionism. That’s because ballet requires a lot of physical endurance and training, incorporating movements that range from strenuous to painful. Through it all, it remains graceful and lyrical for those lucky enough to be sitting in the audience.

Samba, like hip-hop in America, is very important to the culture and people of Brazil. It also possesses a similar focus upon independence and making it your own. Those of us around the world probably see the most Samba dancing every year at Brazilian Carnaval, but the actual execution varies wildly. “Samba no pé,” for instance, can be danced alone, stressing foot, knee and hip movements. “Samba de Gafieira,” meanwhile, is a couples’ variation in a more traditional style somewhat in the vein of a tango. There are even rock and reggae variations of the style that give it a unique twist. The basic idea here, though? It’s all good.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Hopak, Ukraine
A Victory Dance with Military History

Irish Stepdance, Ireland
The Fanciest Footwork

Hasapiko, Greece
An Impressive Folk Dance

Hula, United States
A Hawaiian Original

Haka, New Zealand
A Visceral Māori Staple

The film industry in India is wonderful, with a rich history of movies that encompass every conceivable genre. One constant throughout it all, however? Music. The Bollywood style of dance, also known as Hindi dance music, is directly linked to the often elaborate and dynamic dance sequences found within the nation’s films. If you’re grooving to this kind of beat, you know there’s going to be no shortage of energy or fun – especially if you have plenty of friends by your side. Plus, classic moves have been folded into modern-day EDM trends, creating a smashing mix of tradition and ambition that makes Bollywood dance easy to identify and impossible to resist.

Do you have any go-to dance moves? Are you scared to dance, but want to learn? Find a partner and tell us all about it in the comments!