From street to classical: an overview of dance genres all in one place.
There are many dance genres, just like there are many genres of music.
In addition to categorizing dance by the type of music it’s performed to, there are also genres defined by how the body moves.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of dance genres you might see in artists’ music videos and in performances by dancers—from street styles to classical dance.
We’ll share videos that show the characteristics of each genre, so enjoy exploring the deep and fascinating world of dance.
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From street to classical: A roundup of dance genres (11–20)
Bebop
Bebop dance is a style named because it was danced to the bebop genre of jazz.
Since bebop jazz is faster in tempo and more intense than regular jazz, bebop dance also features many dynamic, full-body, high-energy movements.
It gained popularity as a new style for its time, mixing various dance genres that were in vogue then—such as street jazz, reggae, and soul.
Born in the UK in the 1990s, it was traditionally danced in British gentleman fashion: button-up shirts, slacks with suspenders, and leather shoes.
There’s an unmistakable coolness in the contrast between the elegant attire and the all-out dancing.
The pioneers of bebop jazz dance are said to be the British dance group Brother in Jazz.
In Japan, teams like Bebop Crew and Sound Cream Steppers are especially popular.
hula dance
Hula, the traditional dance rooted in Hawaii.
In Japan, too, it’s such a familiar folk dance that Hawaii practically equals hula.
Watching people sway gently to laid-back Hawaiian music is incredibly soothing.
In fact, hula is considered highly sacred.
Every gesture carries meaning, embodying the thoughts, culture, and art of a people who have lived in harmony with nature—the earth, wind, sea, and sky.
Because of this, Hawaiians dance hula with an understanding that far surpasses what those of us who didn’t grow up there can grasp.
That depth is part of hula’s profound allure.
And with its relaxed movements that engage the whole body, it’s perfect for anyone looking to add some exercise into their daily routine!
Flamenco
Flamenco is a dance performed to the passionate sound of the guitar, with powerful, stamping steps.
It originated in Andalusia, in southern Spain, and was spread by the Romani (Gypsy) people, a traditionally itinerant community.
Flamenco is considered a trinity of song, guitar, and dance.
Its intense rhythms contain a certain melancholy, said to express the sorrow of the Romani, who loved a life of free travel but lost that freedom when their movements were restricted by government decree.
In Japan, there is a male flamenco dancer named Siroco.
He is the first Japanese man to win the International Competition of Ronda in Spain.
If you have the chance, be sure to watch Siroco’s flamenco performance!
belly dance
Belly dance is a form of expression that fully showcases the beauty of the female body, set to an enchanting Latin rhythm.
Originating in ancient Egypt, it is said to be one of the oldest dances in the world.
It was performed in rituals devoted to goddess worship and as a dance to pray for fertility.
The dance features a distinctive style, with movements that shake the hips and abdomen and sinuously undulate the body.
The costumes are also highly characteristic: bikini-like outfits paired with soft skirts that sway with the dancer’s movements.
Reflecting traces of Gypsy influence, the attire is lavishly adorned with coins and beads, making it very dazzling.
In Japan, many people take up belly dancing with the goal of body sculpting.
Waack dance
If you’re into dance, you might have heard of it! What we’re introducing here is waacking.
Waacking is a dance style that took shape in the 1970s in the United States, primarily within the gay community.
It’s a dance that uses the arms to their fullest to express sexiness and coolness.
The style originated when drag queens performing in gay clubs mimicked the posing of popular icons of the time, like Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth, and danced with those poses.
With its dynamic arm movements, it’s a flashy dance you can enjoy even if you’re not confident with footwork.
It’s recommended for everyone, regardless of gender!
ballroom dance
Ballroom dance is where men and women, dressed in dazzling gowns and gentlemanly tuxedos, pair up and dance together.
Its history is very long, beginning with the European nobility of the 12th century.
It is danced to music in triple meter known as the waltz.
In Japan, the film “Shall We Dance?”—which featured ballroom dancing—was a major hit, boosting its popularity and the number of participants.
While advanced levels include acrobatic movements, beginner routines consist largely of steps that anyone can do.
In fact, many people take it up as part of their exercise regimen later in life, making it an easy dance to start casually.
In conclusion
In this article, we introduced a wide range of dance genres.
From the styles featured in your favorite artists’ music videos to the classic forms you see on TV or in theaters, there are so many kinds of dance! Each genre is categorized not only by its musical roots but also by the characteristics of its choreography, and you’ve probably felt the differences that define each style.
Be sure to check out videos of each type of dance and fall even deeper in love with the art of dance!