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)
tap dance
Tap dance is a style where you dance while creating a cheerful, ear-pleasing rhythm with your feet.
It often appears in musicals and TV shows, and it’s a familiar dance in Japan as well.
Despite its lively steps and pop image, its history is far from bright.
It originated in America in the 1800s, among Black people who had been brought from the African continent as immigrants and forced to work as slaves, deprived of all freedoms.
They once enjoyed playing on drum barrels as one of their few pleasures in a life with little freedom, but even that was banned.
It’s said that tap dance began when they started expressing themselves by marking rhythms with their own feet.
At first, they danced barefoot, then began attaching coins or scrap materials to the soles of their feet.
Today, the mainstream is to dance in leather shoes fitted with metal plates on the soles, called taps.
If you want to learn more about tap dance, be sure to watch a performance by Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, known as the “God of Tap.”
Ballet
When you think of ballet, you probably picture dancers gracefully performing in pure white costumes called tutus.
Ballet originated in Renaissance Italy.
It’s remarkable that, despite having begun so long ago, it still has a large following worldwide today.
Although ballet expresses itself through dance, it is fundamentally classified as a stage art, a form of theater.
It’s even described as a stage performance without lyrics or dialogue, emphasizing the storytelling of its subject matter.
Among famous ballerinas are Sylvie Guillem, who is now retired, and, from Japan, Akane Takada.
If you’re interested, start by checking out these two!
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!
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!