A Guide to Different Dance Styles and Incorporating Them in Your Dance Lessons
Dhwani Shah
September 16, 2024
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6 min read
From Dirty Dancing to La La Land, and Footloose to Step Up, the world of dancing has captivated audiences for generations with its ability to tell stories and evoke emotions. Dance has been a part of human civilization since time immemorial, be it for rituals, celebrations or entertainment. A powerful form of expression, a celebration of movement, dance is a universal language that transcends differences, where movement meets rhythm to create art.
The world of dance is diverse indeed, with so many different dance styles and genres that have evolved over the years, from classical Ballet to modern Hip Hop. For dance schools and studios, incorporating diverse dance styles into the curriculum not only enriches students’ physical abilities but also promotes creativity and cultural awareness.
Here is a guide to walk you through the popular types of dance and why you, as a dance educator, should incorporate them into your dance lessons. It's time to grab your dancing shoes and bring your best moves!
Grace, poise and finesse—ballet goes beyond the tutus, leotards and pointe shoes. Originating in the 15th century during the Italian Renaissance, ballet soon evolved into a concert dance in France and Russia. This highly technical dance form, characterized by precise posture and graceful yet disciplined movements, is a testament to the strength, flexibility and athleticism that ballet dancers cultivate through years of dedication and rigor.
Today, ballet encompasses four main subgenres:
Ballet performances are works of art, bringing together different elements—from intricate choreography to embellished costumes and classical music to careful theatrical design/storytelling—to create a masterpiece.
Ballet provides an excellent foundation for other dance forms, making it a staple in dance education. The physical demands of the art help dancers develop strength, flexibility, mobility and coordination which build muscle tone and cardiovascular endurance. This also conditions the body to perform other types of difficult movements and activities with ease, developing physical prowess that extends beyond the realm of dance. In fact, ballet dancers are considered to be as physically fit as professional athletes.
From Michael Jackson to the Jabawockeez, hip-hop has given us some of the most legendary dance icons. With roots in the art and culture movement which emerged in the Bronx in the early 1970s, this urban dance style has now become a global phenomenon (thanks to the multiple features in music videos). Hip-hop is celebrated for its energy, improvisation, creativity and freedom of self-expression, and includes a range of street dance styles like popping, locking and breaking, accompanied by hip-hop music (think Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, and Travis Scott!).
Hip Hop offers a unique blend of athleticism, creativity and culture. Its powerful moves are a healthy channel for children to release their pent-up energy and emotions, and its popularity among younger audiences makes it a great way to attract students while promoting physical fitness and self-expression.
Zumba is a fitness program founded in 2001 that combines Latin-inspired music with dance moves to create a high-intensity workout. Zumba classes typically start with a slower warm-up song, picking up pace through the workout and then finish off with a cool-down song. It is essentially a cardiovascular activity that is fun, accessible, and perfect for promoting physical fitness among students of all ages.
For those looking to burn calories without having to hit the gym, Zumba is the ideal choice. Zumba blends dance with cardio, making it a super fun and engaging way for students to elevate their fitness, improve stamina, burn calories, and more; and people are more likely to stick to their workout routine if they’re enjoying the process. Since Zumba classes are typically conducted in groups, it’s also a good option for those looking to meet new people and create friendships, making fitness even more enjoyable.
Contemporary dance is a modern performance dance, originating in the mid-20th century, which combines elements of various dance forms such as ballet, jazz and lyrical. It is an expressive and interpretive dance characterized by fluid movements, controlled legwork, floorwork and improvisation. It is often performed barefoot to allow greater range of motion, and can be performed to various musical styles.
Contemporary dance combines techniques from various genres, encouraging versatility and emotional exploration and expression. It’s ideal for students who wish to develop storytelling through movement. It allows dancers to be free and creative, while challenging them physically and enhancing their technical skills.
Considered one of the most popular dance styles, Jazz has its roots in African American culture and evolved alongside jazz music in the early 20th century, popularized by jazz clubs. Accompanied by syncopated, upbeat music and dramatic, energetic movements, jazz is often seen in musical theater and has become a central part of Broadway productions.
Jazz is perfect for those looking to add flair to their dancing repertoire. Its fast-paced, lively movements boost stamina and teach students rhythm, coordination, and performance skills. Additionally, Jazz dancers perform in groups, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and strengthening social skills. And lastly, you’re sure to find a clientele in those looking to make a career in Broadway and the performing arts!
Originating in Ireland (as the name suggests), Irish dance is a traditional dance style known for its rapid and intricate leg and foot movements while maintaining a straight upper body and stationary arms. Most displays are accompanied by singing and music and performed in detailed and elaborate costumes. This dance form, which gained international recognition through shows like Riverdance, includes solo as well as group performances.
Irish dance is steeped in cultural tradition and emphasizes footwork and timing. Including this style in your curriculum introduces students to a rich heritage while also improving their agility and endurance.
Acro dance (short for acrobatic dance) is a style that combines classical dance techniques with acrobatic elements. Its athletic and unique choreography blends techniques from ballet, jazz and contemporary dance with gymnastic-like elements such as handstands and backflips. This dance form requires a high level of strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Acro dance challenges students to push their physical limits while developing upper and lower body strength, balance, coordination and range of motion. Its fusion of artistry and acrobatics targets core muscle groups required to perform complex movements, and improves body awareness, alignment and control. Learning, mastering and eventually performing these difficult moves also works wonders for boosting confidence and self-belief.
Belly dance is a Middle Eastern dance form characterized by sharp, rolling movements of the hips and torso. It is known for its fluid, expressive style and is often performed to traditional Middle Eastern music. Shakira, the famous Latin American singer and dancer, popularized this dance style in pop culture in the early 2000s.
Belly dance is not only an art form but also a celebration of femininity and body positivity; it can almost be considered an ode to the power and grace of the human body. Belly dance highlights core strength, fluidity, and rhythmic control through its restrained yet liberating moves. It is excellent for body awareness and self-confidence, allowing students to explore different forms of movement in a supportive, artistic environment.
Salsa is a Latin American dance which originated in Eastern Cuba and gained popularity in New York in the 60s. One of the most popular dance styles in the world today, it draws from diverse musical influences and elements. Set to lively, upbeat music, Salsa is a vibrant, social dance characterized by dynamic footwork, expressive and fluid hip movements and passionate interaction between partners. Though typically a partner dance, there are recognized solo forms such as the “suelta” (line dancing) and “Rueda de Casino” (where couples exchange partners in a circle). Salsa is popular in dance clubs and social gatherings around the world.
As a peppy, partner dance, Salsa makes an excellent addition for those looking to socialize and connect with others through movement. With its upbeat tempo and joyful energy, it emphasizes partner coordination, rhythm, and fluidity, and also cultivates teamwork and communication while celebrating Latin American culture.
From Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic moves to Deepika Padukone’s graceful elegance, Bollywood has moved beyond the Indian subcontinent and has transformed into a global sensation. Popularized by the Indian film industry, it combines elements of various dance styles, including Indian classical, folk and Western dance forms. It is known for its spirited, colorful, and theatrical choreography and often involves a large number of dancers.
If there is one thing I can vouch for, it’s this: ain’t no party like a Bollywood dance party! Fusing traditional and modern Indian dance styles, this desi dance is a lot of great things—it's fun, it's colorful, it's full of cultural diversity and it's full of life. Its explosive and expressive choreography ensures a great cardio workout which can help build coordination, flexibility and stamina, while its zesty music will certainly lift your mood. Bollywood is sure to bring pure energy and a sense of celebration to any dance curriculum!
Breakdance, also known as breaking, is a high-energy dance style characterized by stylized footwork and acrobatic, athletic movements, including spins and flips, derived from sources including martial arts and gymnastics. It is a type of street dance that originated in the Bronx as a part of hip-hop culture and is performed to beats, hip-hop or funk music. Breaking promotes individual expression and creativity through dance and also debuted as an Olympic sport in the recent Paris 2024 Games.
Including breaking in your dance class can offer numerous benefits that extend beyond the dance floor. Physically, breaking is essentially a full-body workout to music, engaging core muscle groups and enhancing strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Mentally, it promotes cognitive skills such as coordination, memory, mental agility and focus while fostering creativity and self-expression. For the youth, breaking is an empowering activity, offering a sense of community and belonging and a productive way to release energy. Its dynamic nature is perfect for those looking to develop unique skills and push their physical capabilities.
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While each dance style offers its own unique set of features and advantages, engaging in any type of dance has innumerable physical, mental and emotional benefits. Not only is dance a great way to keep your body mobile and improve aerobic fitness, it is also a wonderful way to boost confidence, self- esteem and stage presence. It is a fun exercise that can be very effective in reducing stress and uplifting your mood. Moreover, meeting like-minded people in your dance class, who share the same passion for dance as you, could be the beginning of delightful friendships.
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