The dance is the maximum expression of the body, through the movement it offers us the possibility of telling stories, feelings… There are different styles and ways of dancing, that’s why there are different types of dance. Here we tell you some of the main ones.

Dance is one of the oldest social and cultural expressions known to be possessed by human beings. It is a type of art in which we only need the movement of our body to achieve an artistic and cultural expression. However, over the years it has evolved and taken on certain particular accents in certain regions, cultures, traditions, as well as adapting to the different musical and folkloric rhythms of a country.

What is dance?

Dance is rhythmic body movements that follow a pattern, usually accompanied by music and serve as a form of communication or expression.

Types of dance

Below we will see the different types of dances that exist, from a more classical style to the revolution that came with modern dance. All of them are creative, artistic and different expressions, to suit different techniques, tastes and music.

• Classical dance

Classical dance is also known as ballet, its movements are based on total and absolute control of the body. It is a complex practice and technique where it is very important to internalize the steps, so it is a type of dance that is usually taught since you are very young, when we are still more flexible. Unlike other dances, in ballet each step is codified.

On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that ballet refers to the musical piece composed to be performed through dance, with the same name. It was a discovery during the Renaissance, which evolved and grew to what we know today as ballet or classical dance.

• Modern dance

It arises as a reaction to the forms and movements characteristic of classical dance, that is, it seeks new forms of expression and movement that are not contemplated in ballet. In this way, the aim is to achieve a greater expression through movements, to show all kinds of feelings and ideas in a different way.

Thus, modern dance is characterized by a greater use of movement and an extension of it, but still having a continuation of ballet in its forms. However, the costumes with which the dances are performed are changed and greater expressive possibilities are sought within the dance space.

• Contemporary dance

Contemporary dance is a genre of dance that emphasizes the process of composition over technique. It was born as a variant or counterpoint of modern dance, as its ultimate aim is to achieve maximum expression without gridding in specific or regulated movements. Therefore, it is a type of dance that is not limited to a single technique or dance form and even introduces elements from other disciplines.

• Popular Dance

In this case we are talking about a specific type of dance from a specific place, therefore, it is part of the culture of the site. So it will be accompanied by the typical music of the region, becoming an expression with which the people who live there identify themselves, being part of their idiosyncrasy.

These dances are as old as the dance itself, as the movement. They are the first expressions of dance and therefore are part of the folklore of a place, that is why they are considered or called

• Urban dances

It is a type of dance that began to develop in the 1960s and has different artistic expressions and genres according to its music and historical moment. It is a whole set of dances that emerged in the street, that is why they are known as street dance. From this movement emerge styles like: Hip Hop, Funk, Break Dance…