There are so many different types of dance out there it's hard to keep track. Here is a list of 16 different types of dance that you may or may not have heard of. Along with them I've added a video displaying what they are, their origin, and lots of extra information. Be sure to check these out and hopefully you can find a few styles you never knew about that you'd like to try!
1. Ballet
Ballet is one of the most popular and well-known forms of dance worldwide. There are so many ballet companies including the Mariinsky Ballet, Opera House Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and more! It is also the foundation for all dancers and dance itself. Ballet is mainly known for pointe shoes, tutus, and tights, but there is so much more to it! Grand jetes, pirouettes, fouettes, batteries, penchees, adage, and more! It requires a lot of flexibility, commitment, dedication, passion, hard work, precision, technique, and so much more! A must for every dancer to try at least once! Here's a video of the Sugar Plum Fairy Variation from the Nutcracker by Nina Kaptsova for inspiration!
2. Hip Hop
Hip hop has become very popular over the past few decades, and has even become a requirement for many auditions for TV shows, movies, etc. It has been used in movies such as the "Step Up" series and more. Here is a video from the Ellen show of the hip hop duo, "Lucky Aces".
3. Modern/ Contemporary
Over the years modern and contemporary has become more popular in both dance competitions and in ballet companies. This is specifically used in techniques such as Balanchine, which is performed on pointe shoes. Although, modern and contemporary is commonly performed bare foot as well. This dance is by Sophia Lucia and is a modern/contemporary dance that she performed at JUMP Chicago 2015.
4. Jazz
Jazz is a high performance and common style of dance. It ranges from pirouettes, jetes, piques, layouts, technique, expression, and so much more! It is an excellent way to express yourself as you can change your dancing style and theme just based on the types of steps you use and music. This dance is from the TV show, "Dance Moms" and is a Jazz funk dance inspired by the TV show, "Orange is the New Black".
5. Lyrical
An up and coming type of dance is lyrical. It's become one of the most common forms of dance at competitions as it is a familiar ground for both dancers involved in jazz and ballet. This lyrical dance is performed by Maddie Ziegler from "Dance Moms" and is called "Fool Me Once".
6. Ballroom
Ballroom dancing may not be quite as common anymore but it sure keeps coming back. From TV shows like America's Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance, and Dancing with the Stars, this style of dance will stay around longer. This ballroom dance is from America's Got Talent by Amanda and D'Angelo.
7. Flamenco
Flamenco is a type of dance from Spain and is quite different from ballet and jazz. Although there are still elements there are a lot of steps that make them unique compared to other Hispanic dances. Be sure to check this out for yourself! Check out these amazing dancers perform a mix of Flamenco dances.
8. Salsa
Salsa is not just a type of dip you use for your chips, although it can be just as spicy. It's a lot of fun and helps a dancer access parts of their bodies they've never used before for sure. This salsa dance is from So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 performed by Chelsie and Mark called, "Fuego".
9. Tap
Tap may not be quite as common these days but it sure keeps the audience interested with the constant clicking of your heels, it's also known for helping out with turns due to the slippery and smooth surface on the bottom of their shoes! This dance is by the ALDC and is a tap dance called, "Bossa Nova" at the JUMP competition.
10. Irish
Irish dancing is definitely a hard dance to master, but then came Michael Flatley. Who learned Irish dancing quite late in the game and ended up becoming one of the best in the world and beating world records in the Guinness World Record Books. This Irish dance is performed by Michael Flatley in the Lord of the Dance.
11. Acro
Over the years acro has been an off again on again relationship with dance but it is definitely a prevalent style over the past few years thanks to TV shows like Dance Moms. You may not be able to ever do some of the moves but it's always amazing to watch and trying it out is always a fun thing to do. This is an acro dance from "Dance Moms" performed by Brooke Hyland called, "Purple Reign".
12. Belly Dance
Many people haven't been into belly dancing recently. However, that doesn't men it's not difficult to do. With the main principal involving control over your abs you'll have sore abs after this dance. Check out this belly dance by Nataly Hay.
13. Breakdance
Breakdancing was originally a dance for the streets, but has since evolved and has become more highlighted as a style of dance over the years. It's definitely a style that everyone can't help but want to learn and dance to.This breakdance is from the movie, Step up 3D, performed by Adam Sevani.
14. Chinese Fan Dance
Chinese Fan Dance is one of the many forms of dance that is quite similar to ballet. They have a lot of purposeful movements involving their arms while also performing steps that are quite similar to ballet. They also are extremely flexible and expressive with a group of these dancers who are all just as precise and amazing at once. This Chinese Fan Dance is performed by the group, "Jasmine Flower" on America's Got Talent.
15. Clogging
An uncommon type of dance is clogging, it's more than just a stereotypical dance of those from Holland. After watching the video below it definitely changed my perspective on what clogging is. Be sure to watch this clogging video, it's quite different than what you'd expect.
16. Tango
The tango is definitely a dramatic dance that should be done with grace and elegance. You'll need quick feet and a partner which is well done in the video below. A dance that will make you wish you could tango. This is the Argentine Tango from Dancing with the Stars performed by Nicole and Derek.