A dance style is a distinctive category or genre of dance characterized by a specific set of movement vocabularies, techniques, rhythmic patterns, aesthetic principles, and cultural or historical origins. It represents a codified or recognizable way of moving the body that distinguishes one form of dance from another.
Definition and Scope
The term "dance style" combines two concepts: dance, defined as sequences of body movements with aesthetic and often symbolic value, typically performed to music; and style, meaning the particular way in which something is done or presented. A dance style thus refers to the characteristic manner of movement, expression, and presentation that gives a dance form its distinctive identity.
According to the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts, dance style "embraces many elements, including a preference for certain kinds of movement (fast or slow, simple or intricate) or for kinds of energy and attack (sharp, edgy, and hard, as opposed to soft and fluid). It also embraces different ways of phrasing movement or arranging dancers into groups, as well as an interest in certain kinds of music or design." The Connecticut State Department of Education's dance glossary similarly defines style as "a dance that has specific movement characteristics, qualities, or principles that give it a distinctive identity."
Key Characteristics
A dance style is typically defined by several interrelated components:
-
Movement vocabulary: A codified set of steps, gestures, postures, and body positions that are learned and replicated. For example, ballet uses five basic positions of the feet, turnout from the hips, and specific French terminology, while hip-hop emphasizes isolations, grooves, and freestyle movement.
-
Technique: The specific tools, skills, and physical training required to produce the movements of a given style. Ballet demands precise alignment and pointed feet; tap requires rhythmic footwork with metal-tipped shoes; breaking involves floor work, power moves, and freezes.
-
Rhythm and musicality: The characteristic tempo, meter, and rhythmic patterns to which a style is typically performed. The waltz is danced in 3/4 time, the tango in 2/4 time at approximately 66 beats per minute, and salsa in 4/4 time with syncopated rhythms.
-
Cultural and historical context: The origins and traditions from which a style emerged. Ballet developed in the Italian Renaissance courts and later in France under Louis XIV; hip-hop arose from African American and Latino communities in the Bronx during the 1970s; flamenco originated in the Andalusian region of Spain.
-
Aesthetic and expressive intent: The artistic goals and emotional qualities associated with the style. Classical ballet emphasizes grace, precision, and storytelling; contemporary dance prioritizes emotional expression and versatility; tap focuses on rhythmic precision and musical interpretation.
Relationship to Dance Genre
While often used interchangeably, "dance style" and "dance genre" can be distinguished. A genre is a broader, overarching category defined by form, technique, intent, or philosophy (e.g., ballet, modern, hip-hop). A style is a more specific subset within a genre, defined by particular movement characteristics and aesthetic choices. For example, Graham technique is a style within the genre of modern dance; B-boying and popping are distinct styles within the larger genre of hip-hop dance.
Major Categories of Dance Styles
Dance styles are commonly grouped into several broad categories:
-
Classical and theatrical styles: Ballet, classical Indian dance (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi), Japanese Noh and Kabuki, Chinese classical dance.
-
Social and participatory styles: Ballroom (waltz, tango, foxtrot, cha-cha), salsa, swing, contra dance, square dance.
-
Urban and street styles: Hip-hop, breaking (breakdance), popping, locking, house dance, krumping.
-
Contemporary and modern styles: Modern dance, contemporary dance, lyrical dance, postmodern dance.
-
Folk and traditional styles: Irish step dance, flamenco, bhangra, hula, capoeira, Balkan folk dances.
-
Commercial and performance styles: Jazz, musical theatre dance, commercial hip-hop, Bollywood dance.
Evolution and Classification
Dance styles are not static; they evolve over time through cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and social change. New styles emerge through the blending of existing forms, technological influences (such as social media platforms like TikTok), and the creative work of choreographers and dancers. The global dance landscape includes an estimated thousands of distinct styles, ranging from ancient folk traditions to modern viral dance trends.
Sources
- Collins English Dictionary, "dance style" (collinsdictionary.com)
- New York State Education Department, NYS Dance Glossary (nysed.gov)
- Connecticut State Department of Education, Guide to K-12 Program Development in the Arts: Dance Glossary (portal.ct.gov)
- Wikipedia, "Dance" (en.wikipedia.org)
- Vibepedia, "Dance Styles" (vibepedia.wiki)
- Dance House Productions, "7 Types of Dance Styles Explained" (dancehouseproductions.com)
