The types of dance you absolutely need to know

Types of dance around the world

The types of dance highlight the diversity and richness of each country. Dance is present for major events such as weddings and ceremonies but also on a daily basis during evenings with friends. Seen as a means of expression that allows messages to be conveyed, it also fulfills several functions such as entertainment, artistic and ceremonial. Also, some dances are ballroom dances

Flamenco

Let's start with one of the typical dances of the world, flamenco. It is an emblematic dance of Spain, originating from the region of Andalusia, almost 500 years ago. She is multicultural. In fact, it has gypsy, Sephardic, Islamic, Andalusian and Arab origins. It's a fusion of music, singing, dancing and hand clapping. Flamenco dance is distinguished by its energy movements, his foot strikes and his graceful arm movements. The dancing duo performs intense body movements with a perfect rhythm synchronization guitar. It is a dance full of emotions, the dancers express deep feelings such as pain, joy, love or despair. Every gesture is imbued with emotional intensity creating an immersive experience for spectators. 

swing dance

Have you ever thought about uniting dance and jazz? Because in the United States yes, this is what gave birth to swing dance in the 1920s. This ballroom dancing stands out for its exciting movements And rhythmic in line with the music. Dancers use basic steps like rock, THE towers, THE acrobatic aerial throws and the spins. But, they are free to improvise, which makes the dance unique and exciting. Known for being exuberant and spontaneous, she knows several swing dances. In particular, the lindy hop and his energy movements, his fast footwork, his aerial figures and his acrobatics that ignite any dance floor. Then, don't miss the essential boogie woogie, avant-garde rock'n'roll dance. Boogie-woogie is essentially built on lifted and set foot, of the not flexible and exaggerated rhythmic movements in order to characterize the lively and dynamic side of the swing genre. 

Cut shifted

Coupé-décalé is a musical genre but also a social dance which emerged explosively in the 2000s in Ivory Coast. It was in the popular neighborhoods of Abidjan that young people passionate about music and dance decided to express their joie de vivre and their optimism despite the social and economic difficulties of the country at that time. This African dance is characterized by energetic movements like fast steps, acrobatics, humorous movements and a frenetic pace. The rhythm translates into electro, reggae and rap sounds. Finally, the coupé-décalé has a double meaning, “coupé” for jerky movements and “shifted” refers to the eccentric and rapid movements legs. 

Lion Dance

Lion dance, also known as “Chinese lion dance” is a traditional dance in China dating back centuries. It's a colorful dance celebrating Chinese culture while symbolizing luck, protection against evil spirits and prosperity. But what is lion dance? It is a style of dance for two. The couple move around in an elaborate lion costume. Hidden inside, they imitate the graceful and fierce movements of the lion in a synchronized manner. The dance is accompanied by traditional Chinese music with drums and cymbals. Even today, lion dancing is an integral part of festivals and celebrations in China. Recognized as a means of expressing community solidarity and unity, some spectators do not hesitate to offer red envelopes containing money as a sign of gratitude and support to the dancers. 

The kalinka

The kalinka is a folk dance in homage to Russian culture, eponym of the famous song. It evolved from popular dances in rural Russia where festivities, celebrations and weddings were held. The kalinka is differentiated by its quick and light movements and by his synchronized choreographies. Especially since the dancers form a circle or a line holding each other by the shoulders or hands. Moreover, the steps are composed of jumps, of rotational movements and of small quick steps. Finally, the music that accompanies it is a traditional orchestra which includes percussion, accordion and violin.  

Traditional step dancing

Traditional step dancing dates back to the ancient times of Ireland. Ballroom dance was created around traditional Celtic dances which were passed down from generation to generation. Gradually, this traditional Irish dance has become an art in its own right bringing together specific techniques and ofs distinct regional styles. This discipline is special because of its rapid movements And precise feet which are accompanied by a straight posture and the upper body immobile. In addition, the dancers perform not complex and combinations creating rhythms and sounds specific due to tap dancing. Furthermore, another feature is notable, the traditional costumes. For women, these are colorful dresses and for men, pants with a matching vest decorated with Celtic motifs and embroidery. 

Popular dance styles

Throughout the world, many styles of popular dance have emerged, reflecting human creativity and cultural diversity. It is interesting to explore the different and most popular types of dance that are part of modern dance. 

Classic dance

Classical dance is one of the oldest and most refined forms of dance. It finds its origins in the royal courts of the Italian Renaissance where it came to life during festivities and ceremonies. However, even if the form existed, it was in France under the reign of Louis XIV that classical dance was codified and developed into a system governed by complex techniques. Then, over the centuries, ballet spread across Europe and beyond. Dance schools began to form and iconic ballet performances were created as “The lake of signs” And "The Sleeping Beauty". 

How do we recognize classical dance? By his graceful movements, her straight posture and his rigorous technique. Dancers work hard to develop their strength, flexibility And technical to practice aerial jumps, precise arm and leg movements as well as fast pirouettes. Furthermore, the classical dance positions are based on postures codified from the first to the fifth. We also find specific movements such as plies, releases, raises and presses. 

Modern jazz dance

Modern jazz dance is a dynamic dance style combining classical dance techniques, contemporary dance movement and jazz dance. It has its origins in the United States between the 1950s and 1960s. modern jazz dance was born in response to classical dance, seeking to break the codes and explore new forms of expressive movement. Popular for its versatility and his creativity, dancers use a wide range of movements. In fact, we find the fluidity of the body, acrobatic and undulatory movements. Even more, the dancers integrate body isolations, turns, jumps and stretches to captivate the public. Furthermore, without music there is no dancing. This is why troupes emphasize rhythm and tempo variations to match movement and music. 

Additionally, modern jazz dance is deeply rooted in contemporary culture, especially in the entertainment industry. Particularly in musicals, films or television shows such as dancing with the stars because modern jazz choreographies give a narrative visual dimension to artistic performances. 

Contemporary dance

Contemporary dance wants to be rebel And pushing traditional boundaries. Influenced by artistic trends and social movements of the 20th century, she seeks to explore new forms of movement, by integrating theatrical elements. Contemporary dancers try a multitude of techniques and movements mixing fluidity, body expression, athletic and acrobatic movements. Thus, the desired goal is to create unique performances with these elements and those of the theater. Furthermore, these movements serve as a basis but dancers can demonstrate improvisation in order to express deep feelings through their movements. 

This new form of dance has had a significant impact in the art world since today contemporary dance is present in dance festivals, theaters and there are contemporary dance class. Additionally, this activity can be a multidisciplinary performance by collaborating with visual artists, filmmakers or musicians. 

Jazz dance

Jazz dance is a genre of dynamic dance having emerged in jazz clubs at the beginning of the 20th century. Inspired by folkloric and African dances. Furthermore, the jazz dance combines elements of contemporary dance, classical dance, social dance and Afro-Cuban dance to achieve a unique blend of movements. Among these categories, we find body isolations, kicks, jumps, slides, pirouettes and syncopated dance steps in order to make the spectators feel the musicality. It is also at the heart of dance, the bodies of the dancers are used to recreate the tempo of the music by emphasizing the rhythm, by making tempo variations and syncopations. For the more curious, you can take jazz dance lessons to learn more.

Hip hop

This global phenomenon appeared in the disadvantaged neighborhoods of New York in the 1970s. Hip hop dance was intended revolutionary for young people from African-American and Latino communities. First inspired by hip-hop music, she ended up borrowing funk rhythms. It was a way for young people to claim their cultural identity. Recognizable by its raw energy and authenticity, it encompasses many styles such as popping, THE break dance, THE lock or even the voguing. Furthermore, they take advantage of it by making fast, jerky, rhythm-based movements, while exploiting isolation movements, twisting, acrobatic figures and complex footwork to impress the audience. We must believe that it pleases since there are competitions, hip hop dance class and shows that use this art to promote social and political messages.  

The benefits of dancing 

Dance is a form of artistic expression, although there are different forms of dance. There is a common base of benefits, whether you are a professional or amateur dancer, this activity brings many physical, emotional and social benefits: 

• Develops muscle strength

• Improves flexibility 

• Extends endurance

• Tones the muscles

• Weightloss

• Reduces the risk of chronic diseases

• Brings emotional well-being

• Increases self-confidence

• Promotes social connections

What you must remember

We toured popular dances around the world: 

• Flamenco

• Swing

• Cut shifted

• Lion Dance

• The kalinka

• Traditional step dancing

Then we took an overview of the most famous dance categories: 

• Classic dance

• Modern jazz dance

• Contemporary dance

• Jazz dance

• Hip hop

By not forgetting the virtues that dance brings: 

• Increases muscle strength

• Strengthens the muscles

• Extends endurance

• Reduces the risk of chronic diseases

• Weightloss

• Develop flexibility 

• Restores self-confidence

• Creates mental well-being

• Create social connections

Learn to dance at DECIBEL 

The desire to dance doesn't want to leave your mind? Come and discover dance revisited DECIBEL®. Concretely, what awaits you? 45 minutes of immersive workout with the program of muscle strengthening and cardio on the rhythmic choreographies.  

Work on your abs and your buttocks under the dim light from the studio. Let go of the exclusive playlists from Daft Punk to Beyoncé. No judgment, only happiness and learning, if you have any questions, our coaches involved and passionate about their work are there to advise you. 

So, do you want to throw yourself into dancing?