You want to try dance, or maybe your child does, but every time you search for classes, you’re hit with a dozen unfamiliar styles. Ballet, jazz music, hip hop, tap dance, modern dance… the list goes on. And suddenly, what should be a fun new hobby starts to feel a bit overwhelming.
At Creative Dance Academy, we understand you’re not supposed to know the difference between all the types of dances straight away. Don’t worry. We’ll help you figure it all out.
In this guide, you’ll learn the most popular types of dance styles in simple terms, so you can feel confident choosing a type of dance that matches your, or your child’s, personality, energy and goals.
Most Popular Types of Dance Styles (And What Makes Each One Unique)
Each dance style offers something different, depending on your energy, personality, or goals. Whether you’re into rhythm, emotion, flexibility or just pure fun, there’s a style that fits.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of dances:
1. Ballet
Classical ballet is one of the oldest and most structured types of dance. It focuses on technique, posture, and control. Many professional dancers across all styles start with ballet dancing because it builds strength, discipline and graceful movement.
- Great for: Young children, beginners, and anyone who wants to develop solid technique.
- Why people love it: It teaches focus, builds confidence, and forms the base for other types of dance styles.
2. Jazz Dance
Jazz dance is upbeat, fun, and expressive. It often features strong, sharp movements set to popular music. If you love dancing to energetic beats and adding your own flair, jazz is a fantastic option.
- Great for: Kids who love movement and music, or anyone wanting to improve performance skills.
- Why people love it: It’s exciting, dynamic, and full of personality.
3. Hip Hop Dance
Hip hop music is popular among teens, so is hip hop dance. It is street-based, rhythm-focused, and all about self-expression. Unlike ballet, there are fewer rules, so you can add your own style and attitude. Sometimes, this is also considered a competitive dance style because you use this in dance tournaments.
- Great for: Teens and kids who love music, beats, and freestyle movement.
- Why people love it: It feels modern, creative, and empowering.
4. Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance blends ballet, modern, and lyrical elements. It allows dancers to tell a story with their movements and connect emotionally to the music. You can perform this with dance partners or on your own.
- Great for: Dancers who want to express feelings and explore creativity.
- Why people love it: It’s beautiful, moving, and powerful.
5. Tap Dance
Tap dance is an incredibly rhythmic dance where your feet become the instrument. Tap dancers wear special shoes that create sounds with each step, making it fun and engaging for kids and adults alike.
- Great for: Anyone who enjoys rhythm, coordination, and a bit of noise.
- Why people love it: It’s energetic, playful, and satisfying to master.
6. Acrobatics
Acro (short for acrobatics) combines classical dance technique with athletic tricks like handstands, flips, and contortion-style moves. It builds strength, flexibility and body awareness.
- Great for: Energetic kids who love to flip, stretch, and try new things.
- Why people love it: It’s challenging, showy, and super impressive to watch.
7. Lyrical Dance
Lyrical dance is closely related to contemporary, but often softer and more fluid. It focuses on telling a story or expressing emotions through choreography that matches the lyrics of a song.
- Great for: Dancers who connect deeply with music and storytelling.
- Why people love it: It allows freedom of movement and emotional expression.
8. Musical Theatre
Musical theatre dance combines acting, dance and stage presence. It’s often based on Broadway or West End styles, with dancers portraying characters or telling stories through movement and facial expression.
- Great for: Kids who love performing, acting, or singing along with dance.
- Why people love it: It’s theatrical, expressive, and tons of fun.
9. Folk Dance
Folk dances are traditional dances that come from specific cultures, regions or communities. They’re usually passed down through generations and often performed during festivals or cultural events. Irish dance traditions is one example, with fast footwork and group coordination. Aboriginal dance forms in Australia are another, rich in storytelling and meaning.
- Great for: Those interested in cultural heritage, history, and group dancing
- Why people love it: It connects you to a story, a culture, and a shared experience
10. Ballroom Dance
Ballroom dancing includes styles like the waltz, foxtrot, and tango. It’s graceful, precise, and usually performed with a partner. Often seen in competitions or formal events, ballroom dance is all about connection, posture, and timing with your partner.
- Great for: Teens and adults who enjoy structured movement and working in pairs
- Why people love it: It’s elegant, social, and a great way to build confidence and communication skills
11. Swing Dance
Swing dancing developed in the 1920s–1940s alongside jazz music and big band swing. It’s upbeat, bouncy, and full of spins, turns, and quick footwork. Styles like the Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and Charleston fall under the swing umbrella. Swing dancers are known for their energetic movements in the dance floor.
- Great for: Dancers who love swing music, fast-paced movement, and having fun
- Why people love it: It’s social, high-energy, and perfect for people who want to move and laugh at the same time.
12. Street Dance
Street dance includes styles that started outside of dance studios like on the streets, in clubs, and within urban communities. Think breakdancing, popping, locking, and krumping. It’s often freestyle, meaning dancers create movements on the spot based on the music and mood.
- Great for: Teens and young adults who enjoy individuality, freestyle, and urban music
- Why people love it: It’s creative, expressive, and has a “cool factor” that feels modern and authentic
13. Belly Dance
Belly dancing comes from Middle Eastern and North African cultures. It focuses on isolating parts of the body—especially the hips, torso, and arms—to create smooth, flowing, or percussive movements. It’s often done barefoot, with beautiful costumes and rhythmic music.
- Great for: Adults and teens who want a fun, body-positive way to move
- Why people love it: It’s expressive, confidence-boosting, and connects movement to music in a powerful way
Thinking of Trying Dance? Here’s Your Next Step
There’s only so much you can learn by reading. Whether you’re exploring this for yourself or for your child, nothing beats stepping into the dance floor, moving to music, and feeling the atmosphere for yourself. The dance scene is vast! Whether you prefer classical music or dancing to the boogie woogie, there are many traditional and modern styles that you can try!
At Creative Dance Academy, we make it easy. You can book a free trial class in any of the styles we’ve mentioned, from ballet to hip hop to acrobatics. There’s no pressure to commit, no experience needed, and no judgment if it takes a few tries to find the perfect fit.
Remember, every dancer starts somewhere. And the best way to discover your favourite type of dance… is simply to start dancing!