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Dance styles explained for beginners
There are hundreds of dance styles. These are the ones you will most often find in UK classes, with a quick idea of what each involves.
Quick comparison
| Style | Partner? | Feel | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballroom | Yes | Elegant, flowing | Weddings, social dancing, posture |
| Latin | Yes | Rhythmic, energetic | Fun, fitness, confidence |
| Salsa | Yes | Lively social dance | Socialising, going out |
| Street and hip hop | No | Grooves, attitude | Teens, fitness, creativity |
| Ballet | No | Precise, graceful | Technique, posture, strength |
| Tap | No | Rhythmic footwork | Musicality, coordination |
| Contemporary | No | Expressive, floorwork | Creativity, flexibility |
| Line dancing | No | Easy repeated steps | All ages, first-timers |
Ballroom
Ballroom is a family of partner dances done in hold, including the waltz, foxtrot, quickstep, tango and Viennese waltz. It focuses on smooth travelling around the floor with good posture. See ballroom and Latin.
Latin
Latin dances include the cha-cha-cha, rumba, samba, paso doble and jive. They are more rhythmic and hip-led than ballroom, and generally danced in a smaller space. Also covered in ballroom and Latin.
Salsa and social Latin dances
Salsa, bachata and similar are social dances done at clubs and parties. They are popular with people who want to socialise. See salsa and line dancing.
Street and hip hop
This covers hip hop, breaking, popping and locking, house and commercial styles. It is usually solo or in groups, with emphasis on rhythm, grooves and individual style. Read street dance and hip hop.
Ballet, tap and contemporary
Ballet is the foundation for many dance forms, with exact technique and French terminology. Tap uses shoes with metal plates to make rhythm. Contemporary mixes ballet, modern and release techniques with expressive movement. See ballet, tap and contemporary.
Line dancing
A sequence of steps repeated in rows to music, often country but it can be to pop. There is no partner and the steps are easy to follow. See salsa and line dancing.
Other styles
- Ceilidh and folk: Called dances in groups, hugely sociable, with a caller who teaches each dance.
- Jazz and musical theatre: Theatrical and energetic.
- Bollywood and Bhangra: Lively South Asian styles with a lot of energy and fun.
- Swing and Lindy hop: Vintage social dances.
- Zumba-style fitness classes: Dance-inspired workouts, not a dance syllabus.
How to choose
- Think of music you love.
- Decide if you prefer partner or solo.
- Consider the goal: fitness, social life, performance or exams.
- Try a taster class in two or three styles.
Then see how to find a class.
Counting beats: a first taste
Most dance is built on counts. Ballroom and Latin teachers count in fours or threes ("slow, quick, quick"), street teachers count in eights, and salsa uses a pattern of steps over four beats. You do not need to read music. Listening for the steady pulse in a song and stepping on it is enough to start.
Mixing styles
Many dancers learn more than one style. Ballet posture helps ballroom, tap improves rhythm in Latin, and street dance builds freedom of movement that helps everything else. Don't feel you have to choose forever. Try a term of one style, then another.
Questions to ask yourself before choosing
- Do I want something calm or lively?
- Would I rather dance alone or with other people?
- Am I happy to learn terminology (ballet) or do I prefer to just move (street)?
- How much can I spend on shoes and clothes?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ballroom and Latin?
Ballroom dances are smooth and travel around the floor in hold. Latin dances are more rhythmic, with more hip movement, and often danced in a smaller space.
Which style is best for fitness?
Any that keeps you moving. Latin, street, line dancing and fitness classes are especially active.
Do I need experience for ballet?
No. Adult beginner ballet classes are widely available.