The Most Popular Dance, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the dance you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 06:59
In a world brimming with diverse cultural expressions, dance stands out as a universal language, told through movements that captivate the soul. Understanding which dance styles capture the hearts of many isn't just about popularity; it's a glimpse into the cultural pulse of societies worldwide. A ranked list of dances offers a dynamic insight into trends and time-honored traditions that define human joy and creativity.
By voting for your preferred dances, you contribute to a broader narrative that goes beyond mere rankings. Each vote is a reflection of personal taste, cultural background, and perhaps a touch of nostalgia. This cumulative insight ensures that every visitor not only sees which dances are currently leading in public opinion but also becomes a part of a larger community celebrating the rich tapestry of global dance heritage.
What Is the Most Popular Dance?
-
175votesHip-hop dance is known for its high-energy and dynamic movements, hip-hop dance has become a global phenomenon, popularized by music videos, movies, and television shows.Hip-hop dance is a popular urban dance form that originated in African American and Latinx communities in the 1970s. It incorporates a wide range of dance styles such as breaking, popping, locking, and freestyle movements. It is characterized by its energetic and improvisational nature, often performed to hip-hop music.
- Styles: Breaking, popping, locking, freestyle
- Energetic: High-energy and dynamic movements
- Improvisational: Freespirited and spontaneous style
- Syncopated Rhythms: Incorporates rhythmic patterns with accented beats
- Isolation Techniques: Focused movements of body parts in isolation
-
246votesBallet is a classical dance form that originated in the 15th century, ballet is admired for its grace, beauty, and discipline. It has influenced many other dance styles and has been performed around the world.Ballet is a highly expressive and elegant dance form that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts during the 15th century. It combines technical precision, grace, and storytelling to create a visually stunning performance art.
- Technical Precision: Ballet requires incredible precision and control of movements, with dancers focusing on proper body alignment, turnout, and precise footwork.
- Graceful Movements: Ballet is known for its graceful and flowing movements, from delicate arm gestures to fluid jumps and turns.
- Pointe Technique: Ballet dancers often dance on their toes using pointe shoes, which require immense strength and years of training.
- Storytelling: Ballet often incorporates narrative elements to convey emotions and tell stories, with dancers using their body language to express characters and emotions.
- Classical Repertoire: Ballet has a rich classical repertoire that includes famous works like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet, which are still performed worldwide.
-
316votesSalsa is a popular Latin dance that originated in Cuba, salsa has spread throughout the world and has become a staple of social dancing. It is known for its rhythmic patterns and energetic movements.Salsa is a popular topping used in tacos, known for adding a burst of flavor and spice to the dish. It is a sauce typically made from a combination of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and various herbs and spices. Salsa can range from mild to hot, depending on the types and amount of chili peppers used. It is often served cold or at room temperature.
- Ingredients: Tomatoes, onions, peppers, herbs, and spices
- Flavor: Spicy, tangy, and sometimes sweet
- Consistency: Chunky or smooth, depending on preference
- Varieties: Salsa roja (red), salsa verde (green), pico de gallo (fresh salsa)
- Heat Level: Ranges from mild to extremely hot
-
418votesTango is a passionate and dramatic dance that originated in Argentina, tango has become a popular ballroom dance and has been adapted to many other styles of music. It is known for its close embrace and intricate footwork.Tango is a passionate and seductive partner dance that originated in the late 19th century in the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. It is characterized by its intense connection between partners, intricate footwork, and dramatic body movements. Tango is known for its mix of graceful elegance and raw emotion, making it one of the most captivating dances in the world.
- Origin: Late 19th century in Buenos Aires and Montevideo
- Characteristics: Intense connection, intricate footwork, dramatic body movements
- Style: Passionate and seductive partner dance
- Music: Distinctive tango music with elements of European and African rhythms
- Influence: Cultural blend of European, African, and indigenous influences
-
513votes
Tore Sætre · CC BY-SA 4.0Jazz dance
Katherine DunhamJazz dance is a style of dance that originated in the early 20th century, jazz dance is characterized by its improvisational nature and syncopated rhythms. It has influenced many other dance styles, including hip-hop and contemporary dance.Jazz dance is a lively and energetic dance form that originated in America in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its syncopated movements, improvisation, and a blend of various dance styles such as African, European, and Caribbean dances. Jazz dance is often performed to popular music and incorporates elements of ballet, tap, and modern dance.- Syncopated Movements: Jazz dance is known for its intricate and rhythmic footwork, which emphasizes syncopation.
- Improvisation: Jazz dancers often incorporate spontaneous movement and individual expression into their routines.
- Blending of Styles: Jazz dance combines elements from various dance styles, including African, European, and Caribbean dances.
- Incorporation of Ballet: Jazz dance incorporates techniques, vocabulary, and gracefulness from ballet.
- Incorporation of Tap: Jazz dance incorporates rhythmic footwork and percussive sounds commonly associated with tap dance.
-
614votes
Lorenzo Gaudenzi · CC BY-SA 3.0Contemporary dance
Merce CunninghamContemporary dance is a modern dance style that emphasizes expression, emotion, and storytelling, contemporary dance incorporates elements of ballet, jazz, and other dance forms. It has become increasingly popular in recent years.Contemporary dance is a genre of dance that emerged in the mid-20th century and is characterized by its versatility, fluidity, and focus on self-expression. It is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional dance forms and incorporates elements of ballet, modern dance, improvisation, and other movement techniques. Contemporary dance emphasizes emotional and physical expression, often exploring abstract or unconventional movements and themes. It can be performed solo, in duets or groups, and is commonly seen in both theater and site-specific performances.- Versatile Movement Vocabulary: Contemporary dance incorporates a wide range of movements, including floor work, jumps, turns, and balances, allowing for expressive and diverse choreography.
- Freedom of Expression: Contemporary dance encourages dancers to explore and convey emotions, thoughts, and experiences through their movement, fostering individuality and creativity.
- Physicality and athleticism: Contemporary dance often requires strength, flexibility, and agility, pushing dancers to challenge their physical limits and capabilities.
- Improvisation: Contemporary dance embraces improvisation as a creative tool, enabling dancers to respond spontaneously to their environment, music, or each other.
- Incorporation of Different Dance Techniques: Contemporary dance draws inspiration from various styles like ballet, modern dance, jazz, and ethnic dance forms, blending and integrating them to create a unique movement vocabulary.
Contemporary dance in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most difficult art form
-
76votes
Davidgothberg · Public domainBallroom dance is a social dance form that originated in the 19th century, ballroom dance includes many different styles, such as waltz, foxtrot, and cha-cha. It is known for its elegance and sophistication.Ballroom dance is a set of partner dances that are enjoyed socially and competitively around the world. It is characterized by specific dance styles and techniques that emphasize synchronized movements and connection between partners. The dance is performed to various genres of music, including waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep, and more.- Partnered Dance: Ballroom dance is performed by a couple or pair of dancers.
- Strict Technique: It follows precise techniques and frameworks for movements, footwork, posture, and connection.
- Standard and Latin Styles: It is divided into two main styles - Standard (smooth) and Latin (rhythm). Each style consists of specific dances.
- International and American Styles: It is further classified into International style (standard and Latin) and American style (smooth and rhythm), which have some differences in technique and interpretation.
- Competitive and Social Dancing: Ballroom dance is popular both as a competitive sport and as a recreational social activity.
-
89votesFlamenco is a traditional dance form from Spain, flamenco is known for its passionate and rhythmic movements, as well as its use of guitar music and singing. It has become popular around the world and has influenced many other dance styles.Flamenco is a passionate and expressive dance form originating from Andalusia, Spain. It is a unique blend of music, singing, and dance, characterized by intricate footwork, fluid hand movements, and vibrant costumes. Flamenco is known for its emotional intensity and raw passion, captivating audiences with its powerful performances.
- Music and Singing: Flamenco music is characterized by its distinct rhythms and melodies, often accompanied by acoustic guitar, handclaps (palmas), and passionate singing (cante). The cante reflects the deep emotions and experiences of the performers and adds to the overall intensity of the dance.
- Footwork (Zapateado): Flamenco dancers showcase intricate footwork called 'zapateado,' which involves quick and rhythmic tapping of the feet. The percussive sounds created by the feet add a dynamic and energetic element to the performance.
- Hand Movements (Flores): The hand movements, also known as 'flores,' in Flamenco dance are elegant and graceful. Dancers use their hands to emphasize the emotional storytelling, expressing joy, sorrow, or passion through delicate and precise motions.
- Costumes: Flamenco costumes are vibrant and eye-catching. Female dancers wear traditional, ruffled dresses called 'trajes de flamenca' in bright colors like red, black, or white, while male dancers typically wear fitted suits or traditional outfits known as 'trajes cortos.' These costumes enhance the visual impact of the performance.
- Improvisation: Flamenco allows for improvisation, giving the dancers and musicians the freedom to express their creativity within the structure of the music. It is shaped by the interaction between the dancer, singer, and guitarist, making each performance unique and spontaneous.
-
95votesBollywood dance is a style of dance that originated in India's film industry, Bollywood dance is known for its colorful costumes, upbeat music, and energetic movements. It has become popular around the world and is often performed at weddings and other celebrations.Bollywood dance is a vibrant and energetic dance style that originated from the Indian film industry. It is an eclectic fusion of various traditional Indian dance forms, folk dances, and Western dance styles. Bollywood dance is known for its expressive movements, rhythmic footwork, and elaborate costumes and props. It is often performed in synchronized groups and features storytelling through dance and facial expressions.
- Inspiration and Influence: Bollywood dance draws inspiration from classical Indian dance forms like Kathak and Bharatanatyam, as well as folk dances from different regions of India. It also incorporates elements from Western dance styles like hip-hop and jazz.
- Emphasis on Expressions: Bollywood dance places great importance on facial expressions, gestures, and body language to convey emotions and tell a story.
- Energetic Footwork: The dance style features fast-paced footwork with intricate steps, often synchronized with the music.
- Use of Hand Gestures: Hand gestures, known as mudras, are prominently used in Bollywood dance to depict various emotions and actions.
- Costume and Prop Usage: Bollywood dance is known for its vibrant and colorful costumes, which include flowing skirts, traditional Indian attire, and fusion outfits. Props such as scarves, sticks, and fans are also commonly used.
-
108votesBreakdance is a style of dance that originated in the 1970s, breakdance (also known as "breaking" or "b-boying") is known for its acrobatic movements, spins, and freezes. It has become popular around the world and has influenced many other dance styles, including hip-hop.Breakdance, also known as b-boying or breaking, is a dynamic and acrobatic style of street dance that originated in the Bronx, New York City, in the 1970s. It combines intricate footwork, gymnastic moves, freezes, spins, and power moves to create an energetic and visually captivating performance.
- Origin: Bronx, New York City, 1970s
- Style: Street Dance
- Movement: Dynamic, acrobatic, and athletic
- Footwork: Intricate and rhythmic steps using the feet
- Freezes: Poses held in balance, often incorporating strength and contortion
Missing your favorite dance?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular dance
-
Global appeal and recognitionA popular dance should be known and practiced by a large number of people across different cultures and countries.
-
Participation and accessibilityThe dance should be easy enough for people of all ages, fitness levels, and dance abilities to learn and enjoy.
-
Influence on other dance stylesA popular dance should have some influence on other dance styles or has been adapted and incorporated into various dance forms.
-
Longevity and staying powerThe dance should maintain a degree of popularity over time and not just be a passing trend.
-
Cultural significanceThe dance should hold some cultural importance or signify an aspect of a particular culture or community.
-
Media representationPopular dances are often featured in movies, television shows, and music videos, making them more well-known and recognized by the general public.
-
Dance events or competitionsDances that are regularly featured in dance events, competitions, and festivals are generally more popular and well-known.
-
Technique and skillA popular dance may require specific skill or technical ability, making it more appealing to dancers who want to challenge themselves.
-
Steps and movement patternsA popular dance should have recognizable steps and movement patterns that can be easily identified and replicated.
-
Music genre and preferencesA popular dance may be associated with a specific music genre or popular songs, influencing its popularity based on people's musical preferences.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular dance. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or dance is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1529 views
- 209 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each dance once every 24 hours. The rank of each dance is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular dance
Dancing has been a part of human culture for centuries. From traditional folk dances to modern dance styles, the art of moving to music has always been a popular form of expression and entertainment. With so many different types of dance around the world, it's difficult to determine which one is the most popular. However, through various polls and surveys, it's clear that certain styles have gained more popularity than others. Whether it's the energetic moves of hip hop or the elegant steps of ballroom, dance continues to captivate audiences worldwide. So, let's explore the most popular dance styles and the reasons behind their widespread appeal.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
