Popular Types of Dance:
The Dance Palette

With hundreds of types to choose from, it's certainly hard to decide what dance you'd love to try, learn or master. Whatever reasons you have for dancing, all of you will end up with the same dilemma: what type of dance should you go for?

Dancing has got so many branches that to name them all will probably convert this article into a novel. To save time then, we'll dispense with lengthy explanations about the classical moves like the waltz and the quadrille, completely jump past the primitive forms like ritual and tribal dances and focus straight away on the popular types. This is not, after all, an essay on the history of dance.

Ballroom dancing -- Although mainly popular in Latin America, where most of the well-known dances originated from, it is now nonetheless gaining quite a following all over the world. Examples of these are the cha-cha, tango and foxtrot. Although you're basically required to master the fundamental steps, freestyle dancing is accepted and even encouraged for intermediate and professional dancers. If you're interested in trying out this type of dancing, be aware that some forms include intricate steps so it's better that you hire a dance instructor for yourself or take some classes.

Jazz -- Enthusiasts love to describe this as the dance that encompasses almost all forms of dancing. Although not as stringent as ballet, it nevertheless requires flexibility and grace. It emphasizes all nuances of body movement so folks are generally encouraged to wear tight fitting clothes to ensure that not even the smallest shift of the body will go unnoticed. If you sincerely believe that you've got two left feet, then I suggest that you forego trying this one out and choose one that's not too rigid in style like hip hop.

Aerobics -- Technically, it's not a dance but since it still involves body movement and rhythm, let's put it in the list all the same. A dance that prioritizes shaping your body and losing weight over choreography and style, aerobics is more suited to those who dearly need to exercise but are easily bored by the more common workouts like jogging or sweating on the treadmill. Aerobics is also a good stepping stone for the more demanding forms of dancing because it improves your coordination.

Ballet -- Lithe, flexible, graceful, elegant, poised---if you're not all of those then it's time to say farewell to your tutu. In ballet, each movement is an expression of a specific emotion so it must be executed precisely and without flaw. As a rule, ballet dancers should also be small, slender and dare I say virtually boneless? So check out your vital stats before signing up for a session.

Hip Hop -- Inarguably the most popular form of dancing of today's time, thanks to stars like Jennifer Lopez and Nelly, hip hop is also known as street grooves and preferred by but not limited to teenagers and young adults because of its choreography. Hip hop is a good and fun place to start for amateurs.

Belly Dancing -- Want to make your guy drool and gain a sexy tummy at the same time? Then this Eastern dance is the answer to all your problems. Although all the shaking and bending can be somewhat exhausting, not to mention plain torture to your spine, just remind yourself of your objectives and you'll be A-okay.

Break dancing -- The "higher" form of hip hop, break dancing is gymnastics with a groove. Cartwheels, head spins, splits and jumps are just about a few moves that you'll be asked to learn if you're interested in this type of dance. While it's commonly known as a guy thing, if you think about it, girls just have another name for break dance: cheer dancing.

When deciding on what dance you'd like to learn or master, don't forget that just like when you're pondering on any other matter, it's imperative to choose what you believe is best and most comfortable for you. Listening to advice is good and all but in the end, it's really your choice that should matter.

Information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not be interpreted as financial or legal advice. This does not represent a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Please consult your financial advisor.