Dance

Dance can be simply defined as rhythmic movement through time and space. Humans use dance for expression, entertainment, communication, partying, and courtship.

Dance can be loosely divided into three categories:

• Performance
• Social
• Ritual

There are dance forms that cross over into more than one category. Folk dance, for example, a type of social dance, has elements that have become mainstream ballroom. Ballet is normally considered exhibition dancing but is practiced by millions as a hobby.

Performance dance

Ballet

Probably the most easily recognised Western performance dance, due to the unique costuming, the use of classical music and the pointe technique, in which ballerinas (female dancers) are require to dance while balanced on their toes.

See the full article at ballet.

Social dance

Ballroom

See the full article at ballroom dance

Ritual dance

Warrior dance

• The Maori warriors have a specialized dance accompanied by loud, rhythmic chanting, used to intimidate the foe. New Zealand sports teams sometimes use a version of this before games.
• American Indians also used warrior dances.