Which Popular Dance Style Is Right For You?

From classical ballet to today’s hottest hip-hop, there are wide range of dance styles that dancers of all skill level and interest can enjoy. Some of the most popular dance styles include classic ballet, tap and jazz, as well as modern styles like hip-hop, acro and contemporary.

Which is right for you?

Ballet

Ballet is a highly technical form of dance that dates back to the 15^th century, with roots in Italy, France and Russia. Classically performed en pointe (in pointe shoes), modern ballet has adapted movements to dancers wearing soft-sole ballet slippers as well. In both cases, ballet dancing is a precise choreographed set of fluid and graceful movements.

Who Is Ballet For? Ballet takes discipline and control combined with strength and flexibility. Starting at a young age is recommended.

Tap

Tap dancing is characterized by the rhythmic striking of specialty shoes on a hard floor. Tap shoes are fitted with a metal plate on the heel and ball of foot, and the dancer learns sequences of brushes, shuffles, taps and stomps to create percussion. Tap dancing can take on many styles, such as Broadway tap (does the name The Rockettes sound familiar?) that features high-heel tap shoes, mile-long kicks and strong, flexible bodies; to more casual rhythm, or jazz, tap, that uses flat tap shoes and combines modern jazz moves with fancy footwork.

Who Is Tap For? Anyone! Dancers with training in classic ballet may find Broadway tap a better fit, where dancers of any skill level can begin with jazz tap.

Jazz

Jazz is fun and energetic, with big moves, high leaps, and quick turns, and more freedom for interpretation over classic ballet. Jazz dance means different things to different people, and it can encompass many styles of dance, resulting in choreography that ranges from casual to precise.

Who Is Jazz For? Anyone! Many jazz moves require strength and flexibility, so starting young helps develop the muscles needed to pursue jazz.

Modern Dance Styles

Out of the most popular dance styles have evolved specialized styles like acro, hip-hop and contemporary. What characterizes these styles, and who are they right for?

Hip-Hop – Hip-hop evolved from street dance styles made popular in the 70s, including breaking, popping and locking. This fun, upbeat style requires coordination, stamina and strength if you want to go far, but even beginners will enjoy hip-hop classes.

Acro – A style of dance that combines ballet and jazz with technical acrobatic moves, acro requires strength and flexibility, and is best suited to experienced dancers.

Contemporary – Less about choreography and more about self-expression, contemporary combines several styles of dance to create unique movements. Contemporary dance is suitable to anyone, and as training progresses so can the complexity of the moves.

A Step Above Offers All The Most Popular Dance Styles

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer looking to expand your skills, trying one of these popular dance styles at A Step Above Dance Academy in Batavia will allow you to find a class that’s right for you.