Asia

Kathak (India) – Classical storytelling dance with intricate footwork.

Bharatanatyam (India) – One of the oldest classical Indian dances, rooted in devotion.

Odissi (India) – Graceful temple dance from Odisha.

Bhangra (Punjab, India) – Energetic folk dance with lively beats.

Kabuki (Japan) – Theatrical dance-drama with elaborate costumes.

Bon Odori (Japan) – Traditional summer festival dance.

Fan Dance (China/Korea) – Graceful movements with fans.

Dragon Dance & Lion Dance (China) – Performed during festivals for luck.

Middle East

Belly Dance (Raqs Sharqi) – Expressive torso movements, originating in Egypt.

Dabke (Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Jordan) – Line dance with rhythmic stomping.

Khaleegy (Gulf countries) – Flowing dance with emphasis on hair and robe movements.

Africa

Adumu (Jumping Dance) (Maasai, Kenya/Tanzania) – Known as the “jumping dance.”

Gwara Gwara (South Africa) – Popularized globally through music videos.

Agbekor (Ghana) – Traditional Ewe warrior dance.

Umteyo (Shoulder Dance) (Xhosa, South Africa) – Rhythmic shaking of shoulders.

🌎 Western Dance Forms

Europe

Flamenco (Spain) – Passionate dance with hand claps, guitar, and stamping.

Fandango (Spain) – Traditional lively couples dance.

Ballet (France/Italy/Russia) – Classical dance emphasizing grace, balance, and storytelling.

Polka (Czech Republic/Poland) – Energetic folk dance in 2/4 time.

Irish Stepdance (Ireland) – Known for quick foot movements and stiff upper body.

Highland Dance (Scotland) – Competitive solo dance with bagpipe music.

North America

Hip-Hop (USA) – Street dance with breakdancing, popping, locking.

Breakdance / B-Boying (USA) – Acrobatics, spins, freezes on the floor.

Jazz Dance (USA) – Syncopated, expressive movements often seen on stage.

Tap Dance (USA) – Rhythmic footwork with tap shoes.

Square Dance (USA) – Traditional folk dance in groups of four couples.

Swing Dance / Lindy Hop (USA) – Born from the jazz era with fast spins and flips.

Salsa (Cuba/USA) – Latin partner dance with fast footwork.

Tango (Argentina) – Dramatic and intimate partner dance.

Merengue (Dominican Republic) – Lively Latin dance with simple steps.

Reggaeton Dance (Puerto Rico) – Fusion of hip-hop and Latin rhythm.

South America

Samba (Brazil) – Fast, vibrant dance linked to Carnival.

Cumbia (Colombia) – Folk dance with African and Indigenous roots.

Capoeira (Brazil) – Afro-Brazilian mix of dance, martial arts, and acrobatics.

Forró (Brazil) – Partner dance with close steps, popular in festivals.

🌐 Modern & Contemporary Styles

Contemporary Dance – Expressive blend of ballet, modern, and jazz.

Modern Dance – Rebellion against classical ballet with freer movements.

K-Pop Dance (South Korea) – Choreographed routines with global pop influence.

Zumba (Colombia/Global) – Fitness dance mixing salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and hip-hop.

Shuffle Dance (Australia/Global) – Fast sliding footwork, popular in EDM culture.

Krumping (USA) – Energetic, expressive street dance with powerful movements.

Waacking (USA) – Arm-focused dance from disco/club culture.

Voguing (USA) – Stylized poses inspired by fashion and ballroom culture.

✨Dance is truly universal — every culture has its way of moving to rhythm, expressing identity, and celebrating life. From India’s Bharatanatyam to Argentina’s Tango, Spain’s Flamenco to Brazil’s Samba, dance forms connect people across time and geography.