As I said on the home page, dance is about expressing yourself, so there are, of course, hundreds of styles of dance for every personality. Some of the most popular dance styles include:
* Ballet: Ballet is the backbone for many other styles of dance because it focuses on basic technique such as turned-out feet, high releves, graceful turns and arm movements. Standard ballet steps include plie (dancer stands with their feet apart and knees bent) arabesque (the dancer stands on one foot while stretching one foot behind them) and a tendu (a dancer slowly extends one foot in front of them like they are drawing a line).
* Lyrical: Lyrical dance is a combination of jazz, ballet, and some acrobatics. Lyrical choreography is meant to be beautiful and expressive. Although this dance style is pretty new, it is very popular at dance competitions. Standard lyrical steps include pirouettes (a spin on one leg, while the other is bent) grand jete (a leap with one leg extended in front and the other in the back – like a split in midair) and cabrioles (a dancer jumps off one leg as the other is thrown upwards. The legs should pass each other, and the dancer lands on the opposite leg than they originally leapt off of)
* Acrobatics: Acrobatic (or Acro) dance routines consist of some lyrical or contemporary aspects and gymnastic tricks that show off strength and flexibility. You shouldn’t attempt acro tricks without a trained teacher nearby, if you are not on gymnastic mats, and if you are not flexible enough to complete a certain trick. This could result in serious injury. Standard acro steps include chin stands, also known as chest stands, back layout, and aerials, flips that take the dancer completely off the ground (a side aerial is shown below)
* Jazz: jazz is a dance style that is meant to entertain the audience. Jazz choreography incorporates many other styles of dance including lyrical, contemporary, and acrobatics. Standard Jazz steps include ball change (a quick change of weight from the ball of one foot to the other in ballroom and tap dancing), chasse ( one foot literally chases the other foot out of its position), and leg catch (the dancer grabs their leg while spinning).
*Hip- Hop: hip hop is a dance style that is based on street styles and hip-hop culture. Hip hop choreography is hard-hitting and very entertaining, with impressive gymnastic tricks. Hip hop is categorized in three main categories: breakdance, locking, and popping.