1. By function:
- Social dance: dances that are performed in a social setting, such as parties, clubs, and balls.
- Ceremonial dance: dances that are performed for a specific purpose, such as religious rituals, weddings, and funerals.
- Theatrical dance: dances that are performed on stage, such as ballets, musicals, and operas.
- Competitive dance: dances that are performed in competitions, such as ballroom dancing, hip-hop dance, and breakdancing.
2. By origin:
- Folk dance: dances that are passed down from generation to generation within a particular culture or region.
- Ethnic dance: dances that are associated with a particular ethnic group or nationality.
- Classical dance: dances that have been codified and refined over time, such as ballet, Kathak, and Bharatanatyam.
- Modern dance: dances that are created by contemporary choreographers, often in response to current events or social issues.
3. By style:
- Ballroom dance: a group of partner dances that originated in Europe, including the waltz, foxtrot, and tango.
- Latin dance: a group of partner dances that originated in Latin America, including the salsa, cha-cha, and merengue.
- Hip-hop dance: a group of street dances that originated in the African-American and Latino communities of the United States, including breakdancing, popping, and locking.
- Jazz dance: a group of dances that originated in the United States in the early 20th century, characterized by their improvised and rhythmic nature.
4. By time period:
- Renaissance dance: dances that were popular during the Renaissance period (14th-17th centuries), such as the pavane, galliard, and volta.
- Baroque dance: dances that were popular during the Baroque period (17th-18th centuries), such as the minuet, bourrée, and allemande.
- Romantic dance: dances that were popular during the Romantic period (19th century), such as the waltz, polka, and mazurka.
- 20th-century dance: dances that were popular during the 20th century, such as jazz dance, tap dance, and swing dance.