- Traditional Jazz: This type of music is characterized by its use of improvisation, syncopation, and polyrhythms. Some popular traditional jazz artists include Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Duke Ellington.
- Swing Jazz: Swing jazz is a style of jazz that emerged in the 1930s and is characterized by its use of a strong, steady beat and a focus on improvisation. Some popular swing jazz artists include Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller.
- Bebop: Bebop is a style of jazz that emerged in the 1940s and is characterized by its use of fast tempos, complex harmonies, and a focus on individual musicianship. Some popular bebop jazz artists include Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk.
- Cool Jazz: Cool jazz is a style of jazz that emerged in the 1950s and is characterized by its use of relaxed tempos, simple melodies, and a focus on improvisation. Some popular cool jazz artists include Miles Davis, Chet Baker, and Gerry Mulligan.
- Hard Bop: Hard bop is a style of jazz that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s and is characterized by its use of strong, driving rhythms, blues-influenced melodies, and a focus on improvisation. Some popular hard bop jazz artists include Art Blakey, Horace Silver, and Wayne Shorter.
- Free Jazz: Free jazz is a style of jazz that emerged in the late 1950s and is characterized by its use of atonal melodies, irregular rhythms, and a focus on improvisation. Some popular free jazz artists include Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor, and Albert Ayler.
- Fusion Jazz: Fusion jazz is a style of jazz that emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s and is characterized by its use of elements from rock, funk, and other genres. Some popular fusion jazz artists include Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea.
In addition to these styles of jazz, other types of music that can be used for jazz dance include blues, Latin music, and world music. The best type of music for jazz dance is the type of music that the dancers enjoy and that inspires them to move.