Dance: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Dance Types
Learn about the many different styles of dance, including ballet, modern, hip-hop, folk, and more.
Learn about the many different styles of dance, including ballet, modern, hip-hop, folk, and more.
5 Positions of Ballet
An illustrated tutorial of the five basic feet positions of ballet.
An illustrated tutorial of the five basic feet positions of ballet.
How to Do Splits
An illustrated, step-by-step tutorial for learning how to do front splits and center splits.
An illustrated, step-by-step tutorial for learning how to do front splits and center splits.
Famous Dancers
Profiles and highlights of some of the most famous dancers, both past and present.
Profiles and highlights of some of the most famous dancers, both past and present.
A Profile of Jazz Dance
Learn all about the basics of jazz dance.
Learn all about the basics of jazz dance.
Do the Cha-Cha Slide
Step-by-step illustrations of the Cha-Cha Slide, a popular party dance.
Step-by-step illustrations of the Cha-Cha Slide, a popular party dance.
Modern Dance
Modern dance is a dance style that rejects many of the strict rules of classical ballet, focusing instead on the expression of inner feelings.
Modern dance is a dance style that rejects many of the strict rules of classical ballet, focusing instead on the expression of inner feelings.
Dance Movies
Top 10 movies about dance.
Top 10 movies about dance.
Ballet 101
Learn the basic beginner ballet steps and techniques of ballet.
Learn the basic beginner ballet steps and techniques of ballet.
Diet for Dancers
Serious dancers need a proper diet to perform at their best. Learn about foods a dancer should, and shouldn't, eat.
Serious dancers need a proper diet to perform at their best. Learn about foods a dancer should, and shouldn't, eat.
Basic Barre
Work at the barre is meant to warm up the muscles and improve turnout and balance. Each barre exercise should be performed on one side of the body and then again on the other.
Work at the barre is meant to warm up the muscles and improve turnout and balance. Each barre exercise should be performed on one side of the body and then again on the other.
Learn the Cha-Cha Slide
A step-by-step, illustrated guide to the Cha-Cha Slide dance.
A step-by-step, illustrated guide to the Cha-Cha Slide dance.
Hip Hop Dance
Hip hop is a dance style, usually danced to hip hop music, that evolved from the hip hop culture.
Hip hop is a dance style, usually danced to hip hop music, that evolved from the hip hop culture.
Tap Dancing
Tap is an exciting form of dancing in which dancers wear special shoes equipped with metal taps. Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats.
Tap is an exciting form of dancing in which dancers wear special shoes equipped with metal taps. Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats.
Ballet Arm Positions
An illustrated tutorial of the arm positions in ballet.
An illustrated tutorial of the arm positions in ballet.
Straddle Stretch Routine
A step-by-step guide illustrating how to stretch to increase flexibility for doing the splits.
A step-by-step guide illustrating how to stretch to increase flexibility for doing the splits.
Health Benefits
Dancing is a great way for people of all ages to get and stay in shape. Besides being fun, dancing has many positive health benefits. Following are the top 4 health benefits of dance.
Dancing is a great way for people of all ages to get and stay in shape. Besides being fun, dancing has many positive health benefits. Following are the top 4 health benefits of dance.
Nutcracker Characters
A list of the many characters who make up the holiday ballet favorite.
A list of the many characters who make up the holiday ballet favorite.
Giselle
Learn about the great romantice ballet, Giselle.
Learn about the great romantice ballet, Giselle.
Flamenco Dance
Flamenco dance is an expressive dance form that mixes percussive footwork with intricate hand, arm and body movements.
Flamenco dance is an expressive dance form that mixes percussive footwork with intricate hand, arm and body movements.
Dance Warm Up
A dance warm up should be performed before each dance practice session.
A dance warm up should be performed before each dance practice session.
Latin Dance
Latin dance is a fast-paced, often sensual, partner dance characterized by sexy hip movements.
Latin dance is a fast-paced, often sensual, partner dance characterized by sexy hip movements.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was born August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana.
Michael Jackson was born August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana.
Become a Dancer
Everything you need to know to become a dancer. Read beginner questions and answers, learn about dance equipment, and learn all about different dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz and more. A must-read guide for every aspiring dancer.
Everything you need to know to become a dancer. Read beginner questions and answers, learn about dance equipment, and learn all about different dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz and more. A must-read guide for every aspiring dancer.
Zumba
Zumba is a fitness program inspired by Latin dance.
Zumba is a fitness program inspired by Latin dance.
Learn Dance Routines
The following tips will help you memorize dance routines quickly and easily.
The following tips will help you memorize dance routines quickly and easily.
Jazz Warm-Up
An illustrated, step-by-step jazz dance warm-up.
An illustrated, step-by-step jazz dance warm-up.
Ballet Quiz - Basic Ballet Quiz
Test your knowlegde of ballet with this basic ballet quiz.
Test your knowlegde of ballet with this basic ballet quiz.
Dance and Weight Loss
Can dancing cause weight loss?
Can dancing cause weight loss?
What to Wear to Ballet Class
Part of dancing your best is knowing that you look your very best. What should you wear to ballet class?
Part of dancing your best is knowing that you look your very best. What should you wear to ballet class?
Make a Ballerina Bun
This step-by-step, illustrated tutorial shows you how to make the perfect ballerina bun with your hair.
This step-by-step, illustrated tutorial shows you how to make the perfect ballerina bun with your hair.
Adult Ballet
It's never too late to learn ballet. Adult ballet is a great way to get into shape and learn something new.
It's never too late to learn ballet. Adult ballet is a great way to get into shape and learn something new.
Cha-Cha Slide Step One
Learn the steps to the Cha-Cha Slide.
Learn the steps to the Cha-Cha Slide.
Charlie Brown
Learn how to do the Charlie Brown, a dance step in the Cha-Cha Slide.
Learn how to do the Charlie Brown, a dance step in the Cha-Cha Slide.
Guide for the Young Ballerina
A ballet guide for kids and parents. This guide will introduce both girls and boys to the world of ballet.
A ballet guide for kids and parents. This guide will introduce both girls and boys to the world of ballet.
Stage Makeup
Line both the upper and lower lash lines with black eyeliner.
Line both the upper and lower lash lines with black eyeliner.
Swan Lake
Learn all about the famous ballet, Swan Lake.
Learn all about the famous ballet, Swan Lake.
Tendu
A step-by-step illustration of a battement tendu in ballet.
A step-by-step illustration of a battement tendu in ballet.
Jazz Stretch
An illustrated stretch routine for jazz dancing that you can do at home.
An illustrated stretch routine for jazz dancing that you can do at home.
Pointe in Ballet
Dancing "en pointe," or on pointe shoes, requires tremendous strength of the legs and feet. Following are 5 requirements that must be met before considering starting pointe ballet classes.
Dancing "en pointe," or on pointe shoes, requires tremendous strength of the legs and feet. Following are 5 requirements that must be met before considering starting pointe ballet classes.
Ballroom Dances
Learn about 12 of the most popular ballroom dances.
Learn about 12 of the most popular ballroom dances.
Leg Hold
An illustrated guide to doing a leg hold in dance.
An illustrated guide to doing a leg hold in dance.
Demi Plie
Bend your knees to demi plie.
Bend your knees to demi plie.
Pirouette
A step-by-step, illustrated tutorial of a pirouette, a turn on one leg.
A step-by-step, illustrated tutorial of a pirouette, a turn on one leg.
Straddle Jump
Straddle jumps may take tons of practice to master, but they are audience thrillers.
Straddle jumps may take tons of practice to master, but they are audience thrillers.
Anna Pavlova
The world will forever remember the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, who brought a more traditional feel to classical ballet.
The world will forever remember the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, who brought a more traditional feel to classical ballet.
Improve Leaps
Following are 3 tips to help you improve your leaps.
Following are 3 tips to help you improve your leaps.
Famous Choreographers
Learn about famous dance choreographers.
Learn about famous dance choreographers.
Dance Injuries
Despite our best intentions, dance injuries do occur. Following are common dance injuries and their causes.
Despite our best intentions, dance injuries do occur. Following are common dance injuries and their causes.
All About The Nutcracker
For many people, the holidays wouldn't seem complete without attending a performance of The Nutcracker Ballet. Here is a close look at The Nutcracker, a traditional holiday favorite.
For many people, the holidays wouldn't seem complete without attending a performance of The Nutcracker Ballet. Here is a close look at The Nutcracker, a traditional holiday favorite.
Better Stetching
How can I stretch more effectively in order to improve my splits?
How can I stretch more effectively in order to improve my splits?
Find the Right Dance Style
If you are considering learning how to dance, you have several dance styles from which to choose. Whatever your reasons for wanting to learn, you must first choose a dance style. How do you know which dance style is right for you?
If you are considering learning how to dance, you have several dance styles from which to choose. Whatever your reasons for wanting to learn, you must first choose a dance style. How do you know which dance style is right for you?
Jive
Learn all about the Jive.
Learn all about the Jive.
Jazz Square
Learn how to do a basic jazz square.
Learn how to do a basic jazz square.
Jazz isolation Routine
An step-by-step, illustrated jazz isolation routine.
An step-by-step, illustrated jazz isolation routine.
What IsTurnout?
Turnout in ballet is the outward rotation of the feet and the hips.
Turnout in ballet is the outward rotation of the feet and the hips.
Dance 101 Quiz
Test your knowledge of dance.
Test your knowledge of dance.
Arabesque
An illustrated tutorial of an arabesque in ballet.
An illustrated tutorial of an arabesque in ballet.
Grand Plie
An illustrated tutorial of a grand plie in ballet.
An illustrated tutorial of a grand plie in ballet.
Rond de Jambe
An illustrated tutorial of a rond de jambe in ballet.
An illustrated tutorial of a rond de jambe in ballet.
Belly Dancing
Learn about the art of belly dancing.
Learn about the art of belly dancing.
Barre Stretch
Illustrated demonstration of barre stretches in ballet.
Illustrated demonstration of barre stretches in ballet.
Leg Stretches for Dancers
An illustrated tutorial of exercises to improve leg flexibility.
An illustrated tutorial of exercises to improve leg flexibility.
Eleve
Lift both heels to eleve.
Lift both heels to eleve.
What Is Folk Dance?
Folk dance refers to dances developed by groups or communities, as opposed to being made up by a choreographer.
Folk dance refers to dances developed by groups or communities, as opposed to being made up by a choreographer.
Create Dance Routine
It's fun and simple to put together a dance routine. Find out how to choreograph a dance.
It's fun and simple to put together a dance routine. Find out how to choreograph a dance.
How to Dance
Finding the beat of the music is an important step in learning how to dance.
Finding the beat of the music is an important step in learning how to dance.
Paso Doble
Learn all about the Paso Doble in ballroom dancing.
Learn all about the Paso Doble in ballroom dancing.
Point Your Feet
Ballet dancers point their feet to make a long, graceful line with their legs.
Ballet dancers point their feet to make a long, graceful line with their legs.
Warm Up Thigh Stretches
A step-by-step guide to thigh stretches helpful for warming up before you dance.
A step-by-step guide to thigh stretches helpful for warming up before you dance.
Swing Dance
Swing dance is a lively dance style in which couples swing, spin and jump together.
Swing dance is a lively dance style in which couples swing, spin and jump together.
Top 10 Classical Ballets
Descriptions of the top 10 classical ballets.
Descriptions of the top 10 classical ballets.
Guide to Jazz Shoes
Jazz shoes are available in several different styles. If you are looking to buy a pair of jazz shoes, read this guide before you start shopping.
Jazz shoes are available in several different styles. If you are looking to buy a pair of jazz shoes, read this guide before you start shopping.
Breakdance History
Learn about the history of breakdancing.
Learn about the history of breakdancing.
Martha Graham
Learn all about American dancer Martha Graham.
Learn all about American dancer Martha Graham.
Good Dance Teachers
Once you have decided to take dance lessons, it is important that you find the right dance teacher.
Once you have decided to take dance lessons, it is important that you find the right dance teacher.
Point Your Toes
An illustrated turtorial for learning how to properly point your toes.
An illustrated turtorial for learning how to properly point your toes.
Quickstep
Learn all about the Quickstep in ballroom dancing.
Learn all about the Quickstep in ballroom dancing.
Improve Your Turnout
Flex and point your toes.
Flex and point your toes.
Buying the Right Ballet Shoes
Follow these tips to find the perfect ballet shoes.
Follow these tips to find the perfect ballet shoes.
Dance - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Dance guide site.
An index of QuickTips for the Dance guide site.
Cost of Dance Classes
Your daughter wants to take dance classes. How musch will dance classes cost? Can you afford it?
Your daughter wants to take dance classes. How musch will dance classes cost? Can you afford it?
How to Tie Pointe Shoes
An illustrated tutorial to teach you how to tie pointe shoes.
An illustrated tutorial to teach you how to tie pointe shoes.
Lyrical Dance
Lyrical dance is a dance style that blends ballet and jazz dance.
Lyrical dance is a dance style that blends ballet and jazz dance.
Mikhail Baryshnikov
Known as the best living male ballet dancer, Mikhail Baryshnikov is a famous Russian dancer.
Known as the best living male ballet dancer, Mikhail Baryshnikov is a famous Russian dancer.
Cha Cha
Learn all about the popular Latin American dance, the Cha Cha.
Learn all about the popular Latin American dance, the Cha Cha.
Why Are Ballet Terms French?
Why are so many ballet terms in French?
Why are so many ballet terms in French?
Ballet Warm Up
A ballet warm up prepares the whole body for the work ahead.
A ballet warm up prepares the whole body for the work ahead.
Proper Age for Ballet
Until the age of 8, children benefit most from pre-ballet classes. Before then, the bones are too soft for the demands of technical exercises.
Until the age of 8, children benefit most from pre-ballet classes. Before then, the bones are too soft for the demands of technical exercises.
Clothes for Jazz Class
How should I dress for a jazz class?
How should I dress for a jazz class?
Improve Your Balance
Balance is an important component of all types of dance.
Balance is an important component of all types of dance.
Find the Beat
Beaing able to find the beat of music will help you become a great dancer.
Beaing able to find the beat of music will help you become a great dancer.
Improve Ballet Posture
Ballet dancers must learn how to properly hold their bodies in order to achieve maximum grace and balance.
Ballet dancers must learn how to properly hold their bodies in order to achieve maximum grace and balance.
Line Dancing
Learn all about line dancing.
Learn all about line dancing.
Ballets By Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky wrote the music for three of the most popular ballets of all time.
Tchaikovsky wrote the music for three of the most popular ballets of all time.
Butterfly Stretch
A step-by-step tutorial illustrating how to do a butterfly stretch
A step-by-step tutorial illustrating how to do a butterfly stretch
Jazz Quiz - Basic Jazz Dance Quiz
Test your knowlegde of jazz dancing with this basic jazz quiz.
Test your knowlegde of jazz dancing with this basic jazz quiz.
Tap Shoes
Check out this guide before you buy your next pair of tap shoes. Learn all about how to find the right style, fit and sound of tap shoes.
Check out this guide before you buy your next pair of tap shoes. Learn all about how to find the right style, fit and sound of tap shoes.
Passe
Learn the definition of passe in ballet.
Learn the definition of passe in ballet.
Coupe
Learn a coupe in ballet.
Learn a coupe in ballet.
Country Dancing
Country dancing includes several dances, usually danced to country-western music.
Country dancing includes several dances, usually danced to country-western music.
Closed Position
An illustrated guide to the basic closed position in ballroom dancing.
An illustrated guide to the basic closed position in ballroom dancing.
How to Make a Ballet Barre
Learn how to make a ballet barre for practicing ballet at home.
Learn how to make a ballet barre for practicing ballet at home.
Dance Tips
Top 8 ways to dance better.
Top 8 ways to dance better.
Spotting for Turns
A step-by-step, illustrated tutorial of spotting for turns.
A step-by-step, illustrated tutorial of spotting for turns.
Tango
Learn all about dancing the tango.
Learn all about dancing the tango.
Bunny Hop
Follow these steps to learn how to dance the Bunny Hop.
Follow these steps to learn how to dance the Bunny Hop.
Gene Kelly
Learn all about American dancer and entertainer Gene Kelly.
Learn all about American dancer and entertainer Gene Kelly.
Importance of Barre Work
Are barre exercises really necessary for excelling in ballet?
Are barre exercises really necessary for excelling in ballet?
Tap Quiz - Basic Tap Quiz
Test your knowlegde of tap dancing with this basic tap quiz.
Test your knowlegde of tap dancing with this basic tap quiz.
Look Better on the Dance Floor
Good posture is important for successful ballroom dancing. Correct body alignment will improve your appearance on the dance floor.
Good posture is important for successful ballroom dancing. Correct body alignment will improve your appearance on the dance floor.
Requirements for Pointe Work
Starting pointe work marks a milestone in a dancer's life. How do you know when you're ready for pointe shoes?
Starting pointe work marks a milestone in a dancer's life. How do you know when you're ready for pointe shoes?
Point and Alignment
Proper ballet technique requires precise body alignment and pointing of the feet.
Proper ballet technique requires precise body alignment and pointing of the feet.
Basic Ballet Positions
Learn about the five basic positions of ballet.
Learn about the five basic positions of ballet.
Romeo and Juliet
Learn about Romeo and Juliet, a ballet by Sergei Prokofiev.
Learn about Romeo and Juliet, a ballet by Sergei Prokofiev.
Start Ballroom Dancing
You don't have to be a dancer to learn ballroom dancing.
You don't have to be a dancer to learn ballroom dancing.
Yoga Stretches
Add a few yoga stretches to increase your flexibility.
Add a few yoga stretches to increase your flexibility.
Strengthen Feet
If you are new to pointework, or are hoping to start dancing on pointe soon, try this exercise to strengthen your feet.
If you are new to pointework, or are hoping to start dancing on pointe soon, try this exercise to strengthen your feet.
Developpe
Illustrated tutorial of a developpe in ballet.
Illustrated tutorial of a developpe in ballet.
Tap Dance Warm-Up
Learn how to warm up for tap dancing.
Learn how to warm up for tap dancing.
Land of Sweets
In the second act of The Nutcracker Ballet, Clara and the prince arrive at the Land of Sweets.
In the second act of The Nutcracker Ballet, Clara and the prince arrive at the Land of Sweets.
Arabesque Tip
Practice makes perfect! Practice the arabesque to perfect your technique.
Practice makes perfect! Practice the arabesque to perfect your technique.
Find Dance Class
Once you have decided to become a dancer, it is important to spend some time finding the right dance class.
Once you have decided to become a dancer, it is important to spend some time finding the right dance class.
Bob Fosse
Learn all about famous jazz dancer and choreographer Bob Fosse.
Learn all about famous jazz dancer and choreographer Bob Fosse.
Fun Facts About the Nutcracker
The New York City Ballet usually presents around 50 performances of The Nutcracker Ballet each year. Here are a few fun facts about the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker performance.
The New York City Ballet usually presents around 50 performances of The Nutcracker Ballet each year. Here are a few fun facts about the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker performance.
John Travolta
Learn about American actor, dancer and singer John Travolta.
Learn about American actor, dancer and singer John Travolta.
A Perfect Arabesque
Learn how to execute a perfect arabesque, every time.
Learn how to execute a perfect arabesque, every time.
Jazz Layout
A jazz layout is an advanced move that requires a lot of practice.
A jazz layout is an advanced move that requires a lot of practice.
Warming Up Before Ballet Class
You will get a lot more out of each ballet class if you arrive a few minutes early to warm up and stretch.
You will get a lot more out of each ballet class if you arrive a few minutes early to warm up and stretch.
What Are Pointe Shoes
Pointe shoes, sometimes called toe shoes, are a special shoe worn by ballet dancers for performing pointework.
Pointe shoes, sometimes called toe shoes, are a special shoe worn by ballet dancers for performing pointework.
Coppelia
Learn about Coppelia, a charming, fun ballet.
Learn about Coppelia, a charming, fun ballet.
Patrick Swayze
Patrick Swayze, talented dancer and actor, captivated audiences with his dancing talents in the movie Dirty Dancing.
Patrick Swayze, talented dancer and actor, captivated audiences with his dancing talents in the movie Dirty Dancing.
Strengthen Leg Muscles
The first step in this leg-strengthening exercise is to bend your right knee.
The first step in this leg-strengthening exercise is to bend your right knee.
Thriller
Michael Jackson's Thriller was released in 1983.
Michael Jackson's Thriller was released in 1983.
Good Ballet Dancers
If you go to the ballet, how do you know if the ballet dancers are good?
If you go to the ballet, how do you know if the ballet dancers are good?
Nutcrcaker Act One
The first act of The Nutcracker Ballet consists of three sections: the Party Scene, the Battle and the Land of Snow.
The first act of The Nutcracker Ballet consists of three sections: the Party Scene, the Battle and the Land of Snow.
First Ballet
The first ballet was staged in the year 1581 at the French court.
The first ballet was staged in the year 1581 at the French court.
Make Your Pointes Last Longer
Learn ways to make your pointe shoes last longer.
Learn ways to make your pointe shoes last longer.
Men in Tights
Why do male ballet dancers wear tights?
Why do male ballet dancers wear tights?
Learn the Bunny Hop
An illustrated guide to help you learn the Bunny Hop.
An illustrated guide to help you learn the Bunny Hop.
La Sylphide
La Sylphide is credited with being one of the first Romantic ballets.
La Sylphide is credited with being one of the first Romantic ballets.
Paul Taylor
Learn about famous choreographer Paul Taylor.
Learn about famous choreographer Paul Taylor.
Jazz Hip Stretch
An illustrated, step-by-step guide to performing a hip stretch for jazz.
An illustrated, step-by-step guide to performing a hip stretch for jazz.
Start Your Child in Dance
Learn how to start your child in dance, including information about dance classes and how to find the perfect dance teacher.
Learn how to start your child in dance, including information about dance classes and how to find the perfect dance teacher.
Alvin Ailey
Learn all about famous choreographer Alvin Ailey.
Learn all about famous choreographer Alvin Ailey.
Tchaikovsky
Pyotr (Peter) Tchaikovsky, one of the best-loved composers of all time, composed The Nutcracker Suite in 1891-1892.
Pyotr (Peter) Tchaikovsky, one of the best-loved composers of all time, composed The Nutcracker Suite in 1891-1892.
Dance Expressions
This dancer is portraying the emotion of being scared.
This dancer is portraying the emotion of being scared.
Mambo
Learn all about the Mambo.
Learn all about the Mambo.