[Working Definition]
Rhythmic body movements, usually to music, as a form of expression.
[Genres]
**Definitions are from Dictionary.com
Ballet (1660 - 1670)- a classical dance form demanding grace and precision and employing formalized steps and gestures set in intricate, flowing patterns to create expression through movement
Jazz (1905 - 1910) - music originating in New Orleans around the beginning of the 20th century and subsequently developing through various increasingly complex styles, generally marked by intricate, propulsive rhythms, polyphonic ensemble playing, improvisatory, virtuosic solos, melodic freedom, and a harmonic idiom ranging from simple diatonicism through chromaticism to atonality.
Tap (1925- 1930) - a dance in which the rhythm or rhythmical variation is audibly tapped out with the toe or heel by a dancer wearing shoes with special hard soles or with taps.
Hip-Hop (1985 - 1890) - the popular subculture of big-city teenagers, which includes rap music, break dancing, and graffiti art.
Modern (1910 - 1915) - a form of contemporary theatrical and concert dance employing a special technique for developing the use of the entire body in movements expressive of abstract ideas
Swing (1930s)- Big Band music, swing music: a style of jazz, popular esp. in the 1930s and often arranged for a large dance band, marked by a smoother beat and more flowing phrasing than Dixieland and having less complex harmonies and rhythms than modern jazz.
Contra dance (1795- 1805) - A folk dance performed in two lines with the partners facing each other.
Country and western dance (1570- 1580) -a dance of rural English origin in which the dancers form circles or squares or in which they face each other in two rows.
Belly Dance (1895 - 1900) - an Oriental solo dance, performed by a woman with midriff exposed, emphasizing movements of the pelvis and abdominal muscles.
Flamenco (1895 - 1900) - a style of dancing, characteristic of the Andalusian Gypsies, that is strongly rhythmic and involves vigorous actions, as clapping the hands and stamping the feet.
Latin Dance - Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, Samba, Salsa, Mambo, danza, Merengue, Tumba, Bachata, Cumbia, and Bolero.
Folk Dance (1905 - 1910) -a dance that originated among, and has been transmitted through, the common people.
Ballroom - Any of various social dances, such as the fox trot, tango, or waltz, in which couples follow a conventional pattern of steps.
Liturgical Dance - Liturgical dance is a Christian expression of prayer or worship through body movement (wikipedia)
Traditional Dance
Participative dance improvisation
[Venues in NYC]
Joyce Soho
Judson Church
St. Mark's Church in the Bowery
Not having been there myself unfortunately, I have always heard about the dance festivities at Juilliard. This wonderful school is not only talented in music, but is well rounded in many forms of art! They normally have student discounts also…so you should check it out.
School talent shows are always interesting to watch. Each song, dance, or poem is thought up by a student/a group. Truly shows a school's talents.
At many parties around the city, private or public, usually they're are people dancing. It could be ballroom, hip hop, or just random. As long as the people are just having fun.
Dancers can also be found entertaining hundreds of people during the summer at Central Park. Other dancers are also roaming the city, usually at 34th street, 42nd street, and 14th street. However, some even step into train cars, and perform amazing dances on the train.
Stepping Out Studios offers private lessons and group courses as well as services for all kinds of parties and shows. It is one of the largest, most diverse, and friendly Latin and Ballroom dance schools in New York. It offers a wide range of diverse lessons in Salsa, Argantine Tango, Swing, Latin, Ballroom, Country Western, and more, all in a creative and fun environment. It is available for individuals of all levels all week long.