Latin dance typically includes dances originating in Latin America, such as Cha cha cha, Rumba, Samba, Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, and Bolero. Some dance instructors also include Tango and Argentine Tango in this list
The second is a more formal usage, to describe a category of International style ballroom dances, also called Latin American dances or International Latin. It consists of the following five dances: Cha cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive.
Want to know what the judges look for in competition, see: Judges


Tap dance was developed in the United States during the nineteenth century, and is popular nowadays in many parts of the world.
The rhythmic tapping made by the shoes makes the performer not just a dancer, but also a percussive musician
Early dancers like Fred Astaire provided a more ballroom look to tap dancing, while Gene Kelly used his extensive ballet training to make tap dancing incorporate all the parts of the ballet.
History of tap dancing: Tap


Ballet is a formalized form of dance with its origins in the French court, further developed in France and Russia as a concert dance form.
It is a highly technical form of dance with its own vocabulary.
It is best known in the form of classical ballet, notable for its techniques, such as pointe work and turn-out of the legs, its graceful, flowing, precise movements, and its ethereal qualities.
Later developments include neoclassical ballet and contemporary ballet.
Ballet step names and positions can be learnt at: Balletdancing


Irish dances can broadly be divided into social dance and performance dances.
Irish performance dancing is traditionally referred to as stepdance.
Irish stepdance, popularized in 1994 by the world-famous show "Riverdance," is notable for its rapid leg movements, body and arms being kept largely stationary.
Check out these Irish Dancing Tips


Belly dance is a Western term for a traditional Middle Eastern dance form.
Some American devotees refer to it simply as "Middle Eastern Dance.
Native to North Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, belly dancing is based on one of the oldest social dances in world history.
The costume now associated with this dance is called bedlah in Arabic (meaning "suit"), and was adopted by dancers in Egypt in the 1930s, eventually spreading to other countries in the region.
The mainstays of costuming for the bedlah style include a fitted top or bra (usually with a fringe of beads or coins), a fitted hip belt (again with a fringe of beads or coins), and a skirt
Take a look at the health benefits at: Wikipedia


Hip hop dance refers to dance styles, mainly street dance styles, primarily danced to hip hop music, or that have evolved as a part of the hip hop culture.
By its widest definition, it can include a wide range of styles such as breaking, popping, locking and krumping, and even house dance.
There are many hip hop dance competitions around the world today, some allowing all styles to enter while others focus on more specific styles.
For an interesting history of who and what influenced Hip Hop take a look at: Hip Hop Influences

If you fancy having a go, get yourself down to a dance class or buy an instructional DVD and have some fun.
If you need shoes, outfits etc try: Dancewear & Shoes
Or for the U.K try: Dance