Classical dance is generally a conventional dance form wherein the dancer expresses the emotions of the poetry, song, or drama through dance with elaborate gestures, steps, and poses. This form of dance is characterized by poise, precision of movement, and dignity. They can be performed solo or in groups to the accompaniment of a variety of musical instruments and elaborate beautiful costumes. The dancer usually conveys a story. Indian classical dance is an ancient cultural tradition that has its origins in Hindu temples. The different forms of Indian classical dances originated in different regions of India but its roots are traceable to Natya Shastra. The dances of each region has its own traditional music in the local language. Classical dances were considered a spiritual traditional path through which one could give expression to the soul. They were performed in temples or near it.

Folk dances are dances of the people that reflect their culture and their life experiences. They are different from ritual dances that are part of the religious practices of the community. Folk dances are ethnic or traditional dances that are passed on from generation to generation. They are usually performed at community gatherings by people who are not really professional dancers. It could be a spontaneous response to traditional music by the gathering at the occasion. They are not usually performed on the stage but on the street or at social functions. The traditions may change over time but are usually inherited from the community the folk dancers belong to. Ballroom dances and country dances are believed to be refined forms of folk dances that evolved through the years.

Western dance has undergone constant innovation. Unlike Eastern dances where the refined forms of movement have remained unchanged over centuries, Western dance is quick to adapt to new forms of dancing. It has been ready to embrace ritual dances or social dances from different parts of society. Western medieval dances were very popular both among the wealthy and the common classes. The Renaissance was a period during which dances like the waltz began to be popular. It was a favorite of Queen Victoria and so was readily accepted by the aristocracy and the commoners in the UK. Ballet which originated in the Italian courts became very popular in France and Russia. Tango, rumba, hip hop or street dancing, and tap dancing were some of the other western dance forms that developed over the years due to influences from around the world.

Zumba Fitness is an exercise program developed by Alberto Beto Perez, a Colombian dancer and choreographer in Cali, Colombia in 1998. He was an aerobics instructor who forgot to bring his usual music cassette to his aerobics class and therefore replaced it with cassettes of Latin dance music such as salsa and merengue. The initial version of this dance form was called Rumbacize from rumba meaning party in Spanish and Jazzercize. He then joined Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion in 2001 to create fitness videos. Due to the popularity of these videos, they expanded into classrooms the world over. The word Zumba was expressly created as a brand name to popularize this fitness program. Claudia Leitte, the Brazilian pop singer, became its international ambassador.

Freestyle is a form of dancing in which there is a lot of improvisation even as the dance is being performed. The dancer moves his body in rhythm to the music that is playing. It is not choreographed beforehand. Although freestyle dance forms claim to reject choreography, there is still some element of planning as the dance moves are practiced to the music being played before the actual performance. In freestyle dance, emphasis is on the body, the music, and your mind. Freestyle dance forms can be done by anyone. There is no training and the person moves his body as he is inspired to by the music that is played. Each person’s movements are therefore unique.