Ballet & Theatrical Dance: Styles, History & Tempo Guide
Concert and stage forms trained in studios and performed on stage — from classical ballet to modern, contemporary, jazz, tap and Broadway dance.
Ballet
Italian Renaissance courts; codified in 17th-century France
Contemporary Dance
Europe and the United States, mid-20th century
Modern Dance
United States and Germany, early 20th century
J
Jazz Dance
African American vernacular dance; theatrical jazz on Broadway and in film
L
Lyrical Dance
United States competition studios
Tap Dance
United States — African rhythmic traditions meet Irish and Scottish step dancing
M
Musical Theatre Dance
Broadway and London's West End
Compare ballet & theatre styles
| Style | Origin | Meter | Tempo (BPM) | Difficulty | Partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet | Italian Renaissance courts; codified in 17th-century France | Varies (class music in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 and 6/8) | varies | Solo | |
| Contemporary Dance | Europe and the United States, mid-20th century | Varies | 60–120 | Solo | |
| Modern Dance | United States and Germany, early 20th century | Varies | varies | Solo | |
| Jazz Dance | African American vernacular dance; theatrical jazz on Broadway and in film | 4/4 | 100–140 | Solo | |
| Lyrical Dance | United States competition studios | Varies | 60–110 | Solo | |
| Tap Dance | United States — African rhythmic traditions meet Irish and Scottish step dancing | 4/4 (and swing) | 100–220 | Solo | |
| Musical Theatre Dance | Broadway and London's West End | Varies | 90–160 | Solo |
Tempo ranges are typical social and competition ranges; ballroom figures follow WDSF/NDCA bars-per-minute standards. Difficulty is our editorial estimate for adult beginners (1 = easiest).