Dance Styles for Beginners
Beginner guides to popular dance styles: how the count works, the first steps to learn, what a first class looks like and how to practice at home.
| Style | Partner or solo | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Salsa | Partner (also danced solo, called shines) | Low to moderate |
| Bachata | Partner (often practiced solo) | Low |
| Merengue | Partner or solo | Low |
| Cha-Cha | Partner | Low to moderate |
| Samba | Partner (ballroom) or solo (Brazilian samba no pe) | Moderate |
| Rumba | Partner | Low |
| Tango | Partner | Low |
| Waltz | Partner | Low |
| Foxtrot | Partner | Low |
| Swing Dance | Partner | Moderate |
| Lindy Hop | Partner | Moderate to high |
| West Coast Swing | Partner | Low to moderate |
| Line Dancing | Solo, in lines | Low to moderate |
| Country Two-Step | Partner | Low |
| Hip Hop Dance | Solo or group | Moderate |
| Ballet | Solo | Low to moderate |
| Jazz Dance | Solo or group | Moderate |
| Tap Dance | Solo or group | Low to moderate |
| Contemporary Dance | Solo or group | Low to moderate |
| Belly Dance | Solo | Low |
| Flamenco | Solo | Moderate (heavy footwork) |
| Bollywood Dance | Solo or group | Moderate |
| K-Pop Dance | Group choreography | Moderate |
| Afrobeats Dance | Solo or group | Moderate |
| Reggaeton Dance | Solo or partner | Moderate |
| Irish Dance | Solo or group | High |
| Square Dance | Groups of four couples | Low to moderate |
| Hula | Solo or group | Low |
| Step Aerobics | Group class or video | Low to moderate |
| Pole Fitness | Solo | Low (high strength demand) |
Looking up a single move? Try the dance step glossary.
Compiled by the Rhythm Desk. Last checked October 2026.