Life is constantly evolving and so is dance. We love that there’s always something new around the corner, but how well do you know the history of these dance styles? Can you put the following styles in order from oldest dance form to newest: Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Ballet, and Contemporary?
Ballet starts the list off as the oldest style. This dance originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century. It later developed into a concert dance form in France and Russia. It is now practiced all over the world.
Jazz dance is second on this list. It originated in the early 1900s in the United States. It was created out of the African American vernacular dance styles of the late 1800s and early 1900s, which were a mix of traditional African dance, European social dance, and other influences. Jazz dance evolved alongside the music of the time, including blues, swing, and ragtime.
Tap dance, on the other hand, has its roots in the fusion of African and European dance styles that took place in the United States during the 19th century. The dance form became popular during the 1920s and 1930s, thanks to the rise of musicals and Vaudeville shows.
Contemporary dance emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the rigid structure of classical ballet. The style is characterized by fluid, expressive movements and often involves exploring the emotions and experiences of the performer. Contemporary dance draws on a variety of other dance styles, including ballet, modern dance, and jazz.
Finally, Hip Hop dance emerged in the 1970s in the United States as part of the hip hop music and culture scene. It draws on a variety of dance styles, including African dance, tap dance, and jazz dance, and is characterized by its high energy and improvisational nature. Hip hop dance has become a popular form of dance worldwide.
