Dance is a form of art that involves body movements that are usually rhythmic and are synchronized to music. Dances are usually performed for entertainment or for spiritual purposes and are a form of expression. They are influenced by social, cultural and aesthetic choices and limits. Certain dances styles may just be a form of movement, but traditional dance forms usually have symbolic meanings and narrate a story. The art of creating a dance is known as choreography and the person who creates it is known as the choreographer.
Dance can be categorized by the number of people participating in it or by its purpose. Solo, group and partner dance are examples of the former categorizations, while social, ceremonial and performance dance are a few classifications under the second category.
Dancing and music have developed simultaneously as they complement each other. Genres of music are usually accompanied by dances as well. Some of these forms of dance and music are jazz, disco, salsa, tango, electronic, hip-hop and ballet. However, there are some forms of dance that can be performed without music as well.
In the early 1920’s dance gained recognition as an academic discipline. Today, several renowned universities offer dance courses as a part of their arts and humanities programs. Some courses related to dance that are prevalent today include professional dance practice and practice research, which teaches choreography and performance. Ethnochoreology is a course that involves the study of dances in relation to subjects like culture, gender, anthropology and ethnography. | 
