Dance is consisted of many different types of moves to rhythmic music, or sometimes for tap with no music at all. There are many different types of dance such as ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and lyrical. You can take all of these at every dance studio.

Ballet: In ballet there are five main positions- first, second, third, fourth, and fifth. The most frequently used positions are second, third, and fifth. To become a professional ballet performer you need lots of training and you have to be in good physical shape. You also must have the time to put into it. Dancers have tons of dedication and determination. Dancers in theater have great poise and emotion.

Pointe: Ballerinas first danced on the tips of their toes at the beginning of the 19th century. It made them appear weightless and fragile, and this became important and admired quality of ballet in the 1830s and 1840s. Good pointework looks effortless and expressive, but is actually a result of very hard work. You should not attempt to dance on pointe until your feet and legs are sufficiently strong. This will probably happen when you are about 11 years old, and when you have already trained carefully for several years.

Tap: This style of dance has been around since the days of slavery. The Africans had clogs that would make the tapping sound. Today, they use metal plates on the heels and toes of the shoe. While tapping you need to move quickly and swiftly. Instead of just moving your feet, you move your whole body. You could do moves that are on the leg or you could jump, but to do this you must have extremely good balance.

Jazz: This type of dance is very well known. African Americans also started this in the time of slavery. It was known to be danced to with very fast music. It is used in many musicals and Broadway shows. Jazz is fun to dance to and to watch. It can be taken in many dance studios around the world. Jazz dancers certainly have a lot of talent and skill.

Lyrical: This is the most modern styled dance. It is a mix between jazz and ballet. The music may either be fast or slow. Lyrical is not as well known as the other types of dancing, but you can still take the classes in some dance studios. You need the time to work hard in this style of dancing because there is a lot of training involved.

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