Dance is an art form consisting of sequences of body movements with aesthetic and often symbolic value, either improvised or purposefully selected. It can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoire of movements, or by its historical period or place of origin. Dance is typically performed with musical accompaniment, and sometimes with the dancer simultaneously using a musical instrument themselves.
Dance can be divided into two categories: theatrical and participatory dance, although these two categories are not always completely separate. Both may have special functions, whether social, ceremonial, competitive, erotic, martial, sacred, or liturgical. Other forms of human movement are sometimes said to have a dance-like quality, including martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading, figure skating, synchronized swimming, marching bands, and many other forms of athletics.
Dance is a powerful impulse, but the art of dance is that impulse channeled by skillful performers into something that becomes intensely expressive and that may delight spectators who feel no wish to dance themselves. Dance is also a form of expression for people who dance in styles ranging from ballet to hip-hop. Some performers dance professionally, and there are appreciative audiences for performances ranging from a ballet production of Sleeping Beauty to a hip-hop freestyle competition. People of all ages dance for various reasons, including exercise, fun, and self-expression.
