Dance is a rhythmic body movement, usually performed to music within a limited space, for the purpose of expressing an idea or emotion, releasing energy, or simply for the thrill of the movement itself.

Dance in any manifestation is a powerful impulse of feelings and emotions, but the art of dance is how this impulse is directed by skilled performers into something intense and expressive that can delight the audience who do not feel the slightest desire to dance themselves. These two concepts of dance (dance as a powerful impulse and dance as choreography) is practiced by virtually any professional . In dance, the connection between these two concepts is stronger than in some other art forms, and neither can exist without the other.

Although the above global definition covers all art forms, philosophers and critics throughout history have offered different definitions of dance. For example, Aristotle, in the Poetics, stated that dance is a rhythmic movement whose purpose is “to represent the male characters and what they do and how they suffer.” This refers to the central role that dance played in classical Greek theater, where the chorus, through its movements, played out dramatic plots during a lyrical interlude.

What is dance
The English ballet master John Weaver stated in 1721 that “dance is an elegant and regular movement, which is harmoniously composed of beautiful postures and graceful posture of the body and its parts.” This description very clearly reflects the “dignified” and courtly movements that characterized the ballet of the time, with its highly formalized aesthetics and lack of vivid emotion. The 19th century French dance historian Gaston Vuillier also emphasized the grace, harmony, and beauty of dance, while also emphasizing the difference between “true” dance and the spontaneous movements of early people.

A truly universal definition of dance must emphasize the underlying principle that dance is an art form or activity that uses the body and the range of movements of which the body is capable. Unlike the movements performed in everyday life, dance movements are not directly related to work, travel, or survival.

Dance, of course, can consist of movements related to such activities (for example, work-related dances are common to many cultures) and can even accompany such activities. But even in the most practical dances, the movements that make it up are not reduced to reflecting simple muscular strength; rather, they display some additional qualities, such as self-expression, aesthetic pleasure, and entertainment. This article examines the methods and components of dance, as well as the aesthetic principles underlying its appreciation as an art form.