DANCE

All That Glitters: A History of the Disco Ball

Before the disco ball was part of 1970s dance culture, it was the hottest thing the 1897 Charlestown electrician's union had ever seen.

We apologize in advance for getting "Macarena" stuck in your head.

When Macarena Ruled the World in 1996

Los del Río's “Macarena” became the second longest-running number one in Billboard history, shifted 14 million copies, and sparked a dance craze that spread everywhere from the Olympics to the Democratic National Convention.

Rhythmic gymnast Laura Zeng competes for the U.S. at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Artistic vs. Rhythmic Gymnastics: What’s the Difference?

Rhythmic gymnastics is all about ribbons and balls, while artistic gymnastics is all about flips and tricks. But there’s a little more to it than that.

The lion dance is a traditional part of Lunar New Year celebrations.

9 Fierce Facts About the Lion Dance

Each winter at the turn of the lunar calendar, the lion dancers put on a lively performance, gamboling about to the beat of pounding drums and crashing cymbals in dazzling spectacle meant to bring luck and prosperity.

"Would you be so kind as to pencil me in for a polka?"

My Dance Card Is Full: The “I Would If I Could” of Victorian Ball Etiquette

The Victorian era gave rise to puffy gowns, dance cards, and a fun new phrase for getting out of a date.

Amanda Schull was new to the screen when she starred in this beloved dance film.

20 Showstopping Facts About ‘Center Stage’

Did the cast of ‘Center Stage’ really ride through Times Square in a limo? Also, whose idea was it to put a motorcycle onstage?

John Downing/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

15 Fascinating Facts About Bob Fosse

FX’s ‘Fosse/Verdon’ has captivated viewers with its behind-the-scenes look at the careers of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, but there’s always more to know.

8 Surprising Facts About Patrick Swayze

The versatile actor and former dancer, who passed in 2009 at the age of 57, once owned his own carpentry business.

5 Fascinating Facts About Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker was probably the closest thing the Jazz Age had to a mega-star. The Black actress/dancer was a worldwide celebrity and devoted civil rights activist who first rose to fame by dancing in a "skirt" of artificial bananas (and very little else

5 Scientific Steps That Will Make You a Better Dancer

Dance is an art form, but it also has a foundation in science. Here's what the experts say about learning how to dance and making the most of your moves.

Huster at fr.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons // CC-BY-SA-3.0

15 Dancing Tips From 1529 Proven to Wow Your Date

Under any circumstances: Do. Not. Fart.

Egide Charles Gustave Wappers, Wikimedia Commons // Public domain

How the Performance of a French Opera About a Neapolitan Revolt Sparked a Belgian Revolution

In 1830, King William I of Netherlands celebrated his birthday with an opera. The performance would help destroy his country.

How Michael Jackson's Dancing Defied the Laws of Biomechanics

The entertainer's much-imitated dance moves pose challenges for neurosurgeons.

Michael Jackson's Moonwalk Turns 35

He might have made it famous, but Jackson was far from the first to perform what street dancers called the "back float."

The Ambiguous Origins of the Hokey Pokey

Where did this quirky song come from? It's complicated.

When Michael Flatley Was 'Lord of the Dance'

In the 1980s, Flatley aspired to run a plumbing empire with a company called Dynasewer. Life took him in another direction.

11 Secrets of Backup Dancers

You might not know their names, but chances are you've tried out a few of their moves.

The Radio City Rockettes perform the March of the Wooden Soldier at the Christmas Spectacular in Radio City Music Hall.

12 High-Kicking Facts About the Radio City Rockettes

The Radio City Rockettes are a New York City Christmas must-see, but they didn't originate in the Big Apple.

New York City Will Now Allow You to Dance Without a License

Kevin Bacon's long nightmare is finally over.

Move Over, Goat Yoga: Alpaca Dance Classes Have Arrived

Sadly, the alpacas don't teach the dances. But you can pet them while you get your groove on.

The Saturday Night Fever Dance Floor Is Up For Sale

Leisure suit not included.

The Art of Power: How Louis XIV Ruled France ... With Ballet

Instead of an iron fist, King Louis XIV ruled with his dancing shoes.

A Brief History of the Chicken Dance

It's on the dance floor at nearly every wedding today, but the success of "The Chicken Dance" didn't happen overnight.

15 Facts About Dancing With the Stars

The beloved reality series is back, and the big question on everyone’s mind is: Can Ryan Lochte out-dance Marcia Brady?

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