American choreographer Martha Graham defined dance as an authentic expression of the emotional feelings released through body movements.

Anthropologist Joann Kealiinohomoku gives the following definition: "Dance is a transitory, fleeting way of expression that occurs in a given form and style by means of body movements".

Julie Charlotte Van Camp collected the main theses in her dissertation, which make up the definition of dance: dance is a human movement which is formalized, i.e., performed in a certain style or according to the certain patterns and possessing such qualities as gracefulness, elegance and beauty. These patterns are accompanied by music or other rhythmic sounds and they aim to storytelling of a plot, communication or expression of feelings, themes and ideas, which can be assisted with pantomime, costumes, scenery, stage lighting and so on. She also notes that the various definitions of the concept of "dance" are unanimous only in the first paragraph - that the dance is a human movement. Dance has existed and exists in the cultural traditions of all human societies. During the long mankind history it has constantly been changing reflecting a certain cultural development. There are a lot of types, styles and forms of dance. Dance is used as a way of self-expression, social interaction, for religious purposes, as a competitive sport and as a significant art form.