--- title: "History & Styles - Nan's School of Dance in Raleigh" description: "Where dance styles come from and what makes each one different." url: https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/category/history-and-styles/ --- # Nan’s School of Dance Blog Sharing the Love of Dance Since 1975 ## Category: History & Styles Where dance styles come from and what makes each one different. [![Ballet dancers in black leotards stretching one leg high on the barre beside a mirror](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/why-is-ballet-so-hard.BxKgNUjY_ZwQ1dS.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/why-is-ballet-so-hard/) ### [Why is Ballet so Hard?](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/why-is-ballet-so-hard/) Hillary WhiteOctober 14, 2025 The Challenge Behind Ballet’s Grace When you watch a ballet performance, the dancers make it look effortless—gliding across the stage, spinning with precision, and holding poses with elegance. But behind the beauty of ballet is a discipline known for its difficulty. Ballet challenges both the body and the mind, requiring strength, flexibility, focus, and artistry… [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/why-is-ballet-so-hard/) [![A ballet class in black leotards leaping, bending and stretching in a white studio](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/the-evolution-of-dance-from-historical-roots-to-modern-trends.BvGUoSjk_Z2kcl1a.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/the-evolution-of-dance-from-historical-roots-to-modern-trends/) ### [The Evolution of Dance: From Historical Roots to Modern Trends](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/the-evolution-of-dance-from-historical-roots-to-modern-trends/) Hillary WhiteOctober 3, 2023 Explore the enchanting world of dance, from its ancient origins to modern trends. Discover the beauty of ballet, the rebellion of modern dance, the rhythms of jazz and hip-hop, the creativity of contemporary dance, and the power of dance in pop culture. [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/the-evolution-of-dance-from-historical-roots-to-modern-trends/) [![Hip-hop dancers in streetwear hitting a pose in a dance studio](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/the-brief-history-of-hip-hop.CufpsscX_Zu63Ey.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/the-brief-history-of-hip-hop/) ### [The Brief History of Hip Hop](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/the-brief-history-of-hip-hop/) Hillary WhiteNovember 8, 2022 Hip Hop – A Dance Style Full of Culture and Great Beats A dance style thought to have originated in the Bronx during the early 1970s — Hip Hop has a relatively short dance history when compared to other types. While the movements and roots date back further, this natural dance style started in the… [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/the-brief-history-of-hip-hop/) [![Three action shots of a hip-hop dancer jumping, kicking and leaping](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/5-ways-to-spot-a-dancer.BrdnD2pU_ZwKabs.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/5-ways-to-spot-a-dancer/) ### [5 Ways to Spot a Dancer](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/5-ways-to-spot-a-dancer/) Hillary WhiteMarch 22, 2022 Characteristics Every Dancer Shares Has anyone ever randomly asked, “Are you a dancer?” Have you ever wondered what gave you away? You were simply standing in line at Starbucks, how could they tell? Over our years of dance experience at Nan’s School of Dance in Raleigh, one thing we have learned is that the general… [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/5-ways-to-spot-a-dancer/) [![A dancer in a sheer silver costume with arms flowing outward](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/dance-is-an-art-form.2KuLyJio_13GXuu.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/dance-is-an-art-form/) ### [Dance is an Art Form](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/dance-is-an-art-form/) Hillary WhiteJanuary 1, 2021 5 Elements of Dance | Dance is an Art Form A painter uses a brush and a canvas. A sculptor uses clay and a chisel. A violinist uses a violin and a bow. All of these artists have different tools, techniques, and skills to create their art form. Dance is no different. A dancer uses… [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/dance-is-an-art-form/) ## Want to learn more about our classes or studio? Just fill out this form and we can answer all your questions. We look forward to seeing you soon in our studio! Warmly, Hillary *This form is on the web page: *