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Top 30 Dancers of All Time

Originally published by Purity in June 2023 and updated by Vanessa M in February 2024

Dance has always been with us for as far as we can trace human civilization. Individuals have however finessed the art of dancing over the years to create a name for themselves in lists like this one. From the iconic moonwalk move by Michael Jackson to the flawless ballet techniques by Anna Pavlova, dancers have wowed us with their classic performances that not only leave us entertained but also impressed. While most of us still pull off the sly ‘I’ve got two left feet’ phrase whenever called upon to dance in our social circles, these dancers took on big stages and just did their thing! Besides a natural talent for some, they all practiced and perfected their techniques to become the top dancers of all time. Here’s a list of 30 of the top dancers throughout history in no particular order.

1. Michael Jackson

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Is there any debate about M.J.’s iconic dancing techniques? The moonwalk was his signature move, the toe-stand left us in awe, and don’t forget his unbelievable anti-gravity lean! The three may not have been his original idea, but the truth is, Michael transformed them into the classic, iconic moves as we know them today. This, in addition to his great voice and amazing performance skills, made him one of the best music performers of his time. He remains a force to reckon with to date.

Read also; Top 10 Facts about Pop Singer Michael Jackson.

2. Anna Pavlova

Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova (1881-1931) via

If you’ve tried ballet dancing without much luck, then you know dancing on the tips of your toes is no easy feat. Pavlova, however, was a master of this art, and very few ballet dancers come close to what she achieved. She was one of the top Russian dancers of her time, and she also designed the precursor to the pointe shoe. Pavlova’s small body size and thin frame became the archetype for ballet dancers. She was also a member of the Imperial Russian Ballet and toured the world, influencing many people’s views on ballet.

See also; Top 10 Amazing Facts about Anna Pavlova.

3. Michael Flatley

Irish dancer Michael Flatley via

Irish dance is known for its unique tap dancing techniques. Flatley is considered a god among Irish dancers and is credited for re-inventing traditional styles. He is also famous for producing Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. He started taking lessons when he was 11 years old and was the first American to hold a World Irish Dance title at the age of 17. He holds the Guinness World Record for the highest number of taps per second. That’s 35 taps, and you’ve got to admit it; that’s quite impressive.

4. Martha Graham

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She was a ballet dancer who challenged the norm and is now credited as a pioneer of modern dance. Martha was an American dancer and choreographer in the late 20^th century. At the time, modern dance was considered rebellious and a deviation from the strict ballet rules. Martha Graham did away with the playbook, and adopted more freedom of movement and dressing, creating the Graham Technique. This revolutionized American dance.

Read more on; 110 Most Influential Women of All Time.

5. Fred Astaire

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Fred graced the screens in his day as a Broadway and American film dancer. His impeccable sense of rhythm and meticulous attention to detail were some of his top qualities as a dancer. He began dancing at the age of four, and by the time he died in 1987, he had earned a spot as one of the greatest dancers on TV. He starred in several movies, including Shall We Dance, The Band Wagon, and Top Hat. Fred won many awards for his achievements, including 3 Emmy Awards and an Oscar. Numerous dancers and choreographers, including Sammy Davis Jr., Rudolf Nureyev, and Mikhail Baryshnikov cited that Fred bore great influence on their techniques.

6. Mikhail Baryshnikov

Mikhail Baryshnikov by Embajada de EEUU en la Argentina .

Russia is known for many things, and producing incredible dancers is just one of those. Mikhail; a Russian-American dancer, is widely considered one of the best male ballet dancers in the world. He has even acted as the artistic director at the American ballet theatre and the New York City Ballet!

Read also; Top 10 Most Famous Russian People.

7. Rudolf Nureyev

Photo by Allan Warren.

Widely regarded as ‘Lord of the dance’, Rudolf was born in 1993 in Hauts-de-Seine in Paris. He is considered one of the greatest male ballet dancers of all time and is known for his near-perfect dance technique and precision. He was a director for the Paris Opera Ballet (1983-1989), and he often blended classical ballet with contemporary styles.

Read also; 10 Best Dance Studios in Anchorage.

8. Isadora Duncan

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Known as ‘The Mother of Dance,‘ Isadora was a dancer and passionate choreographer who spent over 40 years teaching dance styles all over Russia, America, and Western Europe. She was known for her flexibility and undaunted defiance against the rigid dance rules of her time. This made her especially popular with young dance fanatics, and she is considered a major mover in reshaping modern dance techniques. She, unfortunately, died at age 50 in a car accident.

9. Beyonce

Photo by Asterio Tecson via Wikimedia Commons.

Beyonce Knowles is one of the best-selling artists of all time and a stunning performer when it comes to putting up a good show. The multiple award-winning artist began her career as part of Destiny’s Child before taking up a solo career. ‘Single Ladies’ is one of her biggest hit songs, and we all remember the dance craze that came with it. Her incredible dance routine and moves have become staples in hip-hop, earning her a spot in the list of top dancers of all time.

10. Chris Brown

Photo by Eva Rinaldi via W

The American R&B artist may have had dramatic turns in his career, but when it comes to the best contemporary dancers, he is undoubtedly a top contender. He has released numerous songs, and his modern, edgy dance moves are part of his musical style. His signature spin move adds to some of his similarities in terms of technique with Michael Jackson.

11. Shakira

Photo by Andres Arrans via

The Colombian singer, songwriter, and dancer is known for her musical versatility and iconic dancing abilities. When she says ‘hips don’t lie’, it’s hard to deny it because her stage presence indeed does the talking. She has often been referenced as the ‘Queen of Latin music’, and has sold over 80 million records. Her dance style combines Middle Eastern belly dancing and Latin movements.

12. Paula Abdul

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The American dancer, choreographer, and actress has many titles to her name. Her dancing career started as a cheerleader for the LA Lakers before later becoming a choreographer for the Laker Girls. The Jacksons soon discovered her, and she started choreographing their music videos. She got signed to Virgin Records and her debut studio album, Forever Your Girl (1988) sold 7 million copies in the U.S. Paula’s iconic dancing abilities have earned her numerous awards and judge appearances on shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, The Masked Dancer and Live to Dance.

13. Vaslav Nijinsky

Very few male ballet dancers finesse dancing en pointe, but Vaslav perfected his routine to become one of the most gifted male dancers in ballet history. The Russian dancer was known for his seemingly effortless ability to defy gravity on stage, taking iconic leaps in rhythm and showcasing impressive characterization. He was often paired with Anna Pavlova, yet another formidable force in ballet, and the two were legendary, to say the least.

Read also; The Best Ballet Dancing Schools in Paris.

14. Sammy Davis Jr.

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Sammy Davis is a multi-talented artist when it comes to acting, singing, and even comedy. Dance, however, is what he is most popularly known for, and in particular, tap dancing. His parents were incredible artists as well, and it’s no surprise he started performing at a very young age. His father was a vaudevillian and his mother was a tap dancer. Sammy Davis was already tap dancing by the time he was 4 years old, and is now considered one of the best and most famous black tap dancers. His dancing abilities and fluidity when it comes to rhythm earn him a place among the top dancers of his time.

15. Joaquin Cortes

Photo by Roberto Santorini.

Cortes is a Spanish ballet and flamenco dancer whose exceptional skills have earned him popularity in the world of dance. He showed interest in dance from a young age and went on to take lessons. He gained a spot at the Spanish national ballet company in 1984 and started traveling the world to perform in grand venues such as the Metropolitan Opera House of New York. He is known for his athletic form and abilities on stage, stamina, and control. Cortes formed his own flamenco ballet company in 1992, which allowed him to take more creative control over style and art in general. He is also known for his skills as a choreographer and artistic director.

16. Prabhu Deva

Photo by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (GODL-India).

India is known for great dance as well, and Prabhu Deva is one of the most famous Indian dancers of all time. He cites Michael Jackson as one of his greatest influencers, and from his mind-blowing moves and superb technique, it’s easy to see why. He is a choreographer, actor, and producer whose work has featured in several successful blockbuster Hindu films. If you’re a fan of Bollywood movies, you know it’s near impossible to miss a featured dance routine in several scenes. Deva has mastered the craft, directing over 100 tracks! He is widely considered one of the top Bollywood dancers of his time.

17. Hrithik Roshan

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Roshan is another iconic dancer from India, known for his impeccable flexibility, speed, and style on the dance floor. He is an actor and producer too, featuring in numerous Bollywood film productions. The award-winning actor is one of the highest-paid in India, but his dancing abilities set him apart from many. Roshan has performed on stage too, and one of his TV appearances is the dance reality show, Just Dance (2011), in which he was a judge.

Have a look at the 15 Best Bollywood Producers.

18. Gene Kelly

Gene Kelly is popular for his choreography and dancing skills in jazz and ballet. He is a director, singer, producer, and actor too. Some of his award-winning dance films included ‘On the Town’ and ‘Singing in the Rain’. Kelly’s style can be described as athletic, highly energetic, and fast-paced. He owned the stage when Hollywood was witnessing the golden age of musicals, bringing dance to the theaters with such remarkable prowess.

19. Gregory Hines

Photo by Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA.

Gregory Hines employed impeccable improvisation to create unique styles in tap dancing. He experimented with jazz and modern dance, fused tap into it, and mesmerized his audiences with his creative tap dancing abilities. He was an actor, singer, and choreographer too. He began tap dancing at a young age, and by the time he was 5 years old, he was dancing semi-professionally. Hines recreated tap steps, sounds, and rhythms, and is remembered for his creative abilities on stage.

20. Misty Copeland

Photo by VOGUE Taiwan.

Copeland is a talented ballet dancer for American Ballet Theatre. She became the first African American woman to become a principal dancer for ABT on June 40, 2015. The 40-year-old was regarded a prodigy, having started ballet dancing at age 13, and rising to fame through exemplary performance. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2015, and featured her on the cover. Copeland has won numerous awards, and besides her dancing career, she is also a public speaker and stage performer. She has written two autobiographical books; Life in Motion and Firebird. She has also been featured in a documentary about her career, A Ballerina’s Tale.

21. Ginger Rogers

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Ginger Rogers was a legendary dancer in classic Hollywood musical films and Fred Astaire’s iconic partner. Though often overshadowed by Astaire, Rogers was a fantastic dancer in her own right, mastering styles ranging from ballroom to tap while exuding elegance and charm. Rogers took a risk to advance her career, becoming one of the first actresses to direct and produce her films.

She had a competitive spirit and worked tirelessly to match Astaire’s skills step by step while dancing backward in high heels. Onscreen, Rogers infused dance with feminine poise and glamor. While Astaire was innovative, Rogers carried out everything flawlessly. She was a true talent, shaping musical films and paving the way for future dancers with her grace, strength, and intelligence.

22. Savion Glover

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Savion Glover, born in 1973 is an American tap dancer and choreographer renowned for his pioneering contributions to the art form. As a renowned tap dancer, he rose to prominence at a young age, appearing in Broadway productions such as “The Tap Dance Kid.”

His innovative style, which combines traditional tap techniques with a contemporary edge, has earned him recognition and influence in the dance community. Glover received a Tony Award for his choreography in “Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk,” demonstrating his dedication to preserving and evolving tap’s rich heritage while pushing it into new, creative realms.

23. Bob Fosse

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Bob Fosse, an iconic choreographer and director, revolutionized musical theater dance with his jazz-inspired style. Fosse developed new techniques such as turned-in knees, sideways shuffling, and stylized gestures. He choreographed and directed major stage musicals such as Chicago and Cabaret and the film versions.

For these works, Fosse received an unprecedented number of Tony, Oscar, and Emmy awards in a single year. His signature moves became part of popular culture dance. Despite his struggles with addiction, Fosse’s meticulously choreographed routines combined flash, glamor, and insightful social commentary. With his bowler hat and gloved hands, Fosse reimagined musical theater as a sophisticated, adult-oriented art form.

24. Alvin Ailey

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Alvin Ailey (1931–1989) was a pioneering African American choreographer and dancer who is regarded as a key figure in modern dance. In 1958, he established the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a trailblazing company that celebrated the breadth and diversity of African American cultural expression.

Ailey’s choreography, including the iconic “Revelations,” combined modern dance with jazz, African, and spiritual influences. Ailey was a trailblazer for racial diversity in dance, breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity. His legacy in modern dance lives on through the Ailey company, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of African American dance.

25. Hanya Holm

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Hanya Holm was a pioneering modern dancer and choreographer who influenced and popularized modern dance in the United States. Holm was born in Germany and studied under Mary Wigman before moving to America in 1931. She established her school and company, teaching legions of dancers the Wigman technique, prioritizing expression over rigid form. Holm choreographed more than 90 modern dances that were percussive and vibrant.

She choreographed major productions such as Trend and Kiss Me Kate. Holm had a significant impact on generations of dancers while teaching at Bennington College and Colorado College. Her choreographic works combined mathematical precision and emotional expressiveness. He contributed to modern dance’s recognition as a serious artistic endeavor, as well as introducing American audiences to Wigman’s expressionist dance style.

26. Pina Bausch

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Pina Bausch was a visionary German choreographer and dancer who revolutionized the world of dance theater. Bausch was a pioneer of Tanztheater, a combination of dance and theatre, and his work focused on emotional intensity and human relationships. As artistic director of the Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, she created groundbreaking works such as “Café Müller” and “The Rite of Spring.”

Her innovative approach, which included everyday gestures and immersive experiences, challenged traditional dance conventions. Bausch’s influence was global, inspiring a new generation of choreographers. Her legacy as a pioneer in contemporary dance and interdisciplinary performance art is still felt today.

27. Twyla Tharp

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Twyla Tharp is one of the most influential choreographers in modern dance. She rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with unconventional and innovative dances that combined ballet, jazz, and avant-garde styles. Tharp choreographed over 160 dances and pushed boundaries by collaborating with classical companies such as the Joffrey Ballet while also pioneering postmodern dance.

She combined humor and everyday movement into high art, such as dances with boxing and basketball. She choreographed for both film and Broadway, earning Tony Awards for Movin’ Out and In the Upper Room. Her genius is based on her democratic vision of combining popular and classical forms, as well as her ability to broaden the possibilities of movement. Tharp’s restless creativity and versatile choreography established her as a revolutionary force in the dance world.

28. Debbie Allen

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Debbie Allen, born in 1950, is an accomplished American dancer, choreographer, actress, and producer known for her diverse contributions to the arts. She became well-known for her electrifying dance abilities after appearing in the television series “Fame.” Allen’s choreography is diverse, ranging from Broadway to television and film, and she has three Emmy Awards.

As a director and producer, she has played an important role in promoting diversity in the entertainment business. Her impactful career includes directing and choreographing numerous projects, including the Academy Awards. Allen’s enduring legacy is defined by her talent, innovation, and dedication to advancing the performing arts.

29. Maya Plisetskaya

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Maya Plisetskaya was one of the greatest and most famous ballet dancers of the twentieth century. The Russian prima ballerina was renowned for her technical prowess, expressive artistry, and fierce individuality. Plisetskaya’s dancing was notable for her powerful and athletic leaps, exquisite extension, and dramatic presence.

For decades, she performed as the Bolshoi Ballet’s prima ballerina, creating iconic roles such as the femme fatale in Carmen Suite. Plisetskaya created several groundbreaking ballets and helped revive Fokine’s underappreciated works. Her dramatic personality and dedication to artistic integrity made her an exceptional talent. Plisetskaya elevated Soviet ballet to a global level, inspiring generations with her fiery stage presence and unparalleled technique.

30. James Brown

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James Brown was among the twentieth century’s most influential dancers and musicians. His passionate, high-energy dance moves influenced many genres, including soul, funk, R&B, and hip-hop. On stage, Brown exuded incredible energy, holding difficult poses for extended periods while gyrating across the stage.

Signature moves such as the Mashed Potato, Camel Walk, and Good Foot became ingrained in the fabric of American dance. He dared to be different, pioneering funk music and free-form dance that challenged conventions. His smooth yet athletic dancing influenced greats such as Michael Jackson. Brown created his own style and influenced generations of performers through his revolutionary musical and dance artistry.

The list goes on, and including every top dancer would need a longer one no doubt. Some honorable mentions include Madonna, Usher, Aaliyah, Les Twins, and Katherine Durham.