A brightly colored storybook illustration of a single dancer wearing a flowing red dress, captured mid-spin with arms extended, demonstrating dynamic movement.

danza

DAHN-sah

nounfA2

dance?the art form or specific style

Also:dancing?the activity of performing dance

📝 In Action

La danza clásica requiere mucha disciplina.

Classical dance requires a lot of discipline.

Vimos una danza tradicional de la región andina.

We saw a traditional dance from the Andean region.

Ella se especializa en danza contemporánea.

She specializes in contemporary dance.

Word Connections

Synonyms

baile (dance (general/social))
coreografía (choreography)

Common Collocations

clase de danza – dance class
compañía de danza – dance company
danza folclórica – folk dance

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Noun Rule

Since 'danza' is a feminine word, you must use the feminine articles 'la' (the) or 'una' (a/an) before it. For example, 'La danza es hermosa' (The dance is beautiful).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Danza' and 'Baile'

Mistake: "Using 'danza' when talking about social dancing (e.g., 'Vamos a la danza' when meaning 'Let's go dancing')."

Correction: Use 'baile' for social events or general dancing ('Vamos al baile'). 'Danza' is reserved for artistic, staged, or specific traditional forms.

⭐ Usage Tips

Art vs. Social

A simple way to remember: 'Danza' is the art form you see in a theater (like ballet). 'Baile' is the activity you do at a party (like salsa or cumbia).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: danza

Question 1 of 2

Which word would you most likely use when talking about a professional Flamenco performance?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

danzar(to dance (formally)) - verb

danzante(dancer (often used for ritual/folk dancers)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'danza' and 'baile'?

'Danza' is used for the formal, artistic, or traditional discipline (like ballet or folk styles). 'Baile' is the general term for social dancing or the simple act of dancing (like dancing at a party).

If I am learning to dance Salsa, should I call it 'clase de danza' or 'clase de baile'?

Since Salsa is primarily a social style, 'clase de baile' (dance class) is usually the more natural and common term.