Social and ballroom dances reflected societal trends over the decades. Dancers moved away from classical ballet, creating modern styles through improvisation and individual techniques. In the second half of the century, dance evolved into post-modern, focusing on human experiences and experimenting with pedestrian movement and site-specific work.
In ballet, George Balanchine established the New York City Ballet, which gained global admiration. By century's end, ballet began fusing with modern, tap, and musical theater. Jazz and tap, rooted in American culture, evolved due to live performances, film, and musical theater.
The development of film and media improved access to dance studies, preserving legacies and enabling the reconstruction of historical works.
In the 21st century, dance has become a global phenomenon with fused genres showcasing unique movement and choreography. Television and film have popularized dance, making it a significant art form and source of education and enjoyment in society today.