Top 10 Best Dancers of All Time

The Top Ten
1 Michael Jackson Michael Jackson (Michael Joseph Jackson; August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by a propofol and benzodiazepine overdose on June 25, 2009. He donated (at least) a remarkable 500,000,000 dollars to charity. Michael is also known as The King of Pop (a title given to him by Elizabeth Taylor) or under the initials MJ... read more

Of course, I will miss him. It saddens me that I will never get a chance to see him. When he did one of his concerts in 1984, I was still an 11-year-old kid being raised in a small, backward hick town in the south, with no way to go and see him. Plus, I don't even think he came to my state. Janet did, but she is never going to be like him. No one will ever be him, and no one can ever replace him. I was in Seoul in June of 1999, and he was there. But I didn't go because he only sang about 3 songs, as it was one of those concerts where many singers performed. I would have loved to have seen ONLY Michael performing many songs. I am very happy that at least I can say I was inside the Raffles Hotel in Singapore last summer vacation. Michael is one of the celebs who stayed there in the past. That is the closest I will ever be to him. Someday, I will go to LA and put some gifts on his star at the Walk of Fame. I feel sorry for those who bought tickets for his London shows, and they can't see him. They must be heartbroken and so disappointed.

2 Prabhu Deva

For me, Prabhu Deva is the god of dance and the number 1 dancer in the world. However, he is inspired by Michael Jackson, so I can place him at number 2. Most of his steps are so unique that it makes me wonder how people in the 1990s could not even think of the kind of steps he was doing. His steps, combined with that speed, are what we call the ultimate level. Yet, his steps are so clear that I can say the fastest men in the world are either Prabhu Deva or Bruce Lee.

He is a living legend. I know he stopped focusing on his dance after around 2004-2005, but he is still the number 1 dancer in India.

Prabhu Deva is another avatar of Lord Shiva (Nataraja) in this human universe. Even though he was inspired by MJ, he was born to the legendary dance master Sundaram. So, dance is in Prabhu Deva's blood. Prabhu Deva doesn't chase anything in dance. Everything must chase Prabhu Deva. No human being has dared to compare with him. If we want to see another dancer like Prabhu, Lord Shiva would have to create another Prabhu Deva, and that too would have to come from Prabhu Deva's family. I am a great fan of Prabhu. He is far more brilliant and creative in dance than MJ. Prabhu can dance like MJ, but MJ can't do Prabhu's dangerous, boneless dance.

3 Allu Arjun Allu Arjun is an Indian film actor who primarily works in Telugu cinema. After playing as a child artist in Vijetha and as a dancer in Daddy, Arjun made his adult debut in Gangotri. Arjun then appeared in Sukumar's debut film Arya.

One of the finest talents in India. Just watch his steps. He is a true rockstar.

He might be confined to a region (Telugu & Malayalam), but he is definitely going to rock in the future.

What can I say about this guy? He is the king of dance, creating sensations with his dance. No one can dance like him. He's got speed, grace, and style. Even Prabhu Deva also said, Bunny is in his top list. Maybe his films are restricted to some areas, but his dance is reaching everywhere. He's got fans all over the world. Bunny rocks.

4 Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik should be the second best after Michael, as he is the god of dance and has a very good flexible body that supports his steps. All his recent movies and dance shows show how efficient he is in dancing.

He is the finest dancer in India. Fantastic. The way he moves is really pleasing to watch and worth seeing. Just dance!

As a dance lover, I feel that only speed in dance is not enough. There should be some clarity in the moves, which is very much present in Hrithik's dance. He is also very flexible and is very experienced in this field. He can also act well, which makes his dancing skills complete. The way he moves his body takes me out of my mind. Totally, he is mind-blowing and yeah, he deserves a lot more than this.

5 Chris Brown Christopher Maurice "Chris" Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actor. Born in Tappahannock, Virginia, he was involved in his church choir and several local talent shows from a young age. He is most well known for his physical assault towards the singer Rihanna in 2009. He is also known for many hit singles, such as "Kiss Kiss", "Run It!", "Forever", "Deuces", "Look... read more

By far, he is the best to ever do it. He can perform any style of dance. He stays current with everything he does. Not only is he the best in choreographed dance, but he also excels in freestyle. The man is an amazing entertainer. I won't put him in the same category as Michael Jackson in terms of global impact, but by the time he is done, he will be known as one of the greatest entertainers to have ever lived.

Chris Brown is the best dancer. He moves effortlessly and makes it look so easy. He defies gravity and is incredibly smooth when he dances. He had a performance at one of the music award shows where he danced on top of cubes of varying heights. Not only was he dancing, but he was also doing backflips off them. It was an amazing performance.

In my opinion, Chris Brown is by far one of the best dancers in the industry. Watch any of his music videos or live performances, and you will see just how great and energetic he is when performing. Watch the "Turn Up The Music" music video, and you'll see how great he is.

6 Usher Usher Terry Raymond IV is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Born in Dallas, but raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee was where he lived until moving to Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 12 where his mother put him in local singing competitions all over the city.

Are you serious? Usher has been the man since his debut. The way he dances and the showmanship he has is fantastic. He can make the simplest move look so good. Who was the last person who could do that? I think that was MJ.

He inspired the whole world to see that dance isn't about difficult moves but how you sequence your steps to make a beautiful art. Usher is the best. He has to be ranked number two. I'm Nerio Young. Usher is my hero.

Come on, Usher, I thought you beat Michael Jackson! But you've got harder moves than moonwalking in a circle! So Usher is one of the best king karate dancers.

7 Jr. NTR

NTR can dance both Western and Classical styles, and he has already proved himself. Even when his weight exceeds 100 kg, NTR proves he is number one in dance. The one and only dancer who can change his dance movements with good timing is none other than "Young Tiger NTR." South Indian dancers are next to NTR, and now NTR is a competitor for North Indian dancers like Hrithik.

Jr. NTR below Allu Arjun and Hrithik? Is this a joke? The guy is a dancing machine. He is right up there with Prabhu Deva. He can dance Western, Classical, Folk, and whatever else there is to perfection. On top of that, he is one of the best actors you will ever come across. He is a force to reckon with. No worries, though. The world will get to know him soon. It's only a matter of time.

NTR is one of the top dancers among all Indian heroes, except Hrithik Roshan. His dancing skills are awesome. According to me, he is the best dancer in the Telugu industry and among all other actors.

8 Fred Astaire Fred Astaire was an American dancer, singer, actor, choreographer and television presenter. He is widely regarded as the most influential dancer in the history of film.

Unbelievable! Anyone in their right mind who could think or say that anyone else is even a close second to Fred Astaire has not watched one of his films. Michael Jackson, who many think was the best dancer of all time, couldn't tie Fred Astaire's shoelaces. Jackson copied James Brown and who knows who else. All his moves were virtually the same. Take a close look at his dance moves. Fred Astaire was in a league all by himself, my friends, and make no mistake about that. He also choreographed a lot of his own dance and was the ultimate perfectionist. Wake up, people!

Astaire & Rogers were spectacular. He had moves that Michael Jackson didn't. If he were of the same time as Jackson and dancing in that style, he could have done anything Jackson did, and more. The same goes for Ginger. A lot of dancing now uses the upper body, like the "robot" type moves. Fred had incredible feet, from tap moves to whatever. If he were around now, he could have done the upper body moves with the best of them. So, Fred - and Ginger, hypothetically - have everyone beat.

9 Justin Timberlake Justin Randall Timberlake is an American singer-songwriter, actor, dancer, and record producer. Born and raised in Tennessee, he appeared on the television shows Star Search and The All-New Mickey Mouse Club as a child.

Wow, he's like an Usher and Chris Brown caliber type of dancer. Being in 18th place is madness.

He must be in the top 10. He is a better dancer than many above him here. He deserves a place in the top 10. JT rocks.

Definitely this generation's MJ. Should certainly be in the top 10.

10 Shakira Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian-Spanish singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, choreographer, and model.

If MJ is the king of dancing, they should be married because, you know what, she is definitely the queen. No questions asked! Have you seen the Give It Up to Me video? Then watch it and report back, and just try to tell me or anyone that she shouldn't be number one. Done.

What, number 10!? She makes me, a guy, and a straight one at that, try to dance like her when I see her videos! That's the spell she puts me under with her amazing, non-lying hips and crazy belly dancing. And I'm no Beautiful Liar, but when you put her and Beyoncé in the same video, it's almost too much!

Shakira is number 2 after Michael Jackson. Her moves are absolutely amazing!

The Contenders
11 James Brown James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, record producer and bandleader. A progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th century popular music and dance, he is often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul".

Holy oversight, Batman! James Brown is the originator. There is none greater. All others who follow are merely imitators. Hammer, Michael, Usher - Brown would not be on the list if it weren't for the man who made the moves and created the hooks that ALL of them sampled and reused. Take Superbad and Funky Drummer alone.

Yeah, I agree that he should be higher, and yes, he did teach MJ. In my opinion, Michael Jackson made his moves better, and that's because he was a better dancer. I can't see James Brown dance like Michael, but I can see Michael dance like James Brown. MJ can do anything.

Seriously, James Brown should be way higher on this list. He should definitely be at least in the top ten. Seriously. You might not have understood what he was saying when he was singing, but he was an amazing dancer. I am disappointed.

12 Janet Jackson Janet Jackson is a singer and dancer who is well known for her sexually graphic records, iconic performances, and slightly weak voice. She is regarded as a sex symbol through her songs and videos.

Janet Jackson is an idol. Without her, Jennifer Lopez wouldn't even have a career set for her. So she needs to be at number 3. She was an idol, and she could always dance and is still doing it at 45, so she's an icon. More like number one!

Best female dancer ever. Belongs right up there with her brother Michael. Those two rule when it comes to dancing. They always will.

The queen of pop and dance. Period. Her brother Michael would definitely agree. He would want his sister right behind him on any top dancer list. Him at #1. Her at #2.

13 Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lynn Lopez, also known as J. Lo, is an American singer, actress, dancer, fashion designer, author and producer.

She is the best dancer, no doubt about it. She is also so beautiful, which makes her dance even more beautiful. No one can dance better than her. I don't know why she stands at 3. She should be at 1.

I like her dance very much, and I have a collection of her videos.

She knows how to look good. Also, she is really good at expressing herself.

14 Gene Kelly Eugene Curran Kelly (August 23, 1912 – February 2, 1996), known as Gene Kelly, was an American dancer, actor of film, stage and television, singer, film director, producer and choreographer. He was known for his energetic and athletic dancing style, his good looks, and the likeable characters that he played on screen... read more

Gene Kelly is the most natural dancer of all. His style was unique and has never been matched, even by today's standards. Many say that Fred Astaire is the greatest dancer ever, but his moves were far less natural and athletic. He looks like a grandpa who took dance lessons all his life. Gene belongs in another list: the list of superstars in history, like Bruce Lee, Michael Jackson, Mike Tyson, Charlie Chaplin, Ayrton Senna, Secretariat, etc.

Like anything else, dance moves and styles evolve. We grow from the generations before us. In the case of Gene Kelly, he was not only comparable to Fred Astaire as a partner dancer but also had powerful gymnastic and athletic moves while dancing alone.

If not the top one, he is at least in the top five.
What happened to Donald O'Connor?
This list mainly features the current generation. Do not say All Time.

He's not even in the top 50. For shame, internet, for shame. To those of you who haven't seen "Singing in the Rain," please do. The dances were done in almost one take, no breaks. This was to show how amazing his dances were. By the way, if you don't think tap dancing is good dancing, I suggest you get off the top 40, stop "Dougie-ing," and learn a little music history.

15 Elvis Presley Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race... read more

Nobody even moved when they were singing before Elvis came along. He invented music and simultaneous dancing. He made 33 films, singing and dancing. He's the greatest entertainer, singer, and dancer ever, and in addition, he was the most beautiful-looking man ever. The King.

This guy rocked the stage. If you ever get a chance, look at Jailhouse Rock, the first music video, and Elvis singing Hound Dog. They refused to film him below the waist. The King will never die.

Fantastic dancer, beautiful body, beautiful moves. Dancing and singing simultaneously didn't exist until Elvis came along. What a star! But to have 19 poor imitators before him - what a joke.

16 Beyonce Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, is an American singer and actress, who started out in the popular pop/r&b girl group Destiny's Child. They had multiple top 5 hits such as "No, No, No", "Say My Name", "Bills, Bills, Bills", "Survivor", "Independent Women", "Bootylicious", and "Jumpin', Jumpin" from 1999 to 2004. After they broke up in 2006, Beyonce pursued her solo career, creating smash hits such... read more

The Queen Bee always stings. As early as before age 12, she was already a good dancer. Her stage presence moves many. She really deserves the title 'Princess of Pop'. Her most famous dance music videos, like Single Ladies, Run the World, and Beautiful Liar (featuring Shakira), are some of the best in pop history.

Beyoncé is one of the best female dancers of all time. The way she moves her body is amazing. She really shows how good of a dancer she is in her "Dance for You" music video. She needs to be ranked higher!

Beyoncé kills the others with her high heels. Can anyone dance like her in high heels? Well, no one can!

17 Ginger Rogers Ginger Rogers, born Virginia Katherine McMath (July 16, 1911 – April 25, 1995) was an American actress, dancer, and singer. She is known for her performances in films and RKO's musical films in which she was partnered with Fred Astaire.

She kept up with Fred, and she did it moving backwards! Incredible.

Ginger Rogers is the best female dancer of all time on screen.

Again, a great dancer and entertainer!

18 Joseph Vijay

Effortless dancer. Others listed in the post stick to one or two types of dance, or dance the styles that suit them best, but Vijay has the ability to dance to all types of music without missing a single rhythm. Even in a melody song, he will rock. He is the person next to Michael Jackson and Prabhu Deva because they choreograph and dance very well. He deserves at least the number 3 position, no matter if he is first. His moves are amazing and can't be beaten.

He is a perfect dancer who captures what the choreographer wants. Even if the steps are difficult, he won't show the strain on his face. He is such a capable artist. He provides wonderful expressions while dancing, perfect choreography, and a power-packed performance. This combination is a treat to watch for people who love dance. Vijay rocks forever.

19 Bruno Mars Peter Gene Hernandez, professionally known by his stage name Bruno Mars, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and choreographer.

Mars rose to fame in 2010 with the release of the successful singles "Nothin' on You" by B.o.B and "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy, both of which featured his vocals on the hooks. His debut studio album Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010)... read more

Bruno is the modern-day Michael Jackson, with slick moves combined with a funky sound and great vocals. He should be higher on this list.

This guy has got all the moves you're looking for. He deserves a better spot on this list. I mean, it's Bruno, for Pete's sake.

Not only is he a good dancer, but he is also a good singer. I feel bad for Bruno in the song Grenade.

20 Madonna Madonna Louise Ciccone, known professionally as Madonna, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She influenced a lot of singers such as: Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Beyonce Knowles and Britney Spears. She is known as Queen of Pop and at modern pop culture specifically in 2012 "Madge" or MDNA. She has 14 studio albums (Madonna, Like a Virgin, True Blue, Like a Prayer,... read more

She's mastered many styles of dancing throughout her career. Although many are experts in their specific style, Madonna has changed and perfected a variety of dance forms. Not to mention, she is classically trained in ballet and extremely flexible.

Madonna started her career as a professional dancer! Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, and Shakira look great in one specific genre, but Madonna is more versatile. She created her own dancing genre, "Vogue." She has performed rumba, ballet, tango, hip-hop, tap, bachata, and even salsa. She added yoga moves to dancing. She's fantastic!

People forget that Madonna had a full-ride college scholarship for dance. She started as a dancer and is proficient in many different styles. She also continues to be one of the few who can sing live while dancing.

21 Raghava Lawrence

He is my favorite dancer. Look at his different compositions of dances and his expressions, which captivate masses in a great way. His effortless style, mannerisms, and charisma are way better than those of current stars.

In my opinion, he is the best. Dance is not about stunts but about craze. His dance makes every movement enjoyable compared to Allu and others.

She is the best among all! The most versatile dancer of all time. No one can beat her in expressions and clear moves. Her dancing is known as mysterious dancing.

22 Maddie Ziegler Madison Nicole Ziegler is an American dancer, actress, author and model. She was initially known for appearing in Lifetime's reality show Dance Moms from 2011 until 2016.

I truly believe Maddie should be at least in the top 10 and should be ranked higher than her rival, Chloe Lukasiak. Not only has she won two national titles and been the 1st runner-up at two other nationals, but she also managed to get into the top 3 at the Dance Awards, which is the most prestigious dance competition there is. Furthermore, she has won Best Dancer three years in a row at the Teen Choice Awards. Moreover, she is a featured dancer in Sia's music videos. She was phenomenal on Dance Moms. The only reason she is so low on the list is that the show is edited in a way to make her seem like a brat.

I. LOVE. MADDIE.
I can't believe people actually think she is a cocky person. She herself, and many other former Dance Moms stars, have revealed that the show is fake. Have you even seen her in interviews or anything?

Also, we're talking about dancing, not personality (even though her personality is also wonderful). Maddie's technique is unbeatable. She has also accomplished so much more, such as dancing for Sia and acting/dancing in the Book of Henry!

23 Mikhail Baryshnikov

MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV is the "God of Dance" and THE best dancer of all time, hands down! PARK JIMIN is working his ass off to be as good and is about as close as anyone will ever get to Baryshnikov. These dancers actually choreograph their own and others' dances, like entire performances. How in the hell can you have Justin Timberlake above him? Timberlake was nothing but a wannabe, a one-trick pony, and in the comments, someone actually says, "he is better than anyone above here." Better than FRED ASTAIRE? Michael Jackson? I'm sorry, but this entire list is absolute bogus crapatude!

This list is RIDICULOUS! Of course, Mikhail Baryshnikov is the BEST DANCER, not these pop/rock wannabe poseurs whose delusional fans convince themselves that their favorite is the best dancer ever, when clearly he/she isn't.

His technique is perfect, his moves are perfect, his dance is perfect. He is considered the greatest dancer by critics, and he's not in the top spot. Shame on you people.

24 Jenna Dewan Jenna Lee Dewan is an American actress, businesswoman and dancer. She started her career as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson, and later worked with artists including Pink, Missy Elliott, and Christina Aguilera.

Jenna is just an amazing dancer. I loved her in Take The Lead and Step Up, and I think she deserves to be in the top ten.

She's great in hip-hop and as a ballet dancer.
She is featured in Step Up.

25 Madhuri Dixit Madhuri Dixit, also known by her married name Madhuri Dixit Nene, is an Indian actress who is known for her work in Hindi cinema.

Jazz, hip-hop, and other Western dances can be learned easily! But classical dancing needs time. Even Michael Jackson admitted this. He always wanted to do it perfectly. He tried in Black and White but wasn't successful. RIP Michael!

Madhuri has studied Kathak for 8 years. She dances not only with her body parts. Her soul also dances when she dances.

Madhuri Dixit is a trained classical dancer and one of the leading actresses in Bollywood. She is best known for her famous dance numbers in Bollywood films like Ek Do Teen from Tezaab, Dhak Dhak from Beta, Maar Dala from Devdas, Aaja Nachle, and many others. She is often recognized as one of the best dancers in India. Whenever she performs in a stage show, it is always rocking.

Madhuri is the queen of dancing and Bollywood. What lovely and remarkable expressions! She is surely the best. I appeal to everyone to please vote for Madhuri. She deserves to top the list.

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