Top 10 Best Dancers of All Time

Who springs to mind when you think of the world's most incredible dancers? The effortless grace of Fred Astaire? The groundbreaking energy of Michael Jackson? Maybe the vibrant moves of a Bollywood superstar?

Dancing is an electrifying art form, a way to express yourself, tell a story, and just let loose and have fun. The best dancers take this to a whole other level, mesmerizing us with their precision, artistry, and ability to make moves that seem almost impossible.

1. 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 acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... 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

   

   Prabhu Deva (born 3 April 1973) is an Indian dance choreographer, film director, producer, and actor who has worked predominantly in Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu-language films. He has also appeared in a few Kannada and Malayalam films.... read more

   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. Hrithik Roshan

   

   Hrithik Roshan is an Indian actor who appears primarily in Bollywood films. He made his debut as a leading actor in Kaho Naa.. Pyaar Hai in 2000. He is widely recognized for his dance abilities and for starring in numerous successful films.

   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.

4. Chris Brown

   

   Christopher Maurice "Chris" Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Born in Tappahannock, Virginia, he participated in his church choir and several local talent shows from a young age. He gained international notoriety in 2009 for his physical assault of singer... 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.

5. Allu Arjun

   

   Allu Arjun is an Indian actor who primarily works in Telugu-language films. He started his career as a child artist in the film Vijetha and made a brief appearance as a dancer in Daddy. He made his full acting debut in Gangotri and rose to fame with his role 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 and 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 moves. No one can dance like him. He's got speed, grace, and style. Even Prabhu Deva also said, Bunny is in my 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!

6. Usher

   

   Usher Terry Raymond IV (born October 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. He was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he sang in church choirs before moving with his mother and brother to Atlanta, Georgia, at age twelve, securing a recording contract with... read more

   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.

   Usher should definitely be much higher up on this ranking. He is at least a better dancer than Hrithik Roshan.

7. Fred Astaire

   

   Fred Astaire was an American dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and television presenter. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential dancers in the history of film. Over his 76-year career, he starred in 31 musical films and formed a famous on-screen partnership with Ginger Rogers.

   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 and 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.

8. 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 be reckoned with. No worries, though. The world will get to know him soon. It's only a matter of time.

9. Justin Timberlake

   

   Justin Randall Timberlake is an American singer-songwriter, actor, dancer, and record producer. Born and raised in Tennessee, he began his career on television shows like Star Search and The All-New Mickey Mouse Club. He gained fame as a member of the boy band NSYNC before launching a successful solo... read more

   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.

   Best original dancer... He has the moves.

10. Shakira

    

    Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian-Spanish singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, choreographer, and model. She rose to international fame in the late 1990s with Latin pop hits and has sold over 85 million records worldwide. Shakira is also known for her philanthropic work through her... read more

    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!

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Chuck Berry

    

    Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. He is known for songs such as "Johnny B. Goode," "Roll Over Beethoven," and "Maybellene." Berry died on March 18, 2017.

    He should be ranked much higher. The true king.

12. ?

    Josephine Baker

    

    Freda Josephine Baker (née McDonald, June 3, 1906-April 12, 1975), naturalized as Joséphine Baker, was an American-born French dancer, singer, and actress. Her career was centered primarily in Europe, mostly in France. She was the first black woman to star in a major motion picture, the 1927 French silent... read more

The Contenders

13. 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 or rock wannabe poseurs whose delusional fans convince themselves that their favorite is the best dancer ever, when clearly he or she isn't.

14. Janet Jackson

    

    Janet Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer known for her innovative music, socially conscious lyrics, and elaborate stage shows. She gained prominence with her third album, Control (1986), and has since sold over 100 million records worldwide. Jackson is also recognized as... read more

    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!

    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.

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

15. 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.

16. Gene Kelly

    

    Eugene Curran Kelly (August 23, 1912 - February 2, 1996), known as Gene Kelly, was an American dancer, actor, singer, film director, producer, and choreographer. He was admired for his athletic and expressive dance style, charismatic presence, and innovative approach to musical filmmaking.... 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.

17. Fayard Nicholas

    

    Fayard Antonio Nicholas, born on October 20, 1914, was an American choreographer, dancer, and actor. He and his younger brother, Harold Nicholas, made up the Nicholas Brothers tap dance duo. They starred in the MGM musicals An All-Colored Vaudeville Show (1935), Stormy Weather (1943), and The Pirate... read more

    All of us are influenced by who and how people are viewed in the media. This influences our voting regardless of how we think. Before Michael Jackson, James Brown, Gregory Hines, Prince, etc., they pulled from the greatest dancers of all time, The Nicholas Brothers. Check out YouTube's "Stormy Weather" from 1943, and you can see for yourselves. Don't always assume it's someone from our generation. Our generation had to have learned from someone before them.

    They are the greatest of all time. I just saw their video on YouTube, and I am having pain right now after watching those stormy jumping splits in Stormy Weather. My God, they are simply the greatest, and they are not from my era. Thank you to the Nicholas Brothers!

18. Harold Nicholas

    

    Harold Lloyd Nicholas, born on March 27, 1921, was an American dancer specializing in tap. Nicholas was the younger half of the tap-dancing pair, the Nicholas Brothers, known as two of the world's greatest dancers. His older brother was Fayard Nicholas.

19. 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's often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul." His energetic performances and innovative rhythms influenced... read more

    Holy oversight, Batman! James Brown is the originator. There is none greater. All others who follow are merely imitators. Hammer, Michael, Usher - none of them would 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.

20. Ginger Rogers

    

    Ginger Rogers, born Virginia Katherine McMath on July 16, 1911, was an American actress, dancer, and singer. She is best known for her performances in musical films during the 1930s, particularly in her iconic partnership with Fred Astaire. Rogers won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1941 for her... read more

    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!

21. Joseph Vijay

    

    Joseph Vijay, known mononymously as Vijay, is an Indian actor and playback singer who primarily works in Tamil cinema. His films are widely distributed and frequently dubbed into Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and even Chinese.... read more

    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.

22. Madhuri Dixit

    

    Madhuri Dixit, also known by her married name Madhuri Dixit Nene, is an Indian actress best known for her work in Hindi cinema. She rose to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s with a series of successful films. Dixit is celebrated for her acting talent, dancing skills, and has won several awards including... read more

    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 or White but wasn't successful. RIP Michael! Madhuri has studied Kathak for eight 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.

23. Jennifer Lopez

    

    Jennifer Lynn Lopez, also known as J. Lo, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, fashion designer, author, producer, and businesswoman. She's regarded as one of the most influential entertainers of her time, credited with breaking barriers for Latino Americans in Hollywood and helping propel... read more

    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.

24. Elvis Presley

    

    Elvis Aaron Presley was an American singer and actor, widely dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll" and regarded as a pivotal cultural icon of the 20th century. His energetic musical interpretation and provocative performance style, bridging racial music traditions in a shifting era, both fueled his fame... 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.

25. Chloe Lukasiak

    

    Chloe Elizabeth Lukasiak is an American dancer, television personality, actress, and model. She is best known for being an original cast member of Lifetime's reality television series Dance Moms during Seasons 1 through 4. She returned to the show in Season 7 and has since pursued acting and writing... read more

    What is this list? Chloe should be #3, next to Maddie and Misty. First of all, we're not talking about singers. Chloe is a truly talented dancer, and I'm not saying Michael Jackson isn't, but can Michael Jackson do a front aerial? No. Can he do a firebird? No. Can he do multiple pirouettes? No. Can he master lyrical, jazz, ballet, and contemporary? No. He can do the moonwalk, sure. But Chloe could out-dance any of those people above her ANY DAY. If you don't believe me, look at Dance Moms. Sure, the show was fake, but her moves weren't.

    To be honest, back when Chloe was still doing Dance Moms, I don't think she got the true attention she deserved. I mean, true, she had her fair share of opportunities and solos and whatnot, but Chloe, being the amazing dancer she is, was often in rivalry with Maddie. Chloe definitely stayed strong in the TV show Dance Moms, but you could tell she had kind of had it at the end. Plus, let's not mention the HIGHLY inappropriate dances they did (Electricity, The Last Dance, etc.).

26. Bruno Mars

    

    Peter Gene Hernandez, professionally known as Bruno Mars, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and choreographer.

    Mars rose to fame in 2010 through his collaborations on the hits "Nothin' on You" by B.o.B and "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy, both of which featured... 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.

27. Maddie Ziegler

    

    Madison Nicole Ziegler is an American dancer, actress, author, and model. She became widely known for appearing on Lifetime's reality show Dance Moms from 2011 until 2016. Ziegler also gained fame for starring in several music videos by singer Sia, including Chandelier and Elastic Heart.

    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's a cocky person. She herself, along with many other former Dance Moms stars, has 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's also accomplished so much more, such as dancing for Sia and acting and dancing in The Book of Henry.