Who is the best dancer in the world? Top 20 most famous dancers
Dance is a global language, but only a few rise to international fame. Icons like Michael Jackson, Misty Copeland, and Les Twins have set the standard for their unique techniques, artistry, and stage presence. So, who is the best dancer in the world?
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Who is the best dancer in the world?
- 20. Sofia Boutella
- 19. Alla Kushnir
- 18. Michael Flatley
- 17. Yanis Marshall
- 16. Misty Copeland
- 15. Fred Astaire
- 14. Madhuri Dixit
- 13. Hrithik Roshan
- 12. Beyoncé
- 11. Les Twins
- 10. Rudolf Nureyev
- 9. Prabhu Deva
- 8. Usher
- 7. Martha Graham
- 6. Maddie Ziegler
- 5. Chris Brown
- 4. Shakira
- 3. Isadora Duncan
- 2. Mikhail Baryshnikov
- 1. Michael Jackson
- Top 10 best female dancers in the world
- Who is the #1 dancer in the world?
- Who is the best dancer in the world right now?
- Who is the king of dancers?
Key takeaways
- The list highlights dancers from diverse genres, including hip hop, ballet, and contemporary styles.
- Michael Jackson is widely regarded as the greatest dancer of all time, while new talents like Les Twins and Misty Copeland lead today’s scene.
- It features both legendary icons and rising stars who continue to shape global dance culture in 2025.
Who is the best dancer in the world?
Over the years, the world has produced dance legends. Most of them are musicians who have spent their time rehearsing while are others are professional dancers.
To compile this list, we sources information from various reliable sources including The Top Tens and IMDb. Here are some of the top 20 dancers in the world:
| No. | Dancer |
| 1. | Michael Jackson |
| 2. | Mikhail Baryshnikov |
| 3. | Isadora Duncan |
| 4. | Shakira |
| 5. | Chris Brown |
| 6. | Maddie Ziegler |
| 7. | Martha Graham |
| 8. | Usher |
| 9. | Prabhu Deva |
| 10. | Rudolf Nureyev |
| 11. | Les Twins |
| 12. | Beyoncé |
| 13. | Hrithik Roshan |
| 14. | Madhuri Dixit |
| 15. | Fred Astaire |
| 16. | Misty Copeland |
| 17. | Yanis Marshall |
| 18. | Michael Flatley |
| 19. | Alla Kushnir |
| 20 | Sofia Boutella |
This list celebrates dance icons and rising stars, ranking from legends who shaped history to newcomers whose talent has gained global acclaim. Each has a unique style and lasting impact on the art.
20. Sofia Boutella
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: April 3, 1982
- Age (as of 2025): 43 years
- Nationality: Algerian‑French
- Dance style(s): Hip hop, street dance, contemporary, breaking/free‑style
Sofia Boutella was born in Algeria and began ballet at five. After moving to France, she added rhythmic gymnastics and joined the national team at 16. She later embraced hip hop, dancing for stars like Michael Jackson and Madonna. Sofia gained fame as the Nike Girl in Nike Women campaigns.
19. Alla Kushnir
Source: Facebook
- Date of birth: June 11, 1985
- Age (as of 2025): 40 years
- Nationality: Ukrainian
- Dance style(s): Belly dance, oriental, folk, contemporary choreography
Alla Kushnir is a Ukrainian choreographer known for oriental and belly dance. She began dancing young and has won many awards. She is a four-time World Championship finalist and winner of the Oriental Bazar in Berlin. Alla travels widely, appears on talent shows, and hosts Oriental dances with Alla Kushnir on MAXXI TV.
18. Michael Flatley
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: July 16, 1958
- Age (as of 2025): 67 years
- Nationality: American
- Dance style(s): Irish dance, tap, Celtic, folk
Michael Flatley fell in love with Irish dance through his mother and grandmother. He rose to fame with Riverdance in 1994, transforming Irish dance forever. In 1996, he created Lord of the Dance. Michael broke tradition by adding upper body movement and bold rhythms, making his name a symbol of Irish dance excellence.
17. Yanis Marshall
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: November 11, 1989
- Age (as of 2025): 35 years
- Nationality: French
- Dance style(s): Jazz, heels dance, contemporary, hip hop, commercial dance
Yanis Marshall is a French dancer and choreographer. He is known for dancing in high heels. His style blends street, jazz, and feminine flair. He rose to fame on Britain’s Got Talent. Yanis has worked with top artists and taught worldwide. He promotes confidence and expression through dance. His energy inspires many dancers globally.
16. Misty Copeland
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: September 10, 1982
- Age (as of 2025): 43 years
- Nationality: American
- Dance style(s): Ballet, contemporary
Misty Copeland is a leading American ballet dancer. She made history as the first African American woman to become a principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. She began ballet at 13 and won major awards by 15. Misty is also a bestselling author, known for Life in Motion and Firebird.
15. Fred Astaire
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: May 10, 1899
- Age at death: 88 years (died on June 22, 1987)
- Nationality: American
- Dance style(s): Tap, ballroom, jazz, musical theatre
Fred Astaire is one of the greatest dancers in film history. He began dancing at age four. His light, elegant style revolutionized movie musicals. His moves looked effortless and often felt improvised. Fred passed away in 1987 at age 88. With his death, the world lost a true legend of dance.
14. Madhuri Dixit
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: May 15, 1967
- Age (as of 2025): 58 years
- Nationality: Indian
- Dance style(s): Kathak, Bollywood, classical Indian dance, contemporary, freestyle
Madhuri Dixit is admired for her graceful dance and charming smile. She began dancing at age three and is trained in Kathak. Her expressions, elegance, and modern flair light up the screen. Her iconic performances include Ek do teen and Maar daala. For her, dance is spiritual and deeply personal.
13. Hrithik Roshan
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: January 10, 1974
- Age (as of 2025): 51 years
- Nationality: Indian
- Dance style(s): Bollywood, hip hop, contemporary, freestyle, jazz
Hrithik Roshan is a top dancer in world of Bollywood. He learned from Prabhu Deva and mastered many styles, including hip hop, street, and classic. His moves are smooth and natural. Fans admire how effortless he looks on the dance floor. His dance routines often become the highlight of his films.
12. Beyoncé
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter
- Date of birth: September 4, 1981
- Age (as of 2025): 43 years
- Nationality: American
- Dance style(s): Hip hop, pop, jazz, street dance, freestyle
Beyoncé is one of the best dancers in the world and one of the most famous people in the world. She began performing in childhood competitions and rose to fame with Destiny's Child in the 1990s. Over the years, she has delivered iconic moves, especially in the Single Ladies choreography, which remains a fan favorite.
11. Les Twins
Source: Getty Images
- Full names: Laurent Nicolas Bourgeois and Larry Nicolas Bourgeois
- Date of birth: December 6, 1988
- Age (as of 2025): 36 years
- Nationality: French
- Dance style(s): Hip hop, new style, popping, locking, krumping, freestyle
Les Twins, Larry and Laurent Bourgeois, are a hip hop duo from Paris. They rose from street performances to global fame. In 2008, they were finalists on Incroyable Talent. They later won World of Dance in 2017. Known for new style hip hop, they have performed with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Missy Elliot.
10. Rudolf Nureyev
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: March 17, 1938
- Age at death: 54 years (died on January 6, 1993)
- Nationality: Soviet (later became an Austrian citizen)
- Dance style(s): Ballet, contemporary
Nureyev had already established himself as one of the best dancers in the world before he died in 1993. This is even though he started his career late but compensated for that by pushing himself hard rehearsing for hours. He was laid to rest in a Russian cemetery in Sainte-Genevieve-des-Bois near Paris more than two decades ago.
9. Prabhu Deva
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: April 3, 1973
- Age (as of 2025): 52 years
- Nationality: Indian
- Dance style(s): Indian classical, hip hop, street dance, Bollywood, freestyle
Prabhu Deva is an Indian dancer, actor, and choreographer. His career spans over 25 years. He introduced global dance styles to Indian cinema. His work covers Tamil, Telugu, Bollywood, Malayalam, and Kannada films. Inspired by Michael Jackson, he mastered the moonwalk, hip-thrust, and quirky moves that made him a legend in India.
8. Usher
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: October 14, 1978
- Age (as of 2025): 46 years
- Nationality: American
- Dance style(s): Hip hop, pop, street dance, freestyle, R&B groove
Usher is an American singer, dancer, and entertainer. He rose in an era when dance made music videos unforgettable. His smooth, sharp moves set him apart. He may not be the best breakdancer, but he stands tall among the top 100 best dancers in the world. His style continues to inspire many.
7. Martha Graham
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: May 11, 1894
- Age at death: 96 years (died on April 1, 1991)
- Nationality: American
- Dance style(s): Modern dance, contemporary
Martha Graham reshaped American dance. Her Graham technique is a foundation of modern movement. It has been taught for nearly a century. Few dancers have styles named after them. She truly earned her place among the world top 10 dancers. Her influence still guides modern choreography across the globe.
6. Maddie Ziegler
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: September 30, 2002
- Age (as of 2025): 22 years
- Nationality: American
- Dance style(s): Contemporary, lyrical, jazz, modern
Maddie Ziegler is an American dancer and a famous actress. She rose to fame on Dance Moms. Her big break came with Sia’s Chandelier video. Maddie is known for her expressive style and sharp moves. She has starred in films and modeled for top brands. Born in 2002, she continues to grow as a performer and artist.
5. Chris Brown
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: May 5, 1989
- Age (as of 2025): 36 years
- Nationality: American
- Dance style(s): Hip hop, street dance, popping, krumping, freestyle
Chris Brown is an American singer, actor, and dancer. His life has seen many ups and downs, but his dancing remains strong. He blends music and movement with ease. Many call him the best male dancer in the world. His sharp, energetic moves are a key part of his global appeal.
4. Shakira
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: February 2, 1977
- Age (as of 2025): 48 years
- Nationality: Colombian
- Dance style(s): Belly dance, Latin pop, hip hop, Afro-Caribbean, freestyle
Shakira is one of the top dancers in the world and a talented singer-songwriter. Born in Barranquilla, she began performing as a child and is still touring to date. Her style blends Latin, Arabic, belly, and rock and roll dance. Her hips truly do not lie. She dances with ease and sings with power. She remains among the best female dancers today.
3. Isadora Duncan
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: May 26, 1877
- Age at death: 50 years (died on September 14, 1927)
- Nationality: American
- Dance style(s): Modern dance, interpretive dance, free dance
Who is the best female dancer in the world? Many say it was Isadora Duncan. She was a pioneer of modern dance. Born in 1877 in California, her barefoot style was free and expressive. She rejected ballet’s rigid form. Her bold life inspired generations. She died in 1927 in a tragic car accident.
2. Mikhail Baryshnikov
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: January 27, 1948
- Age (as of 2025): 77 years
- Nationality: Latvian-American
- Dance style(s): Ballet, contemporary, modern dance
Mikhail Baryshnikov is often mentioned when asking who is the best dancer in the world after Michael Jackson. The Russian American ballet legend rose during the Soviet era. He led the American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet. His influence on modern dance remains strong through new works and groundbreaking performances.
1. Michael Jackson
Source: Getty Images
- Date of birth: August 29, 1958
- Age at death: 50 years (died on June 25, 2009)
- Nationality: American
- Dance style(s): Pop, street dance, popping, locking, jazz, robot, freestyle, moonwalk (signature move)
Michael Jackson is the most famous dancer in the world. He rose to global fame in the 1980s. His iconic moonwalk thrilled millions. From a young age, he had unmatched rhythm and energy. Even in his 50s, he danced with power. If you are wondering who is the best dancer in the world of all time, Michael Jackson is the clear answer. His legacy remains untouched.
Top 10 best female dancers in the world
The world of dance has seen many incredible women leave their mark. These female dancers stand out for their skill, creativity, and influence across generations.
- Martha Graham: Pioneer of modern dance and founder of the Graham technique.
- Misty Copeland: First African-American female principal at American Ballet Theatre.
- Shakira: Famous for her unique Latin, belly dance fusion style.
- Madhuri Dixit: Bollywood icon known for her grace and Kathak skills.
- Sofia Boutella: Hip-hop and street dance star turned Hollywood actress.
- Alla Kushnir: One of the world’s top oriental and belly dancers.
- Paula Abdul: Dancer turned choreographer and pop star with sharp technique.
- Beyoncé: Globally admired for her powerful stage presence and iconic choreography.
- Juliet Doherty: Young ballet and contemporary prodigy with a strong online following.
- Tate McRae: Gen Z star who blends contemporary and hip-hop with emotion.
Who is the richest dancer in the world?
Michael Flatley tops the list of the wealthiest dancers in the world with a net worth of $304 million. The second richest dancer in the world are Mikhail Baryshnikov ($45 million).
Source: Getty Images
Who is the #1 dancer in the world?
There is no definitive #1 dancer in the world. Dance styles vary widely, and each artist excels in different ways. Some are famous for ballet, others for hip-hop, tap, or contemporary. The best dancer often depends on personal taste and the style you prefer.
Who is the greatest dancer of all time?
Fred Astaire is regarded as the greatest dancer of all time in the film industry. Fred is renowned for his smooth, debonair dancing style. His immensely popular dancing style appeared relaxed, light, effortless, and largely improvised. He is regarded as a pioneer in the serious presentation of dance on film.
Who is the most famous dancer?
Michael Jackson is undoubtedly the most famous dancer in the world. Michael stunned the world with the moonwalk dance move, the backward gliding step he adapted from street dance. His other iconic dance moves are second to none.
Which country has the best dancers in the world?
India is the country with the best dancers in the world. Indian dancers account for the largest percentage of the best dancers in the world. Some of the Indian dancers featured on this list include Hrithik Roshan, Madhuri Dixit, Prabhu Deva, and many others.
Who are the best hip hop dancers in the world?
Hip-hop is a collection of urban dances that includes a foundation of breaking, popping, and locking. The list of the best hip hop dancers in the world features names such as Michael Jackson, Ciara, Beyonce, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, Les Twins, Jabbawockeez, among others.
Who are the best ice dancers in the world?
Ice dancing is an aspect of figure skating that uses elements of ballroom dancing. The greatest ice dancers in the world include Tessa Virtue, Scott Moir, Anna Cappellini, Charlie White, Tracy Wilson, Robert McCall, Meryl Davis, Oksana Grishuk, Evgeny Platov, and Marina Anissina.
Source: Getty Images
Who is the best dancer in the world right now?
There is no single best dancer because dance is subjective. Marianela Núñez is praised for her ballet skill. Salimesta is popular on social media. Savion Glover is famous for tap dance and innovation. Each dancer shines in their own style.
Who is the best dancer in the world in 2025?
There is no single best dancer in the world in 2025. Dance styles vary, and many stars shine in their own way. Still, several rising and established talents are praised for their skill and creativity. These dancers inspire a new generation and push the art forward.
- Keira Redpath — recognized for her contemporary and lyrical skills; winner of The Dance Awards 2025 (Senior Female Best Dancer).
- Dameski Michael — a young contemporary dancer known for his creative style and viral performances on social media.
- MT Pop — famous for street dance and popping; innovator in urban dance styles with a strong online following.
- William Bracewell — principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, admired for technical brilliance and artistry.
- Yanis Marshall — known for his heels dance and unique fusion of jazz and street styles; popular on TikTok and Instagram.
- Juliano Nunes — contemporary and hip-hop dancer who rose to fame through viral dance challenges.
- Aidan Bryant — freestyle and urban dancer with a strong presence in dance battles and social media platforms.
- Kaycee Rice — a young, powerhouse dancer who gained fame on So You Think You Can Dance and viral videos.
Who is the king of dancers?
The title "king of dancers" is often given to Michael Jackson. He earned this nickname because of his revolutionary impact on dance and music. His signature moves, especially the moonwalk, changed the way people see dance worldwide.
Who is the best dancer in the world? Other than the above mentioned, the world is yet to witness another dancer that can be a force to reckon with for years. Even as there is no shortage of talent in this field, only a few names keep popping up, and this is because they are or were the best of the best.
Tuko.co.ke recently published an article on the cutest person in the world. Even though the world is full of adorable people, some are a class above others. They are all about looks, body shape, intelligence, and appeal.
It is difficult to tell who is the cutest person in the world because beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. However, the people listed are undeniably the most handsome and beautiful you will ever come across.
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