Who Is the Best Dancer in the World: Top 15 Legends

Dance, a universal language that transcends mere movement, is a powerful force that tells stories, expresses emotions, and connects cultures. The stage becomes a canvas where talent, passion, and artistry collide, giving life to performances that captivate and inspire. From the electrifying precision of pop icons to the ethereal grace of ballet virtuosos, the world of dance is a cultural phenomenon that we can all appreciate and connect with.

In this journey through the top 15 dancers globally, let’s explore how these artists have mesmerized audiences with iconic moves while focusing on who is the best dancer in the world.

Top 15 Best Dancers in the World

15: William Bracewell

Date of Birth: May 13, 1991, Swansea, Wales

Best Works:

• Romeo and Juliet
• Swan Lake
• The Dream

Key Achievements:

• Principal dancer at The Royal Ballet
• Winner of Young British Dancer of the Year
• Grand Prix winner at Youth America Grand Prix
• National Dance Awards Outstanding Male Performance

William Bracewell began ballet at age eight, initially as a hobby, before earning a place at the Royal Ballet School. His talent quickly set him apart, leading to a breakthrough with Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2010.

Bracewell’s performances in Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, and The Dream showcased his technical brilliance and emotional depth.

Bracewell joined The Royal Ballet in 2017 and became a principal dancer in 2022. He has starred in productions like Swan Lake and Corybantic Games, earning praise for his grace and storytelling, solidifying his place among the top ballet dancers in the world.

14: Les Twins

Date of Birth: December 6, 1988, Sarcelles, France

Key Achievements:

• Featured dancers for Beyoncé and Missy Elliott
• Models for Jean Paul Gaultier
• Signed with The Jordan Family
• Winner of World of Dance

Laurent and Larry Nicolas Bourgeois, famously known as Les Twins, began their dance journey in Sarcelles, France, developing a unique style blending New Style Hip-Hop with elements of classical dance.

Their self-taught skills and natural synchronicity made them stand out in the underground dance scene. Their fame began with viral performances and a breakthrough appearance on Incroyable Talent in 2008.

Les Twins further solidified their position in the industry by choreographing the music video for KING & Jason Derulo’s song “Bumpa” in 2024.

The twin brother’s mastery of musicality and fluidity gained them global recognition, leading to collaborations with top artists and iconic wins at prestigious dance competitions like World of Dance and Juste Debout.

In 2023, Les Twins appeared in the American documentary concert film The Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé directed by Beyoncé, who has been acclaimed for her huge net worth with her work and passion.

The innovative choreography and influential presence have cemented them as pioneers, making them one of the best dancers in the world.

13: Michael Dameski

Date of Birth: November 7, 1995, Sydney, Australia

Key Achievements:

• Winner of So You Think You Can Dance Australia
• Runner-up on World of Dance
• Lead role in Billy Elliot the Musical on Broadway
• Guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Michael Dameski started dancing at six, gaining attention after competing in The Australian Dance Idol. Though he had no formal training, his skills were impressive, and he quickly moved on to more serious dance education.

He became famous for his role in Billy Elliot the Musical, performing in both Sydney and Broadway productions. His big break came in 2014 when he won So You Think You Can Dance Australia.

In 2018, Damekshi reached the finals of World of Dance, where he impressed with his creativity and self-choreographed routines. Today, he is known for his talent, passion, and influence in the dance world.

12: Lia Kim

Date of Birth: May 24, 1984, Seoul, South Korea

Best Works:

• Gashina by Sunmi
• Very Very Very by I.O.I
• Like OOH-AHH by TWICE

Key Achievements:

• Chief choreographer of 1MILLION Dance Studio
• Creator of Sunmi’s “Gashina” and TWICE’s “TT” choreography
• Popping champion at World Dance Competition
• 7th Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards: Choreographer of the Year
• MBC Plus X Genie Music Awards: The Performance Creator Award

Lia Kim’s journey began in Seoul’s underground dance scene, where she mastered popping and locking, earning top spots at international battles like Euro Battle and 4 Da Next Level. Her breakthrough came with a Samsung Anycall commercial, choreographed for Lee Hyori.

By the early 2010s, she was shaping K-Pop’s biggest hits, training idols like CL, Hyoyeon, and Jay Park.

Her signature precision and musicality made her choreography instantly recognizable, setting viral dance trends worldwide.

Beyond dance, she built 1MILLION Dance Studio into a global powerhouse and launched the streetwear brand GΔCHI, merging movement with fashion. Lia’s impact on choreography transformed K-Pop visuals, giving dancers industry-wide recognition.

11: Savion Glover

Date of Birth: November 19, 1973, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.

Best Works:

• Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk
• The Tap Dance Kid
• Black and Blue
• Jelly’s Last Jam

Key Achievements:

• Tony Award-winning choreographer
• Star of Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk
• Choreographer of Shuffle Along
• Tap consultant for Happy Feet

Savion Glover, a revolutionary tap dancer, began his career at a young age, blending classical tap with modern rhythms. He studied under legends like Gregory Hines and Henry LeTang, developing a style known as “young and funk,” which emphasizes powerful, percussive footwork.

His Broadway breakthrough came in The Tap Dance Kid (1985), leading to major roles in Jelly’s Last Jam (1992) and Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk (1996), which redefined tap storytelling. Glover’s impact extends to film, television, and education, ensuring tap’s evolution while inspiring future dancers worldwide.

Glover performed “Project.9” in Minneapolis in 2024, showcasing his signature tap style, blending intricate rhythms with jazz influences.

10: Rudolf Nureyev

Date of Birth: March 17, 1938, Near Irkutsk, Soviet Union

Date of Death: January 6, 1993, Levallois-Perret, France

Key Achievements:

• Principal dancer at the Kirov Ballet
• Director of the Paris Opera Ballet
• First Soviet artist to defect during the Cold War

Rudolf Nureyev, a ballet prodigy from Soviet-era Russia, revolutionized male ballet dancing with his unparalleled technique and expressive artistry.

His rise began at the Kirov Ballet, where his defiant spirit and groundbreaking performances set him apart. In 1961, he defected to the West, creating a global sensation.

Nureyev’s electrifying stage presence and powerful interpretations of classics like Swan Lake and Giselle made him an icon.

His leadership at the Paris Opera Ballet further shaped modern ballet. His legacy as a visionary dancer and choreographer remains unmatched, cementing him as one of history’s greatest performers.

9: Madonna

Date of Birth: August 16, 1958, Bay City, Michigan, U.S.

Best Works:

• Girls Gone Wild
• Ray of Light
• Nothing Really Matters
• 4 Minutes
• What It Feels Like For a Girl

Key Achievements:

• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Grammy Award
• Best-selling Female Recording Artist (with 300 million record sales worldwide)

Madonna, the iconic ‘Queen of Pop,’ embarked on her dance journey upon her arrival in New York City in 1978. Her dedication to the art was evident as she mastered her skills in jazz, ballet, and modern dance at the renowned Martha Graham Dance School.

Madonna’s early training in these diverse dance styles, which also include flamenco, tango, and street dance, laid the foundation for her significant influence on pop culture.

Madonna’s choreography is often a blend of contemporary and classic styles, marked by high-energy performances and theatrical flair. Her high-energy performances and theatrical flair are unmistakable, setting her apart in the world of dance.

Madonna’s ability to seamlessly incorporate dance into her music, as seen in hits like ‘Vogue’ (1990) and ‘Hung Up’ (2005), has been a key factor in her rise to fame. Madonna’s relentless reinvention and mastery of dance have solidified her status as a cultural icon.

Furthermore, Madonna’s 2023 Celebration Tour (2023 – 2024) began in the O2 Arena in London and ended at Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, drawing 1.6 million attendees, making it the biggest standalone concert of all time.

8: Usher

Date of Birth: October 14, 1978, Texas, U.S.

Best Works:

• Usher
• Here I Stand
• Yeah!

Key Achievements:

• Grammy Awards
• Soul Train Music Awards
• A celebrity listed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Officially recognized by the Georgia Music Hall of Fame
• Inducted into the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame

Usher’s passion for dance was ignited in his youth, singing in church choirs, where he honed his natural rhythm. His move to Atlanta at age 12 exposed him to the evolving hip-hop scene, where he began blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop into his unique dance style.

His fluid movements, precise footwork, and most importantly, his innovative choreography set him apart, earning widespread acclaim. In 2024, Usher’s Super Bowl LVIII halftime show attracted 123 million domestic viewers.

Usher’s ability to infuse emotion into his dance, along with his dynamic approach, has solidified his reputation as one of the most outstanding and best dancers in the world.

7: Misty Copeland

Date of Birth: September 10, 1982, Missouri, U.S.

Best Works:

• The Firebird
• Le Corsaire
• Coppélia
• Swan Lake

Key Achievements:

• American Ballet Theatre’s first African American female principal dancer
• Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Award

Misty Copeland began ballet at 13, an unusually late start, yet quickly rose to prominence due to her extraordinary talent and determination. She was trained by Cynthia Bradley and faced significant challenges, including financial instability and a highly publicized custody battle, but remained focused on her craft.

Her dance style is a blend of classical technique with a unique emotional expression, which sets her apart in a field traditionally dominated by white dancers.

Copeland’s 2015 promotion to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre was groundbreaking for her and the entire ballet community.

In 2024, she collaborated with the Open World Dance Foundation to perform the iconic ballet “Cinderella” at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, Connecticut.

6: Martha Graham

Date of Birth: May 11, 1894, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Date of Death: April 1, 1991, New York City, U.S.

Best Works:

• Appalachian Spring
• Lamentation
• Cave of the Heart

Key Achievements:

• Presidential Medal of Freedom
• Laurel Leaf of the American Composers Alliance
• National Medal of Arts
• Key to the City of Paris

Martha Graham’s journey into dance began in her youth, inspired by her fascination with the expressive potential of the human body.

After studying at the Denishawn School of Dancing and Related Arts, she developed the groundbreaking Graham technique, which emphasized the raw, emotional expression of movement through her signature contraction and release method.

Her style was distinct, marked by sharp, angular movements that conveyed deep psychological themes, often exploring complex emotions and narratives. This innovative approach reshaped American dance and set new standards for modern choreography, solidifying her name among the best dancers in the world.

Graham mentored future legends like Merce Cunningham and Paul Taylor, further extending her influence.

Her ability to convey profound human experiences through dance established her as one of the best dancers in the world and most influential figures in the history of the art form.

5: Joaquin Cortes

Date of Birth: February 22, 1969, Córdoba, Spain

Best Works:

• Cibayí
• Pasión Gitana
• Soul

Key Achievements:

• Principal solo ballet dancer of Spanish National Ballet
• Global recognition for stamina and athleticism

Joaquin Cortes began his dance journey in Madrid at an early age, driven by a passion for movement and expression. He quickly joined the Spanish National Ballet, where his exceptional talent as a principal solo dancer brought him early recognition.

Cortes’s unique style is a masterful fusion of traditional flamenco with classical ballet and contemporary dance, a blend that has redefined modern dance. His performances are celebrated for their raw intensity, emotional depth, and precise athleticism, captivating audiences across the globe.

By establishing his own company, Joaquín Cortés Flamenco Ballet, he gained the freedom to explore the boundaries of dance, introducing innovative choreographies that resonate with his Romani heritage.

His ability to convey profound emotion through movement, coupled with his magnetic stage presence, cemented his status as a revolutionary figure in the world of dance, inspiring generations of dancers and choreographers.

4: Shakira

Date of Birth: February 2, 1977, Barranquilla, Colombia

Best Works:

• Hips Don’t Lie
• Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)
• La Tortura

Key Achievements:

• Grammy Awards
• Latin Grammy Awards
• Billboard Music Awards
• Billboard Latin Music Awards
• MTV Video Music Awards
• Guinness World Records
• A celebrity listed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Shakira began dancing as a child, influenced by her Colombian and Lebanese heritage. Her dance style is a distinctive blend of Latin rhythms and Middle Eastern belly dancing, which she popularized globally.

Shakira’s belly dance technique, characterized by precise hip movements and fluid body waves, was showcased in hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” making her an international sensation. Along with being one of the best dancers, Shakira has also solidified her status among the top female Spanish singers.

Shakira’s Super Bowl performance in 2020, viewed by over 100 million people, highlighted Afro-Colombian dance styles like mapalé and champeta, further cementing her status as one of the best dancers in the world.

Furthermore, in 2025, she received the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album during the final preparations for her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour.

3: Chris Brown

Date of Birth: May 5, 1989, Virginia, U.S.

Best Works:

• Fine China
• Zero
• Party
• Stomp the Yard
• Battle of the Year

Key Achievements:

• Grammy Award
• 19 BET Awards
• 4 BET Hip Hop Awards
• 4 Billboard Music Awards
• 5 American Music Awards
• 60 ASCAP Awards,
• 49 BMI Awards and more

Chris Brown’s passion for dance was ignited at a young age, driven by the profound influence of iconic figures like Michael Jackson and Usher. Their styles have left an indelible mark on Brown. So, his dance style is a fusion of hip-hop, krumping, and contemporary elements, characterized by sharp footwork, dynamic spins, and intricate body isolations.

Brown’s choreography often includes high-energy routines that showcase athleticism, highlighted by his ability to execute gravity-defying moves and seamless transitions.

With over 140 million records sold, Chris Brown uses his dance skills to infuse each of his performances with an electrifying energy, ensuring that every show is a thrilling experience for his audience.

Furthermore, he announced “The 11:11 Tour” in 2024, a North American arena tour featuring Ayra Starr, Muni Long, and Maeta as supporting acts.

2: Mikhail Baryshnikov

Date of Birth: January 27, 1948, Riga, Latvia SSR, Soviet Union

Best Works:

• The Nutcracker
• Don Quixote
• White Nights

Key Achievements:

• Kennedy Center Honor
• Praemium Imperiale

Mikhail Baryshnikov began dancing at age 12 at Riga’s opera ballet school before training at the prestigious Vaganova Ballet School. He gained recognition as a premier danseur noble with the Kirov Ballet, known for his exceptional leaping ability and artistry.

His defection to Canada in 1974 during a tour marked a significant career shift, leading him to join the American Ballet Theatre as a principal dancer.

Renowned for his neoclassical style and dramatic presence, Baryshnikov excelled in both traditional ballet and contemporary dance.

His roles in films and television, including White Nights and Sex and the City, expanded his influence, solidifying his status as an iconic figure in both dance and popular culture.

1: Michael Jackson

Date of Birth: August 29, 1958, Indiana, U.S.

Date of Death: June 25, 2009, Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Best Works:

• Thriller
• Bad
• Beat It
• Billie Jean
• Smooth Criminal

Key Achievements:

• Grammy Awards
• Guinness World Records
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (twice)

Michael Jackson’s journey into dancing began at a young age as part of the Jackson 5 (a pop band), where his natural talent for movement became apparent. His dancing style evolved into a blend of street dance, pop, and his unique interpretation of the robot and moonwalk moves. He is also one of the top black male singers.

His iconic moonwalk, first performed during a live performance of “Billie Jean” in 1983, became a cultural phenomenon, significantly shaping pop culture and still revered today.

Jackson‘s innovative choreography in music videos like “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal” set new standards, making him a global icon.

His ability to seamlessly integrate storytelling into his dance routines, combined with his precise and fluid movements, made him famous with the title “King of Pop,” solidifying his legacy as one of the best dancers in the world.