Dance is a diverse art form consisting of body movements with aesthetic and often symbolic value, typically performed with musical accompaniment, serving functions from social interaction to sacred rituals. It broadly categorizes into theatrical dance, a spectacle by virtuoso performers (like Western ballet or Indian Bharatanatyam), and participatory dance, engaged in for social, exercise, or self-expression purposes, such as folk or ballroom dancing. Its history is ancient, evidenced by 10,000-year-old Indian cave paintings and Egyptian tomb art from c. 3300 BC, suggesting its crucial role in early human communication and healing. Significant codification occurred, such as in India's Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra during the first millennium BCE, reflecting its deep cultural roots. Today, dance remains vital in global culture, from traditional ceremonies and exercise to the Bollywood entertainment industry, showcasing its enduring adaptability and importance.