Dance theory is a relatively new field, primarily developed in the 20th century, serving as the philosophy underpinning contemporary dance by examining its ideologies, aesthetics, and technical attributes. It broadly explores dance's origins, styles, genres, and artistic expression, encompassing a wider scope than just musicality. Universities often categorize this study into philosophy (aesthetic meaning), choreology (movement analysis), and sociology (dance's role in society).
Dance theory delves into anatomical movements, partner interactions, and their association with music, analyzing the communicative, physical, and emotional aspects of dance across various cultures. Ultimately, it seeks to understand the instinctual nature of dance, demonstrating how all movements are rooted in natural body mechanics, a principle hypothetically chartable through 'sphere and lines' methods.