Ballroom dance refers collectively to a set of partner dances, which originated in the Western world and are now enjoyed both socially and competitively around the globe. Its performance and entertainment aspects are also widely enjoyed on stage, in film, and on television. It is for young and old.

While historically ballroom dance may refer to any form of formal social dancing as recreation, with the eminence of dance sport in modern times the term has became much narrower in scope, usually referring specifically to the International Standard and International Latin style dances (see dance groupings below). In the United States, two additional variations "American Smooth" and "American Rhythm" have also been popularized and are commonly recognized as styles of "ballroom dance".