Dance, like all forms of cultural expression, reflects the society in which it exists. Just as the history of the United States encompasses a broad array of complex influences, so do its dance forms stem from a rich pool of diverse forms. While the ballerina is likely the popular image of dance, the reality is that dance in the United States has embraced and incorporated individual, cultural, and stylistic elements in an ever-changing kaleidoscope that draws from and contributes to artistic, social, religious, cultural, and even political realms. Dance can have many purposes including expression, communication, education, therapy, recreation, or entertainment and may function in personal, political, social, religious, and spiritual environments. This essay cannot fully address all of the implications of dance in the United States, but it offers a look at the breadth of dance in a country whose music and dance reflect and incorporate diverse influences.