Festival dance can refer to different types of dances depending on the context. Here are some examples:

• Irish Festival Dance: This is a form of Irish dance traditionally associated with Northern Ireland. It separated from the "feis" movement in stepdancing in the mid-20th century and became stylistically and administratively distinct. Teachers of festival dance emphasise the importance of individualism in performance, and encourage storytelling in the interpretations of each dancer. It is described as less rigid, and proponents highlight the "art and personal expression" involved.

• Cultural Festival Dance: This is a cultural dance performed to the strong beats of percussion instruments by a community of people who share the same culture. Festival dances may be religious or secular in nature, and are usually done in honor of a Patron Saint or in thanksgiving of a bountiful harvest. They draw the people’s culture by portraying the people’s ways of life and traditions. The best thing about festivals is that they add to the merry-making and festivities where they are celebrated, the reason why they are called festival dances after all.

• Dance Festival: This is an organized event where dance performance is celebrated. Dance festivals may include competitions for individual dancers or teams, or may simply serve as a cultural event focused on dance. Some dance festivals seek to show off talented regional, national, or international dance companies in all categories, while others focus on the performance of a specific style of dance. Dance festivals can promote a common or rare style of dance, and can be a great way to learn and connect with others. They can also attract a lot of tourists to areas that typically don’t see a lot of foot traffic, which can help the local economy.

In summary, festival dance can refer to a variety of dances that are performed in the context of a festival or cultural event. They can be traditional or modern, competitive or non-competitive, and can showcase different styles of dance.