Chinese royal dance was performed during sacrifices, ceremonies, for singing the praises of emperors or during banquets in royal courts.

Royal dances are updated and innovated by royal artists. Royal dances are of high artistry and require high dancing techniques. Most royal dances are of large scale, magnificence, and high artistic value.

Representatives of Chinese royal dances include Prince Qin Breaks Through Enemy Lines of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to praise Emperor Li Shimin, highly skillful Qipan Dance (Dance on Tray and Drum), Bayu Dance (a kind of military group dance) of local flavor, Huteng Dance of exotic flavor, elegant Nishang Yuyi (The Dance in Feathery Clothing).