18th century dance is a field of academic inquiry dedicated to the historical study and reconstruction of dance forms, practices, and social contexts specific to the period roughly spanning 1701 to 1800. This research area investigates the repertoire, technique, performance practices, notation systems, theoretical treatises, and social functions of dance within diverse cultural settings of the era, providing critical insight into historical performance traditions, courtly and social life, and the evolution of Western theatrical and popular dance forms.