Although the performing arts of Myanmar have been influenced by the arts and culture of India, China, Sri Lanka and Thailand, Myanmar has preserved and developed its own culture including traditional dance. Myanmar "Ahak" can be traced back to the first century A.D. Records show that as early as A.D. 802 a "Pyu" music and dance troupe including 35 artists and 22 musical instruments was sent on a goodwill mission to China. After the Pyu period, Bagan became the focus of cultural activities and Indian, Sri Lankan, China, Pyu, Mon, Myanmar and indigenous nationals cultures were celebrated during the Bagan period. Stone inscriptions of this period mention 21 musical instruments and 64 kinds of musicians and dancers and also the word "Ka-Chay-Tha-Bin" which means music and dance festival. King Ngar Si Shin Kyawswa of Pinya dynasty composed "Kar-Chins" or martial songs for a shield dance in 1336. In 1714, Minister Padetharaja wrote a play entitled "Manikhet Zat" which initiated the form of "Zat-Kyi" or traditional grand drama. He also composed thirty-seven "Nat" songs. Marionette theatre and "Myay-Waing" dance also emerged at about this time. The latter dance was performed on a circular plot of ground on the same level as the audience. King Hsinbyushin conquered Ayutthaya, then the capital Thailand, in 1767 and brought back many craftsman and artists including court-dancing girls who introduced and taught Thai dance forms in Myanmar. Thus Myanmar dance styles have been enriched by absorbing techniques and styles from neighbors. Interest in all forms of arts and crafts declined during British rule. 

The present basic dance course known as "Ka-byar-lut," is performed with drumbeats as the only accompaniment. A stone figure in the Shwezigon Pagoda from the Bagan period portrays the "Ka-byar-lut" dance style, suggesting that this basic dance has been in existence for a very long time. There are a number of popular dances performed for state guests, visitors and the general public at festivals or at restaurants. One is the "Bon-shay" or long drum dance featuring two long drums, a pair of cymbals, a bamboo clapper and a "Hne," a wind instrument similar to an oboe. The "Ozi" or pot drum dance includes a drummer who may carry and play from one or many drums, two bamboo clappers, a cymbals player, an oboe player and an "Ozi" dancer usually garbed as a prince or a royal page body. The "Dobat," or two-faced drum dance is performed by two drummers, one bamboo clapper, a cymbalist, an oboist and a dancer. This dance is always performed in village festivities with very little music. Folk festivals also feature "Toenaya" dance. The Toenaya is a mythical figure made up of jute, coarse paper and strips of bamboo. The dancer dons the framework of the gaily painted and decorated Toenaya figure and performs the dance together with the "Dobat" or "Ozi" music. The "Mingalarbar" dance, a greeting dance bestowing blessings upon the audience, is very graceful dance on the "Nat" votaress. The "Si-Mi-Kwet dance or oil lamp dance, features dancers carrying lighted oil lamps on their palms paying homage and reverence to the Buddha. The suppleness and skill of the dancer enables her to move hands, feet, body and head without upsetting the lamp or extinguishing the flames during the performance. Other popular dances are the "Tabin-Taing," traditional solo dance; "Zawgyi," or alchemist dance; "Anyeint," a solo, artistic dance performed together with story telling, humor, jokes and shows; "Ahpyodaw," maid of honor dance; "Wun," minister dance; "Yokethe," or marionette dance, where the dancers perform imitating the movements of puppets; the "Nay-yar-dawkhin" or royal page dance; the "Sidaw," or royal drum dance and others. The Myanmar orchestra, called a "Saing," in which percussion instruments dominate, provides the musical accompaniment for the traditional dances. The orchestra consists of the "Patt Waing," a circle of 21 drums in the center, the "Kyay Maing," a circle of gongs, a "Patt-Ma," single large drum, "Lingwin," cymbals, a "Hne," wind instrument similar to an oboe, a "Palwe," bamboo flute, "Wah-Let-Khoke," bamboo clappers and a "Pattalar," bamboo xylophone. Sometimes there may also be a "Saung-Gauk," Myanmar harp, to complete the ensemble.