BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity in older adults is strongly associated with a variety of health problems that may lead to cognitive decline and impaired physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of five different dances on cognitive function and quality of life in older adults. METHODS: seven databases were systematically searched. Two reviewers independently completed the screening, quality assessment and data extraction of the study. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using the Network package in Stata software and network meta-analyses (NMAs) were conducted using Bayesian consistency models using the GeMTC package in R software. RESULTS: The NMA consisted of 28 studies involving 1967 older adults aged 60 years or older, focusing on five different types of dance interventions. The results of the NMA showed that only ballroom dancing significantly improved cognitive function (SMD = 0.89, 95 % confidence interval [CI] (0.07, 1.70)), whereas tango and folk dancing significantly improved balance (SMD = 1. 62, 95 % CI (0.50, 2.76), (SMD = 1.43, 95 % CI (0.15, 2.81)), while tango and self-created dance enhanced mobility (SMD = -1.42, 95 % CI (-2.60, -0.25), (SMD = -1.20, 95 % CI (-2.10, -0.37)). Furthermore, square dancing was the only intervention that significantly improved mental health (SMD = 1.11, 95 % CI (0.03, 2.31)). CONCLUSION: Ballroom dancing and square dancing appear to be the most effective interventions for improving cognitive ability and mental health, respectively, while tango shows promise as an intervention for improving balance and mobility.