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Dance Glossary
Acro, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Pom, Step & Tap
Abstraction: An idea or concept conveyed through movement and removed
from its original context
Accelerando: A gradual increasing of speed or tempo in music
Accent: A strong movement or gesture
Active Foot: The free or working foot with the weight on the opposite
or supporting foot
Acrobatics: A gymnastics term for control skills requiring balance,
strength, and/or flexibility.
Allegro: A musical term which means quick or lively
Allongé ["elongated"]: With the arms stretched out as far as
possible.
Arabesque ["Arabic"]: A pose with one leg stretched straight out to
the back and one arm usually stretched out to the front. The back leg may be
on the floor or at 45, 90, or 135 degrees.
Arabesque Penche: An arabesque scale in which the back is allowed to
drop so that the rear leg may be raised higher
Arch: A position, in which the back is curved backwards, the chest is
open and. the body takes on a convex shape
Assemblé ["assembled"]: A jump: plié, brushing working leg out. Jump.
Bring both legs together ("assemble" them) while in midair; land on both
feet. The brush can be to the front, the side, or the back
Attitude ["attitude"]: A pose. As with the arabesque, the leg is
raised. But unlike the arabesque, it is bent, not straight, and, also unlike
the arabesque, it can be done to the front, the side, or the back. In
attitude to the front or the back, if the angle is 90 degrees, the calf
should be as nearly horizontal as possible. An attitude can also be done in
a turn.
Axel (AK-sel): A tuck jump turning outward, leaving and landing on
the same foot. Usually lead into by a chaîné
Axial Movement: Any movement that is anchored to one spot by a body
part using only the available space in any direction without losing the
initial body contact. Movement is organized around the axis of the body
rather than designed for travel from one location to another; also known as
non-locomotor movement.
Back Flap: The same as the more commonly used term "back brush step."
Back-Front: the same as a ball change
Balance: A state of equilibrium referring to the balance of weight or
the spatial arrangement of bodies. Designs may be balanced on both sides of
center (symmetrical) or balanced off center (asymmetrical)
Balancé ["rocking"]: A waltz step. For a balancé to the right, start
in fifth position. On count of 1-2-3, right foot goes out to the side and
the weight is transferred to it (1). Immediately bring left foot behind
right and transfer the weight to the ball of the left foot while rising up
on it (2). Put your weight back on the right foot flat on the floor (not
raised up) (3). A balancé to one side is almost always followed by a balancé
to the other side. Balancés can also be done to the front and back
Ball Beat: A dropping of the ball of the foot
Ballon ["balloon"]: The appearance of weightlessness and of being
airborne.
Ballet: A classical Western dance form that originated in the
Renaissance courts of Europe. By the time of Louis XIV (mid-1600s), steps
and body positions underwent codification
Ball Change: A change in balance from the ball of one foot to the
ball of the other foot.
Barrel jump: A turning jump in the air where the body is parallel
with or horizontal to the floor.
Barrel Roll, Barrel Turn: A complete turn of the body with the arms
extended in a windmill fashion. With the weight on the L ft, extend the R
foot back touching the floor (no wt). Lean extremely forward with the right
hand practically touching the floor; the L arm is extended back overhead,
both arms are in line with the shoulders. Execute a complete turn R,
pivoting on the L in a backward motion. (R outside turn)
Battement ["beating"]: A generic term for various movements in which
the leg is extended and then returned.
Battles: (Hip Hop) Individually or as members of a team, dancers try
to outdo each other. Part of the skill lies in picking up on the previous
dancer's vocabulary and embellishing it or making it more extreme, so that
battles are like conversations with each person commenting on the opponent's
dance.
B-boying or breaking: (Hip Hop) Showiest “power moves” include
acrobatic spins and rapid floor work, often supported on just one arm.
Bells: A clicking of the heels together while in the air: Raise the L
leg diagonally to the L side. Flex the knee of the R foot; leap into the air
while clicking the heels together and land on the R foot. Movement may be
executed to either side.
Body image: An acceptance of one's body as it is in a positive way,
with recognition of the possibilities of its capabilities and limitations
Body Wave: A wave-like contraction movement of the entire body
passing through the hips, shoulders, arms and head
Bop: A musical style accenting the off-beat
Bounce: A medium tempo in 4/4 time.
Brush: One-sound kicking movement, in any direction. With the knee in
a flexed position, strike the ball of the free foot against the floor, the
leg raises in the air until the knee is straight. This applies when the
brush is executed in a forward movement. A brush may be executed in any
direction but basically it is forward or backward
Brush Flat: A flat brush is executed in exactly the same fashion as a
basic brush - the difference is that the entire flat of the foot strikes the
floor in the pendulum movement
Brush Step: A forward Brush Step is the same as a Flap. Whether it is
a forward or back brush step, the movement can be executed in any desired
rhythm pattern
Cabriole: A ballet leap in which one leg is extended in midair and
the other beat against it before the dancer lands on the foot used for
take-off. Cabrioles can be done to the front, side and back. The
kick-the-habit kick on TV commercials was a cabriole
Cake Walk: A type of diagonal walk with each step the foot raises as
far up as to the knee
Call and response: A musical form sometimes embedded in step
routines. The step master begins with a move, and then cues other steppers
to join in.
Cambré ["bent"]: A bend from the waist in any direction, but
especially forward or back
Camel: Trio element with top in single stagged handstand on middle's
shoulders, middle supports one knee and arm/shoulder of top.
Candlestick: A candle stick is a shoulder stand position where the
dancer (acro) is essentially resting on the back of their shoulders with
their feet pointed towards the ceiling. The dancer’s arms can be in a
variety of original artistic positions or on the floor to assist with
support and balance
Canon: A passage, movement sequence, or piece of music in which the
parts are done in succession, overlapping one another
Cat Leap: Hitch kick with knees bent in front of the body.
Catch: A movement wherein the toe or heel of one foot strikes the toe
or heel of the opposite foot
Catch Step: Basically, a ball change with one foot forward of the
other and starting with the back foot
Chaîné Turns: Short for tours chaînées déboulés, "chained, rolling
turns." Fast turns on half or full point with the legs in a tight first
position, rotating a half turn on one foot and the other half on the other
foot. Done one after the other so they're "chained" together
Changement (short for changement de pieds ["change of the feet"]): A
jump, straight up, starting from fifth position with one foot in front and
landing in fifth position with the other foot in front
Chassé ["chased"]: A gliding step. The working leg slides out; put
weight on working leg and draw other leg along floor to it.
Chest Stand: A front prone arched balance pose in which the
performer's chest is resting on the floor for support and the legs are up in
the air over the head stretching forward
Chop: A step backward with leg straight. The step takes weight
Choreography: The creation and composition of dances by arranging or
inventing steps, movements, and patterns of movements
Chorus Line: A line of dancers performing a kick routine. This type
of dance line was originally called a Tiller
Ciseaux ["scissors"]: Opening the legs, like the blades of a pair of
scissors, to a wide second position; may be jumped
Click Heels: With the weight on the balls of both feet, twist heels
in, striking them together
Click Toes: With the weight on the heels of both feet (toes raised in
the air), twist toes in, striking them together
Clip: A striking on the heel against the toe of the opposite foot or
striking the toe against the heel of the opposite foot. A derivative of the
Lancashire Clog
Clowning: Form created by L.A.'s Tommy Johnson (Tommy the Clown) in
the 1990s. Wearing clown makeup and costumes, dancers combine the percussive
joint hits of other forms and rippling torso movements. (See the documentary
“Rize.”)
Cluster: Not a commonly used term but usually referred to a flurry or
group of tap sounds performed in rapid succession
Coffee Grinder: A flash step that is executed from a squat position
with the R leg extended forward and straight, R heel touches the floor. L
hand is on the floor on the L side of the R leg and the R hand is on the
floor to the R side of the R leg. Keeping R leg straight, start moving the R
leg in a circle to the L. L hand is raised as R leg passes and L hand
returns to the floor beside R. At this point, the L leg steps over the R
(remaining in a squat position) R leg continues circle L and as the leg
approaches the completion of the circle, the R hand is raised as the leg
passes to forward position. R hand returns to floor on R side of R leg.
Movement can be executed as many times as desired, in either direction
Contraction: A hollowing and tightening of the muscles in the core of
the body.
Contrast: To set side by side to emphasize differences. In dance two
contrasting movements might differ in energy, space (size, direction,
level); design (symmetrical/asymmetrical, open/close); timing (fast/slow,
even/uneven); or two or more different themes or patterns the variation of
rhythm patterns in relation to one another
Cou de Pied: A placement at the neck of the foot. The position of the
working foot is turned out on or around the ankle of the supporting leg.
Counterpoint: Complimentary rhythms
Counter Turn: A counter turn is most often used to describe the
turning of the hips in the opposite direction of a double leg circle
Counts: Refers to the number of beats to a bar or measure of music.
Coupé (koo-PAY): Meaning to cut or cutting; when one foot quickly
takes the place of the other
Cramp: Usually is referred to as a forceful or accented heel drop
Cramproll: A movement employing steps and heel drops in specific
patterns
Crocodile: One arm version of elbow lever (see elbow lever).
Crossover: A movement employing a crossing of one foot in front of
the other
Cubanola: An old theatrical term more commonly known as a Traveling
Time Step
Cut: Same as a Cut-Out
Cut-Out: A swinging of the legs from one side to the other while
striking the heels together
Curve or “arch”: This is the opposite of a contraction. The mid
section pushes forward and the back arches curving the back
Da Capo: A music term meaning: from the beginning
Dal Segno: A music term meaning: a repetition from the "sign”
Dance: Movement selected and organized for aesthetic purposes or as a
medium of expression rather than for its function as work or play
Dance Lift: Any skill in which one or more dancers support another
dancer’s body weight away from the performance surface
Dance sequence: The order in which a series of movements and shapes
occurs
Dance structures: The way in which a dance is constructed or
organized; a supporting framework or the essential parts of a dance
Deep arch: Handstand position with 45° arch of back and feet down to the
level of the hands.
Dégagé ["disengaged"]: A movement or position in which the working
leg is lifted off the floor.
Demi Plié: half bend of the knees, heels remain on the floor.
Détourné ["turned aside"]: A smooth turn made by pivoting on the toes
in relevé
Devant ["ahead"]: Directed in front of the body. À la quatrième
devant is with the leg pointing ahead of the body
Developpé ["developed"]: A movement in which the working leg is drawn
up to the knee of the supporting leg and from there smoothly out to a
position in the air, usually at 90 degrees
Dig: A dig is a forward movement with the free foot and can be
executed with the ball of the foot or the back edge of the heel
Dig Tap: With the knee of the free foot flexed, strike the hall of
the free foot forward in a forceful movement. This movement may also be
executed with the toe turned in or turned out. This movement does not take
weight
Dolphin: This is a movement where the body flows in a snake type
movement starting from the chest moving up.
Double Jump: One of the many old terms which means Shuffle and Leap
forward to the same foot
Downstage: Direction toward the audience
Drag: Same as a Draw
Drag Turn: A type of inside turn. Usually in plie'/releve on the
supporting leg while the working leg follows while physically dragging on
the floor either to the side behind or diagonally back
Draw: A drawing of the free foot on the floor in any desired
direction. The foot is kept in contact with the floor until the sliding
movement is completed
Drops: Dropping to the knee, thigh, seat, front, back, or split
position onto the performing surface from a jump,
stand or inverted position without first bearing most of the weight on the
hands/feet which breaks the impact of the drop.
Dynamics: The energy of movement expressed in varying intensity,
accent, and quality
Echappé ["escaped"]: A movement in which the legs move from fifth
position out to second position or, occasionally, to fourth position
Elbow Lever: Horizontal prone body position with support of body on
elbows of bent arms
Elbow Stand: An inverted pose in which the performer balances on the
forearms on the floor. Kind of like a handstand on the forearms
Elevation: The body's propulsion into the air away from the floor,
such as in a leap, hop, or jump
En l'air ["in the air"]: Used to describe movements in which the
working leg is raised a considerable distance off the ground
Enchaînement ["chaining"]: A series of steps linked (chained)
together
En dedans: (on-de-DAN) (inward) Moving in direction of the support
leg. Right turn on Right foot. Left turn on Left foot
En dehores: (on-de-OR) (outward) Moving in the direction opposite to
the support leg. Right turn on Left foot; Left turn on Right foot.
épaulement ["shouldering"]: Rotation of the shoulders and head
(relative to the hips) to add beauty or expressiveness to a pose, step, or
movement
Extension: The ability to raise the working leg high in the air
Fall: A way for the dancer to fall to the ground in a graceful and
controlled movement that appears natural.
Fall Over the Log: A step where the dancer steps out onto one foot
while the other foot lifts and points at the knee of the other. In ballet
terms it would be considered a “piquè passé”.
Fan Kick: A leg moving in a semi-circle from diagonal to diagonal
Feet, positions of: There are five basic positions of the feet in
ballet. 1: feet in line with heels together; 2. feet in line, heels apart
(separated by about the length of one's foot); 3. feet touching, one foot in
front of the other and overlapping by about half the length of the foot; 4.
feet apart, separated about the length of a foot, one foot in front of the
other; 5. feet touching, one foot in front, heel to toe and toe to heel. In
a Cecchetti fifth, the feet do not overlap completely; in a Russian fifth,
they do. Fourth position is sometimes qualified as an open fourth (like
first position except for the separation of the feet) and a closed fourth
(like fifth position except for the
separation of the feet)
Finis: A music term meaning the end or finish
Flexibility: The ability to move a body joint through its full range
of motion, the range of motion through which a joint can move without
feeling pain; to have a wide range of motion in a joint.
Flexed: A bent position of the hand or foot.
Flexion: Movement about a joint in which bones on either side of the
joint are brought closer together, decreasing the angle of the joint. Any
movement of a joint, which brings connected body parts closer together.
Opposite of Extension.
Flick: A jazzy and sassy way of doing a développe enveloppé.
Basically the working leg sneaks up the supporting leg and flicks out
straight ahead.
Flick Kick: Another ballet move done in a jazzy way which is
basically a développé battement. This is when the working leg again sneaks
up the supporting leg in a passé then jets out to a high kick in a flicking
motion.
Focus: In general, a gathering of forces to increase the projection
of intent. In particular, it refers to the dancer's line of sight
Fondu ["melted"]: Any movement that lowers the body by bending one
leg. In a plié, both legs support the body; in a fondu, only one leg
supports the body
Force/energy: An element of dance characterized by the release of
potential energy into kinetic energy. It utilizes body weight, reveals the
effects of gravity on the body, is projected into space, and affects
emotional and spatial relationships and intentions. The most recognized
qualities of movement are sustained, percussive, suspended, swinging, and
collapsing.
Fouetté ["whipped"]: Typically, a movement in which the working leg
is brushed vigorously either forward or backward. You then use the inertia
of the leg to turn the body around, so that the body turns 180 degrees away
from the leg, which remains where it was.
Fouetté en tournant ["turning fouetté"]: A series of turns that are
executed in pirouette position with the momentum being provided as the
working leg performs Ronds de Jambe. You can also do these turns while
holding your leg in second position (Turns a la Seconde).
Frappé ["struck"]: in full, battement frappé, "struck beat". Working
foot rests lightly on the ankle of the supporting foot. Throw the working
leg forcefully out to a dégagé position so that it strikes the floor 1/3 of
the way out. Hold the leg out as long as possible, returning it to its
initial position at the last moment.
Free Foot: The free foot is the foot with which the next movement is
made
Freeze: To freeze a movement! This type of movement (or lack thereof)
is more of an accent on music then a movement. It gives a moment flare and
emphasis in a subtle way.
Freezes, dimestopping (Hip Hop): Abrupt, sharply defined stops.
Front bird: Base holds top on straight arms overhead, top's back is
to the ceiling. The top uses a
high arch in upper back, legs together and arms raised sideways. Support by
base at the center of
gravity, usually at the hips.
Front Support: Individual element with straight body supported on
floor by feet and arms in pushup
position.
Front Switch Open: A leap. Chasse' into the leap. This is followed by
taking off from one leg facing the front, switching (scissor) the turned out
leg in the air to (open) side position remain facing to the front.
Genre: A particular kind or style of dance, such as ballet, jazz,
modern, folk, tap
Gesture: The movement of a body part or combination of parts, with
emphasis on the expressive aspects of the move. It includes all movements of
the body not supporting weight
Glide: Same as Over The Top, A very flashy movement of the old school
of tap wherein the point of one toe strikes the floor across and in front of
the opposite foot, followed by a leaping over the toe and landing on the
opposite foot
Glissade ["glide"]: A connecting step. Start in plié; move the right
foot out to Pointe Tendu; then move onto that leg, closing the left foot and
landing in plié. Can be done in any direction.
Grand Battement ["big beat"]: A "kick" in which the working leg is
raised as high as possible while keeping the rest of the body still
Grand Battement En Cloche ["grand battement like a bell"]: Grand
battements in which the leg swings continually between fourth position front
and fourth position in back, the body being held erect
Grand Jeté ["big thrown (step)"]: A long horizontal jump, usually
forward, starting from one leg and landing on the other. In the middle of
the jump, the dancer may be doing a split in midair.
Grand Jeté en Tournant: (ahn toor-NAHN) AKA Turning Leap, Barrel Leap
- A grand jeté that is lead into with a chaîné; working leg changes places
with supporting leg while turning; the working leg takes the landing and
becomes the supporting leg
Grand Plié: full bend of the knees, heels come off the floor in all
positions except second
Grapevine: Four steps used to move; working foot steps to side,
support leg steps behind working foot, working foot steps to side, support
leg moves to a dig or point
Grill Face or Mug Face: The serious expression worn by steppers,
especially when competing
Grind: A circular movement of the hips.
Head-roll: A head roll is letting the head move around its entire
circular access in a controlled but relaxed fashion while the body stays
aligned and in position. May be combined to become a Head and hand rolls.
Hamp: Same as a flat footed Hop - A Hop executed on the flat of the
same foot.
Hand to hand: Handstand held on hands of base, partners are looking
at each other's faces. The
front of the palm of one partner is on the heel of the palm of the other
partner.
Hand-held Props: Items used by the performing team as an extension of
the arm/hand, which are easily carried by one person.
Harlem Shake: An old hip hop dance move. The "Harlem Shake" is done
by moving one shoulder down towards the ground, as to which to other
shoulder is not able to be seen. As you are doing that, you are also
shimmying. After you do that, you then switch your shoulders by continuing
to shimmy your arms in the same movement and then you just SWITCH
Healy Twirl: Individual element starting in handstand, twist with
360° turn on one arm to sit on floor with feet in front.
Heel Change: A changing of the weight from the heel of the forward
foot to the ball of the back foot.
Heel Dig: Strike the back edge of the heel fwd, to the floor, with
the toe raised. This movement takes weight
Heel Hit: Same as Hit Heel.
Heel Stand: A Heel Dig fwd (toe raised) with all of the weight of the
body on the one heel. The opposite foot is raised back, in the air
Heel Tap: A striking of the back edge of the heel against the floor
with the toe raised. This movement does not take weight
Heel Toe: A movement in which the back edge of the heel strikes the
floor, fwd of the supporting foot, transferring the weight fwd to the heel.
Force the ball of the foot down to the floor.
Heel Twist: A tap movement derived from the Charleston Theme Step,
consisting of the inward and outward motion of the toes
High Kick: Beginning with a straight leg on the floor and extending
leg up to maximum height to the ceiling without bending at the knees of
either leg; performed center or off to the sides.
Hinge: This is when the body is aligned but it is being tipped from
the knees down with the feet on the ball pushing it forward.
Hip Walk: A basic jazz walk that jets the hips out in a circular sexy
movement with the arms rounded in back while in pliè.
Hip-fall: This is a controlled drop to the floor whether on knees or
feet and a slide through till the body is on the floor on its side and one
arm is straight out against the floor.
Hip-roll: This is an isolated roll of the hips while the rest of the
body stays in position.
Hitch Kick: Battement one leg, switch it with other leg in the air,
can be executed to the front, side or back
Hollow: Straight body position with slight contraction in the torso
Hookup: Attaching the dancers together to form a kick line. Your
right palm faces downward and rests on the
shoulder blade of the other person next to you. Your left palm faces forward
and rests on the upper back of the
person next to you.
Hop: A jump into the air on one foot: With the weight on one foot and
the free foot in the air in any direction, flex the knee of the supporting
foot; spring into the air and land on the same foot
Improvisation: To perform without dancing to a set pattern of steps
or routine i.e. “Winging it”
Initiation: Point at which a movement is said to originate. This
particularly refers to specific body parts and is generally said to be
either distal (from the limbs or head) or central (from the torso).
Isolation: Movement done with one body part or a small part of the
body. Examples are rolling the head, shrugging the shoulders, and rotating
the pelvis
Inward turn: A turn on the feet (foot) in the opposite direction of
the supporting leg. In other words, if a dancer does a traditional full turn
on the left leg turning it to the left, an inward turn is done on the same
leg and turns to the right. Inward turns are also known as reverse turns.
Jazz dance: Dance marked by movement isolations and complex,
propulsive polyrhythm’s. It is an outgrowth of African-American ragtime,
jazz, spirituals, blues, work songs, and so forth and is considered an
American dance style
Jazz Drag: This is a jazz walk or hip walk with a drag in it. Sort of
a dragging jazz walk.
Jazz Lay Out: This is the jazz moves of all jazz moves. The layout is
a difficult one to master for some. The body must be flexible to kick out
and within’ the kick the body will lean into it with the leg still high, and
the entire torso will follow it until it’s parallel with the floor and the
arms follow behind (or above) it.
Jazz Run: A running jazz walk! This requires a fluidity and grace to
make it look natural and not awkward.
Jazz Split: This is a split on the floor with the back leg bent
upward from the knee. Sometimes the knee can be grabbed or the head can be
arched back towards it.
Jazz Square: This is a smooth four step movement, example: step out
on your right leg, step back with your left, cross over with your right leg
and step forward with your left.
Jazz Walk: A low gravity type of walk where the body is in pliè and
the shoulders and arms are curved in opposition while walking forward. This
is without a hip roll. The Hip walk is the same but with a hip roll.
Jeté ["thrown"]: A jump from one foot to the other foot, throwing the
working leg out
Jive: Swing music or selections in swing style; also the lingo of
musicians.
Jumps: Jumps have been classified as follows: (1) from both feet to
both feet (e.g. changements); (2) from both feet to one foot (e.g. sissonnes);
(3) from one foot to both feet (e.g., assemblés); (4) from one foot to the
same foot (e.g., temps levés); (5) from one foot to the other foot (e.g.,
jetés)
Jump Over the Log: This is a jump from one leg to the other that is a
little more grand but not big enough to make a flying leap. It’s a control
leap from one leg to the other. In jazz a slick and catlike form must be
kept for the movement to “gel”.
Jump Tempo: A fast 4/4 tempo
Kick: With the weight on one foot, flex the knee of the free foot in
the air and extend free foot straight; may be executed to the front, side,
back or across front or back of the supporting leg
Krumping: An outgrowth of clowning, minus the goofy costumes and plus
a belligerent attitude.
Lamp: A leap from one foot to the other but landing on the flat of
the entire foot
Layout: Body position in dynamic element or tumbling. Body straight
or with no more than 10°
arch or pike.
Leap: A leap (taking off) from one leg to another. A leap always
involves a change of weight from one foot to the other
Levels: The height of the dancer in relation to the floor
Lift Kick: Lifting a straight leg from the floor to the ceiling
without a prep
Locomotor Movement: Movement that travels from place to place,
usually identified by weight transference on the feet. Basic locomotor steps
are the walk, run, leap, hop, and jump, and the irregular rhythmic
combinations of the skip (walk and hop), slide (walk and leap), and gallop
(walk and leap).
Locking: Don Campbell (Campbellock) evolved this form, with its
mobile torso and arms and frequent freezes, out of L.A. funk.
Lunge: A Lunge remains an exaggerated movement usually executed to
the side: With the weight evenly divided on both feet, slide one foot to the
side with the knee well flexed, the weight falling on the entire flat of
this foot; the other foot is extended to the opposite side with the knee
turned out the toe pointed to the side.
Lyrical Dance: is a modern dance form which fuses modern dance, jazz,
and ballet. Lyrical dance is often referred to as contemporary dance.
Characteristic of the lyrical dance style is flowing dance moves that
connect throughout the dance. The upper body movements are generally quite
different from ballet styles, and one often sees body angles unfamiliar to
either jazz or ballet.
Measure: The group of beats made by the regular recurrence of
primary, or heavy accents, the position of which is marked on the staff by
bars just before them. Hence, the notes or rests between two adjacent bars;
also is referred to as a Bar of music. In 4/4 time, a measure contains 4
basic beats.
Meter: A medium 4/4 time.
Military Dance: Rhythmical structure as concerned with the division
into measures consisting of a uniform number of beats or units.
Moderato: Military style of tap employing cramprolls in a drum-like
effect; best adaptable for tap dancing in a 4/4 or 2/4 time
Modern Dance: A type of dance that began as a rebellion against steps
and positions and values expressive and original or authentic movement. It
is a twentieth-century idiom
Modulation: Process of changing from one key to another without a
break in the melody or chord progression
Motif: A distinctive and recurring gesture used to provide a theme or
unifying idea
Movement pattern/ theme: A complete idea in movement that is
manipulated and developed within a dance
Movement problem: A specific focus or task that serves as a point of
departure for exploration and composing, usually with specific criteria
Musicality: Attention and sensitivity to the musical elements of
dance while creating or performing
Narrative: Choreographic structure that follows a specific story line
and intends to convey specific information through that story
Needle Scale: An arabesque type element, balanced on one foot, with
the other leg lifted high (preferably showing a 180 degree split) to the
back. The body is typically dropped forward with the chest down and the
hands either flat on the floor, gripping the ankle
Nerve Roll: Same as Nerve Taps
Nerve Tap: A series of rapid consecutive taps with the heel, ball or
toe effected by the vibration of the leg. The motion begins from the hip and
the leg is both tensed and straight
Opposition: Movement (or position) of the arms in opposite direction
to movement (or position) of the legs--as we move our arms when we walk
Off Beat: Musically, an unaccented beat. In tap, however, may refer
to some basic rhythms
Overarch: Handstand position with legs parallel to floor and back
arched.
Over the Top: A flash step consisting of a leap over the foot:
Parallel: A position in which the thighs, knees and toes of both legs
are facing straight ahead
Partner and group skills: Skills that require cooperation,
coordination, and dependence, including imitation, lead and follow, echo,
mirroring, and call and response
Pas: Means step or dance
Pas de Bourée (pah duh boo-RAY): Three small steps done by
transferring weight from foot to foot, in a down, up, down movement.
Pas de Chat ["step of the cat"]: A jump. Leap off the left leg,
starting from a plié and raising the right leg into retiré. In midair, raise
the left leg into retiré, too, so your legs form a diamond shape in the air.
Land on the right leg with the left leg still in retiré; then bring it down,
landing in another plié “Cat’s step” The step owes its name to the likeness
of a cat’s leap
Pas de Cheval ["step of the horse"]: Starting with the working leg in
pointe tendu, draw it along the floor back to the supporting leg; then,
without pausing, move it up to cou-de-pied and back out to pointe tendu in a
small developpé. The step resembles the pawing of a horse
Passé ["passed"]: A movement in which the pointed foot of the working
leg is made to pass the knee of the supporting leg
Patter: A series of small steps executed very rapidly
Penché ["leaning"]: A tilting of the body to achieve an extreme
picture A leaning or inclining of the body
Pencil Turn: This is a spin on both feet where the body is straight
and the body spins a few times with ease.
Petit Jeté ["little jump"]. A jump: brush the working foot out, hop
off the supporting leg, and land on the working foot with the other foot sur
le cou-de-pied behind. Can be done to the front, the side, or the back
Phrase: A brief sequence of related movements that has a sense of
rhythmic completion
Phrasing: The way in which the parts of a dance are organized
Piqué (pee-KAY): Stepping directly onto relevé with a straight
supporting leg and working leg in passé.
Piqué Turn: Plié working leg to prepare, piqué onto the supporting
leg while turning outward. To finish, bring the working leg down behind you
into fifth position to begin the process again.
Pirouette ["spin"]: A complete turn on one leg. The dancer usually
goes round more than once. The raised leg is most commonly held in rétiré,
but pirouettes with the leg in other positions are not uncommon. If the
direction of the turn rotates the raised leg away from the front of the
body, the pirouette is en dehors; if it rotates the leg toward the front, it
is en dedans.
Pirouette en Dedans (ahn duh-DAHN): Turning inward, towards
supporting leg.
Pirouette en Dehors (ahn duh-AWR): Turning outward, towards working
leg.
Pitty-Pat: A word some steppers use for moves that involve slapping
the hands across the thighs to create rhythms
Pivot: Movement step used to change direction; working leg steps
forward assuming weight of body, body
changes direction, support leg reassumes weight of body; can be executed
front to back, side to side.
Placement: The alignment of the body. Becoming properly placed means
learning to stand up straight, with hips level and even, shoulders open but
relaxed and centered over the hips, pelvis straight (neither protruding nor
tucked under), back straight, head up, weight centered evenly between the
feet.
Plié ["bent"]: Knee bends, done with the legs turned out Demi Plié -
Pointe ["point"]: (demi ["half"], quarter, three-quarter, sur les
pointes ["on the points"]). The point of the foot. Demi-pointe, etc., refer
to how far the heel is raised off the floor in a relevé. Definitions vary,
but this will do for starters: quarter point is with the heel just off the
floor; three-quarter point is a straight line from the knee to the ball of
the foot. Demi pointe is half way between. Sur les points is on the tips of
the toes--literally
Pointe Tendu ["stretched point (of the foot)"]: A position in which
the working leg is stretched straight out in any direction with only the tip
of the foot touching the floor
Popping: An explosive joint movement. A dance style based on the
technique of quickly contracting and relaxing muscles to cause a jerk in the
dancer's body, referred to as a pop or a hit. This is done continuously to
the rhythm of a song in combination with various movements and poses.
Port de Bras ["carriage of the arms"]: A series of arm movements performed
in the five basic ballet positions
Prep: In kicks, the plié “in between” kicks. Do not make this too
bouncy.
Primary Accent: The first beat of a measure of music
Principles of Composition: The presence of unity, continuity
(transitions), and variety (contrasts and repetition) in choreography
Projection: A confident presentation of one's body and energy to
communicate movement and meaning vividly to an audience. It also refers to
performance quality
Promenade ["walk"]: A pivot turn in which the dancer moves slowly
around by shifting the heel of the supporting leg. The rest of the body may
be in arabesque or attitude
Prop: An object that can be manipulated
Pull: This term has been used for many various movements but
basically represents a sliding back on one or both feet. The generally
accepted term for this movement is Slide. Some however, have used it with
reference to a Draw while others have used the term for a back Brush
Pulse: The underlying and consistent beat
Punch: A term that refers to bouncing off of the floor
Rattle: Same as a Shuffle: A front brush followed by a back brush;
may be executed to the front, side or back
Relevé ["raised"]: A movement in which the heels are raised off the
floor
Rep: Rep is shortened version of repetition
Repetition: The duplication of movements or movement phrases within
choreography
Retiré ["withdrawn"]: A position in which the working foot is drawn
up to the knee of the supporting leg.
Retrograde: The act of taking a sequence of choreography and
reversing the order from back to front
Reverse Jeté: A leap that starts like a jeté, but turns to the front
while hitting the split position
Ripples: Movements or motions that continuously follow one after
another waiting a count or later (chain, peel off).
Rhythm: A structure of movement patterns in time; a movement with a
regular succession of strong and weak elements; the pattern produced by
emphasis and duration of notes in music
Robotics: Movement whose mechanical look comes from precise joint
isolations and frequent locking
Rond de Jambe ["circular movement of the leg"]: A movement in which
the working leg is made to describe a letter D about the supporting leg. May
be done with the working foot on the floor or in the air
Rond Versé: A turning and jumping action with both legs fully
extended one to the side, the other straight down
Saut de Chat (soh duh shah): Executed similarly to grand jeté except
instead of brushing a straight working leg, it is développéd from a bent to
straight leg as supporting leg is pushing off.
Sauté (soh-TAY): jumping and landing on the same foot, toes should be
pointed in the air.
Seat Drop: Dropping to the seat (buttocks) without first bearing
weight on the hand or feet – Z-sit.
Scale: In ballet, when the leg is raised high (ideally to a 180
degree split) while balancing on the other leg. May be done to the front,
back or side and with the upper body lowered slightly
Scoot: A combination of a hop and slide forward, similar to a Chug
Sequence: Two or more skills which are performed together creating a
different combination skill
Shading: The subtle accenting of tap sounds by the force with which
the various movements are executed. Shading consists of the variation of
rhythm produced by either the temporary shifting of metrical emphasis or the
varying degrees in volume and pitch of the sounds, or both.
Shape: The positioning of the body in space: curved, straight,
angular, twisted, symmetrical, or asymmetrical
Shimmie: This movement is done from the shoulders. One shoulder moves
forward while the other moves back and is done really fast in a shake.
Shiver: This is a controlled tremble throughout the entire body. The
small muscles must contract and tighten so they twitch very quickly.
Side Leap: Taking off on one leg with the body facing to the front or
side and extending both legs, out to the sides, in an open, turned out, side
split position – Open Leap
Side Switch: Open Taking off from one leg facing to the front then
switching (scissor) the leg in the air to an open (side) position while
turning to face the front
Shoulder Fall: Basically the dancer arches back almost into a
backbend but pushes the body out when it would otherwise backbend or hit the
ground so the body slides back leaving you on the ground flat on your back.
Shoulder Roll: An isolation movement of the shoulders. A shoulder
roll!
Shuffle: A forward brush followed by a back brush to the front, side
or back, executed rapidly in a 16th note rhythm and counted "a 1".
Shuffle Leap: A forward shuffle on the free foot leaping forward to
the same foot
Shuffle Step: A shuffle with the free foot, followed by a step on
same foot. Once referred to as a "Three”
Sissonne [Named for its inventor]: A type of jump that has several
forms, among them: sissonne simple, sissonne ouverte, sissonne fermée,
sissonne fondue, and others Jump from a closed position to an open position
with legs extended front and back as in a split, landing on one foot and
closing in back with the opposite foot.
Skating: A step that involves sliding the feet side to side
Skills: Technical abilities; specific movements or combinations
Skipping: A series of step hops connected smoothly and traveling
forward
Slam: A flat tap involving no weight - leg is straight and the
movement is exaggerated
Slide: A pushing of the free foot forward or in any desired direction
with or without weight.
Soubresaut ["sudden leap"]: A jump from both feet to both feet
Sousus (soo-SYEW): In tight fifth position, relevé.
Soutenu Turn (soot-NEW): Begin with working leg stepping out and
supporting leg closing into a sousous
position, then turning.
Space: An element of dance that refers to the immediate spherical
space surrounding the body in all directions. Use of space includes shape,
direction, path, range, and level of movement. Space is also the location of
a performed dance
Spiral: The spiral is a turn that turns the spine around in separate
order. The top will be around faster then the bottom of your body or vice
versa.
Split Drop: Dropping to the performing surface from a jump, leap,
stand, or inverted position, landing with legs
extended at right angles to the trunk in a split position. (Illegal unless
feet/hands bear most of the weight and break the impact of the drop.)
Splits: Legs are flat against performance floor with one leg extended
forward and the other extended back, behind performer, in a turned out
position with pointed toes.
Spring: Same as a Leap: A transfer of the weight from one foot to the
other with an exaggerated lift.
Spotting: A technique for keeping oriented and avoiding dizziness
during turns
Stag: Position of leg with bend of the knee
Stag Leap: A leaping movement into the air with one leg extended
straight to the side, the other knee flexed with the foot at the knee of the
extended leg
Stamp: A step on the entire flat of the foot, taking weight. More
commonly known today as a "Flat Step”
Star: Pair element with base holding top above head with support on
torso and at foot. Top has
one hand on base's shoulder and one hand free, legs in straddle. Also
possible with base using only
one hand to support the top and top's foot is free.
Step: A placing of the front part of the foot firmly on the floor,
taking weight; always executed on the ball of the foot unless otherwise
noted.
Stepping (step-dancing): is a form of percussive dance in which the
participant's entire body is used as an instrument to produce complex
rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps, spoken word, and hand
claps. Though stepping may be performed by an individual, it is generally
performed by groups of three or more, often in arrangements that resemble
military formations.
Step Dig: Step out with working foot, then dig down with the ball or
toe of the supporting foot.
Step Point: Step out with working foot, then point with supporting
foot.
Stomping: Synonym for stepping.
Straddle: A body position in which the body faces forward and the
legs are spread far apart to the side, ideally to a 180 degree split or more
Straddle Split: A split in which the legs are extended to the left
and right, until a 180 degree angle between the legs is reached
Straight Kicks: Kicks that extend straight out in front of you.
Strut: A distinctive style of movement which is usable in all forms
of dance.
Style: A distinctive manner of moving; the characteristic way dance
is done, created, or performed that identifies the dance of a particular
performer, choreographer, or period.
Stylistic Nuance: A subtle difference in style of meaning; the subtle
or slight movements that identify the distinct characteristics of a
particular performer or the dances of a particular choreographer or period
Supporting Foot: The foot on which the weight is placed so the working
leg/foot is free to execute any given movement
Switch Leap: Large leap switching legs in the air. The dancer brushes
the first leg 45 degrees forward off the
ground, then back, lifting into a grand jeté. This also can be done by
switching into a second, or open, position.
(Open Switch Leap).
Switch Tilt Leap: A leap in which your working leg starts to split
leap and then switches to a tilted second
position-working leg is higher than supporting leg. Arms follow legs.
Swivel: Quarter or half turns executed on the balls of the feet. Feet
do not leave the floor.
Tap: A term that has been used in many and varied forms but basically
is the striking of the free foot to the floor in any direction. This can
pertain to the ball of the foot; the back edge of the heel with the toe up;
the tip or point of the toe and could be a flat-footed movement. In no form
does this movement take weight.
Tap dance: A type of dance that concentrates on footwork and rhythm.
This type of dance grew out of American popular dancing, with significant
roots in African-American, Irish, and English clogging traditions
Technique: The physical skills of a dancer that enable him or her to
execute the steps and movements required in different dances
Tempo: The speed of music or a dance
Tendu (tawn DEW): To stretch, pushing the foot away from the
supporting leg while keeping one toe on the floor.
Tendu Devant: Tendu to the front.
Theme: A particular subject/idea that is recurrent and consistent
throughout the entire performance. Used primarily for the novelty/prop
style.
Thigh Drop: Forcefully dropping to the thighs without first bearing
on the hands or feet.
Three Step Turn: A turn executed with three steps; step to side still
facing front, step other foot across body to
second position and face back, open first foot to second position to face
front again (preliminary to chaîné turn).
Tilt: High développé in a 2nd position with the body tilting to the
opposite direction.
Tilt Jump: A jump where your legs form a diagonal in the air, with
arms reaching toward legs.
Timing: To maintain the tempo and choreographed movements
simultaneously with the music and/or other performers; in proper tempo and
choreography.
Toe Roll: Executed on relevé and hinged; body arches back arms in
high V released, body contracts to floor; toes remain in contact the entire
movement, hands catch body weight.
Toe Touch: A jump where the legs plié and then jump out to a wide
second position; arms reach out as if they will touch the toes.
Tombé (tawn-BAY): Meaning to fall, step down.
Tour Jeté ["thrown turn"]: Short for grand jeté dessus en tournant,
"big turning jete over." A jump in which you leap in the air, starting with
a grande battement as if you were beginning a grand jeté; but in midair, you
turn around 180 degrees (by "scissoring" the legs) so you land on the other
foot facing back the way you came.
Tournant, En ["turning"]: We say a step is done en tournant if it is
executed while turning around.
Transition: The bridging point at which a single movement, the end of
a phrase, or even the end of a larger section of a dance progresses into the
next movement, phrase, or sequence
Trick: Creative choreography/athletic skills resulting in a surprise
effect.
Tuck Shoot to Handstand: Start in tuck position, feet and hands on
floor. Forward shift of weight
onto hands as the legs extend vigorously upward to handstand position. Press
is not necessary.
(individual element)
Turn: Rotation of the body on supported leg.
Turnout: The ballet stance in which the legs are rotated outward so
that the legs (and feet) point in opposite directions
Turning Switch Leap: Large leap switching legs in the air, which is
lead into with a chaîné turn. The dancer
brushes the first leg 45 degrees forward off the ground, then back, lifting
into a grand jeté.
Twists: Pivoting from one foot to the other.
Unison: Dance movement that takes place at the same time in a group
Unity: The feeling of wholeness in a dance achieved when all of the
parts work well together
Upbeat: The counts of "2" and "4" within a measure of music
Upstage: Direction away from the audience
Variety in Dance: A quantity or range of different things. To
maintain audience interest, the composition choreographer must provide
variety within the development of the dance. Contrasts in the use of space,
force, and spatial designs as well as some repetition of movements and
motifs provide variety
V-sit: A body position used in gymnastics and dance where the legs
are raised off the floor in a deep pike position and the entire body is
supported by the hands form the general appearance of a "V" shape.
Working Leg: The leg that is executing a given movement while the
weight of the body is on the supporting leg.
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