Glossary of partner dance terms
Encyclopedia
This is a list of dance terms that are not names of dances or types of dances. See List of dances and List of dance style categories for those.
This glossary lists terms used in various types of partner dance
s, leaving out terms of highly evolved or specialized dance forms, such as ballet
, tap dancing, and square dancing
, which have their own elaborate terminology. See also:
waltz
, tango
, foxtrot and Viennese waltz
. Previously Peabody
was also included.
This category loosely corresponds to the Standard category of International Style ballroom. However, Smooth differs from Standard in its inclusion of open and separated figures, whereas Standard makes exclusive use of closed positions.
A category of dances in American Style ballroom competitions. It includes
Cha-cha-cha
, Rumba
, East Coast Swing
, Bolero
, Mambo
. Sometimes it may include Samba and West Coast Swing
.
This category loosely corresponds to the Latin category of International Style ballroom.
s developed in the USA that contrasts with the International Style. In a narrower sense, it denotes the group of dances danced in American Style ballroom competitions. The group consists of two categories: American Smooth and American Rhythm.
, this term means that the follower executes steps without waiting for or contrary to the lead of the leader. This is also called anticipation and usually considered bad dancing habit. An exception would be to avoid a collision with another couple the leader hasn't seen (this is usually just to stop the leader performing specific steps rather than the follower actively executing steps).
Sometimes this term is used in the meaning of hijacking, which is not exactly the same.
and foxtrot. It refers to steps taken with momentum in excess of that necessary to arrive at a point of static balance over the new position, which suggests a carry through to another step in the same direction. Steps in these dances naturally flow one into another, in contrast to the tango
and to the Latin
and rhythm
dances where many steps arrive to a point of static balance.
is a style of closed position
in partner dancing
("closed position with body contact"); it is also a type of physical connection.
is a command by a caller to execute a particular dance figure. In round dancing, calls are called cues. See "Caller" for the explanation of the difference. Voice calls may be complemented by hand signs. See also Voice cue.
s and round dance
s.
The term Center may also be used as shorthand for the center point of balance.
(COG), center point of balance (CPB) helps the dancer to better understand and control his movements. CPB differs from the two other centers in two respects. The exact location of the COG is always well-defined, however it significantly depends on the shape the body assumes. In contrast, the CPB during normal dancing (heads up, feet down on the floor) is always at the same place of the dancer body, although defined in a loose way: it is said that the CPB is in the general area of the solar plexus for the gentlemen, and navel for the women. The reason to distinguish this point lies in the following simple observation. If you put your feet together, you may move your head or your hips pretty far away from your area of support without losing your balance. But if you move your CPB just 2-3 inches away from the equilibrium position, you will feel a strong urge to step in this direction. Therefore awareness of your CPB, both consciously and instinctively, gives you a better control of the overall dance movement and connection with your partner.
Closed position
The ordinary position of ballroom dancing in which the partners face each other with their bodies approximately parallel. In Standard and Smooth the bodies are also offset about a half body width such that each person has their partner on their right side, with their left side somewhat unobstructed. Contrast promenade position
and open position
.
Connection
A means of communication between dancers in the couple. Physical and visual types of connection are distinguished. Sometimes referred to as resistance or tone, it involves slightly tensing the upper-body muscles, often in the context of a frame, thus enabling leader to communicate intentions to follower. See compression and tension, two basic associated actions/reactions.
Contra body movement
Refers to the action of the body in turning figures; turning the opposite hip and shoulder towards the direction of the moving foot.
Dancesport
An official term to denote dance as competitive
, sport
activity.
, for another one, see "Step". See also Glossary of dance steps.
describes dance technique aspects related to feet: foot position and foot action.
In a narrow sense, e.g., in descriptions of ballroom dance figures, the term refers to the behavior of the foot when it is in contact with the floor. In particular, it describes which part of the foot is in contact with the floor: ball, heel, flat, toe, high toe, inside/outside edge, etc. In the Smooth
and Standard dances, it is common for the body weight to progress through multiple parts of the foot during the course of a step. Customarily, parts of the foot reached only after the other foot has passed to begin a new step are implied but not explicitly mentioned.
is a choreographed dance of a team of couples, e.g., ballroom Sequence Or Ballroom formation dance/team.
means that at the end of the step the dancer's center of gravity
is directly over the support foot. A simple test for a full weight transfer is that you can freely lift the second foot off the floor.
Frame
Dance frames are the upper body positions of the dancers. A strong frame provides connection
with your partner and conveys intended movement. A strong frame is where your arms and upper body are held firmly in place without relying on your partner to maintain your frame nor applying force that would move your partner or your partner's frame.
Major types of dance frames are Latin, smooth, and swing.
-&-3, 4-&-1".
: it is a way the partners hold each other by hands.
. During the course of rotation, the dancer's weight moves from toe to heel of one foot while the other foot swings to close to it, then forward from heel towards the toe of the just closed foot. Follower's heel turns feature body rise coincident with the first step, which leads her foot to close next to the standing one rather than swing past. In contrast, when the leader is dancing a heel turn the rise is delayed until the conclusion of the turn, as he can better lead the amount of turn from a more grounded position. The heel turn is distinguished from other members of the family of heel pull actions which do not require complete closure of the feet. Follower's heel turns are commonly found in the double reverse spin and the open or closed telemark, and the natural and reverse turns of international style foxtrot, while leader's heel turns form the basis of the open or closed impetus.
, this term hijacking means temporary assuming the leading role by the follower
. Also known as stealing the lead. Compare to backleading.
(also called "slow waltz"), tango
, foxtrot, quickstep
, and Viennese waltz
. This category loosely corresponds to the Smooth category of American Style ballroom.
s that contrasts with American Style. In a narrower sense, it denotes the group of dances danced in International Style ballroom competitions. The group consists of two categories: Standard and Latin.
, Rumba
, Paso Doble, and Jive
.
(J&J) is a format of competition in partner dancing, where the competing couples are the result of random matching of leaders and followers. Rules of matching vary. The name comes from the popular English nursery rhyme
, Jack and Jill
. In venues with same-sex dance partners, the ambiguous name "Pat and Chris" has been used.
In dance competitions J&J is included as a separate division (or divisions, with additional gradations).
J&J is popular at swing
conventions, as well as at ballroom dance
competitions in the USA.
of Latin America
n origin.
leg movement.
, opposite to compression, in which a stress exists at the point(s) of contact directed away from the contact point(s). Predominantly used in the swing
dance community. See also tension.
Line of dance is a useful line of reference when describing the direction
s of steps taken, e.g., "facing LOD", "backing [or reverse] LOD". See also center, wall. Reference to line of dance is based on the direction faced by the leader rather than the follower.
Line of Dance is also a ballroom dance inspired clothing company that specializes in casual dancewear. Started by Chris Lynam in 2004, and then incorporated in 2010, Line of Dance Inc. now ships casual ballroom dancewear throughout the English speaking world.
of the music according to the number of measures or bars
occurring in one minute
of music. This can vary from as low as 25-27 MPM for international style rumba
to as fast as 58-60 MPM for international style Viennese waltz
.
" for details. The rise is felt in body and legs only.
is any dance position in couple dances, in which the partners stand apart in contrast to closed position
. They may face inwards or outwards, and hold one or both hands or stand independently.
by means of physical contact. Types of physical connection are body contact
, compression, leverage.
is incorrectly danced with an outward rotation of the upper bodies, rather than a rotational stretch in each body. It is characterized by one or both partner's having their trailing elbow behind the line of their shoulders, with a resulting break in the arm line at the trailing shoulder.
is described differently in various dance categories. See also counter promenade position
.
In ballroom dance
s their common trait is that the dance couple moves (or intends to move) essentially sidewise to the leader's left while partners nearly face each other, with the leader's right side of the body and the follower's left side of the body are closer than the respective opposite sides. Steps of both partners are basically sidewise or diagonally forward with respect to their bodies. Normally the dancers look in the direction of the intended movement.
In square dance
s it is a close side-by-side position in various handholds with the general intention to move together forward, "in promenade
".
or body turns less action. A step with side lead will often precede or follow a step of the opposite foot taken into contra body movement position (in which the leading side is that opposite the moving foot) without requiring intervening rotation of the body.
Due to the offset position of the partners in the hold, a left side lead may be quite pronounced whereas a right side lead will be more subtle if taken in closed position.
is an imaginary narrow rectangle along which the follower moves back and forth with respect to the leader, who is more or less stationary. As a rule, the leader mostly stays in the slot as well, leaving it only to give way for the follower to pass him.
. Some other dances, e.g., hustle
and salsa
, may be danced in slotted style. Compare spot dance, travelling dance.
, salsa
, east coast swing
. Compare travelling dance, slotted dance.
has a specific meaning in the technique of ballroom dancing. Basically, it describes a body position in which its upper part gracefully deflects from the vertical.
Syncopation
In dancing, the term has two meanings: The first one is similar to the music
al terminology. The second one is making more (and/or different) steps than required by the standard description of a figure, to address more rhythmical nuances of the music. The latter usage is considered incorrect by many dance instructors, but it is still in circulation, a better term lacking.
, opposite to compression, in which a stress exists at the point(s) of contact directed away from the contact point(s) between partners. People frequently resort to describing the actions as "push" (compression, towards partner) and "pull" (tension, away from partner) to get the idea across. See also leverage.
dancing community.
al time
: bar
s and beat
s.
, foxtrot, polka
, samba, Argentine tango
. Compare spot dance, slotted dance.
Visual connection by no means should replace the physical connection, and some consider it to be an inferior form of connection. However it does have its proper usages. Most important are the coordination of styles (arms, etc.) and when dancing without physical contact. An important example of the latter is spotting the partner during turns, especially free spins.
This type of connection is essential for "Shine Position Patterns", commonly found in latin dances like the Cha-Cha, Mambo, and Salsa as well as "Side By Side Position Patterns".
Cues are an important element of round dance
s. In square dance
s they are called calls and called by a caller .
This glossary lists terms used in various types of partner dance
Partner dance
Partner dances are dances whose basic choreography involves coordinated dancing of two partners, as opposed to individuals dancing alone or individually in a non-coordinated manner, and as opposed to groups of people dancing simultaneously in a coordinated manner.In the year 1023 the German poet...
s, leaving out terms of highly evolved or specialized dance forms, such as ballet
Ballet
Ballet is a type of performance dance, that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century, and which was further developed in France and Russia as a concert dance form. The early portions preceded the invention of the proscenium stage and were presented in large chambers with...
, tap dancing, and square dancing
Square dance
Square dance is a folk dance with four couples arranged in a square, with one couple on each side, beginning with Couple 1 facing away from the music and going counter-clockwise until getting to Couple 4. Couples 1 and 3 are known as the head couples, while Couples 2 and 4 are the side couples...
, which have their own elaborate terminology. See also:
- Glossary of ballet terms
- Glossary of dance movesGlossary of dance movesThis glossary of dance moves gives brief descriptions of various dance moves commonly used various contemporary social dances.This list includes*Simple dance steps and actions that require 2-3 sentences to describe.*Summaries of moves used in many dances....
Abbreviations
- 3T - Three Ts
- CBL - Cross-body lead
- CBM - Contra body movementContra body movementContra body movement is a term used in ballroom dances, such as Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep. It describes a specific coordination of the movement of a dancer's body when doing or preparing to do a step which involves rotation...
- CBMP - Contra body movement position
- COG - Center of gravityCenter of gravityIn physics, a center of gravity of a material body is a point that may be used for a summary description of gravitational interactions. In a uniform gravitational field, the center of mass serves as the center of gravity...
- CPB - Center point of balance
- DC - Diagonally to center
- DW - Diagonally to wall
- IDSF - International DanceSport Federation
- IDTA - International Dance Teachers Association
- ISTD - Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
- J&J - Jack and Jill
- LOD - Line of dance
- MPM - Measures per minute
- NFR - No foot rise
- OP - outside partner or open position
- PP - promenade position
- Q - quick
- S - slow
Amalgamation
"A combination of two or more figures". More generally: a sequence of figures that a couple wants to dance.American Smooth
A category of dances in American Style ballroom competitions. It includeswaltz
Waltz
The waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in time, performed primarily in closed position.- History :There are several references to a sliding or gliding dance,- a waltz, from the 16th century including the representations of the printer H.S. Beheim...
, tango
Tango (ballroom)
Ballroom Tango is a ballroom dance that branched away from its original Argentine roots by allowing European, American, Hollywood, and competitive influences into the style and execution of the dance....
, foxtrot and Viennese waltz
Viennese Waltz
Viennese Waltz is the genre of a ballroom dance. At least three different meanings are recognized. In the historically first sense, the name may refer to several versions of the waltz, including the earliest waltzes done in ballroom dancing, danced to the music of Viennese Waltz.What is now called...
. Previously Peabody
Peabody (dance)
Peabody was a foxtrot type ballroom dance in the United States of the beginning of the 20th century. It was essentially a fast One-Step danced under lively ragtime music....
was also included.
This category loosely corresponds to the Standard category of International Style ballroom. However, Smooth differs from Standard in its inclusion of open and separated figures, whereas Standard makes exclusive use of closed positions.
American Rhythm
A category of dances in American Style ballroom competitions. It includes
Cha-cha-cha
Cha-cha-cha (dance)
The Cha-cha-cha is the name of a dance of Cuban origin.It is danced to the music of the same name introduced by Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrín in 1953...
, Rumba
Rumba (dance)
Rumba is a dance term with two quite different meanings.In some contexts, "rumba" is used as shorthand for Afro-Cuban rumba, a group of dances related to the rumba genre of Afro-Cuban music. The most common Afro-Cuban rumba is the guaguancó...
, East Coast Swing
East Coast Swing
East Coast Swing is a form of social partner dance. It belongs to the group of swing dances. It is danced under fast swing music, including rock and roll and boogie-woogie....
, Bolero
Bolero
Bolero is a form of slow-tempo Latin music and its associated dance and song. There are Spanish and Cuban forms which are both significant and which have separate origins.The term is also used for some art music...
, Mambo
Mambo (dance)
Mambo .In the late 1940s, Perez Prado came up with the dance for the mambo music and became the first person to market his music as "mambo". After Havana, Prado moved his music to Mexico, where his music and the dance was adopted. The original mambo dance was characterized by freedom and...
. Sometimes it may include Samba and West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing is a partner dance with roots in Lindy Hop. It is characterized by a distinctive elastic look that results from its basic extension-compression technique of partner connection, and is danced primarily in a slotted area on the dance floor...
.
This category loosely corresponds to the Latin category of International Style ballroom.
American Style
The term describes a particular style of ballroom danceBallroom dance
Ballroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Because of its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television....
s developed in the USA that contrasts with the International Style. In a narrower sense, it denotes the group of dances danced in American Style ballroom competitions. The group consists of two categories: American Smooth and American Rhythm.
Backleading
In social dancing strongly relying on leading and followingLead and follow (dance)
In partner dancing, the two dance partners are never equal. One must be the Lead and the other will be the Follow.The Lead is responsible for choosing appropriate steps to suit the music , and leading the Follow by hand pressure and signals to complete the chosen steps smoothly and safely...
, this term means that the follower executes steps without waiting for or contrary to the lead of the leader. This is also called anticipation and usually considered bad dancing habit. An exception would be to avoid a collision with another couple the leader hasn't seen (this is usually just to stop the leader performing specific steps rather than the follower actively executing steps).
Sometimes this term is used in the meaning of hijacking, which is not exactly the same.
Body flight
Body flight is a property of many movements in dances such as the waltzWaltz
The waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in time, performed primarily in closed position.- History :There are several references to a sliding or gliding dance,- a waltz, from the 16th century including the representations of the printer H.S. Beheim...
and foxtrot. It refers to steps taken with momentum in excess of that necessary to arrive at a point of static balance over the new position, which suggests a carry through to another step in the same direction. Steps in these dances naturally flow one into another, in contrast to the tango
Tango (ballroom)
Ballroom Tango is a ballroom dance that branched away from its original Argentine roots by allowing European, American, Hollywood, and competitive influences into the style and execution of the dance....
and to the Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
and rhythm
Rhythm
Rhythm may be generally defined as a "movement marked by the regulated succession of strong and weak elements, or of opposite or different conditions." This general meaning of regular recurrence or pattern in time may be applied to a wide variety of cyclical natural phenomena having a periodicity or...
dances where many steps arrive to a point of static balance.
Body contact
Body contactBody contact (dance)
Body contact is a style of closed position in partner dancing.In some partner dances, the connection between the lead and follow is made by direct body contact, instead of a more open frame made with the arms...
is a style of closed position
Closed position
In partner dancing, closed position is a category of positions in which partners hold each other while facing at least approximately toward each other....
in partner dancing
Partner dance
Partner dances are dances whose basic choreography involves coordinated dancing of two partners, as opposed to individuals dancing alone or individually in a non-coordinated manner, and as opposed to groups of people dancing simultaneously in a coordinated manner.In the year 1023 the German poet...
("closed position with body contact"); it is also a type of physical connection.
Body support
Support of the partner's body is largely avoided in ballroom dancing. The exception would be "lifts" - often featured in some forms of swing dancing, and ballroom showdance presentations, but banned in ordinary ballroom competition and rarely seen in social dancing.Call
A call in square dancingSquare dance
Square dance is a folk dance with four couples arranged in a square, with one couple on each side, beginning with Couple 1 facing away from the music and going counter-clockwise until getting to Couple 4. Couples 1 and 3 are known as the head couples, while Couples 2 and 4 are the side couples...
is a command by a caller to execute a particular dance figure. In round dancing, calls are called cues. See "Caller" for the explanation of the difference. Voice calls may be complemented by hand signs. See also Voice cue.
Caller
A caller or a cuer is a person that calls/cues dance figures to be executed in square danceSquare dance
Square dance is a folk dance with four couples arranged in a square, with one couple on each side, beginning with Couple 1 facing away from the music and going counter-clockwise until getting to Couple 4. Couples 1 and 3 are known as the head couples, while Couples 2 and 4 are the side couples...
s and round dance
Round dance
There are two distinct dance categories called round dance. The specific dances belonging to the first of these categories are often considered to be ethnic, folk or country dances...
s.
Center
When indicating a direction of movement during a dance, the term "center" means the direction perpendicular to the LOD pointing towards the center of the room. If one stands facing the LOD, then the center direction is to their left.The term Center may also be used as shorthand for the center point of balance.
Center point of balance
Together with the center of gravityCenter of gravity
In physics, a center of gravity of a material body is a point that may be used for a summary description of gravitational interactions. In a uniform gravitational field, the center of mass serves as the center of gravity...
(COG), center point of balance (CPB) helps the dancer to better understand and control his movements. CPB differs from the two other centers in two respects. The exact location of the COG is always well-defined, however it significantly depends on the shape the body assumes. In contrast, the CPB during normal dancing (heads up, feet down on the floor) is always at the same place of the dancer body, although defined in a loose way: it is said that the CPB is in the general area of the solar plexus for the gentlemen, and navel for the women. The reason to distinguish this point lies in the following simple observation. If you put your feet together, you may move your head or your hips pretty far away from your area of support without losing your balance. But if you move your CPB just 2-3 inches away from the equilibrium position, you will feel a strong urge to step in this direction. Therefore awareness of your CPB, both consciously and instinctively, gives you a better control of the overall dance movement and connection with your partner.
Closed dance figure
The term has at least two meanings: regarding dance position and regarding footwork.- A figure performed in closed position.
- A figure in which at the last step the moving foot closes to rest at the support foot. Examples are box stepBox StepBox Step is a basic dance step named after the pattern it creates on the floor, which is that of a square or box. It is used in a number of American Style ballroom dances: Rumba, Waltz, bronze-level Foxtrot. While it can performed individually, it is usually done with a partner. This is the most...
in American StyleBallroom danceBallroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Because of its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television....
waltzWaltzThe waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in time, performed primarily in closed position.- History :There are several references to a sliding or gliding dance,- a waltz, from the 16th century including the representations of the printer H.S. Beheim...
or natural turn in International Style Waltz.
Closed positionClosed positionIn partner dancing, closed position is a category of positions in which partners hold each other while facing at least approximately toward each other....
The ordinary position of ballroom dancing in which the partners face each other with their bodies approximately parallel. In Standard and Smooth the bodies are also offset about a half body width such that each person has their partner on their right side, with their left side somewhat unobstructed. Contrast promenade positionPromenade position
The promenade position is a dance position in ballroom and other dances. It is described differently in various dance categories.-Connection:...
and open position
Open position
In partner dancing, open position refers to positions in which partners are connected primarily at the hands as opposed to closer body contact, as in closed position. The connection is through the hands, wrists, and fingers, and relies heavily on frame and the compression and tension of both...
.
ConnectionConnection (dance)Connection is essential to all partner dancing and is the primary means to communicate synchronized dance movement between the lead and follow. It is especially important in Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Contra dance, Modern Jive and other styles of...
A means of communication between dancers in the couple. Physical and visual types of connection are distinguished. Sometimes referred to as resistance or tone, it involves slightly tensing the upper-body muscles, often in the context of a frame, thus enabling leader to communicate intentions to follower. See compression and tension, two basic associated actions/reactions. Contra body movementContra body movementContra body movement is a term used in ballroom dances, such as Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep. It describes a specific coordination of the movement of a dancer's body when doing or preparing to do a step which involves rotation...
Refers to the action of the body in turning figures; turning the opposite hip and shoulder towards the direction of the moving foot.Contra body movement position
Contra body movement position occurs when the moving foot is brought across (behind or in front) the standing foot without the body turning. Applies to every step taken outside partner; occurs frequently in tango and in all promenade figures.Compression
The term has several meanings.- Compression is a type of physical connectionConnection (dance)Connection is essential to all partner dancing and is the primary means to communicate synchronized dance movement between the lead and follow. It is especially important in Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Contra dance, Modern Jive and other styles of...
, opposite to leverage, in which a stress exists at the point(s) of contact directed towards the contact point(s). The term is frequently used, e.g., in swingSwing (dance)"Swing dance" is a group of dances that developed with the swing style of jazz music in the 1920s-1950s, although the earliest of these dances predate swing jazz music. The best known of these dances is the Lindy Hop, a popular partner dance that originated in Harlem and is still danced today...
dance community. - Compression is lowering the body by bending the knees in a preparation for a step. The term is mostly used in describing the Rises and fallsRises and fallsRises and falls is a category of the ballroom dance technique that refers to rises and falls of the body of a dancer achieved through actions of knees and feet ....
technique of ballroom danceBallroom danceBallroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Because of its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television....
s of Standard (International style) of Smooth (American style) categories: waltzWaltzThe waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in time, performed primarily in closed position.- History :There are several references to a sliding or gliding dance,- a waltz, from the 16th century including the representations of the printer H.S. Beheim...
es, tangoTango (ballroom)Ballroom Tango is a ballroom dance that branched away from its original Argentine roots by allowing European, American, Hollywood, and competitive influences into the style and execution of the dance....
s, foxtrots. - Compression is a hip action in Latin dances.
- An action to achieve a graceful swaySway (dance)The term sway has a specific meaning in the technique of ballroom dances. Basically, it describes a dancer's body position in which the entire body gracefully deflects from the vertical. Entrance to and exit from this position are matters of fine technical detail and differs in various dance...
.
DancesportDanceSportDancesport denotes competitive ballroom dancing, as contrasted to social or exhibition dancing. It is wheelchair dancesport where at least one of the dancers is in a wheelchair....
An official term to denote dance as competitiveCompetitive dance
Competitive dance is a popular, widespread activity in which competitors perform dances in any of several permitted dance styles—such as acro, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, modern, and tap—before a common group of judges...
, sport
Sport
A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
activity.
Dance step
For one meaning, see Dance moveDance move
Dance moves or dance steps are the building blocks of many dances.More complex dance moves are called dance patterns, dance figures or dance variations....
, for another one, see "Step". See also Glossary of dance steps.
Figure
"A completed set of steps" More explicitly: a small sequence of steps comprising a meaningful gestalt, and given a name, for example 'whisk' or 'spin turn'.Footwork
In a wider sense the term footworkFootwork (dance)
Footwork refers to dance technique aspects related to feet: foot position and foot action.The following aspects of footwork may be considered:*Dance technique: a proper footwork may be vital for proper posture and movement of a dancer....
describes dance technique aspects related to feet: foot position and foot action.
In a narrow sense, e.g., in descriptions of ballroom dance figures, the term refers to the behavior of the foot when it is in contact with the floor. In particular, it describes which part of the foot is in contact with the floor: ball, heel, flat, toe, high toe, inside/outside edge, etc. In the Smooth
Smooth
Smooth means having a texture that lacks friction. Not rough.Smooth may also refer to:-In mathematics:* Smooth function, a function that is infinitely differentiable; used in calculus and topology...
and Standard dances, it is common for the body weight to progress through multiple parts of the foot during the course of a step. Customarily, parts of the foot reached only after the other foot has passed to begin a new step are implied but not explicitly mentioned.
Formation
- Formation or dance formation is a team of dance couples.
- Formation of a dance team is the specification of
- positions of dancers or dance couples on the floor relative to each other and
- directions the dancers face or move with respect to others.
Formation dance
Formation danceFormation dance
Formation dance is a style of ballroom dancing. It is pattern or shadow team dancing by couples in a formation team. The choreography may be based on a particular dance or a medley of dances...
is a choreographed dance of a team of couples, e.g., ballroom Sequence Or Ballroom formation dance/team.
Full weight
Full weight or full weight transferWeight transfer (dance move)
A weight transfer or weight change is dancer's movement so that his weight is moved from one supporting foot to another one fully or partially....
means that at the end of the step the dancer's center of gravity
Center of gravity
In physics, a center of gravity of a material body is a point that may be used for a summary description of gravitational interactions. In a uniform gravitational field, the center of mass serves as the center of gravity...
is directly over the support foot. A simple test for a full weight transfer is that you can freely lift the second foot off the floor.
FrameFrame (dance)Frame is the body shape maintained by dancers during partner dancing. Specifically, frame refers to the shape of the upper body of the dancers relative to the rest of the dancer's body and the body of the dancer's partner....
Dance frames are the upper body positions of the dancers. A strong frame provides connectionConnection (dance)
Connection is essential to all partner dancing and is the primary means to communicate synchronized dance movement between the lead and follow. It is especially important in Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Contra dance, Modern Jive and other styles of...
with your partner and conveys intended movement. A strong frame is where your arms and upper body are held firmly in place without relying on your partner to maintain your frame nor applying force that would move your partner or your partner's frame.
Major types of dance frames are Latin, smooth, and swing.
Guapacha
Guapacha timing is an alternative rhythm of various basic cha-cha steps that are normally counted "<1>, 2, 3, cha-cha-1" whereas "cha-cha-1" is counted musically "4-&-1". In Guapacha, the step that normally occurs on count "2" is delayed an extra half-beat, to the "&" of 2, making the new count "<1>,Handhold
Handhold is an element of dance connectionConnection (dance)
Connection is essential to all partner dancing and is the primary means to communicate synchronized dance movement between the lead and follow. It is especially important in Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Contra dance, Modern Jive and other styles of...
: it is a way the partners hold each other by hands.
Heel lead
Landing on the heel of the foot in motion during a step before putting weight on the remainder of the foot. As in normal walking, much of the swing of the foot is accomplished with its midpart closest to the floor, emphasis shifting to the heel only as the final placement is neared.Heel turn
A heel turn is an action danced by the partner on the inside of turn in certain figures in Standard or SmoothSmooth
Smooth means having a texture that lacks friction. Not rough.Smooth may also refer to:-In mathematics:* Smooth function, a function that is infinitely differentiable; used in calculus and topology...
. During the course of rotation, the dancer's weight moves from toe to heel of one foot while the other foot swings to close to it, then forward from heel towards the toe of the just closed foot. Follower's heel turns feature body rise coincident with the first step, which leads her foot to close next to the standing one rather than swing past. In contrast, when the leader is dancing a heel turn the rise is delayed until the conclusion of the turn, as he can better lead the amount of turn from a more grounded position. The heel turn is distinguished from other members of the family of heel pull actions which do not require complete closure of the feet. Follower's heel turns are commonly found in the double reverse spin and the open or closed telemark, and the natural and reverse turns of international style foxtrot, while leader's heel turns form the basis of the open or closed impetus.
Hijacking
In social dancing strongly relying on leading and followingLead and follow (dance)
In partner dancing, the two dance partners are never equal. One must be the Lead and the other will be the Follow.The Lead is responsible for choosing appropriate steps to suit the music , and leading the Follow by hand pressure and signals to complete the chosen steps smoothly and safely...
, this term hijacking means temporary assuming the leading role by the follower
Lead and follow (dance)
In partner dancing, the two dance partners are never equal. One must be the Lead and the other will be the Follow.The Lead is responsible for choosing appropriate steps to suit the music , and leading the Follow by hand pressure and signals to complete the chosen steps smoothly and safely...
. Also known as stealing the lead. Compare to backleading.
International Standard
A category of dances in International Style ballroom competitions. Sometimes in the context of competitions it is called Ballroom or International Ballroom, confusing as it might be. (In England, the term "Modern" is often used, which should not be confused with "Modern Dance" that derives from Ballet technique) It includes waltzWaltz (International Standard)
Waltz is one of the five dances in the Standard category of the International Style ballroom dances. It was previously referred to as Slow Waltz or English Waltz....
(also called "slow waltz"), tango
Tango (ballroom)
Ballroom Tango is a ballroom dance that branched away from its original Argentine roots by allowing European, American, Hollywood, and competitive influences into the style and execution of the dance....
, foxtrot, quickstep
Quickstep
The quickstep is a light-hearted member of the standard ballroom dances. The movement of the dance is fast and powerfully flowing and sprinkled with syncopations. The upbeat melodies that quickstep is danced to make it suitable for both formal and informal events...
, and Viennese waltz
Viennese Waltz
Viennese Waltz is the genre of a ballroom dance. At least three different meanings are recognized. In the historically first sense, the name may refer to several versions of the waltz, including the earliest waltzes done in ballroom dancing, danced to the music of Viennese Waltz.What is now called...
. This category loosely corresponds to the Smooth category of American Style ballroom.
International Style
The term describes a particular style of ballroom danceBallroom dance
Ballroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Because of its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television....
s that contrasts with American Style. In a narrower sense, it denotes the group of dances danced in International Style ballroom competitions. The group consists of two categories: Standard and Latin.
International Latin
International Latin is category of dances in International Style ballroom competitions. It includes Samba, Cha-ChaCha-cha-cha (dance)
The Cha-cha-cha is the name of a dance of Cuban origin.It is danced to the music of the same name introduced by Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrín in 1953...
, Rumba
Rumba (dance)
Rumba is a dance term with two quite different meanings.In some contexts, "rumba" is used as shorthand for Afro-Cuban rumba, a group of dances related to the rumba genre of Afro-Cuban music. The most common Afro-Cuban rumba is the guaguancó...
, Paso Doble, and Jive
Jive (dance)
In Ballroom dancing, Jive is a dance style in 4/4 time that originated in the United States from African-Americans in the early 1930s. It was originally presented to the public as 'Jive' in 1934 by Cab Calloway. It is a lively and uninhibited variation of the Jitterbug, a form of Swing dance...
.
Jack and Jill
Jack and JillJack and Jill (dance)
Jack and Jill or Dance with a Stranger is a format of competition in partner dancing, where the competing couples are the result of random matching of leaders and followers...
(J&J) is a format of competition in partner dancing, where the competing couples are the result of random matching of leaders and followers. Rules of matching vary. The name comes from the popular English nursery rhyme
Nursery rhyme
The term nursery rhyme is used for "traditional" poems for young children in Britain and many other countries, but usage only dates from the 19th century and in North America the older ‘Mother Goose Rhymes’ is still often used.-Lullabies:...
, Jack and Jill
Jack and Jill (song)
"Jack and Jill" is a classic nursery rhyme in the English speaking world. The origin of the rhyme is obscure and there are several theories that attempt to interpret the lyrics. The rhyme is known to date back to at least the 18th century. The song is sometimes titled "Jack and Gill", particularly...
. In venues with same-sex dance partners, the ambiguous name "Pat and Chris" has been used.
In dance competitions J&J is included as a separate division (or divisions, with additional gradations).
J&J is popular at swing
Swing (dance)
"Swing dance" is a group of dances that developed with the swing style of jazz music in the 1920s-1950s, although the earliest of these dances predate swing jazz music. The best known of these dances is the Lindy Hop, a popular partner dance that originated in Harlem and is still danced today...
conventions, as well as at ballroom dance
Ballroom dance
Ballroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Because of its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television....
competitions in the USA.
Latin (dance)
As applied to dances, Latin dance is any type of social danceSocial dance
Social dance is a major category or classification of danceforms or dance styles, where sociability and socializing are the primary focuses of the dancing...
of Latin America
Latin America
Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...
n origin.
Latin hip motion
A characteristic type of hip motion found in the technique of performing a step in Latin and Rhythm dances. Although most visible in the hips, much of the effect is created through the action of the feet and knees. Sometimes it is also called Cuban hip motion, although because of the divergence in dance technique between American Rhythm and International Latin some prefer to distinguish the two, with the term "Latin motion" reserved for International Style, while the "Cuban motion" reserved for American Style and Club Latin dances. The most notable distinction (in a simplified description) is that in the International Style "Latin motion" the straightening of the knee happens before the full weight transfer, while in the "Cuban motion" the straightening of the knee happens after the full weight transfer. As a result, the Cuban hip motion results in a more fluid leg movement, whereas the Latin hip motion results in a more staccatoStaccato
Staccato is a form of musical articulation. In modern notation it signifies a note of shortened duration and separated from the note that may follow by silence...
leg movement.
Leverage
The term describes type of physical connectionConnection (dance)
Connection is essential to all partner dancing and is the primary means to communicate synchronized dance movement between the lead and follow. It is especially important in Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Contra dance, Modern Jive and other styles of...
, opposite to compression, in which a stress exists at the point(s) of contact directed away from the contact point(s). Predominantly used in the swing
Swing (dance)
"Swing dance" is a group of dances that developed with the swing style of jazz music in the 1920s-1950s, although the earliest of these dances predate swing jazz music. The best known of these dances is the Lindy Hop, a popular partner dance that originated in Harlem and is still danced today...
dance community. See also tension.
Line of dance
Line of dance (LOD) is conceptually a path along and generally parallel to the edge of the dance floor in the counterclockwise direction. To help avoid collisions, it is agreed that in travelling dances dancers should proceed along the line of dance.Line of dance is a useful line of reference when describing the direction
Direction of movement
In ballroom dancing , directions of movement, in particular, directions of steps, can be indicated either in relation to the room or in relation to the body position...
s of steps taken, e.g., "facing LOD", "backing [or reverse] LOD". See also center, wall. Reference to line of dance is based on the direction faced by the leader rather than the follower.
Line of Dance is also a ballroom dance inspired clothing company that specializes in casual dancewear. Started by Chris Lynam in 2004, and then incorporated in 2010, Line of Dance Inc. now ships casual ballroom dancewear throughout the English speaking world.
Measures per minute
Measures per minute, or MPM, refers to the tempoTempo
In musical terminology, tempo is the speed or pace of a given piece. Tempo is a crucial element of any musical composition, as it can affect the mood and difficulty of a piece.-Measuring tempo:...
of the music according to the number of measures or bars
Bar (music)
In musical notation, a bar is a segment of time defined by a given number of beats of a given duration. Typically, a piece consists of several bars of the same length, and in modern musical notation the number of beats in each bar is specified at the beginning of the score by the top number of a...
occurring in one minute
Minute
A minute is a unit of measurement of time or of angle. The minute is a unit of time equal to 1/60th of an hour or 60 seconds. In the UTC time scale, a minute on rare occasions has 59 or 61 seconds; see leap second. The minute is not an SI unit; however, it is accepted for use with SI units...
of music. This can vary from as low as 25-27 MPM for international style rumba
Rumba (dance)
Rumba is a dance term with two quite different meanings.In some contexts, "rumba" is used as shorthand for Afro-Cuban rumba, a group of dances related to the rumba genre of Afro-Cuban music. The most common Afro-Cuban rumba is the guaguancó...
to as fast as 58-60 MPM for international style Viennese waltz
Viennese Waltz
Viennese Waltz is the genre of a ballroom dance. At least three different meanings are recognized. In the historically first sense, the name may refer to several versions of the waltz, including the earliest waltzes done in ballroom dancing, danced to the music of Viennese Waltz.What is now called...
.
No foot rise
In descriptions of the footwork of step patterns the abbreviation NFR stands for no foot rise and means that the heel of the support foot remains in contact with the floor until the weight is transferred onto the other foot. See "Rises and fallsRises and falls
Rises and falls is a category of the ballroom dance technique that refers to rises and falls of the body of a dancer achieved through actions of knees and feet ....
" for details. The rise is felt in body and legs only.
Open dance figure
The term has at least two meanings: regarding dance position and regarding footwork.- A figure performed in open position.
- A figure in which during the last step the moving foot passes the support foot. Examples are feather step in Foxtrot or open left turn, e.g., in TangoTango (ballroom)Ballroom Tango is a ballroom dance that branched away from its original Argentine roots by allowing European, American, Hollywood, and competitive influences into the style and execution of the dance....
.
Open position
Open positionOpen position
In partner dancing, open position refers to positions in which partners are connected primarily at the hands as opposed to closer body contact, as in closed position. The connection is through the hands, wrists, and fingers, and relies heavily on frame and the compression and tension of both...
is any dance position in couple dances, in which the partners stand apart in contrast to closed position
Closed position
In partner dancing, closed position is a category of positions in which partners hold each other while facing at least approximately toward each other....
. They may face inwards or outwards, and hold one or both hands or stand independently.
Outside partner position
A step into outside partner position occurs when the moving foot of the forward travelling partner moves on a track outside of their partner's standing foot when it would ordinarily move on a track aimed between their partner's feet. Due to the offset of the hold, this generally applies to a step with the right foot. (The term left side outside is often used for the rare occurrences when the left foot crosses to pass outside, as in the Hover cross). Steps into outside partner position are also required to be in contra body movement position, and are often preceded by a step with a strong side lead. The term "inline" is occasionally used when it is necessary to clarify that an outside partner position is not involved.Physical connection
A dance connectionConnection (dance)
Connection is essential to all partner dancing and is the primary means to communicate synchronized dance movement between the lead and follow. It is especially important in Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Contra dance, Modern Jive and other styles of...
by means of physical contact. Types of physical connection are body contact
Body contact (dance)
Body contact is a style of closed position in partner dancing.In some partner dances, the connection between the lead and follow is made by direct body contact, instead of a more open frame made with the arms...
, compression, leverage.
Pinched shoulder
Pinched shoulder is the position seen when promenade positionPromenade position
The promenade position is a dance position in ballroom and other dances. It is described differently in various dance categories.-Connection:...
is incorrectly danced with an outward rotation of the upper bodies, rather than a rotational stretch in each body. It is characterized by one or both partner's having their trailing elbow behind the line of their shoulders, with a resulting break in the arm line at the trailing shoulder.
Promenade position
The promenade positionPromenade position
The promenade position is a dance position in ballroom and other dances. It is described differently in various dance categories.-Connection:...
is described differently in various dance categories. See also counter promenade position
Counter promenade position
The counter promenade position is a dance position in ballroom and other dances. It is described differently in various dance categories, but essentially it is the opposite of the promenade position.-Ballroom:...
.
In ballroom dance
Ballroom dance
Ballroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Because of its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television....
s their common trait is that the dance couple moves (or intends to move) essentially sidewise to the leader's left while partners nearly face each other, with the leader's right side of the body and the follower's left side of the body are closer than the respective opposite sides. Steps of both partners are basically sidewise or diagonally forward with respect to their bodies. Normally the dancers look in the direction of the intended movement.
In square dance
Square dance
Square dance is a folk dance with four couples arranged in a square, with one couple on each side, beginning with Couple 1 facing away from the music and going counter-clockwise until getting to Couple 4. Couples 1 and 3 are known as the head couples, while Couples 2 and 4 are the side couples...
s it is a close side-by-side position in various handholds with the general intention to move together forward, "in promenade
Promenade (dance move)
Promenade is a basic dance move in a number of dances such as English Country Dance, contra dance, and square dance. The name comes from the French word for “walk”, and is a good basic description of the dance action.-Dance position and handholds:...
".
Replace
In brief descriptions of dance figures, replace means replacing the weight to the previous support foot while keeping it in place. For example a "rock back" figure may be described as "step back, replace". Notice that it doesn't require to "replace" the moving foot to the place from where it come in the previous step.Shadow position
Both partners face the same general direction, one of them squarely behind or slightly shifted sideways ("in the shadow"). Handholds vary. Variants: sweetheart position, cuddle position.Side lead
A body position or action during a step, sometimes also called Same side lead. Side leading refers to a movement during which the side of the body corresponding to the moving foot is consistently in advance as a result of a previous contra body movementContra body movement
Contra body movement is a term used in ballroom dances, such as Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep. It describes a specific coordination of the movement of a dancer's body when doing or preparing to do a step which involves rotation...
or body turns less action. A step with side lead will often precede or follow a step of the opposite foot taken into contra body movement position (in which the leading side is that opposite the moving foot) without requiring intervening rotation of the body.
Due to the offset position of the partners in the hold, a left side lead may be quite pronounced whereas a right side lead will be more subtle if taken in closed position.
Slot
In slotted dances, the dance slotDance slot
In slotted dances, the dance slot is an imaginary narrow rectangle along which the follower moves back and forth with respect to the leader, who is more or less stationary....
is an imaginary narrow rectangle along which the follower moves back and forth with respect to the leader, who is more or less stationary. As a rule, the leader mostly stays in the slot as well, leaving it only to give way for the follower to pass him.
Slotted dance
A dance style in which the couple's movements are generally confined to a slot. The most typical slotted dance is west coast swingWest Coast Swing
West Coast Swing is a partner dance with roots in Lindy Hop. It is characterized by a distinctive elastic look that results from its basic extension-compression technique of partner connection, and is danced primarily in a slotted area on the dance floor...
. Some other dances, e.g., hustle
Hustle (dance)
The Hustle is a catchall name for several disco dances which were extremely popular in the 1970s. Today it mostly refers to the unique partner dance done in ballrooms and nightclubs to disco music. It has some features in common with swing dance. Its basic steps are somewhat similar to the...
and salsa
Salsa (dance)
Salsa is a syncretic dance form with origins in Cuba as the meeting point of Spanish and African cultures.Salsa is normally a partner dance, although there are recognized solo forms such as solo dancing "suelta" and "Rueda de Casino" where multiple couples exchange partners in a circle...
, may be danced in slotted style. Compare spot dance, travelling dance.
Spot dance
A dance that is generally danced in a restricted area of the dance floor. Examples are rumbaRumba (dance)
Rumba is a dance term with two quite different meanings.In some contexts, "rumba" is used as shorthand for Afro-Cuban rumba, a group of dances related to the rumba genre of Afro-Cuban music. The most common Afro-Cuban rumba is the guaguancó...
, salsa
Salsa (dance)
Salsa is a syncretic dance form with origins in Cuba as the meeting point of Spanish and African cultures.Salsa is normally a partner dance, although there are recognized solo forms such as solo dancing "suelta" and "Rueda de Casino" where multiple couples exchange partners in a circle...
, east coast swing
East Coast Swing
East Coast Swing is a form of social partner dance. It belongs to the group of swing dances. It is danced under fast swing music, including rock and roll and boogie-woogie....
. Compare travelling dance, slotted dance.
Spotting
A technique used during turns. The dancer chooses a reference point (such as his or her partner or a distant point along the line of travel) and focuses on it as long as possible. When during the turn it is no longer possible to see it, the head flips as fast as possible to "spot" the reference point again. This technique guides the body during the turn, makes it easier to determine when to stop turning, and helps prevent dizziness.Step
- In a strict sense, a step, or a footstep, is a single move of one foot, usually involving full or partial weight transferWeight transfer (dance move)A weight transfer or weight change is dancer's movement so that his weight is moved from one supporting foot to another one fully or partially....
to the moving foot. However foot actions, such as tap, kick, etc., are also sometimes called "steps". For example, in a description: "step forward, replace, together" all three actions are steps.
- Sometimes it is important to define the exact limits of one (foot)step, i.e., exactly when it begins and ends. In describing the detailed technique in Standard and Smooth dances (WaltzWaltzThe waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in time, performed primarily in closed position.- History :There are several references to a sliding or gliding dance,- a waltz, from the 16th century including the representations of the printer H.S. Beheim...
, TangoTango (ballroom)Ballroom Tango is a ballroom dance that branched away from its original Argentine roots by allowing European, American, Hollywood, and competitive influences into the style and execution of the dance....
,...) it is agreed that in figures where the moving foot doesn't stop at the support foot a step begins (and the previous step ends) at the moment when the moving foot passes the support foot. Notice that according to this agreement such steps do not begin/end precisely at the "counts" 1, 2, etc. which normally match musical beatBeat (music)The beat is the basic unit of time in music, the pulse of the mensural level . In popular use, the beat can refer to a variety of related concepts including: tempo, meter, rhythm and groove...
s.
- In a broader sense, step means dance step, i.e., a dance figure, e.g., basic step, triple stepTriple StepTriple Step is a generic term for dance step patterns that describes three steps done on two main beats of music. Usually they are two quick steps and one slow one, i.e., often they are counted as "quick-quick-slow", "one-and-two", "three-and-four", etc....
.
Supporting foot
It is also called support foot, a foot which bears the full (or nearly full) weight at the beginning of a step or while the other foot does some action (tap, ronde, etc.). Compare moving foot.Sway
The term swaySway (dance)
The term sway has a specific meaning in the technique of ballroom dances. Basically, it describes a dancer's body position in which the entire body gracefully deflects from the vertical. Entrance to and exit from this position are matters of fine technical detail and differs in various dance...
has a specific meaning in the technique of ballroom dancing. Basically, it describes a body position in which its upper part gracefully deflects from the vertical.
SyncopationSyncopationIn music, syncopation includes a variety of rhythms which are in some way unexpected in that they deviate from the strict succession of regularly spaced strong and weak but also powerful beats in a meter . These include a stress on a normally unstressed beat or a rest where one would normally be...
In dancing, the term has two meanings: The first one is similar to the musicMusic
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
al terminology. The second one is making more (and/or different) steps than required by the standard description of a figure, to address more rhythmical nuances of the music. The latter usage is considered incorrect by many dance instructors, but it is still in circulation, a better term lacking.
Tension
Describes a physical connectionConnection (dance)
Connection is essential to all partner dancing and is the primary means to communicate synchronized dance movement between the lead and follow. It is especially important in Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Contra dance, Modern Jive and other styles of...
, opposite to compression, in which a stress exists at the point(s) of contact directed away from the contact point(s) between partners. People frequently resort to describing the actions as "push" (compression, towards partner) and "pull" (tension, away from partner) to get the idea across. See also leverage.
Three Ts
Technique, Timing, Teamwork. The criteria for evaluation of dance mastery in SwingSwing (dance)
"Swing dance" is a group of dances that developed with the swing style of jazz music in the 1920s-1950s, although the earliest of these dances predate swing jazz music. The best known of these dances is the Lindy Hop, a popular partner dance that originated in Harlem and is still danced today...
dancing community.
Timing
The relation of the elements of a dance step or dance figure with respect to musicMusic
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
al time
Time
Time is a part of the measuring system used to sequence events, to compare the durations of events and the intervals between them, and to quantify rates of change such as the motions of objects....
: bar
Bar (music)
In musical notation, a bar is a segment of time defined by a given number of beats of a given duration. Typically, a piece consists of several bars of the same length, and in modern musical notation the number of beats in each bar is specified at the beginning of the score by the top number of a...
s and beat
Beat (music)
The beat is the basic unit of time in music, the pulse of the mensural level . In popular use, the beat can refer to a variety of related concepts including: tempo, meter, rhythm and groove...
s.
Toe lead
Landing on the toe of the foot in motion during a step before putting weight on the remainder of the foot.Track of foot
The trajectory of the moving foot visualized as a narrow imaginary track, forward and backward of the foot rather than a line. For the standing foot, its track is determined by its current orientation on the floor which may be noted on the inside of turns where the feet often point in differing directions.Travelling (progressive) dance
A dance that significantly travels over the dance floor, generally in the direction of the line of dance. Examples are waltzWaltz
The waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in time, performed primarily in closed position.- History :There are several references to a sliding or gliding dance,- a waltz, from the 16th century including the representations of the printer H.S. Beheim...
, foxtrot, polka
Polka
The polka is a Central European dance and also a genre of dance music familiar throughout Europe and the Americas. It originated in the middle of the 19th century in Bohemia...
, samba, Argentine tango
Tango (dance)
Tango dance originated in the area of the Rio de la Plata , and spread to the rest of the world soon after....
. Compare spot dance, slotted dance.
Visual connection
A dance connection by means of visual awareness of partners in a couple.Visual connection by no means should replace the physical connection, and some consider it to be an inferior form of connection. However it does have its proper usages. Most important are the coordination of styles (arms, etc.) and when dancing without physical contact. An important example of the latter is spotting the partner during turns, especially free spins.
This type of connection is essential for "Shine Position Patterns", commonly found in latin dances like the Cha-Cha, Mambo, and Salsa as well as "Side By Side Position Patterns".
Voice cue
Voice cues help match rhythmic patterns of steps (or other moves) with the music. There are different types of voice cues.- The most common example is the usage of "quick" and "slow" words: "quick-quick-slow" immediately tells you that the third step takes twice the time of the first one (and of the second one).
- Some East Coast SwingEast Coast SwingEast Coast Swing is a form of social partner dance. It belongs to the group of swing dances. It is danced under fast swing music, including rock and roll and boogie-woogie....
instructors cue the basic step as "shuf-fle-STEP, shuf-fle-STEP, rock BACKRock StepRock step may refer to one of similar dance moves. The name refers to the rocking action during the move: the weight is transferred from one foot to another and then back. It is used in a number of dances, such as East Coast Swing, Zydeco, Lindy Hop, Tango.Most often it is a two-step dance move...
", to indicate both the rhythmic pattern of the figure (1&2, 3&4, 5, 6) and the syncopatedSyncopationIn music, syncopation includes a variety of rhythms which are in some way unexpected in that they deviate from the strict succession of regularly spaced strong and weak but also powerful beats in a meter . These include a stress on a normally unstressed beat or a rest where one would normally be...
character of swing music: every second syllable is stressed. - Still another example: the Box Step of American style RumbaRumba (dance)Rumba is a dance term with two quite different meanings.In some contexts, "rumba" is used as shorthand for Afro-Cuban rumba, a group of dances related to the rumba genre of Afro-Cuban music. The most common Afro-Cuban rumba is the guaguancó...
may be cued as "forward-...-side-together, back-...-side-together", to indicate the directions of (leader's) steps and their timing. - Finally, for more advanced dancers voice cues are actually names of dance figures and standard variations:
- "Two walks, link, closed promenade" (tangoTango (ballroom)Ballroom Tango is a ballroom dance that branched away from its original Argentine roots by allowing European, American, Hollywood, and competitive influences into the style and execution of the dance....
). - "Open telemark, natural fallaway, whisk, quick wing" (waltzWaltz (International Standard)Waltz is one of the five dances in the Standard category of the International Style ballroom dances. It was previously referred to as Slow Waltz or English Waltz....
). - "Dile que no!... setenta!... Dame dos con una!..." (salsa ruedaRueda de CasinoRueda de Casino is a particular type of round dancing of Salsa. It was developed in Havana, Cuba in the late 1950s and early 1960s by the group Guaracheros de Regla and one of its main choreographers and creators was Jorge Alfaro from San Miguel del Padrón, a soloist of a comparsa.Pairs of...
)
- "Two walks, link, closed promenade" (tango
Cues are an important element of round dance
Round dance
There are two distinct dance categories called round dance. The specific dances belonging to the first of these categories are often considered to be ethnic, folk or country dances...
s. In square dance
Square dance
Square dance is a folk dance with four couples arranged in a square, with one couple on each side, beginning with Couple 1 facing away from the music and going counter-clockwise until getting to Couple 4. Couples 1 and 3 are known as the head couples, while Couples 2 and 4 are the side couples...
s they are called calls and called by a caller .
Wall
When indicating a direction of movement during a dance, the term "wall" means the direction perpendicular to the LOD pointing towards the wall of the room (possibly imaginary). If one stands facing the LOD, then the wall direction is to their right.See also
- ist of dance organizations]Italic text]
- Musical terminologyMusical terminologyThis is a list of musical terms that are likely to be encountered in printed scores, music reviews, and program notes. Most of the terms are Italian , in accordance with the Italian origins of many European musical conventions. Sometimes, the special musical meanings of these phrases differ from...
- List of musical topics
External links
- ballroomdancers.com: Learning Center
- Learn to Ballroom Dance
- Streetswing.com large information base about more than thousand dances.
- 2dance.tv Qualitative dancesport videos from around the World