Glossary
𝖨 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗆𝖺𝗒𝖻𝖾 𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝗈𝗋 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗏𝗈𝖺𝖻𝗎𝗅𝖺𝗋𝗒.
𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲
ballerina - female dancer. Prima ballerina, or first dancer, is usually used for one who dances leading roles.
ballet - classical theatrical dancing based on the danse d'ecole, the rules and vocabulary that were codified around 1700 in France.
ballet blanc - A ballet in which the women wear white tutus, such as the second and fourth acts of Swan Lake.
ballet d'action - a ballet with a plot, usually tragic.
ballet de cour, le - (court ballet). Spectacles for entertainment, usually with allegorical or mythological themes, performed by the aristocracy in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, combining music, recitatives, and mime.
Ball Change - move that consists of two steps: a partial weight transfer on the ball of a foot (placed e.g., behind), followed
Cabriole - In ballet, a leap in which the lower leg beats against the upper one at an angle, before the dancer lands again on the lower leg.
Cambre - In ballet, a bend from the waist to the side or to the back.
Choreography - A creation or compilation of steps, patterns and movements which make up a dance or a dance routine.
Ciseaux - A jump in which the legs open in second position in the air, resembling a scissors.
Character dancing - Dancing derived from folk or national dances.
Chasse - A sliding step in which one foot "chases" and displaces the other.
Chat, pas de - Catlike leap in which one foot follows the other into the air, knees bent; the landing is in the fifth position.
Coda - In ballet, the third and final part of the classical pas de deux.
Comparsa - Afro-Cuban dance play.
Conga - An African-Cuban dance characterized by the extreme violence of accents on the strong beats in 2/4 time. The Conga beat thus used has a rhythmic anticipation of the second beat in every other measure. The Conga was very popular in the late thirties. It was performed in a formation known as the Conga chain. The steps are simple, one, two, three, kick at which time the partners move away from each other.
Conga Line - generally the person behind the next places their hands upon the front persons hips and this continues on down the line. The dance does not necessarily stay on the dance dance floor, it can and does zig-zag through out the room. The basic steps are (Left) 1-2-3-Kick (or Bump) then repeat, opposite.
Continuity Movement - The continuous passing of the feet from one step to the next.
Contraction - A basic movement in the technique of Martha Graham, based on breath inhalation and exhalation.
Cruzar - (cruze) to cross (the cross)
Cuban motion - a discreet but expressive hip movement achieved by bending and straightening the knees with carefully timed weight transfer.
Cuddle position - (also known as Varsouvienne or Skating Position) - Woman is at man’s left or right side, both facing in the same direction; one arm of man is across woman’s back, and position of other arm depends on method of arriving in cuddle position.
Contemporary dance - a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements
dance - a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music.
danseur - A male ballet dancer.
danseur noble - A male dancer who performs the "princely" roles of the classical ballet, such as the Prince in Swan Lake.
danseuse - A female ballet dancer.
Danzon - A Cuban dance which starts slowly and gradually accelerates. This dance, which might be called a Rumba variation is in a 4/4 time. It is know as the aristocrat of all Cuban dances because of its dignified and stately appearance.
degage - Shifting weight from one foot to the other.
demi - half
demi-arabesque - half arabesque
demi-caractere - A style of dancing that has elements of character dancing but remains within the classical technique.
demi-plié - slight bending or half bend of the knee in ballet. Bend your knees as far as you can while still keeping both heels planted on the ground.
demi-tour - half-turn
developpe - An unfolding of the leg in the air.
dirty dancin' - A general style of very intimate closed position partner dancing popularized in the late 80's by actor/dancer Patrick Swayze in the movie "Dirty Dancin". Danced to popular fast or slow music and characterized by sensuous and seductive movements by both the man and woman.
Dominican merengue - The dance of the Dominican Republic is 2/4 time with syncopation of the first beat interpreted by the dancers as a slight limp.
drop - A theatrical type of movement in which the follower's body weight is partially or completely supported by the leader while at least one part of the follower's body remains in contact with the floor.
ecarte - A position with one leg extended at an oblique angle while the body is also at an oblique angle.
efface - A position of the body at an oblique angle and partly hidden.
elevation - The ability to jump high into the air and give the appearance of remaining suspended at the apex of the jump.
en travesti - A female dancer dressed as a man, or a male dressed as a woman.
enrosque - a twist
entrechat - A ballet movement in which the dancer repeatedly crosses his or her legs in the air.
epaulement - The position of the torso from the waist up.
escondido - An Argentine dance called Escondido (literally hidden for in it the female partner hides from the male) belongs to the Gato type rhythmically and choreographically.
etoile - Literally "star." The highest rank a dancer may hold in the Paris Opera.
ferme - A closed position of the feet.
fifth position - One foot in front of the other, parallel, with heel in front foot touching toe of back foot.
first position - feet in a straight line, heels touching.
five positions - The basic positions of the feet. First position: feet in a straight line, heels touching. Second position: feet in a straight line, heels apart. Third position: one foot in front of the other, parallel to it, with heel of front foot in hollow instep of back foot. Fourth position: one foot in front of the other, parallel, but apart. Fifth position: One foot in front of the other, parallel, with heel in front foot touching toe of back foot.
floorcraft - Refers to avoiding bumping into other couples as well as the ability to continue dancing without pause when boxed in.
floorflip - also called “swiping.” Dancer assumes a push-up position and flips over, finishing in the original position.
floor rocking - dancer rotates legs in air while carrying the weight on his hands.
fondu - A lowering of the body by bending the knee.
fouette - Literally "whipped." A turning step, usually done in a series, in which the working leg whips out to the side in and then into the knee as the dancer turns on the supporting leg, rising onto the point at each revolution.
fouette en tournant - A spectacular movement in which the dancer propels himself or herself around a supporting leg with rapid circular movements of the other leg while remaining in a fixed spot.
Fourth position - one foot in front of the other, parallel, but apart.
freestyle - Ad lib dance movements with no fixed structure. Danced to a variety of music styles including Rock 'n Roll, and discotheque beats.
fresh - descriptive term for anything good. The opposite of “wack.”
freeze - stopping a dance and holding a position, often balancing on your shoulder, head or hands.
frontflip - dancer does a flip in the direction in which (s)he is facing. Generally followed by a backflip.
frug - The Frug was born from a dance called the Chicken which had a lateral body movement and was used as a change of pace during the Twist. So as the kids grew lazier they decided to do less work, and started moving only their hips while standing still. As the hips swing from side to side they started making up arm movements for the dance. From this came the Swim, the Monkey, the Dog, the Watusi, the Waddle or Wabble and the Jerk. Some of these dances are named with localities. What we call the Frug is often called the Surf, Big Bea and Thunderbird, with the Swim being born out of it. What we call the Watusi is also known as Wabble and Waddle. The Monkey, Dog, Bump and Jerk fall roughly into the same category.
Ganchos - hooks
Giro - a turn
Glissade - A gliding step which usually connects two steps.
Hand Spin - Also called the Hand Glide. Dancer spins on one hand with the body parallel to the ground.
haut, en - A position of the arms above the head.
Headspin - in a headstand position, dancer spins by pushing with the hands.
Heelspin - standing erect, dancer puts his weight on one heel and initiates a spin by swinging the leg.
Locking - moving the body out of control then back into control, locking into position, collapsing, then locking back.
Modern Dance - A form of dance as developed by Martha Graham, Haya Holm, Doris Humphyre, Charles Weidman and others. It expresses complex emotions and abstract ideas.
One Step - A dance that consisted entirely of chasses without any change in rhythm. It was danced to the popular music of the period encompassing World War I.
Ouvert - In ballet, an open position of the feet.
Paradas - stops.
Par Terre - Steps performed on the floor. It is the opposite of en l'air.
Pas de Deux - A dance for two, usually a woman and a man. In its traditional form, it begins with an entree and adagio, followed by solo variations for each dancer, and a coda.
In classical ballet the pas de deux (duet) consists of four sections: an opening adagio in which the man supports the woman in turns and balances, followed by a solo variation for each of them, and concluded by a fast coda in which they again dance together.
Patada - a kick.
Pavane - A grave, processional court dance popular in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Penche - In ballet, leaning forward.
Phrasing - The fitting of dance figures to the rhythm and/or melody of the music. Phrasing may be adjusted in certain dances by the use of lead-in steps to bring the dancers in on a different beat.
Pique - Stepping directly onto the point of a foot.
Pirouette - A complete turn of the body executed on one leg; the working leg is placed with the foot drawn up to the ankle or knee of the supporting leg.
Plie - A bending of the knees in any of the five positions. Demi plie: a half bending of the knees, with heels on the floor. Grand plie: a full bending of the knees.
Plie - A bending. The first exercises done in every class to loosen muscles, the foundation of the dancers’ technique.
Point - A position on the tip of the toes. Demi-point: a position on the balls of the feet.
Pointe - The tip of the toe. Women, and infrequently men, dance sur les pointes (on point) in blocked shoes. This is often referred to as "full point." "Half point" and "three quarter point" are used when the dancer stands with the toes spread flat on the floor and the rest of the foot raised from the metatarsal joint.
Poise - in smooth dancing, the stretch of the woman’s body upwards and outwards and leftwards into the man’s right arm to achieve balance and connection with his frame, as well as to project outwards to the audience.
Port de Bras - In ballet, the positions of the arms.
Port de Bras - Literally "carriage of the arms." Used in this sense, and also to denote exercise designed to develop the upper part of the body. There are positions of the arms just as there are positions of the feet -- the numbering of them varies according to the method of training.
Positions (ballet) - There are five basic positions for the feet in which all steps in classic ballet begin and end, with corresponding positions of the arms. It is assumed that in all these positions the legs are turned out from the pelvis. First position: heels touching, feet in a straight line; second position: feet apart in a straight line; third position: one foot in front of the other, the heel against the instep; fourth position: feet apart, one in front of the other, either opposite first, or opposite fifth; fifth position: one foot in front of the other, the heel against the joint of the big toe. (Ballroom dancers describe feet positions same way).
Premier Danseur - Principal male dancer.
Progressive Dance (ballroom) - A dance in which couples move along Line of Dance around the dance floor.
Promenade - In ballet, a slow turn of the body on the whole foot. See also Foxtrot promenade or Waltz promenade.
Rise and Fall (ballroom) - a controlled raising and lowering of the body while dancing. The waltz is characterized by rise and fall.
Releve - In ballet, a rising with a spring movement to point or demi-point.
Reverence - A ballet bow or curtsy in which one foot is pointed in front and the body leans forward.
Rhythm - The regular occurrence of accented beats that shape the character of music or dance.
Ronde de Jambe - Literally "circle of the leg." May be performed on the ground or in the air, inwards or outwards, jumping or turning.
Rosin - A by-product of turpentine, used by dancers in powdered form on their shoes to prevent slipping.
Rulo - a curl.
Second position - feet in a straight line, heels apart.
Shim Sham - A lazy shuffling "soft shoe" step produced by the dancers at the Old Cotton Club in Harlem.
Single Jig - Dancers perform single or soft jigs in soft shoes.
Slip Jig (soft shoes) - is the most graceful of Irish dances and features light hopping, sliding, skipping and pointing. Only women dance the slip jig. Slip jigs are in 9/8 time
Step (ballroom) - one change of weight. Means by which the body is moved. Taking a step means committing all of your body weight onto the forward portion (the ball) of the foot.
Third position - one foot in front of the other, parallel to it, with heel of front foot in hollow instep of back foot.
Tights (ballet) - A close-fitting garment covering the dancer's body from waist to feet, worn both in class and on the stage.
Timing - dancing on time with the music.
Tour en l'air - A turn in the air, executed as the dancer jumps with the body held vertically straight. Males perform single, double or triple tours.
Two Step - a simple dance, more or less double quick march with a skip in each step done as rapidly as a couple can go.
Variation - Any solo performance in a ballet.
Zumba - fitness program inspired by Latin dance. Spanish slang for "to move fast and have fun"
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤...
𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲
ballerina - female dancer. Prima ballerina, or first dancer, is usually used for one who dances leading roles.
ballet - classical theatrical dancing based on the danse d'ecole, the rules and vocabulary that were codified around 1700 in France.
ballet blanc - A ballet in which the women wear white tutus, such as the second and fourth acts of Swan Lake.
ballet d'action - a ballet with a plot, usually tragic.
ballet de cour, le - (court ballet). Spectacles for entertainment, usually with allegorical or mythological themes, performed by the aristocracy in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, combining music, recitatives, and mime.
Ball Change - move that consists of two steps: a partial weight transfer on the ball of a foot (placed e.g., behind), followed
Cabriole - In ballet, a leap in which the lower leg beats against the upper one at an angle, before the dancer lands again on the lower leg.
Cambre - In ballet, a bend from the waist to the side or to the back.
Choreography - A creation or compilation of steps, patterns and movements which make up a dance or a dance routine.
Ciseaux - A jump in which the legs open in second position in the air, resembling a scissors.
Character dancing - Dancing derived from folk or national dances.
Chasse - A sliding step in which one foot "chases" and displaces the other.
Chat, pas de - Catlike leap in which one foot follows the other into the air, knees bent; the landing is in the fifth position.
Coda - In ballet, the third and final part of the classical pas de deux.
Comparsa - Afro-Cuban dance play.
Conga - An African-Cuban dance characterized by the extreme violence of accents on the strong beats in 2/4 time. The Conga beat thus used has a rhythmic anticipation of the second beat in every other measure. The Conga was very popular in the late thirties. It was performed in a formation known as the Conga chain. The steps are simple, one, two, three, kick at which time the partners move away from each other.
Conga Line - generally the person behind the next places their hands upon the front persons hips and this continues on down the line. The dance does not necessarily stay on the dance dance floor, it can and does zig-zag through out the room. The basic steps are (Left) 1-2-3-Kick (or Bump) then repeat, opposite.
Continuity Movement - The continuous passing of the feet from one step to the next.
Contraction - A basic movement in the technique of Martha Graham, based on breath inhalation and exhalation.
Cruzar - (cruze) to cross (the cross)
Cuban motion - a discreet but expressive hip movement achieved by bending and straightening the knees with carefully timed weight transfer.
Cuddle position - (also known as Varsouvienne or Skating Position) - Woman is at man’s left or right side, both facing in the same direction; one arm of man is across woman’s back, and position of other arm depends on method of arriving in cuddle position.
Contemporary dance - a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements
dance - a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music.
danseur - A male ballet dancer.
danseur noble - A male dancer who performs the "princely" roles of the classical ballet, such as the Prince in Swan Lake.
danseuse - A female ballet dancer.
Danzon - A Cuban dance which starts slowly and gradually accelerates. This dance, which might be called a Rumba variation is in a 4/4 time. It is know as the aristocrat of all Cuban dances because of its dignified and stately appearance.
degage - Shifting weight from one foot to the other.
demi - half
demi-arabesque - half arabesque
demi-caractere - A style of dancing that has elements of character dancing but remains within the classical technique.
demi-plié - slight bending or half bend of the knee in ballet. Bend your knees as far as you can while still keeping both heels planted on the ground.
demi-tour - half-turn
developpe - An unfolding of the leg in the air.
dirty dancin' - A general style of very intimate closed position partner dancing popularized in the late 80's by actor/dancer Patrick Swayze in the movie "Dirty Dancin". Danced to popular fast or slow music and characterized by sensuous and seductive movements by both the man and woman.
Dominican merengue - The dance of the Dominican Republic is 2/4 time with syncopation of the first beat interpreted by the dancers as a slight limp.
drop - A theatrical type of movement in which the follower's body weight is partially or completely supported by the leader while at least one part of the follower's body remains in contact with the floor.
ecarte - A position with one leg extended at an oblique angle while the body is also at an oblique angle.
efface - A position of the body at an oblique angle and partly hidden.
elevation - The ability to jump high into the air and give the appearance of remaining suspended at the apex of the jump.
en travesti - A female dancer dressed as a man, or a male dressed as a woman.
enrosque - a twist
entrechat - A ballet movement in which the dancer repeatedly crosses his or her legs in the air.
epaulement - The position of the torso from the waist up.
escondido - An Argentine dance called Escondido (literally hidden for in it the female partner hides from the male) belongs to the Gato type rhythmically and choreographically.
etoile - Literally "star." The highest rank a dancer may hold in the Paris Opera.
ferme - A closed position of the feet.
fifth position - One foot in front of the other, parallel, with heel in front foot touching toe of back foot.
first position - feet in a straight line, heels touching.
five positions - The basic positions of the feet. First position: feet in a straight line, heels touching. Second position: feet in a straight line, heels apart. Third position: one foot in front of the other, parallel to it, with heel of front foot in hollow instep of back foot. Fourth position: one foot in front of the other, parallel, but apart. Fifth position: One foot in front of the other, parallel, with heel in front foot touching toe of back foot.
floorcraft - Refers to avoiding bumping into other couples as well as the ability to continue dancing without pause when boxed in.
floorflip - also called “swiping.” Dancer assumes a push-up position and flips over, finishing in the original position.
floor rocking - dancer rotates legs in air while carrying the weight on his hands.
fondu - A lowering of the body by bending the knee.
fouette - Literally "whipped." A turning step, usually done in a series, in which the working leg whips out to the side in and then into the knee as the dancer turns on the supporting leg, rising onto the point at each revolution.
fouette en tournant - A spectacular movement in which the dancer propels himself or herself around a supporting leg with rapid circular movements of the other leg while remaining in a fixed spot.
Fourth position - one foot in front of the other, parallel, but apart.
freestyle - Ad lib dance movements with no fixed structure. Danced to a variety of music styles including Rock 'n Roll, and discotheque beats.
fresh - descriptive term for anything good. The opposite of “wack.”
freeze - stopping a dance and holding a position, often balancing on your shoulder, head or hands.
frontflip - dancer does a flip in the direction in which (s)he is facing. Generally followed by a backflip.
frug - The Frug was born from a dance called the Chicken which had a lateral body movement and was used as a change of pace during the Twist. So as the kids grew lazier they decided to do less work, and started moving only their hips while standing still. As the hips swing from side to side they started making up arm movements for the dance. From this came the Swim, the Monkey, the Dog, the Watusi, the Waddle or Wabble and the Jerk. Some of these dances are named with localities. What we call the Frug is often called the Surf, Big Bea and Thunderbird, with the Swim being born out of it. What we call the Watusi is also known as Wabble and Waddle. The Monkey, Dog, Bump and Jerk fall roughly into the same category.
Ganchos - hooks
Giro - a turn
Glissade - A gliding step which usually connects two steps.
Hand Spin - Also called the Hand Glide. Dancer spins on one hand with the body parallel to the ground.
haut, en - A position of the arms above the head.
Headspin - in a headstand position, dancer spins by pushing with the hands.
Heelspin - standing erect, dancer puts his weight on one heel and initiates a spin by swinging the leg.
Locking - moving the body out of control then back into control, locking into position, collapsing, then locking back.
Modern Dance - A form of dance as developed by Martha Graham, Haya Holm, Doris Humphyre, Charles Weidman and others. It expresses complex emotions and abstract ideas.
One Step - A dance that consisted entirely of chasses without any change in rhythm. It was danced to the popular music of the period encompassing World War I.
Ouvert - In ballet, an open position of the feet.
Paradas - stops.
Par Terre - Steps performed on the floor. It is the opposite of en l'air.
Pas de Deux - A dance for two, usually a woman and a man. In its traditional form, it begins with an entree and adagio, followed by solo variations for each dancer, and a coda.
In classical ballet the pas de deux (duet) consists of four sections: an opening adagio in which the man supports the woman in turns and balances, followed by a solo variation for each of them, and concluded by a fast coda in which they again dance together.
Patada - a kick.
Pavane - A grave, processional court dance popular in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Penche - In ballet, leaning forward.
Phrasing - The fitting of dance figures to the rhythm and/or melody of the music. Phrasing may be adjusted in certain dances by the use of lead-in steps to bring the dancers in on a different beat.
Pique - Stepping directly onto the point of a foot.
Pirouette - A complete turn of the body executed on one leg; the working leg is placed with the foot drawn up to the ankle or knee of the supporting leg.
Plie - A bending of the knees in any of the five positions. Demi plie: a half bending of the knees, with heels on the floor. Grand plie: a full bending of the knees.
Plie - A bending. The first exercises done in every class to loosen muscles, the foundation of the dancers’ technique.
Point - A position on the tip of the toes. Demi-point: a position on the balls of the feet.
Pointe - The tip of the toe. Women, and infrequently men, dance sur les pointes (on point) in blocked shoes. This is often referred to as "full point." "Half point" and "three quarter point" are used when the dancer stands with the toes spread flat on the floor and the rest of the foot raised from the metatarsal joint.
Poise - in smooth dancing, the stretch of the woman’s body upwards and outwards and leftwards into the man’s right arm to achieve balance and connection with his frame, as well as to project outwards to the audience.
Port de Bras - In ballet, the positions of the arms.
Port de Bras - Literally "carriage of the arms." Used in this sense, and also to denote exercise designed to develop the upper part of the body. There are positions of the arms just as there are positions of the feet -- the numbering of them varies according to the method of training.
Positions (ballet) - There are five basic positions for the feet in which all steps in classic ballet begin and end, with corresponding positions of the arms. It is assumed that in all these positions the legs are turned out from the pelvis. First position: heels touching, feet in a straight line; second position: feet apart in a straight line; third position: one foot in front of the other, the heel against the instep; fourth position: feet apart, one in front of the other, either opposite first, or opposite fifth; fifth position: one foot in front of the other, the heel against the joint of the big toe. (Ballroom dancers describe feet positions same way).
Premier Danseur - Principal male dancer.
Progressive Dance (ballroom) - A dance in which couples move along Line of Dance around the dance floor.
Promenade - In ballet, a slow turn of the body on the whole foot. See also Foxtrot promenade or Waltz promenade.
Rise and Fall (ballroom) - a controlled raising and lowering of the body while dancing. The waltz is characterized by rise and fall.
Releve - In ballet, a rising with a spring movement to point or demi-point.
Reverence - A ballet bow or curtsy in which one foot is pointed in front and the body leans forward.
Rhythm - The regular occurrence of accented beats that shape the character of music or dance.
Ronde de Jambe - Literally "circle of the leg." May be performed on the ground or in the air, inwards or outwards, jumping or turning.
Rosin - A by-product of turpentine, used by dancers in powdered form on their shoes to prevent slipping.
Rulo - a curl.
Second position - feet in a straight line, heels apart.
Shim Sham - A lazy shuffling "soft shoe" step produced by the dancers at the Old Cotton Club in Harlem.
Single Jig - Dancers perform single or soft jigs in soft shoes.
Slip Jig (soft shoes) - is the most graceful of Irish dances and features light hopping, sliding, skipping and pointing. Only women dance the slip jig. Slip jigs are in 9/8 time
Step (ballroom) - one change of weight. Means by which the body is moved. Taking a step means committing all of your body weight onto the forward portion (the ball) of the foot.
Third position - one foot in front of the other, parallel to it, with heel of front foot in hollow instep of back foot.
Tights (ballet) - A close-fitting garment covering the dancer's body from waist to feet, worn both in class and on the stage.
Timing - dancing on time with the music.
Tour en l'air - A turn in the air, executed as the dancer jumps with the body held vertically straight. Males perform single, double or triple tours.
Two Step - a simple dance, more or less double quick march with a skip in each step done as rapidly as a couple can go.
Variation - Any solo performance in a ballet.
Zumba - fitness program inspired by Latin dance. Spanish slang for "to move fast and have fun"
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤...
Коментарі