Dance Terminology

3. A jump from two feet onto one foot in various directions.
5. Step consisting of a step, shuffle, and a leap.
6. An elegant smooth dance in a 3/4 tempo, with accent on the first beat.
9. In front.
10. To hit the legs together, moving in and out of fifth position in the air.
12. The hip of the gesture leg is at 90°, the knee is bent, and the foot is pointed.
14. “Changing the feet”. A vertical jump with a change of feet in the air (from fifth position front to fifth back).
16. Springing into fifth position relevé en pointe or demi-pointe from demi-plié.
19. Originated as an English folk dance, in a 2/4 tempo.
21. A side stretch of the torso, with legs in 2nd position. [Horton technique].
22. A spring into the air, from one foot to the other.
23. The gesture leg is extended behind the dancer’s body at 90° or higher.
24. Forward movement hitting the heel of the foot on the ground.
25. A slow pivot of the body while standing on one leg.
28. Moving one part of the body, such as the head, shoulder, ribs, or hips, while the rest are immobile.

1. Also called a toe touch jump in second position.
2. A brush, hop on the opposite foot, shuffle and a step. This step is performed traveling backwards and alternates feet.
4. “Slide or glide”. A linking or preparatory step.
7. A large, open fourth position in which one knee is bent (usually the front), and the other is straight.
8. The introductory / warm up portion of the ballet class, conducted while holding onto a ballet bar.
11. Shoulder shaking: alternating in a rapid motion.
13. Step.
15. Turn of the body.
17. Rotation of the torso around the pelvis. [Graham technique].
18. A relaxing or arching movement.
20. Rapid tempo movements, often includes jumping steps.
24. Leap in which the forward leg is in parallel passé and the backward leg is in attitude turned out.[Horton technique].
26. Pulse of the music. Rhythm dance is composed of broken rhythms, syncopation, and off beats.
27. Also called a back bend.