Dancing Terms

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Across
  1. 1. It is a three step movement executed in turn out to music in ¾ or 6/8 time, in the following order: plie, releve, releve.
  2. 3. A term referring to a particular pose in dancing derived from the statue of Mercury by Giovanni da Bologna. It is a position on one leg, with the other leg bent and lifted to the front, side, or rear.
  3. 7. The actual steps, groupings, and patterns of a dance work. The movement material itself.
  4. 8. A term which takes its name from a form of Moorish ornament. In this position the body is supported on one leg which may be straight or bent with the working leg extended straight to the rear.
  5. 10. In French means “developed”. In dance it is when the working leg is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg and slowly extended to an open position “en l’air” (in the air).
  6. 12. In French means “cut”. In dance it is a position and a small intermediary step that is usually done as a preparation or impetus for another step. The ankle of one leg is positioned at the ankle of the supporting leg either in front or behind. when the lifted foot “cuts” away and takes the place of the supporting leg.
  7. 13. In French means “ stretched”. In dance it is the brushing of the foot along the floor with the leg straight without lifting the toe. It is done to warm up and stretch the muscles of the foot as a preparation for larger leg movements.
  8. 17. A variation on a walk, it travels to the side and can be performed at various tempos. It is executed by stepping to the right with the right foot, stepping behind the right foot with the left foot, stepping right with the right foot and then stepping in front of the right foot with the left foot. This sequence is repeated and can also be done to the left. Sequence: Side, Back, Side, Front
  9. 18. In French means “whirl or spin”. In dance it is a turning of the whole body on one foot that may be performed in parallel position or in turn-out with the supporting leg in releve or in demi-plie.
  10. 19. Walks done in demi-plie, parallel position. Arms can be in various positions. Long torso, energy rising through body even though knees are bent.
  11. 20. When performing in marching band or winter guard, what foot does one start with
Down
  1. 2. In French means “round of the leg”. In dance it is when one foot describes a half circle on the floor. The exercise is done to turn the legs out from the hip sockets, warm up those muscles around the hip joint in preparation for larger movements and to strengthen the six deep outward rotator muscles underneath the gluteus maximus muscle.
  2. 4. A performance art form which uses the human body with energy through space and time.
  3. 5. In French means “chased”. In dance it is a step in which one foot literally chases the other foot out of its position. It is usually done in a series across the floor or as a lead-in to a leap or other aerial move. (Think of doing a gallop but with straighter legs, pointed feet and taking up more space.)
  4. 6. In French means “folded or bent”. In dance it is a bending of the knees done to render the joints and muscles soft and pliable, the tendons flexible and elastic, and to develop a sense of balance.
  5. 9. In French means “raised again”. In dance it is a rising of the body onto the balls of the feet after a plie, then a lowering of the heels to the floor. This exercise helps to strengthen the ankles as well as one’s ability to balance.
  6. 11. A step which takes its name from an 18th century dance. A commonly used version in jazz dance has three parts: stepping behind, side and forward in either direction. The basic purpose is for transitioning from one move to another.
  7. 14. In French means “stung or pricked”. In dance it refers to a stepping directly onto the ball of the foot, with a straight leg.
  8. 15. One who creates/composes/invents dances.
  9. 16. In French means “thrown”. In dance it is a leap in which one leg is brushed into the air and appears to have been thrown.