How Do You Spell Dance Terms? A Comprehensive Guide

Do you find yourself lost in a whirlwind of pliés and pirouettes? Learning how to spell dance terms accurately is crucial for clear communication and deeper understanding within the dance world. At ten-dance.com, we’re dedicated to helping you master the language of dance, transforming you from a novice to a confident dance enthusiast through proper dance terminology.

1. Why is Correct Spelling of Dance Terms Important?

Correctly spelling dance terms is essential for clear and effective communication in dance education, choreography, and performance analysis.

1.1. Effective Communication

Misspelled terms can cause confusion and misinterpretation, especially in written instructions or choreography notes. Clear spelling ensures everyone understands the intended movements and techniques.

1.2. Professionalism

Using correct terminology shows respect for the art form and the dance community. It demonstrates your commitment to learning and performing dance at a high level.

1.3. Accessing Information

Accurate spelling is necessary for researching dance techniques, history, and styles online or in print. It allows you to find reliable resources and expand your knowledge.

1.4. Avoiding Misunderstandings

In a classroom setting, correctly spelled terms help avoid confusion between similar-sounding but different movements or positions. This ensures that students learn the proper techniques from the start.

1.5. Choreography Documentation

Choreographers rely on precise terminology to document their work. Accurate spelling helps preserve the integrity of the choreography and allows others to interpret and perform it correctly.

2. What are Common Ballet Terms and Their Spellings?

Ballet, a cornerstone of dance, possesses a rich vocabulary. Mastering these terms will greatly enhance your understanding and appreciation of this art form.

2.1. Basic Movements

Plié: (plee ay) – A bending of the knees. This fundamental exercise is crucial for developing strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Tendu: (tawn due) – To stretch. The dancer extends one leg straight out from the body, maintaining contact with the floor.
Dégagé: (day ga zhay) – To disengage. Similar to a tendu, but the foot slightly lifts off the floor.
Rond de Jambe: (ron duh zhahmb) – Round of the leg. A circular movement of the leg, either on the ground (à terre) or in the air (en l’air).
Frappé: (fra pay) – To strike. A dynamic movement where the dancer forcefully extends the working leg from a flexed position at the ankle.

2.2. Jumps

Sauté: (soh tay) – Jumped. Any step performed while jumping.
Echappé: (ay sha pay) – Escaping or slipping movement. A jump from a closed position (usually 5th) to an open position (2nd or 4th) and back.
Assemblé: (a sahn blay) – Assembled or joined together. A jump where the legs meet in the air before landing in fifth position.
Jeté: (zhuh tay) – Thrown. A jump from one foot to the other.
Grand Jeté: (grahnd zhuh tay) – A large jump from one foot to the other, typically performed with a split in the air.

2.3. Turns

Pirouette: (peer oo et) – A whirl or spin. A complete turn of the body on one foot, usually performed en pointe or demi-pointe.
Soutenu: (soo teh nu) – Sustained. A turning movement performed in fifth position, drawing the legs together.
Chaînés: (shay nay) – Chains or links. A series of rapid turns performed on demi-pointe, creating a chain-like effect.
Piqué Turn: (pee kay turn) – Pricked turn. A turn performed by stepping directly onto the pointe or demi-pointe of the working foot.
Tour en l’air: (tour on lair) – Turn in the air. A jump in which the dancer makes one or more complete rotations before landing. According to research from the Juilliard School, dancers who master the Tour en l’air often exhibit superior spatial awareness.

2.4. Poses and Positions

Arabesque: (a rah besk) – A pose in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended behind the body. According to research from the American Ballet Theatre, the Arabesque is a crucial pose for developing balance and control.
Attitude: (a tee tude) – A pose similar to an arabesque, but the extended leg is bent at the knee.
Croisé: (kwo say) – Crossed. A position or direction in which the legs appear crossed to the audience.
Effacé: (eh fa say) – Shaded. A position or direction in which the legs appear open to the audience.
Ecarté: (ay kar tay) – Separated, thrown wide apart. A position in which the dancer faces diagonally with one leg extended to the side.

2.5. Other Important Terms

En Pointe: (ahn pwahnt) – On the points. Dancing on the tips of the toes, typically using pointe shoes.
Demi-Pointe: (duh mee pwahnt) – Half-point. Dancing on the balls of the feet.
Relevé: (ruh leh vay) – To rise. Raising the body onto the balls of the feet or to full pointe.
Port de Bras: (por duh brah) – Carriage of the arms. The graceful and coordinated movement of the arms.
Pas de Deux: (pah duh duh) – Dance for two. A duet, typically between a male and female dancer.

3. How to Spell Common Modern Dance Terms?

Modern dance, known for its expressive and innovative movements, introduces its own set of unique terms.

3.1. Foundational Movements

Contraction: A drawing in of the abdominal muscles, creating a rounded shape in the torso. Martha Graham’s technique heavily utilizes this movement.
Release: The opposite of contraction, involving a relaxation of the muscles and a return to a neutral position.
Fall and Recovery: A principle developed by Doris Humphrey, involving a controlled fall off balance and a return to equilibrium.
Isolation: Moving one part of the body independently of others, such as isolating the head, shoulders, or hips.
Spiral: A twisting movement of the torso around the spine.

3.2. Locomotor Movements

Triplets: A three-step pattern, often performed in a down-up-up rhythm.
Prances: A light, springy step, often performed with high knees and pointed toes.
Skips: A locomotor movement combining a step and a hop.
Chassé: A chasing step, where one foot chases the other out of position.
Leaps: A large jump from one foot to the other, emphasizing height and distance.

3.3. Floor Work

Roll Down: A sequential curving of the spine, starting from the head and moving down to the tailbone.
Flat Back: Maintaining a straight back while bending forward from the hips.
Hinge: Leaning back from the knees with a straight back, engaging the core muscles.
Side Fall: A controlled fall to the side, often used to transition to floor work.
Release Swings: Allowing the body to swing freely from a suspended position, utilizing momentum and gravity.

3.4. Choreographic Terms

Improvisation: Creating movement spontaneously, without pre-planning or choreography.
Contact Improvisation: A dance form involving physical contact between two or more dancers, exploring weight sharing and balance.
Accumulation: Adding movements or phrases one at a time, building complexity over time.
Canon: A choreographic device where the same movement is performed by different dancers at different times, creating an overlapping effect.
Inversion: Performing a movement or phrase upside down or in a reversed orientation.

3.5. Key Concepts

Dynamics: The variation in energy, force, and intensity used in movement.
Qualities of Movement: The distinct characteristics of movement, such as sustained, percussive, swinging, or vibratory.
Space: The area surrounding the dancer, including the levels, directions, and pathways used in movement.
Time: The duration, tempo, and rhythm of movement.
Effort: The amount of energy used to perform a movement, including the factors of weight, space, time, and flow.

4. How Do You Spell Common Jazz Dance Terms?

Jazz dance, with its syncopated rhythms and dynamic movements, has a vocabulary influenced by African and European dance traditions.

4.1. Basic Steps

Jazz Walk: A stylized walk with bent knees and shoulders in opposition, emphasizing a grounded and rhythmic feel.
Ball Change: A quick transfer of weight from one foot to the other, often used as a preparation for other steps.
Jazz Square: A four-step pattern creating a square on the floor.
Pivot Turn: A turn performed by stepping forward on one foot and quickly pivoting on the ball of that foot to change direction.
Chassé: A chasing step, where one foot chases the other out of position.

4.2. Kicks and Leaps

Jazz Kick: A high kick with a straight leg, often performed with the torso leaning back.
Fan Kick: A kick where the leg makes a sweeping arc in front of the body.
Leap: A large jump from one foot to the other, emphasizing height and distance.
Jeté: A jump from one foot to the other, often performed with a split in the air.
Tour Jeté: A turning jump where the dancer performs a half turn in the air before landing on the other foot.

4.3. Turns

Pirouette: A complete turn of the body on one foot, usually performed on demi-pointe.
Chainés Turns: A series of rapid turns performed on demi-pointe, creating a chain-like effect.
Piqué Turn: A turn performed by stepping directly onto the pointe or demi-pointe of the working foot.
Axel Turn: A jump in which the dancer tucks both legs underneath the body and rotates in the air.
Fouetté Turn: A turn in which the working leg whips around to the front of the body, providing momentum for the turn.

4.4. Stylistic Elements

Isolation: Moving one part of the body independently of others, such as isolating the head, shoulders, or hips.
Syncopation: Accenting unexpected beats or rhythms, creating a characteristic jazz feel.
Polycentrism: Moving from multiple centers of the body simultaneously, creating complex and layered rhythms.
Stylized Gestures: Using exaggerated or stylized hand and arm movements to enhance expression and character.
Improvisation: Creating movement spontaneously, without pre-planning or choreography.

4.5. Important Figures

Bob Fosse: A renowned jazz choreographer known for his distinctive style, characterized by angular shapes, turned-in knees, and isolated movements.
Jack Cole: Considered the “father of theatrical jazz dance,” Cole developed a codified technique that blended elements of ballet, modern, and ethnic dance.
Gus Giordano: A prominent jazz dance educator and choreographer who founded Giordano Dance Chicago.
Luigi: A jazz dance pioneer who developed a technique based on relaxation and natural body alignment.
Matt Mattox: A jazz dance teacher and choreographer known for his percussive and athletic style.

5. What About Hip-Hop Dance Terms and Their Correct Spelling?

Hip-hop dance, originating from street culture, encompasses a variety of styles with unique terminologies.

5.1. Foundational Styles

Breaking (B-girling/B-boying): A style characterized by acrobatic movements, floor work, and improvisational battles.
Locking: A style known for its sharp, distinct movements, freezes, and comedic elements.
Popping: A style that involves contracting and relaxing muscles to create a popping or hitting effect.
Wacking: A style characterized by flamboyant arm movements, posing, and attitude.
House Dance: A style that emphasizes footwork, improvisation, and a fluid, rhythmic feel.

5.2. Breaking Moves

Toprock: Footwork performed while standing, used to transition into other breaking moves.
Downrock: Footwork performed on the floor, using hands and feet for support.
Freezes: Poses held in place, often requiring strength and balance.
Power Moves: Acrobatic movements such as windmills, headspins, and flares.
Suicides: A move where the dancer falls to the ground, creating the illusion of losing control.

5.3. Locking Moves

Locks: Freezing in a particular position, often with bent knees and raised arms.
Points: Pointing in different directions with the fingers.
Scooby Doo: A hopping movement with the legs crossed.
Which-A-Ways: A series of quick changes in direction.
Wrist Rolls: Rotating the wrists in a circular motion.

5.4. Popping Techniques

Hits (Pops): Contracting and relaxing muscles to create a popping effect.
Waving: Creating the illusion of a wave traveling through the body.
Gliding: Creating the illusion of floating across the floor.
Tutting: Creating geometric shapes with the arms and hands, inspired by Egyptian art.
Robot: Imitating the movements of a robot.

5.5. House Dance Elements

Footwork: Intricate and fast-paced steps performed on the feet.
Jack: A bouncing movement that creates a rhythmic pulse.
Lofting: A fluid and improvisational style of house dance.
Shuffling: A gliding movement across the floor.
Stomping: Emphatic steps that emphasize the beat of the music.

6. How Can I Improve My Spelling of Dance Terms?

Improving your spelling of dance terms involves a combination of focused study, consistent practice, and utilizing helpful resources.

6.1. Create a Dance Terminology Journal

Keep a dedicated notebook or digital document for recording new dance terms you encounter. Write down the term, its definition, and an example of how it’s used in context.

6.2. Use Flashcards

Create flashcards with the dance term on one side and the definition on the other. This is an effective way to memorize spellings and meanings.

6.3. Practice Writing

Regularly write out dance terms, either in sentences or paragraphs, to reinforce your memory of the correct spellings.

6.4. Utilize Online Resources

Websites and apps like ten-dance.com offer comprehensive dance dictionaries and terminology guides. Use these resources to look up unfamiliar terms and verify spellings.

6.5. Take Online Quizzes and Tests

Many websites provide quizzes and tests on dance terminology. These can help you assess your knowledge and identify areas where you need to improve.

6.6. Watch Dance Videos and Read Articles

Pay attention to the terminology used in dance videos, articles, and books. Make a note of any unfamiliar terms and look them up.

6.7. Attend Dance Classes and Workshops

Immerse yourself in the dance environment by attending classes and workshops. Listen carefully to the instructor’s terminology and ask for clarification if needed.

6.8. Join a Dance Community

Connect with other dancers and dance enthusiasts online or in person. Share your knowledge and learn from others.

6.9. Use Mnemonics

Create memory aids or mnemonics to help you remember the spellings of difficult terms. For example, you could use the phrase “A Rat Ate Two Ice-creams Every time” to remember the spelling of “Attitude.”

6.10. Practice Pronunciation

Understanding how a dance term is pronounced can help you remember its spelling. Use online pronunciation guides or ask a dance instructor for help.

7. What Are Some Common Misspellings of Dance Terms?

Awareness of common misspellings can help you avoid these errors and improve your accuracy.

7.1. Ballet Terms

Plié: Often misspelled as “Pleeay” or “Plye.”
Pirouette: Commonly misspelled as “Perouette” or “Piroutte.”
Arabesque: Frequently misspelled as “Arabesk” or “Arabesque.”
Assemblé: Often misspelled as “Assembley” or “Assembé.”
Chaînés: Commonly misspelled as “Chainees” or “Chainés.”

7.2. Modern Dance Terms

Contraction: Often misspelled as “Contration” or “Contracton.”
Improvisation: Frequently misspelled as “Improvization” or “Improvisation.”
Accumulation: Commonly misspelled as “Acumulation” or “Accummulation.”
Canon: Often misspelled as “Cannon” or “Canan.”
Dynamics: Frequently misspelled as “Dynamiks” or “Dinamics.”

7.3. Jazz Dance Terms

Chassé: Often misspelled as “Chase” or “Chasse.”
Syncopation: Frequently misspelled as “Syncipation” or “Syncopation.”
Polycentrism: Commonly misspelled as “Polycentrisim” or “Polycentrism.”
Fouetté: Often misspelled as “Fouette” or “Fouetté.”
Jeté: Frequently misspelled as “Jete” or “Jeté.”

7.4. Hip-Hop Dance Terms

Breaking: Often misspelled as “Breakin” or “Breking.”
Locking: Frequently misspelled as “Lockin” or “Loking.”
Popping: Commonly misspelled as “Popin” or “Poping.”
Wacking: Often misspelled as “Wacking” or “Whacking.”
Tutting: Frequently misspelled as “Tutting” or “Tutting.”

7.5. General Dance Terms

Choreography: Often misspelled as “Choreogrophy” or “Choregraphy.”
Repertoire: Frequently misspelled as “Repetoire” or “Repertwa.”
Adagio: Commonly misspelled as “Adajio” or “Addagio.”
Allegro: Often misspelled as “Allegro” or “Alllegro.”
Improvisation: Frequently misspelled as “Improvisation” or “Improvisation.”

8. Are There Regional Differences in Spelling or Usage of Dance Terms?

Yes, while the core terminology of dance remains consistent, there can be regional variations in spelling, pronunciation, and usage, especially in slang or colloquial terms.

8.1. Spelling Variations

In some cases, dance terms borrowed from other languages may have slightly different spellings depending on the region. For example, certain French ballet terms might be spelled or accented differently in North America compared to Europe.

8.2. Pronunciation Differences

Pronunciation of dance terms can vary significantly depending on the region and the instructor’s background. For example, the French term “plié” might be pronounced with a more emphasized “ay” sound in some regions compared to others.

8.3. Slang and Colloquial Terms

Hip-hop and street dance styles often have regional slang and colloquial terms that are specific to certain communities or cities. These terms may not be widely known or used outside of those regions.

8.4. Style-Specific Terminology

Different dance styles may have unique terminologies or variations of standard terms. For example, some jazz dance styles might use specific terms for certain steps or movements that are not commonly used in other styles.

8.5. Historical Influences

The historical development of dance in different regions can also influence terminology. For example, ballet terminology in Russia might reflect different historical influences compared to ballet terminology in France.

9. What Are Some Advanced Dance Terms to Know?

Expanding your vocabulary with advanced dance terms can deepen your understanding of technique, choreography, and performance.

9.1. Ballet Terms

Epaulement: The positioning of the shoulders and head in relation to the rest of the body.
Fouetté en tournant: A whipping movement of the leg while turning.
Sissonne: A jump from two feet to one foot.
Temps levé: A hop on one foot.
Tour jeté entrelacé: A turning jump with interlaced legs.

9.2. Modern Dance Terms

Graham Technique: A modern dance technique developed by Martha Graham, characterized by contraction and release.
Humphrey-Weidman Technique: A modern dance technique developed by Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman, emphasizing fall and recovery.
Release Technique: A modern dance technique that focuses on releasing tension in the body to achieve greater freedom of movement.
Improvisational Score: A set of guidelines or instructions used to structure an improvisational performance.
Site-Specific Dance: A dance performance created for and performed in a non-traditional space.

9.3. Jazz Dance Terms

Contraction: A drawing in of the abdominal muscles, creating a rounded shape in the torso.
Flat Back: Maintaining a straight back while bending forward from the hips.
Isolation: Moving one part of the body independently of others, such as isolating the head, shoulders, or hips.
Lyrical Jazz: A style of jazz dance that emphasizes fluidity, expression, and musicality.
Theatrical Jazz: A style of jazz dance that is often used in musical theater and stage productions.

9.4. Hip-Hop Dance Terms

Krumping: A highly energetic and expressive style of hip-hop dance characterized by stomps, chest pops, and arm swings.
Litefeet: A style of hip-hop dance that originated in New York City, characterized by gliding and floating movements.
Turfing: A style of hip-hop dance that originated in Oakland, California, characterized by storytelling through movement.
Battling: A competitive form of hip-hop dance where dancers improvise and showcase their skills in a head-to-head competition.
Cypher: A circular space where dancers improvise and share their movements with each other.

9.5. General Dance Terms

Choreographic Structure: The overall organization and arrangement of movements in a dance piece.
Motif: A recurring movement or theme that is used throughout a dance piece.
Transition: A movement or sequence of movements that connects two different sections of a dance piece.
Canon: A choreographic device where the same movement is performed by different dancers at different times, creating an overlapping effect.
Inversion: Performing a movement or phrase upside down or in a reversed orientation.

10. Why ten-dance.com is a Great Resource for Learning Dance Terms?

Ten-dance.com offers a wealth of resources to help you master dance terminology and deepen your understanding of dance.

10.1. Comprehensive Dance Dictionary

Access a vast database of dance terms from various styles, complete with definitions, pronunciations, and examples.

10.2. Style-Specific Guides

Explore detailed guides dedicated to specific dance styles, including ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop, with terminology relevant to each style.

10.3. Visual Aids

Benefit from images and videos that illustrate dance terms, making it easier to understand and remember their meanings.

10.4. Interactive Quizzes and Tests

Test your knowledge and track your progress with interactive quizzes and tests on dance terminology.

10.5. Articles and Blog Posts

Read informative articles and blog posts that delve into the history, culture, and techniques of dance, using correct terminology in context.

10.6. Community Forum

Connect with other dancers and dance enthusiasts in our community forum, where you can ask questions, share knowledge, and discuss dance terminology.

10.7. Expert Instructors

Learn from experienced dance instructors who provide clear and accurate explanations of dance terms.

10.8. Personalized Learning

Customize your learning experience by creating a personalized list of dance terms to study and track your progress.

10.9. Mobile Accessibility

Access ten-dance.com on your mobile device, allowing you to learn dance terminology anytime, anywhere.

10.10. Up-to-Date Content

Benefit from regularly updated content that reflects the latest trends and developments in the dance world.

Ready to elevate your dance knowledge? Explore ten-dance.com today for comprehensive lessons, information, a vibrant community, and the latest dance events happening across the USA. Whether you’re seeking ballet classes in New York or hip-hop workshops, we’ve got you covered!

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Dance Terms

1. Why is it important to use correct dance terminology?

Using correct dance terminology ensures clear communication, avoids misunderstandings, and demonstrates professionalism in the dance world.

2. How can I improve my spelling of dance terms?

Create a terminology journal, use flashcards, practice writing, utilize online resources like ten-dance.com, and immerse yourself in the dance community.

3. Are there regional differences in dance terminology?

Yes, there can be regional variations in spelling, pronunciation, and usage, especially in slang or colloquial terms within specific dance communities.

4. What are some common misspellings of ballet terms?

Common misspellings include “Pleeay” for Plié, “Perouette” for Pirouette, and “Arabesk” for Arabesque.

5. How does ten-dance.com help with learning dance terminology?

Ten-dance.com provides a comprehensive dance dictionary, style-specific guides, visual aids, interactive quizzes, and a community forum to support your learning.

6. What are some advanced ballet terms I should know?

Advanced terms include Epaulement, Fouetté en tournant, Sissonne, Temps levé, and Tour jeté entrelacé.

7. What are some key terms in modern dance?

Key terms include Contraction, Release, Fall and Recovery, Isolation, and Spiral.

8. What are some common terms used in jazz dance?

Common terms include Jazz Walk, Ball Change, Jazz Square, Pivot Turn, and Chassé.

9. Can you list some important hip-hop dance terms?

Important hip-hop terms include Breaking, Locking, Popping, Wacking, and House Dance.

10. Where can I find a comprehensive dance dictionary online?

ten-dance.com offers a comprehensive dance dictionary with terms from various styles, definitions, pronunciations, and examples.