Embarking on the journey of dance, whether as a beginner or an aspiring professional, involves more than just physical movements. It’s also about understanding the language of dance – a rich vocabulary that describes steps, positions, styles, and techniques. Knowing these Dance Words A To Z is crucial for effective communication, learning new routines, and deepening your appreciation for this art form.
This comprehensive guide dives into essential dance terms, specifically focusing on words starting from S to Z. From foundational steps to intricate styles, we’ll unravel the meanings behind the movements, helping you to expand your dance vocabulary and enhance your understanding of the world of dance. Let’s explore the fascinating lexicon that brings dance to life!
Dance Terms: S
Sacada – Originating from Argentine Tango, a Sacada refers to a displacement of the standing leg by a partner’s leg. It’s a dynamic movement where one dancer essentially “cuts” into the space of the other, creating a brief interruption of the lead and follow, adding a sharp and surprising element to the dance.
Sacadas – Plural form of Sacada, referring to multiple displacements executed in sequence. These are often used to create rhythmic and visually engaging patterns in Tango.
Salida – In Tango, Salida is a fundamental “exit” or “beginning” sequence. It’s a basic walking pattern that marks the start of many Tango combinations. Mastering the Salida is essential for building a solid foundation in Tango as it establishes connection, posture, and basic movement dynamics between partners.
Salsa – More than just a dance, Salsa is a vibrant genre of Latin music deeply rooted in Cuban culture, enriched by jazz influences, and defined by its energetic “hot” flavor. Originating from New York’s Puerto Rican musicians, the dance itself is closely linked to Mambo patterns, characterized by a distinctive feel driven by the Clave rhythm and Montuno musical structures. Salsa is known for its improvisational nature and passionate expression.
Samba – Hailing from Brazil, Samba is a lively and rhythmic dance style. While introduced as early as 1917, it gained widespread acceptance in Brazilian society as a ballroom dance form by 1930. Often used interchangeably with terms like Samba Carioca, Baion, or Batucado, the distinctions usually lie in tempo, as the steps remain largely consistent. The signature style of Samba involves a continuous, smooth bounce in 2/4 time. Carmen Miranda played a significant role in popularizing Samba in the United States in 1939.
Sarabande – Steeped in history, the Sarabande is one of the oldest court dances, dating back to the 16th century. It was a dignified and processional dance where couples would parade forward and back in various formations, dictated by the number of participants. The Sarabande embodies the elegance and formality of Renaissance courtly dance.
Schottishe – Sharing similarities with the Polka, the Schottishe is a folk dance characterized by a distinct clapping sequence after every three hopping steps. Set to 4/4 time music, the Schottishe is a lively and social dance, often found in folk dance traditions around the world.
Second position – A fundamental position in ballet and various dance forms, Second Position describes the feet placed in a straight line, heels spaced apart. This open stance provides balance and stability, serving as a starting and ending point for many movements.
Set Dances – In Irish dance, Set Dances are unique performances executed to specific, traditional tunes that have remained unchanged over decades. Primarily performed in hard shoes by both male and female dancers, Set Dances are known for their complexity, typically starting at the “Open” competition level. Judges focus on musical interpretation due to the fixed tune. Unlike jigs, reels, and hornpipes where tunes can vary, Set Dance music is constant. These dances consist of two parts: the “lead around” (8-16 measures) and the “set” (12-16 measures). Some tunes are centuries old, while the choreography often comes from more recent dance masters.
Sevillanas – A vibrant Spanish folk dance from Seville, Sevillanas consists of seven sections called “Coplas.” Each Copla is a self-contained miniature dance, divided into three parts and structured around twelve musical measures. Beginning with an “Entrada” and concluding with a “Pasada,” Sevillanas are performed by couples and are considered a foundational style for all forms of Spanish dance, embodying the spirit of Flamenco and Spanish folk traditions.
Shag – Distinct from the Carolina Shag (a relaxed Swing style), Shag, popular in the late 1930s alongside Jitterbug and Lindy Hop, is an energetic dance performed to upbeat Swing or Foxtrot music. Its defining characteristic is a backward flicking of the feet combined with a pronounced hopping motion.
Shape (ballroom) – In ballroom dancing, Shape refers to the combined use of turn and sway to create a specific visual line or position. It’s about how dancers mold their bodies in partnership to enhance the aesthetic and expressive quality of movements like turns and sways.
Shimmy – Originating as an African American dance in the late 1880s, the Shimmy is characterized by a shaking motion of the shoulders and the entire body. Popularized by Gilda Gray, the Shimmy became a signature move in early jazz and vaudeville dance styles, embodying a playful and rhythmic body expression.
Shim Sham – Born in Harlem’s Old Cotton Club, the Shim Sham is a relaxed, shuffling “soft shoe” step. It became a staple routine among tap dancers and is often considered a foundational step in tap dance history, known for its rhythmic simplicity and improvisational possibilities.
Single Jig – In Irish dance, Single Jigs are performed in soft shoes. They are one of the fundamental jig forms, emphasizing lighter, more graceful movements compared to hard shoe dances.
Slip Jig (soft shoes) – Considered the most graceful of Irish dances, the Slip Jig is exclusively danced by women in soft shoes. It features light and airy movements including hopping, sliding, skipping, and pointing, all set to 9/8 time music, creating a flowing and elegant dance form.
Slow Waltz – Also known as International Waltz, Slow Waltz is a ballroom dance counted in ¾ time. Characterized by a signature “rise and fall” motion, it creates a smooth, swooping quality across the dance floor. The Slow Waltz embodies elegance, control, and continuous flowing movement.
Social dancing – A broad category encompassing dance styles where two or more people move together in rhythm to music. Social dancing spans diverse forms like ballroom, swing, Latin, and country dance, among others. Beyond the enjoyment and physical activity, social dancing offers a fantastic way to connect with others, build community, and learn to communicate non-verbally with a partner.
Son – A Cuban dance form, Son is related to the Bolero but distinguished by its wilder rhythmic accents and more dynamic step patterns. Son is historically significant as a precursor to the Mambo, which then evolved into the triple Mambo, now known as Cha Cha. Originally in 2/4 time, Son was Americanized and is commonly played in 4/4 time today.
Spanish Waltz – A Waltz variation danced smoothly in an open position, the Spanish Waltz incorporates expressive arm movements inspired by classic Spanish dance styles. It blends the flowing nature of Waltz with the flair and drama of Spanish dance aesthetics.
Spot Dance – A Spot Dance is defined by minimal travel across the dance floor. The majority of movement occurs within a limited area, “on the spot.” Many social and competitive dances can be adapted as spot dances, focusing on intricate footwork and partner interaction without extensive locomotion.
Spotting – A crucial technique in turning movements, Spotting involves fixing the eyes on a single point for as long as possible during rotations. This helps dancers maintain balance, avoid dizziness, and keep their orientation, especially in dances with multiple or rapid turns.
Square Dance – An American folk dance tradition, Square Dance involves an even number of couples forming a square, lines, or circles. The dance is guided by a caller who announces a sequence of figures and steps. Square dancing is highly social, often improvisational, and deeply rooted in American cultural heritage.
Step (ballroom) – In ballroom terminology, a Step refers to a single transfer of weight. It is the fundamental unit of movement in dance, signifying how the body moves and shifts balance. “Taking a step” means committing your full body weight onto the ball of the foot, initiating movement and direction.
Step Dancing – Distinctively Irish, Step Dancing is an art form celebrated for its blend of artistry, grace, and athleticism. Irish immigrants and missionaries have spread Step Dancing traditions globally, including to North America, Australia, New Zealand, parts of Europe, and even Africa. In Irish dance music structure, eight musical measures or bars are collectively referred to as a “step.”
Suzy-Q – A dance figure characterized by clasped hands at knee level in front of the body, a forward lean from the waist, and sideways movement accompanied by opposing arm swings. Popularized by vaudeville performers, the Suzy-Q found its way into various routines, notably gaining fame in tap routines at Harlem’s Cotton Club in the 1930s.
Swing – Swing dance is a vibrant fusion of several African American dance styles, including Lindy Hop, Ragtime Jazz, and Blues, alongside influences from earlier 20th-century social dances. Today, “Swing” typically refers to ballroom and nightclub versions, based on two slow and two quick counts, or the slow and two quick counts found in rhythm dances. Swing is known for its energetic, improvisational, and партнер-focused nature.
Sword Dance – One of the three primary English dances from Medieval times, Sword Dance was a ritualistic and ceremonial performance, traditionally danced by men carrying swords and wearing elaborate costumes. Processions through streets accompanied these dances, enacting a symbolic drama of the old year (winter, scarcity) dying and the new year (spring, plenty) being heralded with hopes of renewal. The dance often included a symbolic “death” and “resurrection” to represent this cycle.
Alt text: An alphabetized list of dance terms from S to Z, perfect for expanding your dance vocabulary.
Dance Terms: T
Tack Annie – A step within the Shim Sham Shimmy, the name “Tack Annie” reportedly originates from a Harlem incident where a woman named Annie resisted arrest. Children watching exclaimed, “They’re ‘tackin’ Annie!” The side-to-side struggle was then mimicked by tap dancers, giving rise to this step’s name.
Tango – A passionate social dance in 2/4 time, Tango originated in Spain but truly developed in Argentina, where it absorbed influences from African dance styles and rhythms. Tango is known for its close embrace, improvisational movements, and dramatic musicality.
Tango – Continental/English – There are three main styles of Tango: Argentine, American, and International.
Argentine Tango: (arrabalero) Born from the Gauchos in Buenos Aires, Argentine Tango emerged as an adaptation of Spanish dance, but danced in a close ballroom hold. It quickly gained global popularity, evolving into more refined versions. Argentine Tango is characterized by improvisation, close connection, and complex leg and footwork.
American Tango: Unlike Argentine Tango’s improvisational nature, American Tango is structured to align with musical phrasing, featuring predetermined slow and quick steps. Danced in both closed and open positions, it allows for expressive freedom not typically found in the International style. American Tango blends social danceability with theatrical flair.
International Tango: Highly structured and disciplined, International Tango is the globally recognized form for dancesport competitions. Dancers maintain a traditional closed position throughout, expressing both legato and staccato musical qualities. It emphasizes precision, sharp movements, and a strong frame.
Evolution of Tango – Tracing back surprisingly far, Tango’s lineage can be linked to a 17th-century English country dance. This English country dance became the Contredanse in France, and subsequently the Contradanza (or Danza) in Spain. Imported to Cuba by the Spanish, it evolved into the Danza Habanera. During the Spanish-American War, the Habanera del Cafe emerged as a popular dance and a direct prototype of the Tango.
Tarantella – An energetic Italian folk dance, the Tarantella is often performed as a solo where a dancer spins rapidly until a partner joins. Sometimes, multiple couples dance together, similar to a country dance set, but maintaining individual pair dynamics. Traditionally, female dancers often use tambourines, adding to the dance’s festive and lively character.
Tendu – A fundamental ballet term meaning “stretched.” A tendu describes the action where the working leg is extended straight out from the supporting leg, along the floor, until only the tip of the toe remains touching the ground. It’s a crucial exercise for developing turnout, foot articulation, and control.
Third position – Another foundational ballet position, Third Position places one foot in front of the other, parallel, with the heel of the front foot nestled in the instep of the back foot. It’s a less common starting position compared to first or second but used in transitions and specific enchaînements.
Tights (ballet) – Essential attire for ballet dancers, tights are close-fitting garments covering the body from the waist to the feet. Worn in both class and on stage, tights provide a clean line, support muscle movement, and allow for freedom of movement while maintaining modesty.
Timing – In dance, Timing refers to the ability to move precisely in sync with the music’s rhythm and tempo. Good timing is fundamental for all dance styles, ensuring movements are coordinated with the beat and musical phrasing, bringing harmony between dance and music.
Tour en l’air – French for “turn in the air,” a Tour en l’air is a classic ballet jump where the dancer executes one or more rotations while airborne, maintaining a straight vertical body line. Typically, male dancers perform single, double, or even triple tours, showcasing strength, elevation, and control.
Trenchmores – In Irish dance, Trenchmores are large, free-form country dances, often involving complex formations and group interactions. They embody the social and communal aspects of Irish dance traditions.
Truckin – An African American dance form from 1937, Truckin’ involves shuffling steps combined with shaking the index finger of the right hand above the head. It was a popular social dance step of its era, reflecting the rhythmic and expressive qualities of dances from that period.
Turkey Trot – A lively dance popular from 1900 to 1910, set to fast ragtime music like Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag. The basic step consisted of four hopping steps sideways, alternating legs. Despite (or perhaps partly because of) Vatican condemnation, the Turkey Trot gained widespread popularity, often embellished with scissor-like flicks of the feet and abrupt, trotting stops.
Twist – Created by an African American musician in Georgia in 1958, the Twist initially involved twisting movements for musicians while playing. Chubby Checker’s 1960 record popularized the Twist globally, starting in Philadelphia and spreading through New York, New Jersey, and internationally. The Twist became a defining dance craze of the early 1960s, known for its simple, individualistic movements.
Two Step – A straightforward social dance, the Two Step is essentially a quick march with a skip on each step, performed as rapidly as a couple can manage. It’s a versatile dance found in various genres, including country and folk dance, characterized by its speed and simplicity.
Dance Terms: V
Variation – In ballet, a Variation is a solo performance within a larger ballet work. Variations are designed to showcase a dancer’s technical skill, artistry, and character interpretation, often highlighting specific aspects of the ballet’s narrative or musicality.
Viennese Waltz – Evolving from earlier Waltz forms and refined by composers like Johann Strauss, the Viennese Waltz is characterized by smaller steps, smoother turns, and a more compact frame. The addition of flowing skirts further enhances the graceful lilt of this elegant ballroom dance. The Viennese Waltz is known for its rapid rotations and continuous, flowing movement around the dance floor.
Virginia Reel – A popular Colonial Barn Dance, the Virginia Reel is a lively and social folk dance with roots in American history. It typically involves lines of dancers performing a sequence of figures and interactions, embodying the communal spirit of early American social gatherings.
Volte – A precursor to the Waltz, the Volte, similar to the Landler, was introduced to the French court by Catherine de Medici. In the Volte, the man turns his partner multiple times and then assists her in a high spring into the air. It represents an early form of partnered turning dances, emphasizing both rotation and elevation.
Dance Terms: Z
Zumba – A fitness program inspired by Latin dance styles, Zumba uses rhythms from Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, and Reggaeton to create an energetic and fun workout. The name Zumba is Spanish slang for “to move fast and have fun,” perfectly capturing the spirit of this popular dance fitness phenomenon.
Conclusion
Mastering dance terminology is an ongoing journey, essential for every dancer’s growth and understanding. This exploration of dance words a to z from S to Z offers a stepping stone in building your dance vocabulary. By understanding these terms, you’ll not only enhance your communication within the dance world but also deepen your appreciation for the rich history and diverse techniques that make dance such a captivating art form. Keep learning, keep dancing, and let your expanded vocabulary enrich every step of your dance journey!
