Learning How To Say Dance In Spanish and related vocabulary is your first step to fully appreciating the passionate world of Latin rhythms and dance culture.
Many believe music is a universal language, but to truly understand its rhythm and movement, knowing the specific dance terms is essential. If you’re captivated by dance and eager to explore its international language, especially within the Spanish-speaking world, you’ve come to the perfect place.
Continue reading to discover essential dance vocabulary in Spanish. We’ll cover basic terms, ways to describe dancers, and delve into vocabulary specific to various popular dance styles.
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Essential Dance Vocabulary Words in Spanish
The Spanish language offers a rich and diverse vocabulary for the world of dance. If you’re passionate about dancing, mastering these fundamental terms is a must. Let’s start with some core dance vocabulary words in Spanish:
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| to dance | bailar |
| dance style | el estilo de baile |
| technique | la técnica |
| step | el paso |
| movement | el movimiento |
| hips | las caderas |
| arm | el brazo |
| right hand | la mano derecha |
| left hand | la mano izquierda |
| turn | la vuelta |
| half turn | la media vuelta |
| feet | los pies |
| to improvise | improvisar |
| to walk | caminar |
How to Describe Dancers in Spanish
Every language has its own unique way to praise talented dancers. Here are some of the most common and expressive adjectives used in Spanish to describe great dancers:
In Spanish, a “dancer” can be referred to as:
- El bailarín, la bailarina (male dancer, female dancer)
- El bailador, la bailadora (male dancer, female dancer – often used in a more folk/traditional context)
- El danzante, la danzante (male dancer, female dancer – can have a ritualistic or traditional connotation)
These are all valid terms to call someone who dances. But how do you describe a truly exceptional dancer in Spanish? Use this list of adjectives to express your admiration:
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| elegant | elegante |
| beautiful | hermoso, hermosa |
| expressive | expresivo, expresiva |
| extraordinary | extraordinario, extraordinaria |
| strong | fuerte |
| agile | ágil |
| graceful | agraciado, agraciada |
| acrobatic | acrobático, acrobática |
| brilliant | brillante |
| good | bueno, buena |
| inspiring | inspirador, inspiradora |
| fast | rápido, rápida |
| flexible | flexible |
Dance Styles and Their Spanish Vocabulary
Depending on your favorite dance style, you’ll encounter different sets of vocabulary. Let’s explore dance terms specific to some of the most beloved dance styles in the Spanish-speaking world.
Tango Vocabulary in Spanish
Tango, with its passionate steps and rich history, has a unique vocabulary in Spanish.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| sequence | la figura |
| axis | el eje |
| stop | la parada |
| way out | la salida |
| variations | las variantes |
| extraction | la sacada |
| dance hall | el salón |
| lead | el conductor / la conductora |
| follower | el conducido / la conducida |
| the walk | la caminata |
| hook | el gancho |
| pencil | el lápiz |
| cut | el corte |
Witness the beauty of tango in motion:
Ballet Vocabulary in Spanish
Ballet, a dance of precision and grace, also boasts a specialized vocabulary in Spanish.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| ballet positions | las posiciones de ballet |
| ballet school | la escuela de ballet |
| leotard | el leotardo |
| ballet shoes | las zapatillas de ballet |
| ballet skirt | el tutu |
| nails on tip and heel | las uñas en punta y talón |
| ballet bar | la barra |
| stage | el escenario |
| audience | el público |
| prima ballerina | la primera bailarina |
Experience the timeless elegance of “Swan Lake”:
Salsa Vocabulary Words in Spanish
Salsa, the rhythm that embodies Latin joy, has its own vibrant set of Spanish dance terms.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| forward step | adelante |
| back step | atrás |
| move to the side | al costado |
| fall | la caída |
| box step | el cuadrado |
| coupling | el enganche |
| brake | el freno |
| tilting | la inclinada |
| kick | la patada |
| whipping | el latigazo |
| salsa dancer | el salsero / la salsera |
Feel the energy of salsa from Cali, often called the “World Capital of Salsa”:
Ballroom Dance Vocabulary Words in Spanish
Ballroom dance, popular across Latin America, shares many steps and vocabulary with Latin rhythms.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| ballroom dance | el baile de salón |
| closed position | la posición cerrada |
| promenade position | la posición de paseo |
| shadow position | la posición de sombra |
| open position | la posición abierta |
| fallaway position | la posición de caída |
| skater’s position | la posición del patinador |
| challenge position | la posición de desafío |
| footwork | el juego de pies |
| alignment | la alineación |
| line of dance | la línea de baile |
| syncopation | la síncopa |
Explore the fundamentals of ballroom dance:
Hip Hop Dance Vocabulary Words in Spanish
Hip Hop, a global phenomenon, also resonates strongly in the Spanish-speaking world, developing its own Spanish dance vocabulary.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| bass | el bajo |
| snare | la trampa |
| freestyle | el estilo libre |
| track | la canción |
| microphone/mic | el micrófono |
| booth | la cabina |
| vocals | las voces |
| double meaning | el doble sentido |
| rapper | el rapero / la rapera |
| underground | clandestino |
| indie | independiente |
| bars | las letras |
Discover the vibrant Spanish hip hop scene:
Useful Spanish Phrases for Dancers
Now that you’ve expanded your vocabulary, here are some essential phrases to use the next time you’re at a dance club or class. Master these dance phrases in Spanish to fully immerse yourself in the dance world:
- ¡Una vez más! – One more time!
- ¡Desde el principio! – From the top! (From the beginning!)
- ¡Mueve las caderas! – Move your hips!
- ¿Quieres bailar? – Do you want to dance?
- ¿Me concede esta pieza? – Can I have this dance? (Formal way to ask for a dance)
- ¿Qué tipo de música te gusta bailar? – What kind of music do you like to dance to?
- Me gusta bailar salsa. – I like to dance salsa.
- No sé bailar tango. – I don’t know how to dance tango.
Take Your Spanish Further!
Did you know that learning Spanish can open doors to exciting career opportunities? The Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights interpreters and translators as among the fastest-growing professions.
Beyond career benefits, knowing Spanish enriches your life by unlocking a vast world of culture, including music and dance! While you can enjoy dance through rhythm alone, understanding Spanish lyrics and stories adds a deeper layer of appreciation.
So, are you ready to explore the Spanish language and culture further? Start your journey with a free 1-to-1 class at Homeschool Spanish Academy with our certified native Spanish-speaking teachers. Explore our programs and affordable prices and begin your Spanish adventure today!
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Luis F. Dominguez
Freelance Writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy
Luis F. Domínguez is a freelance writer and journalist with interests spanning travel, languages, art, history, and more.
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