Ballroom dance terms

Definition

Term

a series of steps used to create a dance figure or pattern

the counterclockwise movement of dancers around the dancing area in such dances as the waltz, foxtrot and tango

movement characteristics associated with a particular dance, established by tradition or borrowed from the native country of origin of the dance

the foot on which the weight of the body rests, also called the standing foot

a dance that resulted from combining the characteristic step of the shag, the lindy and the jitterbug

the displacement of the normal accent of music used

touch

a dance that does not normally progress around a large area, but stays in one place

the speed of playing music as determined by metronome

a dance and also a step sequence common to various dances, in which three changes of weight are made in two beats of music

a controlled shifting of weight from one foot to the other, either forward and backward or from side to side

a change from the basic foundation pattern of a dance. also a deviation from the basic musical rhythm

popular dancing performed in public or private ballrooms, halls, gymnasiums, etc.

to touch or tap the free foot to the floor without transferring weight onto it

the established combination of footwork that is the framework or foundation of a particular dance

the rhythm established by the base instruments of the orchestra. Ballroom dances are preformed "to the beat" not to the melody of the music

a position in which partners stand face to face without holding hands as they dance, standard position for most rock'n'roll dances and is used in some latin dances

a figure in which the feet in a boxlike pattern

a turn in place made on the ball of the foot, in either one step of a series alternating from foot to foot

Definition

Term

the number of beats in each bar of music.

a sequence in music or dancing, expressed in the melodic line. it always conveys an idea or thought

a step similar to a normal walking step, but with the toe touching the floor before the heel is placed down

guiding the direction of the dance and the order of the figures performed

a complete transfer of weight onto one foot

a complex system of ballroom dance developed in England, in which rigid rules and step patterns are strictly observed

remaining in the same position

a pause or hold in place for a determined number of counts

a movement in which the free foot passes close to the standing foot, this prevents the straddling effect that results from keeping the feet too far apart while dancing with a partner

the response of the woman to the man's lead

a sequence of steps used to create a pattern

the note in a series of musical pulsations that has an additional force placed on it

any accentedbeat of the music

"a place where records are stored" where rock'n'roll dancing is done to records instead of a band

in the direction opposite that in which the hands of a clock rotate; to the left. dances such as the waltz, fox trot, and tango always progress in this direction around the dancing area

in the direction in which the hands of a clock rotate: to the right. it is usually applied to a turn made by either couples or individuals

a method of producing a "swinging" rhythm in music by shifting the normal accent to the following note

a box step

the rhythmic structure of music, indicating number of beats or time units per measure