This page contains key terms for Smooth and Standard dancing...
Definition: A shifting of weight from foot to foot, such that the second step is taken in the opposite direction from the first.
Definition: A circular action of the free leg performed as an embellishment, either on the floor or in the air. When danced on the floor, the circling leg is usually straight with the toe pointed and the inside edge of the ball of the foot in contact with the floor. When danced off the floor, the leg may be straight or bent with the toe pointed.
Definition: A movement of the sides of the body around the spine. See also: Swing.
Definition: A dance element in which the Follower or both dancers run around a central point in Closed (or a similar) Position using body tone and leverage to maintain balance and speed. Also called a Standing Spin.
Definition: The stretching of the body and arms into various curves and angles for dramatic effect, to create correct dance positions or to prepare for a movement.
Definition: The action of taking a forward or backward step with the entire side of the body moving with the leg; the opposite of Contra Body Movement. Common places where side leading occurs are when preparing to step in Outside Position or when creating Promenade Position.
Definition: A type of pivot used to change from Promenade to Closed Position in which the Leader takes a small step back on the right foot and Follower takes a small step forward on the left foot, and both pivot.
Definition: he American Style term for the following four ballroom dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. All of these dances travel around the floor along the line of dance.
Definition: A fast turn achieved by rotating on the ball of the standing foot.
Definition: A useful type of turn that makes it possible to turn right when stepping forward on the left foot and to turn left when stepping forward on the right foot. This is accomplished by turning on the ball of the front foot leaving the free foot behind for as long as possible, and then allowing the free foot to loosely cross in front of the supporting leg. Spirals are often full turns, but more or less turn may be made.
Definition: The action of focusing on a fixed point while turning. The head will be the last to turn and the first to arrive at the fixed point.
Definition: A turn in which the first step is taken forward and across with the other foot remaining in place (on the spot). Usually, a full turn to the left or right is made.
Definition: Abrupt motion—as contrasted with smooth motion—characteristic of Tango.
Definition: The leg/foot that is holding the majority of weight so that the other leg/foot is free to move.
Definition: A change of weight from one foot to the other.
Definition: A lengthening of the muscles to create sway or extension.
Definition: Describes the furthest distance between the feet as a forward or backward step is taken.
Definition: See Standing Leg/Foot.
Definition: Sway is the inclination of the body away from the moving foot and, if there is turn involved, towards the inside of the turn. Sway is used in Waltz, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz to counterbalance the force of swing.
Definition: Used in the swing dances (Waltz, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep), this is a way of moving body weight from foot to foot in which one part of the body acts as a stationary anchor point from which the rest of the body, or a part of the body, moves.
Definition: A turn on the ball of the standing foot, characterized by a twisting action where the hips and feet turn more than the body.
Definition: To deviate from the basic timing of a dance by dividing a beat of music into two or more parts.
Definition: The nickname given for the last three steps of the Bronze Tango Basic.
Definition: Touching the floor with the free foot without weight. When the free leg is completely extended, it may also be called a Point.
Definition: A quick internal double-take motion of the head, neck, and spine, resulting in a new dance position. Ticks are common in Tango.
Definition: The correct action used when stepping backward: the toe of the front foot lifts from the floor leaving the heel in contact with the floor.
Definition: The correct use of muscles to support the body structure and maintain a good frame and connection with one's partner.
Definition: Refers to the overall look of a ballroom couple’s frame, head position, and back line.
Definition: Any three steps that change from one dance position to another, where the first step is either forward or backward, the second step is a side (or a side variation), and the third step either closes (Bronze) or passes (Silver).
Definition: An action in which the feet start in a strongly crossed position as a result of stepping in front or behind the standing leg, then unwind through rotation of the body and feet.
Definition: To make less than the standard amount of turn given in the chart for a particular figure.
Definition: Changes to a syllabus figure that retain its basic characteristics.
Definition: See Cross Turn.
Definition: A turn in which the person takes several steps on a curved line, for example, the Bronze Waltz Box with Underarm Turn.
Definition: The action of shifting weight fully from one foot to the other.
Definition: Alignment refers to the direction the feet are aimed in relationship to the room and to the line of dance. Alignment is used in the Smooth dances because they progress around the dance floor. See also: Chart Terms and Alignment Diagram.
Definition: Amalgamation is a combination of two or more figures or movements.
Definition: Amount of Turn is described in fractions and indicates how much turn is made on one foot or between two or more consecutive steps. Therefore, the feet, not the body, determine amount of turn. See also: Chart Terms and Amount of Turn Diagrams.
Definition: Arabesque is a position in which the free leg is extended straight behind the body, usually lifted off the floor.
Definition: Arm Positions are the five positions of the arms as defined in ballet. The following are the arm positions according to the French school (arms are slightly curved in all positions):
Definition: Arm Styling is the positioning and movement of the arms, reflecting the character and style of the dance.
Definition: Attitude is a turned out position of the leg in which the knee is gently flexed and is raised off the floor either forward or backward.
Definition: Backward Walk is the precise, specific way to take a backward step in the Smooth dances, essential to moving with grace and power.
Definition: Balance is the correct distribution of body weight in order to maintain equilibrium.
Definition: Blending is making the transition smooth and seamless from one figure to the next, or from one dance position to the next.
Definition: Body Contact refers to the area of physical contact between the Leader’s and Follower’s bodies when dancing.
Definition: Body Flight is the natural release of body weight from a swinging action, found in Waltz, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep.
Definition: Body Rise is the elevation of the body achieved by straightening the knees and stretching through the spine, with or without foot rise.
Definition: Body Swing is a pendulum-type swinging action of the torso used in Waltz, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep.
Definition: Body Turn refers to the amount of turn of the torso when it is different from the feet.
Definition: Body Completes Turn happens when the body 'catches up' with the amount of turn made by the feet, typically on the last step on the back half of a turn.
Definition: Body Turns Less is when the feet turn more than the body, typically on the back half of a turn.
Definition: Broken Sway can refer to:
Definition: Brush/Brushing Action is the action of closing the moving foot to the standing foot and then out again.
Definition: Canter Rhythm/Timing is a rhythm used in 3/4 time (Waltz and Viennese Waltz), where no weight change is made on the second step.
Definition: Center refers to:
Definition: Chair is a strong checking action taken forward and across in Promenade Position.
Definition: Challenge Line is a picture line that has the look of a strong Promenade Position.
Definition: Change Step is a figure used in Waltz, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz consisting of three steps: Forward, Side, and Close or Back, Side, and Close.
Definition: Chassé can refer to:
Definition: Check is clearly stopping movement, generally to redirect in the opposite direction.
Definition: Choreography is a series of figures or movements arranged together to create a dance routine.
Definition: Closed Finish describes the ending of a figure in which the feet close on the last step.
Definition: Collect is bringing the knee of the free leg underneath the body to align all blocks of weight before taking the next step.
Definition: Compression can refer to:
Definition: Connection is a means of communication between partners that makes leading and following possible.
Definition: The continuous passing of the feet on the last step of each component of a figure. Continuity movement is used in Silver and Gold Level Waltz, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz.
Definition: This is the action of turning the opposite side of the body toward the moving leg. CBM occurs only on forward and backward steps and is generally used to commence turns.
Definition: A foot position taken forward or backward where the moving foot is placed on the same track or across the track of the standing foot. Frequently confused with CBM, CBMP is a placement of the foot, not a turn of the body.
Definition: The ability to maintain balance and stability throughout the body while dancing.
Definition: A Spanish word meaning “to cut” which is part of the name of several Smooth figures. Example: Bronze Tango Corté – Single and Double.
Definition: Also called timing, the count allows a dancer to keep their dancing in time to the music. Each dance has its own specific count which helps define its feel and character.
Definition: The act of each partner pulling away with equal and opposite body weight in order to maintain balance in the partnership.
Definition: A figure in Waltz and Viennese Waltz consisting of six steps turning one full turn to the left. The left foot crosses in front of the right foot on step 3 (Leader) and step 6 (Follower).
Definition: The physical orientation of the Leader and Follower in relation to each other when dancing.
Definition: An action usually performed by the Follower, where the free foot is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg and then extended until the leg is straight with toes pointed.
Definition: A blending of directional and lateral swing.
Definition: An alignment term meaning the dancer is moving in one direction, but the foot is aimed in a different direction.
Definition: A movement of the body forward or backward. See also: Swing.
Definition: Drawing the free leg toward the standing leg with pressure on the inside edge of the ball of the foot.
Definition: Varying qualities such as speed, height, and intensity in one’s dancing to create interest and excitement.
Definition: Skipping or adding a step to get on the same foot as your partner.
Definition: A swivel taken on a forward or backward step where the free leg extends and rotates with the standing leg.
Definition: An International Style Foxtrot movement involving three progressive steps where the Leader’s third step is taken in Right Outside Position.
Definition: A standardized step pattern used in choreography. A figure can range from one step to twenty-four or more.
Definition: See Fan.
Definition: A sharp, staccato extension of the lower leg taken off the floor with the foot pointed.
Definition: The ability of the Leader to maneuver around the dance floor in a skilled and controlled manner to avoid collisions.
Definition: The passing of the moving foot underneath the body between steps for better balance and control.
Definition: The ability of the Follower to react correctly to the signals given by the Leader through physical and visual connections.
Definition: The particular figures that can logically be danced after a given figure.
Definition: The direction of the moving foot in relation to the standing foot and the body.
Definition: Applying a small amount of weight into the floor with the free foot.
Definition: Elevation of the body through the use of the ankles by pushing up onto the balls or toes of the feet.
Definition: This describes the part of the foot in contact with the floor as a step is taken.
Definition: The precise way to take a forward step in Smooth dances, ensuring grace and power.
Definition: The means of connecting with your partner using correct position of the arms, shoulders, elbows, and hands.
Definition: The foot or leg with little or no weight, making it ready to move.
Definition: A traveling movement (left or right) using Forward, Side, Back, Side sequence.
Definition: A type of heel turn where a step is taken backwards, transferring weight from toe to heel, followed by a turn.
Definition: A turn taken with weight over the heel of the supporting foot.
Definition: A step taken on which progression is temporarily stopped and weight remains on the spot for more than one beat.
Definition: A step with a feeling of suspension taken on the toes, used to change direction or rotation, allowing time for the moving foot to brush toward (or to) the standing foot.
Definition: The foot closer to your partner when in dance positions such as Promenade, Outside, Side-by-Side or other times when not in Closed Position.
Definition: Usually the back part of a turn in which the person moving backwards travels less on the side step to allow their partner to get around.
Definition: An underarm turn for either Leader or Follower in which the raised arm of the person turning moves across the body in the direction of the turn. For example, the Follower turning to the left under the Follower’s own raised right arm.
Definition: A movement of the body to the side. See also: Swing.
Definition: This describes how the Leader communicates to the Follower what should be danced. Good leading is created through the use of the Leader’s body movements, shapes, and connection with the Follower. Leads must be initiated slightly before the Follower needs to perform the action or step.
Definition: The action of allowing the moving leg to swing freely from the hip when stepping forward or backward to create greater movement.
Definition: Rise and Fall over the course of two steps. Examples of lilts in the Bronze syllabus are in the Foxtrot Basic, the Foxtrot Grapevine and the Viennese Waltz Change of Places.
Definition: Refers to the aesthetic appearance of the dancer(s) where the correct body alignment, stretch, and position of arms and legs create a beautiful and polished result.
Definition: Refers to the direction of movement in a ballroom that is parallel to the walls and moves counterclockwise around the room, so that all the dancers travel in the same direction.
Definition: The action of coming down from a position of rise by using the knees, ankles and feet.
Definition: A strong step in any direction in which there is a deep bending of the standing leg and the free leg is extended in the opposite direction.
Definition: Movement of the body or part of the body that emulates the swinging action of a metronome: The upper portion of the body travels at a faster rate of speed than the lower body. It is most often used on forward and backward steps in the swing dances: Waltz, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz.
Definition: See Direction.
Definition: See Free Leg/Foot.
Definition: Any dance figure that turns to the right.
Definition: Abbreviated to NFR. Indicates that the dancer should not rise to the toe of the foot, but rather keep the foot flat, usually on back steps. The heel of the step with no foot rise will not release from the floor until weight is taken on the next step.
Definition: Describes the ending of a figure where the last step is taken in Outside Position with the feet apart, versus feet closed.
Definition: The inclination of the body toward the moving leg (instead of away from the moving leg, as in normal sway).
Definition: The foot farther away from your partner when in dance positions such as Promenade, Outside, Side-by-Side or other times when not in Closed Position.
Definition: Usually the forward part of a turn where the person moving forwards travels more on the side step in order to get around their partner.
Definition: An underarm turn for either Leader or Follower in which the raised arm of the person moves slightly sideways in the direction of the turn. For example, the Follower turning to the right under the Follower’s own raised right arm.
Definition: Synonymous with the term figure.
Definition: Movement of the body or part of the body that emulates the swinging action of a pendulum: The lower portion of the body travels at a faster rate of speed than the upper body. It is most often used on side steps in the swing dances: Waltz, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz.
Definition: A dance figure (i.e. Oversway, Contra Check) characterized by changing shapes in a stationary position to create a beautiful photo moment.
Definition: (1) A turn on the ball of the standing foot without changing weight. The free leg is held forward or backward in Contra Body Movement Position (CBMP). (2) More generally used to describe a turn on the ball of one foot.
Definition: The movement that occurs on a right foot forward pivot. Pivoting action is different than a pivot in that the left foot is not held in Contra Body Movement Position (CBMP).
Definition: (1) An extension of the free leg and foot placed on the floor without weight. The heel is raised with only the toes in contact with the floor. (2) A stretching of the foot to create a clean, straight line down the leg and through the toes. (The opposite action is flexing the foot).
Definition: An alignment term meaning the body is facing a different direction than where the foot is aiming. See also: Chart Terms.
Definition: The correct positioning of body weight in relation to the feet. It can also refer to the general appearance of the dancer as a whole. Each dance has its own proper poise.
Definition: The correct alignment of the body’s blocks of weight: head, shoulders, rib cage, and hips. One of the most important aspects of good dancing, posture is responsible for good balance and professional appearance.
Definition: The particular figure (or figures) that can logically be danced before a given figure. This is determined either by (1) the figure’s starting alignment and/or (2) the figure’s starting dance position.
Definition: Any dance figure that turns to the left.
Definition: The Center of Gravity (COG) is the point at which a dancer's mass can be considered to act. In uniform gravitational fields, this is functionally the same as the Center of Mass (COM).
Definition: The Force of Gravity, written as 𝐅_g, is a downward-acting vector with a magnitude of approximately 9.81 m/s². It acts upon all body mass and contributes to both Potential and Kinetic energy during motion.
Definition: Kinetic Energy, or KE, is the energy of a moving body part. It is described by the equation:
KE = ½ m v²
Where:
m = mass of the body or body part v = linear (non-rotational) velocity of that massDefinition: Movement refers to any change in position or orientation of a Body Component:
Movement can be internal (e.g., hip rotation) or external (e.g., stepping forward).
Definition: Potential Energy, or PE, refers to the stored energy of a dancer or body part when elevated against gravity. It is defined by:
PE = m × a × d
Where:
m = mass at the Center of Gravity (COG) a = acceleration due to gravity (𝐅_g) d = vertical distance between the mass and the floorIn three-dimensional space, gravity may be modeled as:
𝐅_g = (0x, 0y, F_z)
indicating a vector force acting downward along the vertical axis.
Definition: Rise and Fall, also referred to as R&F or F&R, describes the vertical rise and lowering of the dancer’s hip line, measured perpendicularly from the floor. With the exception of Tango it is a fundamental component of Smooth and Standard dances. There are two forms of Rise and Fall: Leg Rise and Foot Rise
Definition: Travel describes the horizontal displacement of the Center of Support from one location to another. Mathematically, this is a transition from a point
COS(x₁, y₁) → COS(x₂, y₂)
that includes a complete weight transfer.