Arts du Spectacle - Mouvements et Techniques de Danse

a dance step in jazz, tap, and hip hop where the dancer shifts weight from one foot's ball to the other, often with a change in direction or rhythm

changement de poids, ball change

a basic partner dance step in foxtrot, waltz, and salsa, characterized by a square or rectangular pattern consisting of side, back, side, and forward steps

pas de boîte, pas de danse en boîte

a dance stance in partner dancing where the dancers maintain physical contact and dance facing each other, typically used in ballroom dance styles such as waltz and foxtrot

position fermée, pas de danse en position fermée

a basic movement in square dancing where two dancers pass around each other back to back and return to their original positions

dos à dos, do-si-do

a ballroom dance move with clockwise and counter-clockwise rotations while taking two steps back and two steps forward, used in waltz, foxtrot, and other dances

double rotation inversée, double virage inversé

a ballroom dance move with a forward step, closing step, and side step, used in waltz, foxtrot, and other dances

pas plume, pas léger

a hip hop dance move with rapid hip and arm swings in opposite directions, often seen in street dance styles

floss, danse floss

a ballroom dance figure with a forward step, closing step, and backward step, often used in waltz and foxtrot

télémark

a leg hooking or wrapping action used in partner dancing, particularly in tango and Latin dances

crochet

a sidestep-cross-step pattern often used in various dance styles, characterized by a flowing or weaving motion

pas de vigne, pas en croix

a dance step that involves pivoting or rotating on the heel, used for changing direction or adding a turning element in dance

pivot sur le talon, tour sur le talon

a forceful turn or spin in dance, often used in partner dances like waltz and foxtrot

impulsion, tournure

a dance move in which the dancer appears to glide backwards while keeping their body facing forward, popularized by Michael Jackson

pas de lune, glissade arrière

a dance step where the feet cross in front or behind each other in a tightly connected manner

pas de verrouillage, pas en chassé

a dance move commonly used in jazz or hip-hop dance styles where one foot is kicked forward followed by a quick step onto that same foot

pas de kick, pas de coup de pied

a dance or theater gesture where hands are spread wide with fingers open and palms facing forward, often associated with jazz or musical theater performances

gestes de jazz, mains jazz

a sharp or emphasized movement that highlights a specific beat or musical element in a choreography

accent, mise en relief

a dance move characterized by rapid shaking or oscillation of the shoulders or hips, often used as a form of expression or celebration

shimmy, oscillation

a turn executed by a dancer or a couple, where they pivot on one foot while making a graceful, sweeping movement in a circular or straight line

promenade, tourné

when a dancer creates a pronounced arch in the foot by bending the ankle joint while keeping the foot pointed

arc forcé, arche forcée

a dance technique where specific body parts are moved or controlled independently from the rest, allowing for isolated movements of one part while keeping others still

isolement corporel, détachement corporel

the correct posture, alignment, and positioning of the body in partner dances to ensure fluid movement and proper connection

cadre, positionnement

a dance step where one foot stays in place while the other foot rotates or spins, commonly used in ballet, jazz, modern, or ballroom dances

tour pivot, pivot tournant

a sweeping leg extension resembling the opening of a fan, used in ballet, jazz, or contemporary dance for its visual appeal and expressiveness

coup de pied en éventail, kick en éventail

a dance move characterized by rapid, repeated hip thrusts and shaking of the buttocks

twerk

the act of designing and organizing dance movements for a performance

chorégraphie

a smooth and graceful movement executed by a dancer, characterized by fluid motion and the appearance of effortless travel across the dance floor

glissade, glissement

a dance figure in ballet or folk dances where dancers perform a linked chain of turns or steps in a circular or straight pattern

chaîne grand, chaîne majestueuse

to maintain a synchronized pace or rhythm, especially while walking, marching, or dancing in a group

marcher en cadence, rester en synchronisation

a coherent sequence of movements or steps that convey a specific idea, emotion, or theme within a choreographic composition

phrase, séquence

a type of dance step characterized by sliding or dragging the feet along the floor, typically executed with a rhythmic pattern

shuffle, pas de shuffle

a dance move that gained popularity in the 1980s, characterized by bouncing and twisting movements, often with arms extended and hands making a "C" shape

danse du choux, pas de danse choux

a hip hop dance move characterized by swaying body motions and arm movements, typically performed to hip hop or rap music

Dougie

a style of ballet technique in which dancers perform on the tips of their toes using specialized pointe shoes, requiring strength, balance, and precision

danse sur pointe, danse de la pointe