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Performing Arts - Dance Moves and Techniques

Here you will learn some English words related to dance moves and techniques such as "shimmy", "glide", and "shuffle".

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Words Related to Performing Arts
ball change

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

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box step
box step
[noun]

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

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closed position

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

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do-si-do
do-si-do
[noun]

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

Ex: As the music played, the dancers seamlessly executed the do-si-do, twirling around each other with grace and precision. 
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double reverse spin

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

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feather step

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

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floss
floss
[noun]

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

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telemark
telemark
[noun]

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

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gancho
gancho
[noun]

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

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grapevine
grapevine
[noun]

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

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heel turn
heel turn
[noun]

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

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impetus
impetus
[noun]

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

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moonwalk
moonwalk
[noun]

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

Ex: Michael Jackson's iconic moonwalk during his performance of "Billie Jean" mesmerized audiences worldwide, forever cementing its place in pop culture history. 
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lock step
lock step
[noun]

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

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kick-step
kick-step
[noun]

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

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jazz hands

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

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accent
accent
[noun]

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

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shimmy
shimmy
[noun]

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

Ex: The dancer impressed the audience with her energetic shimmy, infusing the performance with a burst of excitement and rhythm. 
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promenade
promenade
[noun]

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

Ex: The ballet dancers executed a flawless promenade across the stage, gliding smoothly as they turned with poise and elegance. 
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forced arch

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

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body isolation

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

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frame
frame
[noun]

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

Ex: The dance instructor emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong frame throughout the waltz. 
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pivot turn

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

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fan kick
fan kick
[noun]

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

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twerk
twerk
[noun]

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

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choreography

the act of designing and organizing dance movements for a performance

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glide
glide
[noun]

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

Ex: The ballroom dancer performed a mesmerizing glide across the floor, effortlessly transitioning between steps with elegance and precision. 
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grand chain

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

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to keep step

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

Ex: The dancers must keep step with the music, ensuring their movements align perfectly with the rhythm. 
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phrase
phrase
[noun]

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

Ex: The choreographer instructed the dancers to focus on each phrase of the routine, emphasizing the importance of conveying emotion through movement. 
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shuffle
shuffle
[noun]

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

Ex: The dance instructor demonstrated the basic shuffle, emphasizing the smooth sliding motion of the feet. 
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Cabbage Patch

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

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Dougie
Dougie
[noun]

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

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toe dance
toe dance
[noun]

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

Ex: The prima ballerina executed flawless toe dances, effortlessly gliding across the stage with ethereal grace and poise. 
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