Dance

The invention and ordering of movement in space, time and dynamics, and the creation of a dance form in support of an intention. This overall structure may include other elements such as music, costumes, sets, props, visual and aural effects, text and lightening.

In general, dances that evolve from the aesthetic values and practices of particular ethnic groups or regions.

The particular use of the body, involving space, time, and dynamics.

A distinctive manner of moving; the characteristic way in which a dance is created, or performed, that identifies the dance as belonging to a particular choreographer, school or period.

In general, a particular codification of dance movement that has established its place in history. This codification may include hybrid dance elements.

A dance that conveys a story.

The communicative resonance of any performer or performance.

A rolling movement through the body.

Tightening the abdominals, tucking the pelvis, and forming a “C” with the torso so that the shoulders are over the pelvis. [Graham technique].

A high straight leg kick in which the gesture leg makes a swooping circular arc across the front of the body.

Weight bearing position of the foot in which the heel is lifted and the knee is bent with extreme metatarsal dorsiflexion.

Moving one part of the body, such as the head, shoulder, ribs, or hips, while the rest are immobile.

A large, open fourth position in which one knee is bent (usually the front), and the other is straight.

Also called a toe touch jump in second position.

Feet in parallel, and together. (Also known as parallel first).

A music term used for slow, sustained movements. This portion of ballet class may encompasses high développés above 90°, or partnering work.

Rapid tempo movements, often includes jumping steps. Petit allegro includes smaller jumping steps. Grand includes large expansive jumps such as grand jeté.

The gesture leg is extended behind the dancer’s body at 90° or higher, which requires hip and spine hyperextension, knee extension, and ankle-foot plantar flexion

The introductory/warm up portion of the ballet class, conducted while holding onto a ballet bar. The dancer always starts with the left hand at the bar, working the right gesture leg.

A bend of the body from the waist to the front, back, or side, with an accompanying port de bra.

Three Schools and Styles of Ballet:

A series of small turning steps with the feet in first position relevé. Weight is shifted rapidly from one to the other limb with each half turn. Performed continuously in rapid succession.

The leading foot slides forward into fourth (or side-ward into second), then with a spring off the floor, the stance limb draws up to it in the air, and the leading foot opens to land in fourth (or second). Used as a traveling or transition step.

Sharp brushes of the pointed foot to develop speed and precision of the feet and legs.

Half.

Behind.

In front

Large

Petite

The legs are externally rotated; one foot is crossed in front of the other, with forward toe touching the back heel.

The legs are externally rotated, and heels are together.

The legs are externally rotated, one foot is crossed in front of the other, separated by the distance of one foot.

A large, swift leg “kick” with the knee extended and foot pointed. Performed to the front, side, or back and from first, fifth, or the point tondu.

A basic linking step, which permits a change from one fifth position to another.

€�Step of the cat”. A jump beginning and ending in fifth position.

€�Pricked”. A step in which the body moves sharply onto the pointe or demi-pointe of the opposite foot. This action can be immediately followed by a turning motion

€�Whirl or spin”. A controlled turn on one leg in relevé. The gesture leg may be held in retiré (passé́), seconde, attitude, cou-de-pied, etc. The turn may be performed en dedans or en dehorns.

A bend of the knees while the torso is held upright. The action relies on varying degrees of hip and knee flexion, with ankle and MTP dorsiflexion,

A rise or spring onto the toes

A unilateral leg action in which the gesture leg is circled from front to back of the dancer’s body, or vice versa.

A simple jump in the vertical direction.

The legs are externally rotated and separated by the distance of one foot, in the frontal plane.

Springing into fifth position relevé en pointe or demi-pointe

A “stretched” action of the gesturing limb from a stance position with flat foot to a pointed foot, with the toes keeping contact with the floor.

The legs are externally rotated, and one heel is placed in front of the other.

Two quick changes of weight from one ball of the foot to the other.

Striking of the ball of the foot or the toe tap against the floor. This is usually done in a direction. A backward brush is called a spank.

Step using toe and heel drops in a specific pattern.

Brush and step with transfer of weight.

Forceful dropping of the heel on the floor, with the weight placed on the ball of the sa

Jump into the air, landing on the same foot and keeping the heel lifted.

folk dances, which consists of a shuffle, hop, and a step. This can be done traveling forwards or backwards.

Brush followed by a spank.

A backward brush of the ball of the foot.

Step onto the ball of the foot without weight transfer.

Stamp without weight transfer.

Dropping the toe with weight on the foot.

Striking the tip of the tap shoe against the ground.