Dance Fundamentals and Positions

Vocabulary flashcards covering dance definitions, elements, genres, folk dance categories, basic dance terms, and the five fundamental positions of feet and arms.

Dance

The art of rhythmic body movement usually performed to music, used as a form of expression, social interaction, expressing ideas, emotions, performance and cultural narratives through space and time.

Body

The instrument of dance that involves the shapes the body makes, the use of isolated body parts, and the relationships between dancers or between body parts.

Action

Any human movement involved in the act of dancing, including locomotor movements and non-locomotor movements.

Space

Refers to the area where the dance takes place which includes the direction, the level, pathways and the overall size of the movement.

Time

The temporal aspect of dance, dictating when and how long movements happen, which includes the tempo, duration and rhythm.

Energy

Describes how movement is executed which includes the weight, flow, and physical attack of the movement.

Classical dance

Highly formalized, codified theatrical dance forms that prioritize techniques, aesthetic and defined lineages, such as ballet and Indian classical dance.

Folk and traditional dance

Dances tied to cultural dance.

Social and ballroom dance

Encompasses a variety of partner dances enjoyed globally.

Modern and contemporary dance

Expressive, experimental dance forms.

Street and urban dance

Energetic community-driven styles that originated outside dance studios in public spaces, like parks, clubs and streets.

Folk Dance

A traditional, communal dance form that reflects the life, customs, and culture of the common people within a specific country or region.

National Dance

The traditional dances that represent the culture and identity of a country.

Regional or Local folk dance

Traditional dance that originates from a specific region or province only.

Religious or ceremonial dances

Dances performed in connection with religious vows, practices and ceremonies.

Courtship dances

Dances that depict love making or with a love theme.

Wedding dances

Dances performed by newlyweds, by relatives of the bride and groom, or by the father of the bride and the mother of groom.

Festival dances

Dances performed in connection with celebrations, a feast, a barrio fiesta, good harvest and good fortune.

War dances

Dances intended to show imaginary combat or duel with the use of fighting implements like bolo, kris or spear.

Comic dances

Dances with funny and humorous movements mainly intended for entertainment.

Game dances

Dances that have some play elements and are for recreational purposes.

Occupational dances

Traditional dances that depict, imitate or express the daily tasks, labor or livelihoods of specific communities.

Arms in Lateral Position

Both arms placed on one side at shoulder, chest, or waist level.

Kumintang

Moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

Brush

Striking the floor with the ball or heel of the free foot, then lifting it off the floor.

Cut

Quickly displacing one foot with the other to take the body weight off the first foot.

Hop

A spring from one foot landing back on the same foot.

Point

Touching the floor lightly with the toes of the free foot without putting weight on it.

Do-Si-Do

Partners advance, pass each other's sides, step right, move backward without turning, and pass left to return to their places.

Saludo

Partners bow to each other, to opposing dancers, or to the audience.

Pivot

Turning on the ball, heel, or whole foot on a fixed spot.

First Position (Feet)

Heels together, toes turned out at a 45-degree angle.

First Position (Arms)

Both arms raised in a circle in front of the chest, with fingertips almost touching.

Second Position (Feet)

Feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointing outward.

Second Position (Arms)

Both arms raised sideward at shoulder level with a graceful curve.

Third Position (Feet)

One foot placed in front of the other, with the heel of the front foot close to the arch of the back foot.

Third Position (Arms)

One arm raised sideward (as in second position) and the other arm raised upward.

Fourth Position (Feet)

One foot placed in front of the other, about a foot's distance apart.

Fourth Position (Arms)

One arm raised in front (as in first position) and the other arm raised overhead.

Fifth Position (Feet)

The heel of the front foot is close to the big toe of the back foot, creating a feeling of unity.

Fifth Position (Arms)

Both arms raised overhead, creating an elevated posture.