Dance in Physical Education and Health – Key Terms (Vocabulary Flashcards)

A vocabulary-style set of flashcards covering the main terms from the lecture notes on dance.

Dance

An art form and cultural expression with historical roots.

Choreography

Designing sequences of movements.

Rhythm

Regular repeated pattern of movement or sound.

Expression

Communicating feelings through movement.

Cultural Preservation

Keeping traditions alive through dance.

Early Forms

Rituals, storytelling, and celebrations in dance history.

Ancient Civilizations

Used in religious, theatrical, and social settings.

Medieval Period

Folk dances and court dances among nobility.

Renaissance to Baroque

Ballet developed in Italy and France.

19th–20th Century Dance

Romantic and classical ballet, modern and contemporary styles.

Physical Benefits (PB)

Positive effects on cardiovascular health, muscular strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, coordination, posture, bone density, and weight management.

Mental & Emotional Benefits (MEB)

Benefits to cognitive function, stress relief, self-expression, mood, confidence, reduced anxiety, and social connection.

Sprains

Ligament injuries.

Strains

Muscle or tendon injuries.

Tendinitis

Tendon inflammation.

Stress Fractures

Small bone cracks from repetitive stress.

Shin Splints

Pain along the shinbone from overuse.

Lower Back Pain

Pain in the lower back from poor posture or repetitive movement.

Body (B.A.S.T.E.)

What the body is doing; body awareness and shapes in dance.

Action (B.A.S.T.E.)

Locomotor (traveling) and non-locomotor (stationary) movements.

Space (B.A.S.T.E.)

Levels, directions, pathways, size, focus in performance space.

Time (B.A.S.T.E.)

Tempo, rhythm, duration, and accents in movement.

Energy (B.A.S.T.E.)

Quality of movement (sustained, percussive, vibratory, swinging, suspended, collapsing).

Relationship (B.A.S.T.E.)

Connection to other dancers, objects, or space.

B.A.S.T.E.

The six elements of dance: Body, Action, Space, Time, Energy, Relationship.

Arm Position 1st

Both arms raised forward in a circle in front of the chest with fingertips about an inch apart.

Arm Position 2nd

Both arms raised sideward with graceful curve at shoulder level.

Arm Position 3rd

Left arm raised sideward; right arm raised upward.

Arm Position 4th

Left arm raised in front as in 1st position; right arm raised overhead.

Arm Position 5th

Both arms raised overhead.

Feet Position 1st

Heels close together; toes apart within an angle of around 45 degrees.

Feet Position 2nd

Point the right toe sideward; bring down the heel of the right foot.

Feet Position 3rd

Heel of one foot close to the instep of the other foot.

Feet Position 4th

Point the right toe forward; bring down the heel of the right foot.

Feet Position 5th

Close the right foot to the left by circling and return to the first position.

Line Dance

Choreographed, repeated steps in lines/rows, no partner needed.

Step

A basic unit of movement in dance; transferring weight to a new position.

Close

Bringing feet together as part of a sequence.

Tap

A light striking action with the foot on the floor.

Brush Step

A brushing motion of the foot into place as part of a step.

Twist

A rotational movement or turning action.

Point

Extending and directing the toe.

Kick

A sharp extension of the leg from the hip.

Swing

A flowing, pendular movement or energy.

Polka Step

A lively step style used in polka dancing.