Fundamental Positions and Terms in Folk Dance

Vocabulary flashcards covering the five fundamental feet and arm positions as well as common folk dance terms.

First Feet Position

A position where you form a V-shape with your feet by bringing your heels together to touch while keeping your toes away from each other.

Second Feet Position

A position where you move one foot sideward so that your feet are parallel to each other while maintaining a distance of about 12 inches.

Third Feet Position

A position where you bring your foot's heel to touch the arch of your other foot, with both feet turned outward.

Fourth Feet Position

A position where you put your foot forward while the other foot retains its position, maintaining a distance of about 12 inches between the two feet.

Fifth Feet Position

A position where you bring the heel of the foot in front to touch the toe of the other, with both feet pointing outward.

First Arm Position

A position where you raise your arms into a circle in front of your navel, with hands aligned in front of your chest, both arms slightly curved, and fingertips at least 1 inch apart.

Second Arm Position

A position where you open your arms sideward at shoulder level.

Third Arm Position

A position where one arm is raised slightly curved above your head, while the other arm maintains the second position.

Fourth Arm Position

A position where the arm in the second position is raised forward in front of your navel again while the arm lifted above your head maintains its position.

Fifth Arm Position

A position where both arms are lifted above your head, slightly curving, with a posture similar to the first position but raised above the head.

Arms in Lateral Position

A folk dance term where both arms are at one side, either right or left, at shoulder, chest, or waist level.

Brush Step

A folk dance term where weight is on one foot and you hit the floor with the ball or heel of the other foot.

Crossed Arms

A folk dance term where partners facing each other or standing side by side join their left hands together, either right over left or left over right hands.

Cut Step

A folk dance term meaning to displace quickly one foot with the other from front to back.