Dance Terms Flashcards

Flashcards for common dance terms and positions.

Chassé

A gliding step in dancing in which one foot chases the other.

Chaine Turn

a series of small, rapid turns performed on demi-pointe or on pointe, usually in a straight line or a circle.

Pas de bourrée

A series of small, quick steps, often used as a connecting step. “Back, Side, Front,”

Pirouette

an act of turning on one foot, typically with the raised foot touching the knee of the supporting leg.

Pivot Turn

A turn in which one foot remains in place while the body pivots around.

Stag

A jump or leap where one or both legs are bent.

Grapevine

A series of steps done to the side, alternating crossing in front and behind.

Hitch Kick

A scissor-like movement where one leg kicks up as the other leg joins it in the air.

Paddle Turn

A turn executed by quickly stepping around in a circle with small steps, as if paddling.

Forced Arch

A position in which the dancer is on the ball of the foot with a high arch.

Jazz Split

A split on the floor, with the forward leg straight and the back leg bent.

Kick-Ball Change

A syncopated step consisting of a small kick followed by a ball change (stepping onto the ball of the foot and then changing weight).

Soutenu

A turning movement where the dancer steps to second position then draws the other leg to meet it and turns.

Drag

To pull one foot along the floor.

Tripletes

a three-step sequence, often characterized by a down, up, and up (or a down, up, up, down) movement pattern

Lateral

A movement to the side.

Alignment

The correct positioning of the body parts in relation to each other.

Demi

Half or small.

Grand

Large or big.

Relevé

Rising onto the balls of the feet.

En croix

In the shape of a cross; front, side, back, side.

Passé

A position where the toe of one foot touches the knee of the other leg.

Port de bras

Carriage of the arms.

Rond de jambe

A circular movement of the leg.

Sauté

a jump that involves pushing off from both feet simultaneously with extended legs and pointed toes

Sous sus

A tight fifth position on relevé, drawn together.

Tendu

To stretch.

Turn Out

The outward rotation of the legs from the hips.

Coccyx Balance

Balancing on the coccyx (tailbone), often with legs in the air and torso engaged.

Parallel

A position in which the toes face forward.

Flat Back

a body position where the dancer bends forward from the hips at a 90-degree angle, maintaining a straight back parallel to the floor.

Prance

Exaggerated walk with high steps.

Primitive Squat

an action that implies bending the knees (plie) and stretching the arms forward (palms facing each other

Swings

Pendular movements of the legs or arms.

Contract Release

A core contraction and subsequent release.

Pas de shate

Step of the cat.

Glissade

A traveling step, typically used to connect other steps.

Fondu

To melt; a lowering of the body made by bending the knee of the supporting leg.

Compass Turn

A turn done with one leg extended forward, acting as the 'compass' point.

Arabesque

A pose in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended straight back.

Tilt

an upper body movement where the dancer leans or inclines their torso from the hips, often with a corresponding lift of one leg

Attitude

A pose in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg lifted and bent.

Dégagé

To disengage; a pointing of the foot in an open position with a fully arched instep.

Développé

Developing movement; the working leg is drawn up and slowly extended to an open position in the air.

Échappé

Escaping or slipping movement; a level opening of both feet from a closed to an open position.