This glossary is made for anyone who loves dance and wants to understand its language. It explains important words that choreographers and dancers use every day. These words help turn ideas and feelings into movements. By learning them, we can better express ourselves and share the art of dance with others.
abstraction
noun
Choreography that is not intended to tell a story.
Example: The choreographer used abstraction to change a wave into a sweeping arm circle.
adagio
noun
A ballet exercise or sequence performed slowly.
Example: The ballerina held her leg high in an adagio.
alignment
noun
Refers to the principles of achieving good posture and positioning in dance to ensure proper technique, safety, and efficient movement.
Example: Good alignment is essential for safe and strong movements.
en: alignement
balance
noun
The controlled stability of the body's center of gravity over its base of support, allowing for both stationary and dynamic movements without falling.
Example: The dancer maintained perfect balance while holding a challenging arabesque on one leg.
canon
noun
A choreographic form where individuals or groups perform the same movement or phrase, but begin at different times so that the phrases overlap, much like a musical round.
Example: The dancers performed the phrase in canon, each one starting a few beats after the other to create a flowing ripple effect across the stage.
choreographer
noun
A person who composes the sequence of steps and moves for a performance of dance.
Example: The choreographer created a new dance routine.
choreography
noun
the sequence of steps and movements in dance or figure skating, especially in a ballet or other staged dance.
Example: The choreographer created a beautiful choreography for the final performance.
en: chorégraphie
Direction
noun
The first step into making a movement.
Example: The choreography explored movement in every direction, with dancers travelling forward, backward, sideways and diagonally across the stage.
drop
noun
A controlled fall.
Example: The routine ended with a dramatic drop.
dynamics
noun
How force and time work together to make movement happen in the body.
Example: Her performance was dynamic.
expression
noun
Conveying emotions, telling stories, and connecting with the audience.
Example: Through her expression, the dancer convoyed joy and sorrow without speaking a single word.
extension
noun
The ability to fully stretch or lengthen a limb away from the body.
Example: The dancer showed remarkable extension, lifting her leg high while keeping perfect control and alignment.
floorwork
noun
Any dance movements performed on the ground.
Example: The choreography incorporated floorwork, with dancers rolling, sliding and stretching across the stage.
formation
noun
Any dance in which a number of couples form a certain arrangement, such as two facing lines or a circle, and perform a series of figures within or based on that arrangement.
Example: The dancers moved in a triangular formation.
gesture
noun
A movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning; an action performed to convey one's feelings or intentions.
Example: The dancer used a simple hand gesture to symbolize offering and connection with the audience.
improvisation
noun
Spontaneous movement created without pre-planning.
Example: The dance included a section of improvisation, where each dancer created spontaneous movements in response to the music.
en: Improvisation
isolation
noun
The technique in which dancers move one part of their body, and keep the rest of the body completely still.
Example: The dancer used isolation, moving only her shoulders while keeping the rest of her body completely still.
tempo
noun
How fast or slow the music is in beats per minute.
Example: The dancers adjusted their movements to match the fast tempo of the music.
transition
noun
Transitions are the way a dancer move. From one formation into another using movements.
Example: The dancer used a smooth transition to move from a floor roll into a Standing leap.
unison
noun
Dancers performing the same movement phrase simultaneously, potentially with variations in facings, directions, group sizes, or stage sections.
Example: The dancers moved in perfect unison, their synchronized steps creating a powerful sens of unity on stage.
