Hello, my name is Marie-Léa, and I am currently in the Dance program. I have been dancing since I was four or five years old, and I have been in this program for one year. Dance is not only an art form, but also a physical discipline that requires knowledge about the body, muscles, health, technique, and performance. Through this glossary, I want to help younger students know if they want to be in the same program.
Alignment
noun
The correct positioning of the body to maintain balance and avoid injury.
Example: Proper alignment is important during jumps and turns.
en: alignement
balance
noun
The ability to stay steady and controlled while standing or moving.
Example: She practiced her balance before performing the turn.
en: équilibre
choreography
noun
The art of creating and arranging dance movements into a sequence.
Example: The choreography of the performance told a powerful story.
en: chorégraphie
coordination
noun
The ability to control different parts of the body at the same time.
Example: Coordination helps dancers move smoothly with the music.
en: coordination
core
noun
The muscles of the abdomen and lower back that support the body.
Example: A strong core helps maintain stability in dance.
en: centre
dynamics
noun
The variation of speed, energy, and intensity in movement.
Example: The dancer changed her dynamics to match the music.
en: dynamique
endurance
noun
The ability to continue dancing for a long time without getting tired
Example: Endurance is necessary for long performances.
en: endurance
expression
noun
The act of saying what you think or showing how you feel using words or actions. the process of making known one's thoughts or feelings.
Example: Her facial expression helped the audience understand the emotion of the choreography.
en: expression
extension
noun
The act of stretching a limb to its fullest length.
Example: Her leg extension was high and controlled.
en: extension
flexibility
noun
The ability of muscles and joints to move through a wide range of motion.
Example: Flexibility improves with regular stretching.
en: souplesse
floorwork
noun
Movements performed on the floor as part of choreography.
Example: Contemporary dance often includes floorwork.
en: travail au sol
improvisation
noun
Dancing freely without planned choreography.
Example: The dancer changed her dynamics to match the music.
en: dynamique
isolation
noun
Movements that focus on one part of the body while the rest stays still.
Example: Hip-hop dancers often practice isolations.
en: isolations
musicality
noun
The ability to understand and interpret music through movement.
Example: His musicality made the choreography more interesting.
en: musicalité
performance
noun
A public presentation of a dance piece.
Example: The performance was emotional and powerful.
en: performance ou représentation
Posture
noun
The way a dancer holds their body while standing or moving.
Example: Strong posture makes a dancer look confident on stage.
en: posture
precision
noun
The ability to perform movements accurately and clearly.
Example: Precision is important when dancing in a group.
en: précision
Technique
noun
The correct way of executing dance movements.
Example: The correct way of executing dance movements.
en: technique
turnout
noun
The outward rotation of the legs from the hips, often used in ballet.
Example: Ballet dancers must develop strong turnout.
en: En-dehors
warm-up
noun
Exercises done before dancing to prepare the body.
