Basic Dance Terms
This is an elongation of the back from the tail, continuing to the stop of the head.
What is a Flat Back?
This is how we break down and count music. Most dances are choreographed with this musical phrasing.
What is an 8-count?
A way of standing and using the legs where both sides of the body face forward or in the same direction.
What is Parallel?
This genre is known for its straight lines, long extensions, and upright spine.
What is Ballet?
Where is Ms. May's "happy place"?
What is the Beach?
A rise or spring onto the toes.
What is a Relevé?
This term is the speed or pace of music, or someone’s steps and movements.
What it Tempo?
This is a series of movements and stretching performed before or at the beginning of a class or performance to prepare the body for more demanding movements and to prevent injury.
What is a Warm-up?
This genre combines jazz dance, hip-hop, and funk.
What is Street Jazz?
Who does Ms. May share an office with?
Who is Ms. Thomas and Ms. Kiewe?
A “stretched” action of the gesturing limb from a stance position with flat foot to a pointed foot, with the toes keeping contact with the floor.
What is a Tendu?
The term describes the ability to be knowledgeable about music and it helps dancers with their movement.
What is Musicality?
Movements that are created spontaneously by the dancer with or without specific direction, either individually or with other dancers.
What is Improvisation?
This genre is known to be story-driven where the choreography is used to further the overall story.
What is Broadway Dance?
What color are Ms. May's eyes?
What is brown.
This refers to the forward curving of the spine, starting from the pelvic zone.
What is a Contraction?
This term describes the repetitive patterns within the music.
What is Rhythm?
This term describes dancing with 100% of your energy and performance.
What is Full-Out?
This genre developed from the working class of South Africa and was used as a communication tool among the workers.
What is Gumboots?
How many children does Ms. May have?
What is two?
A ballet leap where the weight of the dancer is transferred from one foot to the other when the dance “throws” one leg to the front, side, or back and holds the other leg in any desired position upon landing.
What is a Jeté.
The words that the singer is singing to, often in sync with the melody.
What are Lyrics?
This is a short choreographic fragment that has an intention and feeling of a beginning and an end.
What is a Phrase?
This genre was traditionally done around an open fire and was used to tell stories. The dancers often danced to the sound of a drum.
What is Native American Cultural Dance?
What grade is Ms. May's oldest child in?
What is a Sophomore in college?