Ballet Terminology
This is a classical ballet term meaning “to chase.”
Chassé
This 1961 dance film was later recreated in 2021 which lead to a best supporting actress win for Ariana DeBose.
West Side Story
A ballroom dance expressingromance via synchronized movements. Originally, the dance was danced only by women, but it has since developed into a partner dance.
Tango
This company was founded in 1958 and continues to be one of the most recognized American Dance companies in the world.
Alvin Ailey Dance Theater
Born in Latvia in 1948, this ballet dancer came to prominence in the 1970's & 80's and is know for paving the way for the modern male ballet dancer.
Mikhail Baryshnikov
This ballet movement can be described as when a dancer moves their leg off the floor from a position with a pointed foot and straight leg to the front, side or back.
Dégagé
This 2000 film follows a group of young hopefuls who attend the fictitious American Ballet Academy, and features real life ballet stars Ethan Stiefel & Julie Kent
Center Stage
This dance is a traditional ballroom and folk dance, usually danced in triple time and in a hold position with partners.
This company founded in 1971 is often know for their intricate and elaborate partnering work. It was named after a phototropic fungus.
Pilobolus
On June 30, 2015 this dancer became the first African American Female to be promoted to Principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater.
Misty Copeland
Often called passe, this movement is actually the position in which a ballet dancer raises their thigh en l’air with the knee bent so that the pointed foot is placed either in front, behind or to the side of the supporting knee.
Retire
This 2010 psychological thriller features Natalie Portman where she portrays a young dancer with the New York City Ballet Company.
Black Swan
This dance combines martial art elements and acrobatics. The dance originated back in the 16th century and has been granted UNESCO status.
Capoeira
Founded in 1984 by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, this Brooklyn based modern dance company is comprised solely of female identifying African American Women.
Urban Bush Women
Born in 1904 this ballet dancer gained most of their recognition for choreography and distinct ballet style. He was often called the "father of American ballet", he co-founded the New York City Ballet and was Artistic Director for 35 years.
George Balanchine
This term describes one of the eight directions of the body and occurs when a dancer is facing their entire body to one of the two front corners of their square box.
Écarté
This 2001 teen drama stars Julia Stiles and follows her journey through the audition process to attend her dream school, the Juilliard School.
Save the Last Dance
A traditional Japanese dance that combines both dance and pantomime.
Butoh
Founded in 1968 by Jeraldyne Blunden, this company takes the Ohio city's name that it is based in. It was also the first professional job of Mr. Priore.
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
This dancer founded Ballet Nacional de Cuba in 1955 and was known for her portrayals in Carmen and Giselle.
Alicia Alonso
This ballet movement is completed by degageing one leg to the side, then doing a small rond de jambe with that leg while pushing off the floor with the other leg and then doing a rond de jambe with that leg.
Gargouillade
This 2004 film follows a fictional group of dancers who take part in a street dancing competition. It also features the members of all male R&B group B2K.
You Got Served
DJ
This dance form originating from New Zealand is know traditionally as an ancient Māori war dance used on the battlefield to intimidate opponents and in unifying moments of peace.
Haka
Often referred to as "America's Premier contemporary dance company", this Chicago based company was founded in 1977 stemming from the Lou Conte Dance Studio.
Hubbard Street
This dancer has been called "the greatest contemporary ballerina" and proved such in her thirty year career with New York City Ballet.
Wendy Whelan