Dance Terminology
In ballet, this word means “to bend.”
What is plié?
This style often features tutus, pointe shoes, and classical technique.
What is Ballet?
This Spanish dance is known for its clapping, foot stomping, and dramatic flair.
What is Flamenco?
In ballet, this means “to rise” onto the balls of the feet.
What is relevé?
This ballerina became the first African American female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre.
Who is Misty Copeland?
A spin on one foot, often done in ballet.
What is a pirouette?
Originating in the Bronx in the 1970s, this style includes breaking, popping, and locking.
What is Hip Hop?
This Hawaiian dance uses hand gestures to tell stories.
What is Hula?
A traveling step in ballet where the feet “chase” one another.
What is chassé?
his American dancer and choreographer created the Graham technique in modern dance.
Who is Martha Graham?
A leap in which the dancer splits their legs in the air.
What is a grand jeté?
This Latin dance style is often performed with a partner and has fast footwork and spins.
What is Salsa?
This Brazilian dance, influenced by African traditions, is both a martial art and a dance.
What is Capoeira?
A rapid beating of the working foot against the supporting ankle, often in ballet.
What is frappé?
This Broadway legend choreographed Chicago and Cabaret.
Who is Bob Fosse?
In jazz, this movement isolates one part of the body, often the shoulders or hips.
What is an isolation?
This American jazz style is characterized by syncopation, isolations, and Broadway flair.
What is Jazz Dance?
This traditional dance from Ireland features rapid leg movements while the upper body remains still.
What is Irish Step Dance?
A large kick of the leg, usually to the front, side, or back.
What is a battement?
This dancer, actress, and choreographer starred in Fame and is a celebrated director of Grey’s Anatomy.
Who is Debbie Allen?
In modern dance, this term describes a fall and recovery using the body’s weight.
What is a contraction and release?
This American dance style uses metal plates on the shoes to create rhythmic sounds.
What is Tap?
This dance form from Indonesia often uses elaborate masks and costumes to portray stories.
What is Balinese Dance?
A ballet position where one leg is extended straight behind the body while the supporting leg stands tall.
What is an arabesque?
This African American choreographer created Revelations, one of the most performed modern dance works in the world.
Who is Alvin Ailey?