Types of Dance
Dance that is matched to the rhythms and techniques of jazz music.
What is jazz?
The forward curving and shaping of the spine into an arc while pushing the shoulders forward.
What is contraction?
A jump that occurs in a split position in the air.
What is a leap?
A typical isolated head coordination used by dancers while turning in order to prevent dizziness and promote balance.
What is a spot?
A dance performed wearing shoes fitted with metal plates, characterized by rhythmical beats of the toes and heels.
What is tap?
When a dancer lifts their leg to hip level or higher while being held straight. Meaning "big beat".
What is a grand battement?
The transfer of weight from one leg to the other where one foot flicks behind the dancers back.
What is a prance?
The act of spinning on one foot, typically with the raised foot touching the knee of the supporting leg.
What is a pirouette?
A fusion dance genre with influences from older street dance styles created in the 1970s.
What is hip hop?
Meaning "to chase". A gliding step characterized in a "step-together-step" pattern.
What is a chassé?
Used as a warm up for jumps, the dancers stands in a ballet 4th position with feet parallel. The dancer will jump up from two feet and land on two feet starting and ending in a plié.
What is a press jump?
A turn in which the body is held in a position where one is standing on a supported leg, with the other leg extended behind their back.
What is an arabesque turn?
Three steps usually done in an up (relevé), up (relevé), down (plié) sequence.
What is a triplet?
A movement where the dancer brings their knee up towards their chest. Can be performed as a jump or jump turn.
What is an axel?
A turn in which one holds their foot up to their ankle/calf with their knee turned out.
What is a coupé turn?
A style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including jazz and ballet.
What is contemporary?
Moving the body upside down in space while weight bearing with arms, hands, shoulders or head.
What is an inversion?
A turning leap in which you start facing one direction and end facing another.
What is a surprise leap?
A turn that starts in a jazz passé position and travels to the ground ending in a squat.
What is a drill turn?