Dance Vocabulary: English for Dancers

Dance vocabulary is an essential part of the dance world. It allows dancers to communicate with each other, understand choreography, and execute movements with precision. In this blog post, we will explore the different aspects of dance vocabulary, including basic dance terms, the anatomy of dance, directions and positioning, ballet terminology, modern dance vocabulary, jazz dance techniques, tap dance steps and rhythms, and hip hop dance styles. By understanding and using dance vocabulary, dancers can enhance their skills and become more proficient in their chosen style of dance.

Essential Dance Terms Every Dancer Should Know

To begin our exploration of dance vocabulary, it is important to understand some basic dance terms that are used across different styles of dance. These terms provide a foundation for dancers to communicate and understand the movements they are performing. Some examples of basic dance terms include plié, tendu, relevé, and arabesque.

A plié is a bending of the knees while keeping the heels on the ground. It is often used as a warm-up exercise and is a fundamental movement in ballet. Tendu refers to the action of stretching the leg outwards from a closed position while keeping it in contact with the floor. Relevé is a movement where a dancer rises up onto the balls of their feet. It is commonly used in ballet to create an illusion of lightness and grace. Arabesque is a position where one leg is extended behind the body while the torso is upright and balanced on one leg.

The Anatomy of Dance: English Terms for Body Parts and Movements

In order to understand and execute dance movements correctly, dancers must have knowledge of the different body parts involved in dance. Some common body parts used in dance include feet, legs, arms, hands, head, and torso.

Feet are crucial in dance as they provide support and balance for the dancer. Different positions of the feet, such as first position, second position, and fifth position, are used in ballet and other dance styles. Legs are used to execute various movements such as jumps, kicks, and turns. Arms and hands are used to create shapes and lines in dance. They can be extended, curved, or held in various positions to enhance the overall aesthetic of the movement. The head and torso play a vital role in dance as they help with balance and alignment.

Understanding Dance Directions: English Words for Movement and Positioning

In addition to understanding the body parts involved in dance, dancers must also be familiar with the different directions used in dance. These directions help dancers navigate the space around them and execute movements accurately. Some common directions used in dance include front, back, side, up, down, and diagonal.

Front refers to the direction facing the audience or the direction of the movement. Back refers to the opposite direction of front. Side refers to the left or right side of the body. Up refers to movements that go higher off the ground, while down refers to movements that go lower to the ground. Diagonal refers to movements that are performed on a diagonal line across the stage or dance floor.

Positioning is another important aspect of dance vocabulary. It refers to the placement of the body in relation to other dancers or objects on stage. Some common positioning terms include center stage, stage left, stage right, upstage, and downstage. Center stage is the middle area of the stage where most of the action takes place. Stage left and stage right refer to the left and right sides of the stage from the perspective of the performer facing the audience. Upstage is the area farthest from the audience, while downstage is closest to the audience.

The Language of Ballet: English Terms for Positions, Steps, and Techniques

Ballet has its own unique vocabulary that is essential for dancers studying this classical dance form. Ballet positions, steps, and techniques are all part of the language of ballet. Some common ballet positions include first position, second position, third position, fourth position, and fifth position.

First position is where the heels are together and the toes are turned outwards. Second position is where the feet are apart and the toes are turned outwards. Third position is a combination of first and fifth positions, where one foot is in front of the other with the heel touching the arch of the other foot. Fourth position is where one foot is in front of the other with a space between them. Fifth position is where one foot is in front of the other with the heel of the front foot touching the toe of the back foot.

Ballet steps include movements such as plié, tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe, and grand jeté. Plié is a bending of the knees while keeping the heels on the ground. Tendu refers to the action of stretching the leg outwards from a closed position while keeping it in contact with the floor. Dégage is a movement where the leg is extended off the floor with a pointed foot. Rond de jambe is a circular movement of the leg that can be done on the ground or in the air. Grand jeté is a large leap where one leg extends forward while the other leg pushes off from the ground.

Ballet techniques include movements such as pirouette, arabesque, pas de bourrée, and développé. A pirouette is a turn on one leg while maintaining balance and control. Arabesque is a position where one leg is extended behind the body while the torso is upright and balanced on one leg. Pas de bourrée is a quick series of small steps that can be done in any direction. Développé is a movement where one leg is slowly lifted off the ground and extended to the front, side, or back.

Modern Dance Vocabulary: English Words for Contemporary Dance Styles

Modern dance is a more fluid and expressive style of dance that emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to the rigid structure of ballet. It has its own vocabulary that reflects its unique movement qualities. Some common modern dance styles include Graham technique, Cunningham technique, and Horton technique.

Graham technique is based on the teachings of Martha Graham and focuses on contraction and release movements. Cunningham technique is based on the teachings of Merce Cunningham and emphasizes the use of the whole body in movement. Horton technique is based on the teachings of Lester Horton and focuses on strength, flexibility, and coordination.

Some common modern dance techniques include contraction, release, fall and recovery, and suspension. Contraction is a movement where the torso is curved inward, creating a rounded shape. Release is a movement where tension is released from the body, creating a sense of freedom and relaxation. Fall and recovery is a movement where the body falls to the ground and then rises back up again. Suspension is a movement where the body is lifted off the ground or held in mid-air for a brief moment.

Jazz Dance Vocabulary: English Words for Jazz Dance Techniques

Jazz dance is a high-energy dance style that combines elements of ballet, modern dance, and African-American rhythms. It has its own vocabulary that reflects its dynamic and rhythmic qualities. Some common jazz dance styles include Broadway jazz, lyrical jazz, and funk jazz.

Broadway jazz is characterized by its theatricality and incorporates elements of musical theater into the choreography. Lyrical jazz combines jazz technique with expressive movements and emotions. Funk jazz incorporates elements of hip hop and street dance into jazz choreography.

Some common jazz dance techniques include isolations, kicks, turns, and leaps. Isolations are movements where one part of the body moves independently from the rest of the body. Kicks are high-energy movements where the leg is extended forcefully. Turns are movements where the body rotates on one leg or in the air. Leaps are large jumps where the body is suspended in mid-air for a brief moment.

Tap Dance Vocabulary: English Words for Tap Dance Steps and Rhythms

Tap dance is a percussive dance style that uses the feet to create rhythmic patterns and sounds. It has its own vocabulary that reflects its unique sound and movement qualities. Some common tap dance steps include shuffle, flap, ball change, and time step.

A shuffle is a movement where the ball of the foot brushes against the floor, creating a scraping sound. A flap is a movement where the ball of the foot strikes the floor, creating a tapping sound. A ball change is a movement where the weight is shifted from one foot to the other, creating a change in rhythm. A time step is a basic tap dance step that consists of a series of sounds and movements.

Tap dance rhythms include single time step, double time step, triple time step, and wing. A single time step consists of eight sounds and movements. A double time step consists of sixteen sounds and movements. A triple time step consists of twenty-four sounds and movements. Wing is a movement where the foot strikes the floor and then quickly brushes against it, creating a fluttering sound.

Hip Hop Dance Vocabulary: English Words for Urban Dance Styles

Hip hop dance is an urban dance style that originated in African-American communities in the 1970s. It has its own vocabulary that reflects its street dance origins and cultural influences. Some common hip hop dance styles include breaking, popping, locking, and krumping.

Breaking is characterized by its acrobatic movements and floor work. Popping is characterized by its sharp and robotic movements. Locking is characterized by its quick and exaggerated movements. Krumping is characterized by its aggressive and energetic movements.

Some common hip hop dance techniques include popping, locking, waving, and tutting. Popping is a movement where the muscles are contracted and released to create a popping or snapping effect. Locking is a movement where the body is held in a locked position for a brief moment. Waving is a movement where the body appears to ripple or wave from one part to another. Tutting is a movement where the arms and hands create geometric shapes and angles.

Putting It All Together: Using Dance Vocabulary in Choreography and Performance

Now that we have explored the different aspects of dance vocabulary, it is important to understand how it is used in choreography and performance. Dance vocabulary allows choreographers to communicate their ideas to dancers and create cohesive and meaningful dances. It also allows dancers to understand and execute the movements and steps required in a piece of choreography.

Different dance styles use dance vocabulary in different ways. For example, ballet choreography often includes intricate footwork, graceful arm movements, and precise positioning. Modern dance choreography may focus on fluidity of movement, emotional expression, and improvisation. Jazz dance choreography often incorporates syncopated rhythms, dynamic movements, and theatrical elements. Tap dance choreography emphasizes rhythm, musicality, and percussive footwork. Hip hop choreography often includes intricate footwork, isolations, and freestyle elements.

In conclusion, dance vocabulary is an essential part of the dance world. It allows dancers to communicate with each other, understand choreography, and execute movements with precision. By understanding and using dance vocabulary, dancers can enhance their skills and become more proficient in their chosen style of dance. Whether it is ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, tap dance, or hip hop dance, each style has its own unique vocabulary that reflects its movement qualities and cultural influences. As dancers continue to learn and use dance vocabulary in their practice and performances, they will become more versatile and expressive artists.

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FAQs

What is dance vocabulary?

Dance vocabulary refers to the specific terms and phrases used in dance to describe movements, positions, and techniques.

Why is it important for dancers to learn English dance vocabulary?

English is the universal language of dance, and knowing the vocabulary allows dancers to communicate effectively with instructors and other dancers from around the world.

What are some common English dance vocabulary terms?

Some common English dance vocabulary terms include plié, tendu, arabesque, pirouette, and grand jeté.

How can dancers learn English dance vocabulary?

Dancers can learn English dance vocabulary by taking classes with instructors who use English terminology, studying dance books and resources, and practicing with other dancers who are familiar with the vocabulary.

Are there different types of dance vocabulary?

Yes, there are different types of dance vocabulary for different styles of dance, such as ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary. However, many of the basic terms are universal across all styles.