Essential Dancing Vocabulary

Word Origin: The word "pirouette" comes from the French word "pirouetter," which means "to whirl about" or "to spin." It is derived from the Middle French word "perrot," meaning "spinning top" or "whirligig." The term was first used in ballet in the 17th century to describe a spinning or whirling movement performed on one foot in a graceful and controlled manner.

Word Origin: The word "plié" comes from the French verb "plier," which means "to bend." In ballet, a plié is a movement where the dancer bends their knees while keeping their back straight. It is a fundamental movement in ballet technique and is used in various positions and combinations throughout a ballet routine.

Word Origin: The term "arabesque" in the context of ballet comes from the French word "arabesque," which in turn is derived from the Italian word "arabesco." This Italian word refers to a style of ornamentation in art and architecture that features intricate designs of intertwined lines and patterns, often inspired by Arabic motifs. In ballet, an arabesque is a pose in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended behind the body, creating a graceful and elongated line. The term was likely borrowed from the world of art and design to describe the elegant and flowing movement of the arabesque pose in ballet.

Word Origin: The word "jeté" in ballet comes from the French verb "jeter," which means "to throw" or "to toss." In ballet, a jeté is a type of jump or leap where one leg is thrown or tossed in the air while the other remains on the ground. The term was first used in ballet in the 18th century and has since become a common and essential movement in classical ballet choreography.

Word Origin: The word "barre" in ballet comes from the French word "barre," which means "bar" or "rod." In ballet, the barre is a horizontal wooden or metal rod that dancers use for support and stability during their warm-up exercises and practice. The barre is an essential tool in ballet training, helping dancers to improve their balance, strength, and flexibility.

Word Origin: The word "pointe" in ballet comes from the French word "pointe" which means "point" or "tip." In ballet, "pointe" refers to dancing on the tips of the toes in pointe shoes. This technique is used to create the illusion of lightness, grace, and ethereal beauty in ballet performances. The term "pointe" has been used in ballet since the 19th century.

Word Origin: The word "tutu" is of French origin and dates back to the mid-19th century. It is believed to have originated from the French baby talk word "cucu" or "tutu," which means "bottom" or "derriere." This term was used to describe the short, frilly skirt worn by ballet dancers to highlight their legs and movements during performances. Over time, the word "tutu" became synonymous with the iconic ballet costume worn by ballerinas.

Word Origin: The term "pas de deux" is derived from French, with "pas" meaning "step" and "deux" meaning "two." In ballet, a "pas de deux" refers to a dance duet between two performers, typically a male and a female dancer. The term originated in the 18th century in France and has since become a common and important element in classical ballet performances.

Word Origin: The term "rap" in the context of hip-hop music comes from the verb "to rap," which originally meant to strike or hit. In the early 20th century, "rap" was used in African American slang to mean talking or chatting. This usage evolved over time, and by the 1970s, "rap" had come to specifically refer to the rhythmic spoken word style of music that would become known as hip-hop. The term is believed to have originated in the African American community in New York City.

Word Origin: The term "beatboxing" originates from the early days of hip-hop culture in the 1980s. It is a combination of the words "beat" and "box," with "beat" referring to the rhythmic sound or pattern created by a beatboxer, and "box" referring to the vocal and percussive sounds produced by the mouth and throat. This style of vocal percussion was first popularized by artists such as Doug E. Fresh and the Fat Boys, and has since become a staple element of hip-hop music and culture.

Word Origin: The term "freestyle" in the context of hip-hop originated in the early 1980s in the United States. It comes from the combination of the words "free" and "style." The "free" part refers to the improvisational nature of the performance, where the rapper creates lyrics on the spot without pre-written material. The "style" part refers to the unique and creative way in which the rapper delivers their rhymes. Over time, freestyling has become a common practice in hip-hop culture, with artists showcasing their skills in battles, cyphers, and live performances.

Word Origin: In the context of hip-hop, the term "flow" refers to the rhythm and rhymes used by a rapper in their delivery of lyrics. The etymology of this usage of "flow" in hip-hop can be traced back to African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and the broader African American cultural tradition of improvisational poetry and storytelling. In AAVE, the term "flow" has long been used to describe the smoothness and fluidity of speech or movement. This concept was then adopted by early hip-hop artists in the 1970s and 1980s to describe the way in which they delivered their rhymes over a beat. The term "flow" came to encompass not only the technical skill of rapping but also the artistic expression and creativity involved in delivering a unique and compelling performance. Over time, "flow" has become a central concept in hip-hop culture, with artists and fans alike using it to discuss and evaluate the lyrical and rhythmic qualities of a rapper's delivery. The term has also been adopted and adapted by other genres of music and popular culture, further solidifying its place in the lexicon of contemporary English.

Word Origin: The word "lyricism" in the context of Hip-hop stems from the Latin word "lyricus," meaning "of or for the lyre." The term "lyricism" has evolved to refer to the quality of expressing emotions, thoughts, and ideas in a poetic and skillful manner through lyrics. In the context of Hip-hop, lyricism is a key component of the genre, as artists use their wordplay, rhymes, and storytelling abilities to convey their messages and connect with their audience.

Word Origin: The term "sampling" in the context of hip-hop music refers to the practice of taking a portion of a pre-existing sound recording and reusing it in a new composition. The word "sampling" comes from the verb "to sample," which means to take a small portion or sample of something for analysis or testing. In the context of hip-hop music, the term was popularized in the 1980s as producers began using samples from old funk, soul, and jazz records to create new beats and melodies. This practice has since become a defining characteristic of hip-hop music production.

Word Origin: The word "graffiti" comes from the Italian word "graffito," which means "a scribbling" or "a scratching." In the context of hip-hop culture, graffiti refers to the elaborate and stylized writing or drawings that are often spray-painted on public walls and buildings. Graffiti has been a prominent element of hip-hop culture since its inception in the 1970s, with artists using it as a form of self-expression and a way to claim their presence in urban spaces.

Word Origin: The term "DJ" in the context of hip-hop is short for "disc jockey." The word "disc" refers to the vinyl records that DJs would play and mix during their performances. The word "jockey" originally referred to someone who rides horses in races, but in this context, it means someone who skillfully manipulates and controls the music to create a seamless and engaging experience for the audience. The term "DJ" has been used in the music industry since the 1930s, but it became particularly associated with hip-hop culture in the 1970s when DJs like Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash played a crucial role in the development of the genre by creating new sounds and techniques through their turntable skills.

Word Origin: The word "cha-cha-cha" in the context of ballroom dancing comes from the name of the dance itself. The cha-cha-cha is a lively Latin dance that originated in Cuba in the 1950s. The name of the dance is said to come from the sound of the feet hitting the floor in the rhythmic pattern of the dance steps, which produces a "cha-cha-cha" sound. The dance is typically danced to a specific type of music with a distinctive rhythm, also known as cha-cha-cha music.

Word Origin: The word "waltz" in the context of ballroom dancing is derived from the German word "Walzer," which means "to roll" or "to turn." The waltz originated in Austria and Germany in the late 18th century and became popular in ballrooms across Europe in the 19th century. The dance is characterized by a 3/4 time signature and a smooth, flowing movement that involves turning and rotating across the dance floor.

Word Origin: The word "tango" originated from the Latin word "tangere," which means "to touch." In the context of ballroom dancing, the tango is a highly expressive and passionate dance that involves close physical contact between partners, hence the connection to the word "touch." The tango dance style originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the late 19th century, and has since become a popular and iconic dance style around the world.

Word Origin: The word "samba" in the context of ballroom dancing comes from the Brazilian dance and musical genre of the same name. The term "samba" is believed to have originated from the Angolan word "semba," which means to pray or invoke the spirits of ancestors. The dance and music were brought to Brazil by African slaves and evolved over time to become one of the most popular and recognizable dance styles in the world. In ballroom dancing, the samba is a lively and rhythmical dance that is characterized by its hip movements and fast footwork.

Word Origin: The word "quickstep" in the context of ballroom dancing comes from the combination of two words: "quick" and "step." The quickstep is a lively and energetic dance characterized by fast movements and quick steps, hence the name. The dance originated in the early 20th century and was influenced by foxtrot, charleston, and other popular dances of the time. It has since become a standard dance in ballroom competitions and social events.

Word Origin: The word "jive" in the context of ballroom dancing comes from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and jazz slang in the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated from the word "jibe," which means to agree or be in harmony with something. Over time, "jibe" evolved into "jive" and came to be associated with a lively, energetic style of dancing that incorporates elements of swing, jazz, and rock and roll. The term "jive" was popularized in the 1930s and 1940s as a dance style that was closely associated with swing music and the Lindy Hop. Today, jive is a popular Latin dance in ballroom competitions, known for its fast-paced, lively movements and syncopated rhythms.

Word Origin: The term "foxtrot" in the context of ballroom dancing is derived from the combination of two words: "fox" and "trot." The "fox" comes from the animal known for its quick and nimble movements, while "trot" refers to a style of dance characterized by a steady and rhythmic walking step. The foxtrot dance was developed in the early 20th century and became popular in the United States and Europe, known for its smooth and flowing movements that combine elements of ragtime music and other dance styles of the time.

Word Origin: The term "time step" in the context of Tap dance originates from the world of music and rhythm. It comes from the combination of the word "time," referring to the beat or tempo of music, and "step," which is a basic movement or action in dance. In Tap dance, a time step is a fundamental rhythmic pattern or sequence of steps that is performed to a specific time signature or beat in the music. The term likely evolved from the need to accurately mark time and rhythm in tap dancing routines.

Word Origin: The word "buffalo" in the context of Tap comes from the Portuguese word "búfalo," which ultimately derives from the Latin word "bubalus." This Latin word was borrowed from the Greek word "boubalos," which meant "antelope" or "wild ox." Over time, the meaning of the word shifted to refer specifically to the large mammals known as buffaloes.

Word Origin: The term "cramp roll" in the context of Tap dance likely derives from the sensation of cramping or tightening in the muscles of the leg when executing the move. The word "cramp" itself comes from Middle English "crampe," which is of Germanic origin and related to the Dutch word "kramp" and the German word "Krampf." It ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *krem- or *kramp- meaning "to contract." In Tap dance, a cramp roll is a percussive step that involves a rapid alternating movement of the ball and heel of the foot, creating a rolling or shuffling sound. The term "cramp roll" likely evolved to describe the quick, tight, and controlled motion required to execute the step effectively.

Word Origin: The term "heel drop" in the context of tap dance refers to a specific movement where the dancer drops their heel to the ground while making a sound. The etymology of the term is straightforward, as it simply describes the action of dropping the heel. In tap dance, different parts of the foot can be used to create different sounds, and the heel drop is a common technique used to add variety and rhythm to a performance.

Word Origin: The word "flap" in the context of tap dance comes from the Middle English word "flap", which means to move up and down or side to side with a light, rapid motion. This likely originated from the Old English word "flapan", meaning to beat or strike. In tap dance, a flap is a specific type of step where the ball of the foot strikes the floor sharply, creating a distinct sound.

Word Origin: The word "shuffle" in the context of tap dancing comes from the act of shuffling the feet quickly and rhythmically on the floor to produce a percussive sound. The term likely originated from the Middle English word "shovelen," meaning to move or slide something quickly or haphazardly. Over time, this evolved into the word "shuffle" in English, which is now commonly used in the context of tap dancing to describe a specific type of foot movement.

Word Origin: The word "rhythm" comes from the Greek word "rhythmos," meaning "measured motion" or "movement in time." In the context of Tap dance, rhythm refers to the pattern of sounds created by the feet hitting the floor in a rhythmic and syncopated manner. The rhythmic patterns in Tap dancing are often used to create music and convey emotions through movement.

Word Origin: The term "time step" in the context of Tap dance originates from the field of computer science and numerical analysis. In this context, a "time step" refers to a discrete interval of time used in numerical simulations or calculations to approximate the continuous evolution of a system over time. This concept was adapted and applied to Tap dance to refer to the specific rhythm and timing of a step or movement within a dance sequence.

Word Origin: Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction against the rigid techniques of classical ballet. The term "contemporary" in this context refers to the fact that this style of dance is constantly evolving and changing to reflect the current cultural and artistic trends of the time. The word "contemporary" itself comes from the Latin word "contemporaneus," which means "living or occurring at the same time." In the context of contemporary dance, this term emphasizes the relevance and modernity of the art form.

Word Origin: The word "choreography" comes from the Greek words "χορεία" (khoreia), meaning "dance" or "chorus," and "γράφειν" (graphein), meaning "to write" or "to record." Therefore, choreography originally referred to the art of composing and arranging dance movements in a written or recorded form. In the context of contemporary dance, choreography continues to refer to the creation and arrangement of movements, but it has evolved to encompass a wider range of styles and techniques beyond traditional dance forms.

Word Origin: The word "improvisation" comes from the Latin word "improvisus," which means "unforeseen" or "unexpected." It was originally used in the context of music and theater to refer to the act of creating or performing something spontaneously without preparation. In contemporary contexts, improvisation has expanded to include various forms of creative expression that are done on the spot or in the moment, such as improvisational comedy, dance, and visual art.

Word Origin: The word "fluidity" comes from the Latin word "fluidus," which means "flowing" or "liquid." In the context of contemporary usage, "fluidity" refers to the quality or state of being fluid, flexible, or adaptable. It is often used to describe a state of constant change or movement, where boundaries are blurred and categories are not fixed. This concept has become increasingly important in contemporary society, particularly in discussions of gender, identity, and social norms, where traditional categories are being challenged and redefined.

Word Origin: The word "expressive" comes from the Latin word "expressivus," which is derived from the verb "expressus," meaning "to press out or squeeze out." This reflects the idea that something that is expressive is able to convey or communicate emotions, thoughts, or ideas in a vivid and powerful way. In the context of contemporary usage, "expressive" refers to the ability to convey emotions or ideas effectively through various means such as art, music, dance, or other forms of creative expression.

Word Origin: The word "innovative" comes from the Latin word "innovare," which means "to renew" or "to change." It is derived from the combination of "in-" (meaning "into") and "novus" (meaning "new"). The term has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe something that is new, original, or groundbreaking in nature. In the context of contemporary language, "innovative" refers to something that involves the introduction of new and creative ideas, methods, or technologies.

Word Origin: The word "physicality" comes from the Latin word "physicalis," which means "of or pertaining to nature." It is derived from the Greek word "physis," which means "nature" or "natural order." The term has been used in various contexts throughout history, but in contemporary usage, "physicality" refers to the quality or state of being physical, tangible, or corporeal. It often connotes a focus on the body, movement, and sensory experience in art, sports, dance, and other physical activities.

Word Origin: The word "collaboration" comes from the Latin word "collaborare," which is a combination of "com-" (together) and "laborare" (to work). In the context of contemporary usage, collaboration refers to the act of working together with others to achieve a common goal or objective. It often involves individuals or groups combining their skills, resources, and ideas to produce a shared outcome or result. Collaboration is a key aspect of many fields, including business, academia, and the arts, as it can lead to increased innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Word Origin: The word "partnerwork" in the context of Salsa dancing is derived from the combination of "partner" and "work." "Partner" refers to the person with whom one dances and collaborates, while "work" refers to the coordinated movements and actions that partners perform together in a dance routine. The term emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and synchronization between dance partners in order to execute complex and intricate choreography in Salsa dancing.

Word Origin: The term "cross-body lead" in the context of Salsa dancing comes from the combination of two elements: "cross-body" and "lead." - "Cross-body" refers to the movement where the follower (usually the woman) crosses in front of the leader (usually the man) during a salsa dance. This movement is characterized by the follower moving from one side of the leader to the other, creating a cross-body connection between the two dancers. - "Lead" refers to the action taken by the leader to initiate and guide the cross-body movement. In salsa dancing, the leader uses physical cues, such as hand signals or body positioning, to communicate to the follower when and how to execute the cross-body lead. Therefore, the term "cross-body lead" in Salsa dancing refers to a specific movement pattern where the follower crosses in front of the leader, guided by the leader's signals and communication.

Word Origin: The word "Salsa" itself comes from Spanish, meaning "sauce" or "mixture." In the context of dance, salsa refers to a popular Latin dance style that originated in the Caribbean, particularly in Cuba and Puerto Rico. The term "body movement" in salsa dancing refers to the way in which the dancer moves their body in fluid and rhythmic motions to the music. This involves coordinated movements of the hips, shoulders, arms, and legs to create a dynamic and energetic dance style. The emphasis on body movement in salsa is a key aspect of the dance's sensual and vibrant character.

Word Origin: The word "musicality" in the context of salsa comes from the Latin word "musica," which means "art of the Muses" or "music." In the context of dance, musicality refers to the ability to interpret and express the rhythm, melody, and phrasing of the music through movement. In salsa dancing, musicality is essential for dancers to connect with the music, stay on beat, and interpret the various rhythms and accents present in the music. It involves understanding the structure and dynamics of the music and using that knowledge to enhance the dance performance.

Word Origin: The term "timing" in the context of salsa dancing comes from the verb "time," which means to perform an action at a specific moment or rhythm. In salsa dancing, timing refers to the ability to execute steps and movements in sync with the music, following the beat and rhythm of the salsa music. The word "timing" likely originated from the Latin word "tempus," meaning time or rhythm.

Word Origin: The term "turn patterns" in the context of Salsa dancing originates from the verb "to turn," which means to rotate or spin around an axis. In Salsa dancing, turn patterns refer to a sequence of steps and movements that involve the partners spinning or rotating around each other in a coordinated manner. This term is derived from the basic concept of turning in dance, where dancers pivot on their feet to change direction and create dynamic movement patterns on the dance floor.

Word Origin: The word "footwork" in the context of Salsa comes from the combination of "foot" and "work." "Foot" refers to the body part used for moving and supporting the body, while "work" refers to physical activity or exertion. In Salsa dancing, footwork refers to the intricate and rhythmic movements of the feet that are an essential part of the dance. The term emphasizes the importance of the feet in executing the various steps and patterns of Salsa dancing.

Word Origin: The term "Lindy Hop" originated in Harlem, New York City in the 1920s and 1930s. It is believed to have been named after Charles Lindbergh, the famous American aviator who made the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. Lindbergh's flight captured the public's imagination and inspired many aspects of popular culture, including the dance known as the Lindy Hop. The Lindy Hop is a lively and energetic dance that combines elements of jazz, tap, breakaway, and Charleston. It is characterized by its fast-paced footwork, acrobatic moves, and playful, improvisational style. The dance was popularized by African American dancers in Harlem's ballrooms and clubs, and quickly spread to other cities across the United States and around the world. The term "Lindy Hop" is thought to have been coined by dancers at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, where the dance was a regular feature of the famous Lindy Hop nights. The name "Lindy" was likely a playful reference to Lindbergh and his groundbreaking flight, as well as a nod to the lively and carefree spirit of the dance itself. Today, the Lindy Hop is considered a classic and iconic dance of the Swing era, and is enjoyed by dancers and enthusiasts worldwide.

Word Origin: The term "Charleston" in the context of swing dance is believed to have originated from the dance's association with the city of Charleston, South Carolina. The dance was popularized in the 1920s during the Jazz Age and was named after the city where it was first performed. The Charleston dance is characterized by its fast-paced, energetic movements and syncopated rhythms, reflecting the lively and vibrant atmosphere of the city of Charleston during that time period.

Word Origin: The word "jitterbug" in the context of swing dancing is believed to have originated in African American slang in the early 20th century. The term "jitterbug" was used to describe a person who was overly energetic or prone to jittery movements. In the 1930s and 1940s, the term became associated with a style of swing dancing that was characterized by fast, energetic movements and acrobatic steps. The dance style became popular in the United States during the swing era, particularly among young people in clubs and dance halls. The exact origins of the word "jitterbug" are unclear, but it is believed to be a combination of the words "jitter" (meaning to shake or tremble) and "bug" (referring to a person who is eccentric or enthusiastic). Over time, the term "jitterbug" came to be specifically associated with the fast-paced, energetic style of swing dancing that emerged during this period.

Word Origin: The term "Balboa" in the context of Swing dance is named after a popular dance hall in Southern California called the Balboa Pavilion. This dance hall was located in the Balboa Peninsula of Newport Beach and was a popular spot for dancers in the 1920s and 1930s. The Balboa dance style, which is characterized by its close embrace and fast footwork, became popular among swing dancers at the time and eventually became known simply as "Balboa."

Word Origin: The term "East Coast Swing" refers to a style of swing dancing that originated on the east coast of the United States, particularly in the dance halls and clubs of New York City in the 1940s and 1950s. The term itself likely emerged as a way to distinguish this particular style of swing dancing from other regional variations, such as West Coast Swing or Jitterbug. The word "swing" in this context derives from the jazz music genre of the same name, which became popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Swing music is characterized by its lively, upbeat rhythms and emphasis on improvisation, syncopation, and "swinging" rhythms. Overall, the term "East Coast Swing" reflects the geographical origin and specific style of swing dancing that developed on the east coast of the United States during the mid-20th century.

Word Origin: The term "West Coast Swing" refers to a style of swing dance that originated on the west coast of the United States, particularly in California. The dance is characterized by its smooth, linear movements and its emphasis on connection between the partners. The term "West Coast Swing" likely originated from the geographical location where the dance style first gained popularity. The use of "West Coast" in the name helps to distinguish this style of swing dance from other regional variations, such as East Coast Swing or Lindy Hop. The term has been used since the mid-20th century to describe this specific style of swing dance that developed on the west coast of the United States.

Word Origin: In the context of Swing music and dance, "swing out" refers to a dance move where partners open up to face each other while dancing. The term "swing" in this context comes from the swinging rhythm of the music and the swinging motion of the dancers. The word "out" in "swing out" simply refers to the movement of expanding outward from a closed position to an open position while dancing. Overall, the term "swing out" in the context of Swing music and dance likely evolved from a combination of the swinging rhythm of the music and the physical movement of the dancers as they open up and move outward while dancing.

Word Origin: The term "swing dance techniques" refers to the various movements and steps used in swing dancing, a style of dance that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The word "swing" in this context comes from the musical genre of swing, which was popular during the same time period. The term "swing" in music refers to a rhythmic feel or groove that is characterized by a strong emphasis on the off-beats. This rhythmic feel is also present in swing dancing, as dancers move to the swinging rhythms of jazz and big band music. Overall, the term "swing dance techniques" combines the elements of music and dance that define the style of swing dancing.