GLOSSARY OF C/W LINE DANCE
& FIXED PATTERN PARTNER DANCE TERMINOLOGY
Prepared By CDL with help from Kelly Gellette and Bobby Curtis (Edited March 1 998)
The terminology in this glossary are mostly in accordance with NTA guidelines, however this is not the NTA Glossary. That glossary includes terms (mostly for free style couple dancing) that are not included here, and this glossary includes terms (mostly necessitated by the prim medium) that are not included in the NTA glossary.
Note: a.k.a. (also known as) terms are included for reference purposes for step descriptions published in the past or already prepared for future publication, as well as to allow for interpretation of many regional terminologies. Several cross references refer to similar moves and not to other names for the same move.
ACCENT – Emphasis on a particular step or move in a pattern, or, in
music, the emphasis on a certain beat in a measure.
ACROSS – Movement across the Line Of Dance
ACROSS Left – The Right foot will cross in front of the Left foot.
ACROSS RIGIIT – The Left foot will cross in front of Right foot.
ADD – See Tag
ADVANCED – A dancer with the ability to perform intricate moves
and patterns and improvise freely within them. See Difficulty Level
ALIGNMENT – The alignment of the body parts with respect to the
torso. See Floor Alignment
AND – Used when 2 movements are to be done simultaneously, i.e.
-
Step forward and clap hands.
& (ampersand) – The upbeat that precedes or follows the whole
downbeat. &1 precedes the beat, 1& follows the beat. Unlike the
previous usage of the term “and”, The ampersand is used when °Step
forward and clap means two separate movements. and is notated in
step descriptions’ as:
-
Step forward on Left foot
&. Clap
AND STEP – Signifies weight change with a movement. For instance,
in describing the first three steps in a Grapevine right, the description
would read:
-
Step to the right with Right foot.
-
Cross Left foot behind Right and step.
-
Step to the right with Right foot.
Without the “and step” the Left foot would still be dangling behind
the Right foot and, unless you can fly, executing Step 3 will be quite
difficult.
ANKLE ROCK – Feet are crossed and ankles are in a locked position.
Shift weight one or more times from forward foot to trailing foot
and back maintaining the locked ankle position.
APART – Movement away from partner
APPIEJACKS – A foot swiveling movement in place as follows:
-
With weight on Left heel and ball of Right foot. swivel Left toe
to the left and Right heel to the left (feet are in a “V” position. toes
pointed outward.
&. Swivel left toe and Right heel back to center.
-
Weight on Right heel and ball of Left foot, swivel Right toe to
the right and Left heel to the right (feet are in a “V” position, toes
pointed outward.
&. Bring feet together
Move can be done with opposite weight changes. Also see Traveling
Applejacks
AREH – A curvature of the torso initiated by lifting the ribcage. Also
See Partner Dance Positions-Arch
ATITTUDE – The free leg is turned out, and extended backward
with a bent knee
BACK – To the back of the dancer.
BAIANCE – A state of equilibrium or body stability. To keep the center
of the mass over the support base.
BALL CHANGE· A quick change of weight from the ball of one foot
to the other foot. This move is usually preceded by either a kick or
a heel touch.
BALLROOM – See Partner Dance Positions-Traditional
BANJO – See Partner Dance Positions-Parallel
BAR – In sheet music, a vertical line that separates measures. In music
jargon, a “bar” is a measure of music; hence “12 bar blues” means
there are 12 measures in a verse. See Measure
BASKET – See Partner Dance Positions-Wrap
BEGINNER – A dancer at the introductory stages of dance. Also see
Difficulty Level.
BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE – See Difficulty Level
BEHlND – The free foot will go behind the opposite foot.
BODY Alignment • The position of the feet to the room. Includes:
Down LOD, Backing LOD, Facing wall, Facing center, Facing diagonally
to wall, Facing diagonally to center, Facing diagonally to wall
against LOD, Facing diagonally to center against LOD.
BODY ROLL – Done forward, backward or sideways. A movement
where different parts of the body move in order respectively. a,k.a.
Ripple.
BOOGIE – The free hip and leg lilts and moves circularly in the direction
of the non-weighted leg.
BOOGIE ROLL – Similar to Forward Cuban Motion, using a bent
knee, but the hip stays back
BOOGIE WALK – While moving forward, the non-support hip and
leg moves forward using a circular movement transferring weight to
moving leg.
BOX STEPS – Maneuver, usually completed in 8 beats, which forms
a box on the floor. Example:
-
Step forward on Left foot
-
Step Right foot next to Left
-
Step to the left on Left foot
-
Touch Right foot next to Left
-
Step back on Right foot
-
Step Left foot next to Right
-
Step to the right on Right foot
-
Touch Left foot next to Right
BPM – Beats Per Minute. See Tempo
BREAK – 1. Reverse direction. 2. The 6 count pattern in Swing is
called a break pattern.
BRUSH – On a Brush the free leg swings forward or back with the
sole of the foot brushing the floor as it moves.
BUMP – Dancers bump hips to the side or with their partner.
BUTTERFLIES – See Heel Splits or Toe Splits
BUTTERMILKS – See Heel Splits or Toe Splits
BUZZ – A turn in one spot, also called a paddle tum. See Paddle
Turn Footwork
CAMEL WALK – A two beat maneuver in which a step forward is
made on the first beat. On the second beat, The forward foot does a
knee pop while the Trailing foot slides up to and under the upraised
heel of the forward foot
CANTER RHYTHM – 3/4 time. An uneven pattern using one long
count (1, 2) and one short count (3). Two steps taken to 3 beats of
music.
CATHEDRAL – See Partner Dance Positions-Arch
CCW – See Counterclockwise.
CHA CHA STEP – Three steps done to two beats of music. Count
1&2 = Left, Right, Left (LRL.), or Right, Left, Right (RLR) and is used
with Cha Cha rhythm.
CHANGE OF WEIGHT – Shifting weight from the supporting foot to
the free foot. See And Step.
CHARLESTON, Traditional – A 4 count step pattern swiveling the
feet in and out. Example:
1 Step forward on Left foot with heel swiveled inward
& Swivel Left heel outward.
2 Kick Hight foot forward while swiveling Left heel inward
& Swivel Left heel outward
3 Step back on Right foot with Right heel turned outward
& Swivel Right heel inward
4 Touch left toe back while swiveling Right heel out ward
& Swivel Right heel inward
CHARLESTON KICK – a.k.a. Charleston. (Traditional Charleston
without swivels) Example is left lead:
1 Step forward Left
2 Kick Right forward
3 Step back Right
4 Touch Left toe back
CHASE – A figure where one partner pursues the other.
CHASSE’ – (shah-say) A series of side steps. The free foot never
passes the supporting foot. May be done forward or backward.
CHOREOGRAPHER – One who authors a dance or a sequence of
movements in dance.
CHOREOGRAPHY – A planned sequence of dance movement.
CHUG – With weight on the ball of one foot lift the opposite foot
and scoot forward. For Hip Hop a Chug is a movement with the
weight on the ball of one foot while using the opposite foot to push
off and complete a turn without moving the weighted foot.
CLOCKWISE – (CW) – Movements completed from Left to Right the
way the hands of a clock move around the face.
CLOSE – To bring the feet together without a change of weight.
CLOSED – See Partner Dance Positions
COASTER STEPS – A syncopated maneuver in which the starting
foot steps in a given direction, then the trailing foot closes with the
starting foot and then the starting foot steps in the opposite direction.
CONVERSATION – See Partner Dance Positions-Promenade
CORKSCREW – A maneuver similar to an “unwind” in that it starts
with the crossing of one foot over to the other side of the other foot
and placing the weight fully onto the balls of both feet. The turn,
or unwind, is executed. However, the legs end up in an opposite
crossed position upon completion. A Corkscrew can be either a 3/4
turn or a full turn in duration. Upon completion of a full corkscrew
turn, the trailing foot is usually lifted off the floor slightly to relieve
pressure on the hips and to facilitate an easy transition into the next
Step.
COTION EYED JOE POSITION – See Partner Dance Positions -Side
By Side
COUNT · A call used to count the rhythm of foot movements and
weight changes, or to count the beats of music.
COUNTER CLOCKWISE – (CCW) – Movement completed from Right
to Left opposite Clockwise.
CRADLE – See Dance Positions Wrap
CROSS – The free foot will step across in front or behind the opposite foot. See Across Left and Across Right
CROSS BACK – See Partner Dance Positions-Skaters
CROSS-BALL-CHANGE – See Sailor Shuffle.
CROSS SHUFFLE – See Gallop
CUBAN MOTION – A discreet but excessive hip movement achieved
by bending and straightening the knee with carefully timed weight
transfer. The foot is moved delaying the weight transfer. Knee of the
moving leg bends inward
CUDDLE – See Partner Dance Positions-Wrap
C/W – Country Western, Used when referring to dance.
C&W – Country & Western. Used when referring to music.
CW – See Clockwise.
C/W OPEN POSITION – See Partner Dance Positions-Side By Side,
Open, Promenade
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY – See Difficulty Level
DIAGONAL – 45 degrees out from center.
DIG – To place the ball or the heel of the free foot to the floor with
a strong emphasis.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL – The degree to which a dance is rated for ease
of learning or performance. CDL only includes a Difficulty Level
when the choreographer identifies it in their dance. Also, note that
the Difficulty Level can be subject to the tempo of music and other
factors in instructing. Difficulty Levels in CDL are categorized by five
levels.
-
Beginner – For dancers with little or no dance experience.
-
Beginner/intermediate – For dancers who have progressed beyond
the hesitant stage and are starting to feel comfortable with
standard dance maneuvers.
-
Intermediate – For dancers with some working knowledge and
experience of musical rhythms and the ability to perform slightly intricate dance patterns.
-
Intermediate/Advanced – For those who are coming into their
own as polished dancers and are able to follow most dance patterns
and rhythms.
-
Advanced – For dancers familiar with the various rhythms and
with abilities to perform intricate moves and patterns and improvise
freely with them.
DIP – A slight bend of the support knee (plie) to a sitting position
with the free leg extend forward. The thighs are parallel. Also called
Corte
DIRECTION – A pattern call – forward, backward, side left, right or
together.
DOUBLE ELECTRIC KICKS See Electric Kicks
DOUBLE FOOT BOOGIE · A four beat pattern of toe and heel (or
heel and toe) swivels described thusly:
-
With weight on heels, swivel toes outward diagonally
-
With weight on toes, swivel heels outward diagonally
-
With weight on toes, swivel heels inward
-
With weight on heels, bring toes together
DOUBLE REVERSE – See Partner Dance Positions-Skaters
DOWNBEAT – The accented beats in a measure of music. There are
four of these in a 4/4 measure. They are the numbers when counting
1&2&3&4& or &1&2&3&4, while the ampersands are the up-beats.
DRAG – Bring free foot slowly together to the supporting foot.
DRAW – See Drag
DSD – Dance Step Description. A Choreography communicated
through print technology. The reason for this Glossary,
ELECTRIC KICKS – This a Hip Hop maneuver and is done as follows:
1 Step forward on Right foot while kicking the foot backwards
slightly off of floor
2 Step back on Left foot while kicking Right foot towards slightly
off of floor
3 Step back on Right foot while kicking Left foot forwards slightly
off of floor
4 Step forward on Left foot while kicking Right foot backwards
slightly off of floor
Double Electric Kicks is the above 4 beat maneuver done twice.
FALL AWAY – See Partner Dance Positions-Promenade FAN – See Heel Fan or Toe Fan
FAN BRUSH – See Sweep
FAN KICK – A high, straight leg kick where the extended leg makes
a circular sweep.
FIGURE FORE (FOUR) – The free leg moves as a pendulum in front
of the weighted foot and is kept off the floor. The toe is pointed
downward.
FIXED PATTERN PARTNER DANCE – Couples dance in unison, usually
CCW around the dance floor, to a step pattern that is repeated
for the duration of the song. Also see Round Dance
FLARE – A low kick on or near the floor
FLEA HOP – A skip or scoot sideways in the direction of the non
suppo11 leg. The hip moves upward
FLICK – A lift of the foot bending at the knee.
FLOD – Forward Line Of Direction, Line of Dance or Forward Line of Dance
on the dance floor. The direction that the dance is normally flowing
-
The term FLOD is most often used when there are a number of direction
changes in a step description. FLOD is usually counterclockwise
around the dance floor. Against FLOD is RLOD (Usually
clockwise around the dance floor.) Also see ILOD, OLOD.
FLOD – Forward Line Of Dance.
FLOOR ALlGNMENT – See PLOD, ILOD, RLOD, OLOD, Alignment
FOLLOW THROUGH – The non-support foot passes by the weighted
foot before changing directions.
FOOT BOOGIE – A four beat pattern of toe/heel swivels (right or
left) with one foot staying in place as follows:
Right Foot Boogie:
-
Keepin Left foot in place, swivel Right toe to right
-
Swivel Right heel to right
-
Swivel Right heel to center
-
Swivel right toe to center
Left Foot Boogie is opposite the above.
FOOT PARTS – Parts of the Foot used in dance
-
Toe
-
Inside edge of the toe
-
Outside edge of the toe
-
Ball
-
Inside edge of the ball
-
Outside edge of the ball
-
Heel
-
Inside edge of the heel
-
Outside edge of the heel
-
Flat
-
Inside edge of the flat foot (instep)
-
Outside edge of the flat foot
FOOTWORK – The use of the five positions of the feet in dancing.
-
Feet together
-
Feet parallel
-
Heel to instep – lnstep to heel
-
Forward or back
-
Toe to heel – Heel to toe
FORWARD – The area in front of the dancer.
FRAME – Dance posture for the purpose of maintaining balance and
appearance.
FREEZE – A stop – no movement. See Hold.
FRONT SIDE – The area half way between the front and the side.
GALLOP a.k.a. Cross Shuffle – A sideways syncopated maneuver
wherein one foot crosses over the Other and steps and then the trailing
foot pushes off towards the direction of travel. The leading foot
then steps again towards direction of travel to complete the maneuver.
For example:
-
Cross Right foot over Left and step
&. Push off to the left slightly with Left foot in place
-
Step to the left on Right foot.
GRAPEVINE – A continuous traveling step to the side with crosses
behind and/or in front. VINE is an abbreviation. The Grapevine is a
3 count move to either side. The 4th count is an optional ending,
such as a brush, kick, scoot, etc. Any more than 3 counts is called a
WEAVE. See WEAVE
GRIND WALK – Also called a Heel Twist and a Suzie Q. 1. The right
heel is extended forward across the left foot with the right toe pointing
toward the left. 2. Keeping the weight on the right heel, twist the
right toes to the right as the left foot steps to side left.
HAMMERLOCK – a.k.a. Hammer. See Partner Dance Positions-Pretzel
HEEL – 1. Heel of the hand refers to the man’s hand lead. 2. Heel of
foot touching the floor.
HEEL-BALL-CHANGE – Touch heel forward on Count 1, quickly
change weight to opposite foot on & Count, followed by a quick
weight change back to starting foot on Count 2. This move is done
in place.
HEEL BOUNCES – The simultaneous raising of both heels (either together
or slightly apart) and lowering them to the floor. a.k.a. Heel
Raises, Executed on beats &1&2
HEEL FAN – Feet are together, the heel of one foot moves to the
side and back together.
HEEL CLICKS – Fast heel spreds (splits) counted & 1 & 2, clicking
the heels slightly together on the down beat.
HEEL RAISES – See Heel Bounces
HEEL SPLITS – Feet together with weight on the balls of both feet.
Push heels apart on count 1. Bring heels together on count 2. A
FAST HEEL SPLIT takes one beat of music and is counted as & 1 or
1&. See Toe Splits. Also known as Scissors, Butterflies, Buttermilks,
Splits, Pigeon Toes, Heel Spreads, Texas Spread, etc.
HEEL SHIFTS – See Heel Swivels, or Twist
HEEL SPREADS – See Heel Splits
HEEL STOMPS – Lift both heels off the floor by bending the knees.
Return the heels to the floor with emphasis. See Heel Bounces
HEEL SWIVELS – With feet together and weight on the balls of the
feet shift both heels either right or left and then back to center.
HEEL TOUCH – See Touch
HIP BUMPS – Move hips out and back.
HIP LIFT – The hip lifts the leg by rotating the hips around the axis
or the hips lift sideways
HEEL SWITCHES – A syncopated movement in which the weighted
and un-weighted feet switch places from heel touches to home position.
Example: Usually done in multiples as below.
-
Touch Right heel forward.
& Step Right foot to home.
-
Touch Left heel forward.
& Step Left foot to home.
HEEL TWIST – See Grind Walk
HlTCH – A lifting of the leg without executing a scoot.
HITCH HIKE – Upper body movement. Either thumb points back
over shoulders, usually while stepping back.
HITCH KICK – See Kick-Ball-Change
HOLD – A one beat pause before taking another step. See Freeze.
HOME – Position of the feet directly under the body.
HOOK – See Partner Dance Positions-Arch
HOOK – The free foot moves as a pendulum in front or back of the
weighted foot and is kept off the floor. A HOOK COMBINATION is
a 4 count move using
1 Touch heel front
2 Hook free foot over opposite knee
3 Touch heel front
4 Step together
HOP – A spring into the air from one foot landing on the same foot.
HORSESHOE – See Partner Dance Positions-Side By Side
ILOD – Inside Line Of Dance. Direction facing toward center of
dance floor
IMPROVISE – To add moves and variations within an original Choreography,
i.e. rolling turns during Grapevines, etc . .
INTERMEDIATE – A dancer who has learned and understands the
basics of dance and is comfortable on the dance floor and can perform
some intricate patterns and moves, but has not attained the ability
to freely improvise within them. Also see Difficulty Level
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED – See Difficulty Level
JAZ.Z SQUARE – a.k.a. Jazz Box. A dance pattern with ‘4 weight
changes as follows.
Left
1 Cross Left foot over Right and step
2 Step back on Right foot
3 Step to the left on Left foot
4 Step Right foot next to Lett
Right
1 Cross Right over Left and step
2 Step back on Lett foot
3 Step to the right on Right foot
4 Step Left foot next to Right
JODY – See Partner Dance Positions-Side By Side
JUMP – Spring into the air off both feet and land on both feet.
JUMPING JACKS – Jump landing with feet apart on Count 1. Jump
landing with feet together on Count 2. These can be done quickly by
Jumping apart on Count 1 and back together on Count &.
KNEE POP – The non-support knee is “popped” forward as the heel
is lifted. As the heel is lowered the knee is returned to straight position.
May be done as a Double Knee Pop with feet together or
slightly apart.
KICK – A leg lift movement in any direction taken from the knee.
The knee does not completely straighten.
KICK–BALL-CHANGE Kick foot out on Count 1, quickly change
weight to opposite foot on & Count, followed by a quick weight
change back to starting foot on Count 2. This move is done in place. See Partner Dance Positions-Side By Side
LEAP – A transfer of weight from one foot to the other. Push off with
a spring and land on the ball of the other foot, letting the heel come
down. Bend knee to absorb the shock.
LEFT – When capitalized (Left) refers to a part of the body. Lower
case (left) refers to a direction. See CCW
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY – See Difficulty Level
LINE OF DANCE – Same as FLOD a.k.a. LOD
LOCK – A tight cross of the feel
LOCK STEP – Step forward and slide opposite foot up to first foot
with ankles crossed.
LOD – See FLOD.
LOUIE, LOUIE – a.k.a. Louie Louie Swivels. A maneuver done with
one foot forward of the other and weight on the balls of both feet.
The knees are bent slightly and both heels swivel inward and then
back to center.
LRL – Left, Right, Left. Used in describing Cha Cha, Shuffle, Triple &
Polka steps. Also see RLR
LUNGE – A weight transfer to a bent leg with the other leg extended.
MANEUVER – A short sequence of steps such as a Kick-Ball-Change,
a Sailor Shuffle, or Grapevine, etc.
MARK TIME – To step in place two or more times.
MASH POTATO – a.k.a, Mashed Potatoes. A syncopated maneuver
traveling in a rearward which involves the stepping back (usually behind
the other foot) with the heel turned slightly inward, and then the
quick swiveling of the heel on the weighted foot outward. Example:
& Step Right foot slightly behind Left foot with Right heel turned
slightly to the left
1 Swivel Right heel to the right
& Step back on Left foot slightly behind Right foot with Left heel
turned slightly to the right
2 Swivel Left heel to the left
This pattern may continue for as many beats as desired. Sometimes
there is a variation in the middle of the pattern as follows
&1&2 Same as above
&3 Same as &1 above
& With feet in place, swivel both heels inward
4 Swivel both heels outward
MEASURE – In 4/4 time (most C/W music), a grouping of four accented
beats, (3 beats for waltz time.)
MILITARY PIVOT – A 1/2 turn maneuver using two beats of music
where upon the first beat is a step forward with one foot, and the
second beat is a 1/2 pivot on that weighted foot while shifting the
weight to the other foot. Veterans know this move as “to the rear.
march.”
MILITARY TURN – A 1/4 turn maneuver using two beats of music
where upon the first beat is a step forward with one foot, and the
second beat is a 1 /4 pivot on that weighted foot while shifting the
weight to the other foot.
MINUET – Performed as a partner dance waltz move. A maneuver
where the man and lady are facing each other holding one or both
hands. On beats 1 -2-3, they close together holding hands about chest
high. On 4-5-6, they back away from each other, lowering the hands
down to waist level.
MIXER – A dance or dance pattern during which couples change
partners.
MOVE – See Movement
MOVEMENT – A change in body position.
MUSIC – The stuff, without which, the title of this work would read:
GLOSSARY OF C/W LINE AND FIXED PATTERN PARTNER ORGANIZED
MOTION TERMINOLOGY.
NECK CROSS – See Partner Dance Positions-Bow
OLOD – Outside Line Of Dance. Direction facing away from center
of dance floor.
ONE STEP – A dance taking one step to each beat of music.
OUT OF PHRASE – When the number of steps in a dance pattern are
not equal to the number of beats or measures of music, or vice
versa.
PARTNER DANCE Positions: The following 18 positions are
adapted (often directly copied) from the NTA Teachers Manual. Where
a right or left is described, the term for the position is normally addressed.
first with the direction, i.e. Right Side By Side or Left Side by
Side.
-
TRADITIONAL CLOSED – Partners face each other slightly offset.
The man holds the lady’s right hand in his left (shoulder height). His
right hand is placed on the lady’s left shoulder blade, with the fingers
and thumb held together. The lady rests her left hand on the
man’s upper arm, or slightly behind his right shoulder, with thumb
and fingers together. a.k.a. Ballroom, Studio
-
COUNTRY WESTERN CLOSED – Partners face, with toes pointed
towards each other. The man holds the lady’s right hand in his left
(shoulder height). His right hand or wrist rests on lady’s left shoulder,
or on the back of her shoulder. The lady’s left hand rests on the
man’s upper right arm, or slightly behind his shoulder, with fingers
and thumb held together.
-
INDIAN – Dancers are in single file. Lady is in front. Use a double
hand hold. Their joined hands are on lady’s shoulders. NOTE: The
man may also be in front of The lady using this hand hold.
-
REVERSE INDIAN – Dancers are in single file. Lady is behind man.
The man uses a double hand hold. Their joined hands are together,
placed behind the man’s hips. NOTE: The lady may also be in from
of the man using this hand hold.
-
WRAP (Right is assumed) & LEFT WRAP – For Right WRAP, couple
is facing in the same direction. The lady is slightly in front of the
man on his right side, with her left foot slightly in front of his right
foot. Using a double hand hold, the man’s right arm is wrapped be.
hind the lady’s back. Their joined hands rest on her right hip. His left
arm is crossed in front of the lady. For LEFT WRAP, couple is facing
in the same direction. The lady is slightly in front of the man on his
left side, with her right foot slightly in front of his left foot. Using a
double hand hold, the man’s left arm is wrapped behind the lady’s
back. Their joined hands rest on her left hip. His right arm is crossed
in front of the lady. a.k.a. Cuddle, Cradle, Basket, Sweetheart.
-
DANCING SKATERS – (Elbows are always equal in both right and
left positions.) RIGHT: The couple face the same direction, the lady
is slightly in front of the man’s right hip. The man’s right arm is
crossed behind the lady’s back. Their right hands rest on the lady’s
right hip, The lady’s right hand may also be held behind her back.
Their left hands are held in front of the man at chest level. LEFT: The
couple face the same direction, the lady is slightly in front of the
man’s left hip. The man’s left arm is crossed behind the lady’s back.
Their left hands rest on the lady’s left hip. The lady’s left may also be held behind her back.
Their right hands are held in front of the man at chest level. a.k.a. Sweetheart
-
SKATERS – RIGHT: The couple face the same direction the lady is
on the man’s right. The man holds the lady’s right hand in his right
hand and her left hand in his left hand. The arms are crossed right
over left and are held at about waist level. a,k.a. Promenade. LEFT:
The couple face the same direction, the lady is on the man’s left. The
man holds the lady’s right hand in his right hand, and her left hand
in his left hand. The arms are crossed right over left and are held
about waist level. REVERSE RIGHT: The couple face the same direction,
the lady is on the man’s right. Their arms are crossed behind
their backs. The right hands me on the lady’s right hip, the left hands
on the man’s left hip. a.k.a. Cross Back. REVERSE LEFT: The couple
face the same direction, the lady is on the man’s left. Their arms are
crossed behind their backs. The right hands are on the man’s right
hip, the left hands on the lady’s left hip. a.k.a. Double Reverse.
-
ARCH – RIGHT: Partners face in the opposite direction. The right
arms are hooked at the elbows. The left hands are joined above their
heads in an arch. The right hands may be joined and held at the;
right sides. LEFT: Partners face in the opposite direction. The left
arms are hooked at the elbows. The right hands are joined above
their heads in an arch. The left. hands may be joined and held at the
left sides. a.k.a. Steeple, Cathedral, Hook.
-
SIDE BY SIDE – (Elbows are held at an equal level in both right
and left positions.) RIGHT: The couple face the same direction, lady
is on the man’s right side. Her left foot is slightly in front of his right
foot. The right hands are held slightly forward of the lady’s right
shoulder. The left. hands are slightly forward of the lady’s left shoulder.
LEFT: The couple face the same direction, lady is on the man’s
left side. Her right foot is slightly in front of his left foot. The Left hands are held slightly forward of the lady’s left shoulder. The right hands are held slightly forward of the lady’s right shoulder. a.k.a.
La Varsowienne, Horseshoe, Schottische, Western Polka, Cotton Eyed Joe, Jody, Sweetheart.
-
BOW – RIGHT: Partners lace the same direction, lady is to the
man’s right. Using a double hand hold, his left arm is crossed behind
his neck. His right arm is crossed behind the lady’s neck. LEFT: Partners
face the same direction, lady is to the man’s left. Using a double
hand hold, his right arm is crossed behind his neck. His left arm is
crossed behind the lady’s neck. a.k.a. Yoke, Neck Cross
-
PRETZEL – RIGHT: Partners face the opposite direction using a
double hand hold, her right hand is in his left hand, her left in his
right hand. The lady is slightly in front of the man on his right side.
The man’s left arm, and the lady’s right, are held up, elbows down,
His right arm, and lady’s left arm, are crossed behind the lady’s back.
LEFT: Partners face the opposite direction using a double hand hold,
her right hand in his left. hand, her left in his right hand. The lady is
slightly in front of the man on his left side. The man’s right arm, and
the lady’s left, are held up, elbows down. His left arm, and lady’s
right arm, are crossed behind the lady’s back. a.k.a. Hammerlock,
Hammer, Tamara
-
OPEN – Partners face each other. HAND HOLDS for Open Positions:
SINGLE: Man’s left hand is joined with lady’s right hand. The
free hands are held close to the body. CROSS: Man’s right hand is
joined with the lady’s right hand (as in a hand shake). The free
hands are held close to the body, DOUBLE: The lady’s right hand is
in the man’s left hand. The lady’s left hand is in the man’s right
hand. CROSSED DOUBLE: The lady’s right hand is in the man’s right
hand. The lady’s left hand is in the man’s left. Either hand may be on
top, however, Right hands on top is the most common.
-
CHALLENGE – Partners face each other. They are standing apart.
There is no body contact. a.k.a. Shine.
-
PROMENADE – From Closed dance position, the man and the
lady step forward in a “V” position down the line of dance. a.k.a.
Conversation, Semi-open.
-
SWING – The couple stand in Promenade dance position: His
right hand is on the lady’s back on her left shoulder blade. The
joined hands are held lower, about the lady’s waist level, in a cup &
pin position.
-
OPEN PROMENADE – RIGHT: The couple are in Open Dance Position.
The lady is to the right of the man. The lady’s left hand is held
in the man’s right. They are facing the same direction, both traveling
down the line of dance. LEFT: The couple are in Open Dance Position.
The lady is to the left of the man. The lady’s right hand is held
in the man’s left. They are facing the same direction, both traveling
down the line of dance.
17, PARALL.EL. – RIGHT: From Closed Dance Position (Traditional or
Country Western) the man steps forward and slightly to his left (out
side) to place the lady into Right Parallel Dance Position, they face
each other, but the lady is to the right side of the man, Her right foot
is slightly in front of the man’s right foot. They should be the same
width apart as they were in the Closed Dance Position. Although the
couple have moved slightly sideways, the man’s left arm and the
lady’s right arm are still in the same place as they were in the
Closed Dance Position. LEFT: (Traditional or Country Western) The
couple face each other, but the lady is to the left side of the man, in
Left Parallel Dance Position. The lady’s left foot is slightly in front of
the man’s left foot. They should be the same width apart as they
were in the Closed Dance Position. The man’s left arm and the lady’s
right arm are in about the same position as they were in the Closed
Dance Position. The lady should not be directly beside the man.
a.k.a. Banjo, Side Car
-
TANDEM – The lady stands directly in front of the man. He holds
her left hand in his left hand, mid-chest to shoulder level. His right
hand is placed on her right hip, fingers together, pointing to her left
side. The lady places her right hand on top of the man’s right hand,
or under his right hand. Their right hands may also be placed at the
lady’s center waist. a.k.a. Sweetheart, Shadow
PATTERN – See Choreography
PHRASE – In music, a division of a composition, usually consisting
of two, four, or eight measures. Also see OUT OF PHRASE. In dance, to
execute the correct movements to a designated number of measures.
PIGEON TOES v See Heel Splits.
PIROUETTE – To do a complete turn on one foot
PIVOT – Turn by putting weight on the balls of one or both feet,
keeping feet in place
PLIE (plee-ay) – The body lowers with weight centered over both feet
POPCORN – This movement is done by rolling the knee while keeping
the ball of the foot in place using two beats of music. POPCORN
LEFT – Roll Left knee in a half circle to the left, then back to center.
POPCORN RIGHT – Roll Right knee in a half circle to the right, then
back to center.
POLKA – Three steps done to two beats of music. See Shuffle.
POINT – Point the free foot forward, backward, sideways or crosswise
without touching the floor. See Touch
PREP – A lead in move or step, a set up used as preparation for a
tum or a change of dance position
PROMENADE POSITION v See Partner Dance Positions-Promenade,
Skaters
PUSH STEP – A step ball change pattern moving to the side, forward
or backwards.
RAMBLE – A pattern traveling sideways (right or left) by alternating
weight on both heels then both toes (or vice versa) and fanning both
feet to the direction of the ramble.
RHYTHM – In music, a flow of regularity of groups of recurrent
heavy and light accents which conform to a specific metered timing.
In dance, the manner in which beats of the music are distributed and
applied to the movements of the feet and body, forming dance patterns
RIGHT – When capitalized (Right), refers to a part of the body.
Lower case {right) refers to a direction. See CW
RIGHT SIDE BY SIDE – See Partner Dance Positions Side By Side
RIPPLE – See Body Roll.
RISE – RISE & FALL – The coming up on the toes by bracing the ankles
and stretching the spine. Used in C/W Waltz. BODY RISE -The
rise of the body as controlled by bracing the leg muscles or stretching
the spine. Used in C/W Waltz and Polka
RLOD – Reverse Line Of Dance. Direction that is opposite to that
which the dance is normally flowing to. See LOD
RLR – Right, Left, Right. Used in describing Cha Cha, Shuffle, Triple
and Polka steps. Also see LRL.
ROCK – With feet apart shift weight from Left foot to Right foot or
from Right foot to Left foot. This movement is a weight change so
you will not be changing the position of the feet although they may
lift slightly off of the floor
ROCK STEP – A movement, usually done in two beats of music, initiated
by stepping in any direction on the first beat while bending the
knee slightly, and by using a rocking motion, returning the weight
onto the other foot on the second beat.
ROCKING MANEUVER – Two weight changes in opposite directions,
usually done while feet are already in place.
ROCKING CHAIR – A 4-beat maneuver where one foot (either right
or left) remains as a center point while the dancer rocks forward and
back (or vice versa) on the other foot. For example:
-
Step forward on Right foot
-
Rock back on Left foot in place
-
Step back on Right Foot
-
Rock forward on Left foot in place
RODEO KICKS – A two beat kick with either foot, the first kick forward
and the second kick to the side. It is common to follow these
kicks with a Triple Step in place or a Sailor Shuffle.
ROLL – The indicated part of the body circles right or left.
ROLLING TURN – A 3/4 to Full turn while progressing in any given
direction, usually requiring 3 to 4 steps.
RONDE’ – a.k.a. Ronde-de-Jambe. A movement where the unweighted
leg moves from one leg position to another in a circular
arc in either a CW or CCW direction. Moving foot does not have to
be in contact with the floor and is never raised higher than the knee.
ROTATION – To rotate or turn.
ROUND DANCE – Although all types of social dances were once collected
under the round dance heading, the term evolved to a classification
for dancer’s executing a pattern on the same foot in couples
or groupings of 3 or more, the pattern choreographed for a specific
version of the entire song. Also see Fixed Pattern Partner Dance
ROUITNE – A choreography in which the steps and moves are performed
to exactly fit the phrasing of a certain rendition of a song.
The routine usually has a fixed pattern but will be altered with “tags”
and/or “truncations” in order to match the phrasing of the song being
used. See Tags, Truncations
RUNNING MAN – This is a movement being used in Hip Hop type
dances.
1 Step forward on Right foot
& Scoot back on Right foot while lifting Left knee
2 Step forward on Left foot
& Scoot back on Left while lifting Right knee up
3 Step forward on Right foot
& Scoot back on Right while lifting Left knee up
4 Step forward on Left foot
SAILOR STEP – A dance pattern. A shuffle type step starting with a
cross behind. The name derives from the stumbling type step a sailor
does when he first hits dry land. The style is accomplished by leaning
in the opposite direction of the crossing foot. Also called a Sailor
Shuffle.
Left
1 Cross Left behind Right
& Side Right
2 Side Left
Lean to the left through step
Right
1 Cross Right behind Left
& Side Left
2 Side Right
Lean to the right through step
SCHOTTISCHE – See Partner Dance Positions-Side By Side
SCISSOR STEPS – A 3-beat crossing maneuver initiated with a side
step and completed with a crossover step. Example:
-
Step to the right on Right foot
-
Step Left foot next to Right
-
Cross Right foot over Left and step.
Weight is distributed evenly on both feet, both legs slide past each
other sideways, forward or backward.
SCOOT – A scoot is a slide of the weighted foot forward, backward
or sideward, raising the opposite leg with a bent knee.
SCUFF – Also see Brush. On a Scuff the free leg swings forward with
the heel scraping the floor with accent, after which the foot is lifted
slightly.
SEMI-0PEN – See Partner Dance Positions-Promenade
SHADOW – See Partner Dance Positions-Tandem
SHlMMY – Upper body movement. Rapidly move shoulders alternately
forward and backwards. Left shoulder moves forward while
Right shoulder moves backwards and vice versa.
SHlNE – See Partner Dance Positions-Challenge
SHRUG – A roll of one or both shoulders either backwards or forwards
in a circular motion.
SHUFFLE – A direction movement beginning with one foot, then the
bringing of the opposite foot together with the starting foot and then
stepping again with the starting foot in the initial direction. These
steps are taken to 2 beats of music, counted 1&2
SIDE – The area to the side of the dancer.
SIDE CAR – See Partner Dance Positions-Parallel
SKATERS – See Partner Dance Positions
SKIP – See Scoot
SLAP – Use one hand to slap the opposite foot or knee.
SLIDE – Moving an unweighted foot in any direction keeping foot in
contact with the floor.
SPIN – A full or 3/4 turn executed on one foot in one beat of music.
SPLITS – See Heel Splits or Toe Splits
STAMP – See Stomp Up
STARTING POSITION – The position required to begin a dance. Also
see Partner Dance Positions
STEEPLE – See Partner Dance Positions-Arch
STEP – The transfer of weight from one foot to another.
STEP PATTERN – See Choreography
STOMP – Strike the floor with the complete foot causing a stomping
noise. Stomp (Down)-The weight may end up evenly distributed on
both feet, STOMP (Up)-No weight applied; the foot may rebound
read y to use again, depending on the next movement.
STOMP DOWN – See Stomp
STOMP UP – See Stomp
STRIDE – A term used in Waltz descriptions for the slightly longer
step occurring on the first and fourth count of a Waltz basic as these
counts are the heavy downbeats in the Waltz rhythm.
STROLL – A forward step followed by a cross behind, and another
forward step. Usually moving diagonally forward.
STRUT – A strut takes two counts and is two movements. Step forward
onto the heel with toe remaining in the air. On the next beat
the toe goes down.
STUDIO – See Partner Dance Positions-Traditional Closed
SUGARFOOT – The alternate touching of the toe and then the heel
of the un-weighted foot next to instep of the weighted foot.
SUGARFOOT SWIVELS – The alternate swiveling of one foot (See
Ramble) in the direction of the unweighted foot while the unweighted
foot touches the toe and then the heel. Example:
1 Swivel Left heel to the right while touching Right toe next to Left
instep
2 Swivel Left toe to the right while touching Right heel to Left instep
SWEEP – The foot brushes front diagonally across the standing foot
and is carried around in an arc to the side before it is lowered. a.k.a.
Fan Brush
SWEETHEART -See Partner Dance Positions Side-By-Side, Wrap,
Dancing Skaters, Tandem
SWING – The free foot is raised and moved forward, backward, sideways
or crossways
SWITCH – Return one foot together with a hop while at the same
time putting the opposite foot out.
SWIVEL – With feet together, move the heels or toes in the given direction
by pulling the weight on the opposite part of the foot
SWIVEL LEFT – Stan with feet together. Keep toes on floor and
move both heels to the left. Now leave the heels on the floor and
move both toes to the left. Keep repeating as many times as necessary.
First heels, then toes, then heels, etc.
SWIVEL RIGHT – Same as Swivel Left but move toward the right.
SWIVET – Performed either right or left. Move is done on the ball of
one foot and the heel of the other. A right swivet is: On the ball of
Left foot and heel or Right foot, swivel Left heel to the left and Right
toes to the right. A left swivel is: On the ball of Right foot and heel
of Left foot, swivel Right heel to the right and Left toes to the left.
Swivel to about 45 degrees.
SYNCOPATION – A maneuver which employs steps between the
downbeats. Example: Shuffle, Kick-Ball-Change.
TAG a.k.a. Add – A repeated (or an entirely different) choreography
for a section of the existing dance pattern inserted where required in
order to allow the dance to be phrased to, or comply with, the phrasing
of a Certain rendition of a song. Also see Routine.
TAMARA – See Partner Dance Positions-Pretzel
TANDEM – See Pa1tner Dance Positions-Tandem
TAP – See Touch
TEMPO – The speed of the music. Usually measured in Beats Per
Minute (BPM)
TIME – The number of beats per measure
TIME SIGNATURE – A fraction at the beginning, and sometimes
within, music notation that signifies the number of beats per measure
and the duration of the notes. The upper number identifies the
number of beats in one measure, while the lower number identifies
which kind of note gets one beat. Examples:
4/4 = Four beats per measure, a quarter note gets one beat.
3/4 = Three beats per measure, a quarter note gets one beat.
6/8 = Six beats per measure, an eighth note gets one beat.
TOE FAN Feet are together, the toes of one foot move to the side
and back together.
TOE SPLITS – With heels in place. fan both toes out and back together.
See heel splits.
TOE TOUCH – See Touch
TOGETHER – Move free next to opposite foot.
TOUCH – The heel or toe touches the floor in a given direction without
putting weight on that foot.
TRAVELING APPLEJACKS – A pattern traveling sideways bringing
the toes together leaving the heels apart, then bringing the heels together
leaving the toes apart. Weight is on one toe and the opposite
heel, then reversed to result in sideways traveling. See Applejacks
TRIPLE STEP – Three steps, LRL or RLR, taken in place within two
beats of music.
TRUNCATION – A sequence of steps purposely eliminated from the
fixed pattern of a choreography in order to fit the remaining pattern
exactly to the phrasing of a certain rendition of a song. Also see Routine.
TURNING – Changing position in a circular fashion.
TWIST – With feet together, move the heels in the given direction by
putting weight on the balls of the feet.
UNWIND – A maneuver which starts with the crossing of one foot in
front of and to the opposite side of the other foot. A turn is then
executed with the feet in place which then, in effect, unwinds and returns
the legs to a normal position. An unwind can be either 1/4 or
1 /2 turn in duration. If the turn is more than 1 /2, the maneuver then
becomes a Corkscrew. See Corkscrew.
UPBEAT – The unaccented beats in a measure of music. There are
four of these in a 4/4 measure. They are the “&”’ when counting
1&2&3&4& or &1&2&3&4
VARIATION – Any movement of footwork that is different from the
original footwork.
VAR SOUVIENNE – See PARTNER DANCE POSITIONS-Side By Side
VAUDVILLE LEFT – A syncopated crossing pattern as follows:
&. Step Slightly back and to the left on Left foot.
-
Cross Right foot over Left and step.
&. Step slightly to the left on Left foot while turning body diagonally
to the right.
-
Touch Right foot forward and diagonally to the right.
Note: Beats “&1” may vary in that the Right foot may Cross behind
the Left. In this instance, the step on the previous “&” would be directly to the left.
VAUDVILLE RIGHT – A syncopated crossing pattern as follows:
&. Step slightly back and to the left on Left foot.
-
Cross Left foot over Right and step.
&. Step slightly to the right on Right foot while turning body diagonally to the left.
-
Touch Left foot forward and diagonally to the left.