50 Most Common Dance English Terms Explained with Examples

Dance is a universal language that transcends cultures and boundaries, yet mastering its terminology can be as challenging as perfecting the moves themselves. In this blog post, we’ll explore 50 essential dance English terms, providing clear definitions, phonetic transcriptions, and practical examples to illustrate each concept.

Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn, an intermediate dancer striving to enhance your skills, or a seasoned professional aiming to refine your knowledge, understanding common dance terms is crucial.

50 Dance English Terms Every Student Must Know

This guide will not only help you grasp the vocabulary but also integrate these terms into your dance practice seamlessly. From fundamental steps to advanced techniques, this comprehensive list will enhance your dance education and communication. So, let’s dive in and step up your dance vocabulary game!

#1. ☝ Pirouette

Definition: A complete turn of the body on one foot, performed in a standing position.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˌpɪr.əˈwɛt/
Examples:

• In ballet, a pirouette is often executed at the end of a sequence of movements.
• A dancer may use a pirouette to transition smoothly from one pose to another.

#2. 💃 Chassé

Definition: A sliding step where one foot chases the other.
Phonetic Transcription: /ʃɑːˈseɪ/
Examples:

• In jazz dance, a chassé is commonly used to move across the floor with flair.
• A chassé can be incorporated into a routine to add dynamic movement.

#3. 👯 Jeté

Definition: A leap in which one leg is extended forward and the other leg is thrown to the back.
Phonetic Transcription: /ʒəˈteɪ/
Examples:

• A jeté is often used in classical ballet to demonstrate the dancer’s grace and agility.
• In contemporary dance, a jeté can be executed with various stylistic elements.

#4. 🩰 Plie

Definition: A bending of the knees while the feet remain in a fixed position.
Phonetic Transcription: /pliˈeɪ/
Examples:

• A plié is a fundamental movement in ballet, essential for building leg strength.
• Dancers often perform a plié as a preparatory move before executing jumps.

#5. 🤸‍♂️ Tendu

Definition: A movement where the foot slides along the floor until it is fully extended.
Phonetic Transcription: /tɑːnˈdjuː/
Examples:

• Tendus are used in ballet to develop the strength and flexibility of the feet.
• A tendu can be performed in various directions as part of a dance combination.

#6. 👯‍♀️ Arabesque

Definition: A position where one leg is extended straight behind the body while the other leg supports the weight.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˌær.əˈbɛsk/
Examples:

• An arabesque can be executed with different arm positions to add style to the pose.
• This position is often featured in ballet routines to showcase balance and elegance.

#7. 🎶 Rondo

Definition: A dance form with a recurring theme interspersed with contrasting sections.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˈrɒn.doʊ/
Examples:

• In classical ballet, a rondo structure helps to create a dynamic and engaging performance.
• A rondo can be used in choreography to highlight a central motif.

#8. 🕺 Adagio

Definition: Slow, graceful movements performed with fluidity and control.
Phonetic Transcription: /əˈdɑː.dʒi.oʊ/
Examples:

• Adagio sections in ballet emphasize the beauty and precision of slow movements.
• Choreographers use adagio to convey emotion and depth in a dance routine.

#9. 💫 Coupé

Definition: A step where one foot cuts the other foot away, often used to transition between movements.
Phonetic Transcription: /kuːˈpeɪ/
Examples:

• A coupé is commonly used in ballet to facilitate smooth transitions between positions.
• This step can be integrated into various dance sequences for fluid movement.

#10. 🌟 Glissade

Definition: A gliding step in which the dancer slides from one foot to the other.
Phonetic Transcription: /ɡliˈsɑːd/
Examples:

• A glissade can be performed as a preparation for jumps or turns.
• This step helps to maintain momentum and grace during a dance performance.

#11. 🎭 Pas de Deux

Definition: A dance duet performed by two dancers, often featuring intricate partnering.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˌpɑː də ˈdɜː/
Examples:

• Pas de deux is a highlight in many ballet performances, showcasing the connection between partners.
• This form allows for a range of expressive and technical elements to be explored.

#12. 🎵 Saute

Definition: A jump from two feet landing on two feet.
Phonetic Transcription: /soʊˈteɪ/
Examples:

• Saute is a fundamental jump in ballet that demonstrates both strength and precision.
• Dancers use saute to add dynamic energy to their routines.

#13. 💫 Piqué

Definition: A movement where the dancer steps directly onto a straight leg, often onto a demi-pointe.
Phonetic Transcription: /piˈkeɪ/
Examples:

• A piqué can be used to move into various poses or positions during a ballet routine.
• This step is essential for developing balance and control.

#14. 🌟 Fouetté

Definition: A quick whipping movement of the leg, often used in turns.
Phonetic Transcription: /fwɛˈteɪ/
Examples:

• Fouetté turns require both strength and precision, commonly seen in classical ballet.
• Dancers often use fouetté to add flair and complexity to their performance.

#15. 💃 Rond de Jambe

Definition: A circular movement of the leg, either on the ground or in the air.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˈrɒnd də ʒɑːmb/
Examples:

• Rond de jambe helps to develop flexibility and control in the legs.
• This movement is frequently used to transition between positions in ballet.

#16. 🌟 Sauté

Definition: A jump where the dancer springs off the floor from both feet and lands on both feet.
Phonetic Transcription: /səʊˈteɪ/
Examples:

• Sauté is often practiced to build leg strength and jumping ability.
• It is a key element in many ballet routines and performances.

#17. 💫 En Pointe

Definition: Dancing on the very tip of the toes, typically using special pointe shoes.
Phonetic Transcription: /ɑːn pɔɪnt/
Examples:

• En pointe is a hallmark of classical ballet, requiring strength and technique.
• This technique is often used in performances to demonstrate a dancer’s skill and grace.

#18. 🎶 Battement

Definition: A beating action of the extended leg, often used to develop strength and flexibility.
Phonetic Transcription: /bɑːtˈmɑːnt/
Examples:

• Battement helps to prepare the leg for various dance movements and positions.
• This step is crucial for building technique and control.

#19. 🩰 Elevé

Definition: A rise onto the toes or demi-pointe, typically from a flat position.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˌeləˈveɪ/
Examples:

• Elevé is used to develop strength in the feet and ankles.
• This movement is often incorporated into warm-ups and routines.

#20. 🎵 À la seconde

Definition: A position where the leg is extended to the side, usually at a 90-degree angle.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˌɑː lɑː səˈɡɑːnd/
Examples:

• À la seconde can be used in various ballet positions and movements.
• It helps to enhance the dancer’s flexibility and range of motion.

#21. 🌟 Chainé Turns

Definition: A series of quick, successive turns performed in a straight line.
Phonetic Transcription: /ʃaɪˈneɪ/
Examples:

• Chainé turns are often used in ballet and contemporary dance to add a spinning effect.
• This movement requires precise

balance and technique.

#22. 💃 Grand Jeté

Definition: A large leap in which the dancer throws one leg forward and the other backward.
Phonetic Transcription: /ɡrɒnd ʒəˈteɪ/
Examples:

• Grand jeté is a dramatic leap that highlights a dancer’s ability to cover space.
• This jump is often used to showcase power and grace in a performance.

#23. 🎭 Chassé

Definition: A step where one foot chases the other, moving sideways.
Phonetic Transcription: /ʃɑːˈseɪ/
Examples:

• Chassé is a common movement in both ballet and jazz dance.
• This step helps to transition smoothly between positions or across the floor.

#24. 💫 Développé

Definition: A movement where the leg is raised and extended slowly through various stages.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˌdɛvələˈpeɪ/
Examples:

• Développé is often used to demonstrate control and flexibility in ballet.
• This movement requires a combination of strength and grace.

#25. 🌟 Assemblé

Definition: A jump where the dancer brings both legs together in the air before landing.
Phonetic Transcription: /æsəmˈbleɪ/
Examples:

• Assemblé is used to transition between steps or positions in ballet.
• It requires both coordination and precision.

#26. 🎶 Pas de Chat

Definition: A step where the dancer jumps from one foot to the other, resembling a cat’s leap.
Phonetic Transcription: /pɑː də ʃɑː/
Examples:

• Pas de chat is a playful and agile movement used in ballet.
• This step demonstrates the dancer’s ability to perform light, quick jumps.

#27. 🩰 Penché

Definition: A movement where the dancer leans forward while lifting one leg behind them.
Phonetic Transcription: /pɒnˈʃeɪ/
Examples:

• Penché is used to showcase flexibility and balance in ballet.
• This position requires careful control and alignment.

#28. 🌟 Relevé

Definition: A rise onto the toes or demi-pointe from a flat position, typically in ballet.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˌrɛl.əˈveɪ/
Examples:

• Relevé is crucial for building strength and stability in ballet.
• It is often practiced during warm-ups and used in various movements.

#29. 🎭 Soutenu

Definition: A turning movement where the dancer turns in place while bringing the legs together.
Phonetic Transcription: /suːˈtɪn/
Examples:

• Soutenu turns are used to add variety and complexity to a dance routine.
• This movement requires precise control and technique.

#30. 💃 Tendu

Definition: A movement where the dancer extends one leg outwards while keeping the toes on the floor.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˈtɑːnduː/
Examples:

• Tendu is fundamental for developing foot and leg strength.
• This step is used in various ballet exercises and routines.

#31. 🌟 Turnout

Definition: The outward rotation of the legs from the hips, essential for ballet technique.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˈtɜːrnaʊt/
Examples:

• Turnout is crucial for achieving proper alignment in ballet positions.
• It helps to enhance the dancer’s overall technique and appearance.

#32. 🎶 Échappé

Definition: A movement where the dancer escapes from a closed position to an open position.
Phonetic Transcription: /eɪˈʃæpeɪ/
Examples:

• Échappé is often used to transition between positions in ballet.
• This step requires both precision and fluidity.

#33. 🩰 Pas de Bourrée

Definition: A series of small steps performed in a particular sequence.
Phonetic Transcription: /pɑː də bʊˈreɪ/
Examples:

• Pas de bourrée is used to transition smoothly between different positions.
• It is a key element in many ballet combinations.

#34. 🌟 Enveloppé

Definition: A movement where the dancer wraps the leg around the supporting leg.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˌɑːnˌvɒlˈpeɪ/
Examples:

• Enveloppé helps to showcase flexibility and control in ballet.
• This step is often used to transition into various poses.

#35. 💫 Ronde de Jambe à Terre

Definition: A circular movement of the leg performed on the floor.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˈrɒnd də ʒɑːmb ɑː tɛər/
Examples:

• Ronde de jambe à terre is used to develop leg strength and flexibility.
• This movement is fundamental for various ballet exercises.

#36. 🌟 Grand Plié

Definition: A deep bend of the knees with the feet in various positions, often used in ballet.
Phonetic Transcription: /ɡrɒnd pliˈeɪ/
Examples:

• Grand plié helps to develop strength and flexibility in the legs.
• It is a key element in many ballet exercises and routines.

#37. 💃 Pas de Valse

Definition: A waltz step involving a step, step, and step with a rise and fall.
Phonetic Transcription: /pɑː də vɑːls/
Examples:

• Pas de valse is used in various dance styles to add a waltzing rhythm.
• This step often appears in both classical and contemporary routines.

#38. 🎶 Échappé Sauté

Definition: A jump from a closed position to an open position, typically in ballet.
Phonetic Transcription: /eɪˈʃæpeɪ sɔːˈteɪ/
Examples:

• Échappé sauté combines a jump with a change in position, adding dynamism to the routine.
• This movement is often used to transition between sequences in ballet.

#39. 🩰 Tour en L’air

Definition: A jump in which the dancer performs a full turn in the air.
Phonetic Transcription: /tʊr ɑːn ˈlɛər/
Examples:

• Tour en l’air is a challenging move that demonstrates a dancer’s agility and technique.
• This jump is often featured in advanced ballet performances.

#40. 🌟 Arabesque Penché

Definition: An arabesque position combined with a forward bend of the torso.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˌær.əˈbɛsk pɒnˈʃeɪ/
Examples:

• Arabesque penché showcases flexibility and balance in a dynamic pose.
• This position is often used to add dramatic effect to ballet routines.

#41. 🎭 Piqué Turn

Definition: A turning movement where the dancer steps directly onto a straight leg.
Phonetic Transcription: /piˈkeɪ tɜːrn/
Examples:

• Piqué turns are used to add style and complexity to a dance routine.
• This movement requires precision and control.

#42. 💫 Glissade Jeté

Definition: A combination of a glissade and a jeté, creating a fluid leap.
Phonetic Transcription: /ɡliˈsɑːd ʒəˈteɪ/
Examples:

• Glissade jeté combines elements of both steps for a dynamic and graceful movement.
• This combination is often used in ballet performances to showcase skill.

#43. 🌟 Pas de Basque

Definition: A step involving a quick transfer of weight from one foot to the other.
Phonetic Transcription: /pɑː də ˈbɑːsk/
Examples:

• Pas de basque is often used in folk and classical dance styles.
• This step adds rhythm and flow to the routine.

#44. 💃 Frappé

Definition: A movement where the dancer strikes the floor with the ball of the foot.
Phonetic Transcription: /fræˈpeɪ/
Examples:

• Frappé helps to develop quick footwork and strength.
• This step is commonly used in ballet to enhance technical skill.

#45. 🎶 En Fondu

Definition: A movement where the dancer bends the supporting leg while the other leg is extended.
Phonetic Transcription: /ɑːn ˈfɒndjuː/
Examples:

• En fondu is used to demonstrate control and balance.
• This movement is often featured in ballet exercises and routines.

#46. 🌟 Brisé

Definition: A step where the dancer breaks a position by jumping and landing on one foot.
Phonetic Transcription: /brɪˈzeɪ/
Examples:

• Brisé adds a dynamic element to a dance routine.
• This step requires precise timing and control.

#47. 💫 Ballonné

Definition: A step where the dancer jumps and lands on one foot, with the other leg raised.
Phonetic Transcription: /bɑːlɔːˈneɪ/
Examples:

• Ballonné is used to add style and complexity to ballet routines.
• This step requires both strength and coordination.

#48. 🎭 Port de Bras

Definition: The movement of the arms in dance, often used to complement the body movements.
Phonetic Transcription: /pɔː də brɑː/
Examples:

• Port de bras is essential for enhancing the overall grace and fluidity of a dance performance.
• It helps to create a cohesive and expressive presentation.

#49. 💃 Bâtement

Definition: A beating action of the extended leg, often used in various dance routines.
Phonetic Transcription: /bɑːtˈmɑːnt/
Examples:

• Bâtment helps to develop strength and flexibility in the legs.
• This movement is commonly used in ballet exercises.

#50. 🌟 Cabriole

Definition: A jump where the dancer’s legs beat together in the air.
Phonetic Transcription: /ˌkæbriˈoʊl/
Examples:

• Cabriole is a challenging step that showcases a dancer’s strength and agility.
• This movement is often used in advanced ballet performances.

Dance English Terms Table

Conclusion

Understanding and mastering dance terminology is crucial for dancers of all levels. This guide to the 50 most common dance English terms provides a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in the dance world.

By learning these terms, you not only gain a deeper appreciation for the art form but also improve your ability to communicate and execute various dance movements. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or a performer, integrating these terms into your practice can elevate your technique and performance.

We hope this comprehensive list serves as a useful tool in your dance journey, helping you to confidently navigate and apply these essential concepts.

Keep dancing and continue to explore the rich vocabulary of this beautiful and expressive art form!

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