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AB
A two-part compositional form with an A theme and a B theme; the binary form consists of two distinct, self-contained sections that share either character or quality (such as the same tempo, movement quality, or style).
ABA
A three-part compositional form in which the second section contrasts with the first section. The third section is a restatement of the first section in a condensed, abbreviated, or extended form.
abstract
To remove involvement from a particular or representative context and (by manipulating it with elements of space, time, and force) create a new sequence or dance that details the essence of the original.
adagio across
The foot position where one foot is placed on or over the path of the other.
action A
movement or type of movement (e.g. Pivoting Action, Lowering Action).
activate
To set in motion (e.g. Activate the moving leg).
aesthetic criteria
Standards on which to make judgments about the artistic merit of a work of art.
Alemana
An underarm turn in which the lady turns to the right under the right hand, used specifically in International Rumba and Cha Cha.
alignment
The direction that the feet are pointing in relationship to the room and to the line of dance. Alignment can also indicate the direction of the movement.
amalgamation
A combination of two or more patterns or movements.
amateur
A person who does not seek financial gain from the teaching or performing of dancing.
American style
A type of ballroom dancing which evolved from social dancing and is now a fully recognized competitive style of dancing. The 9 main American dances are divided into two groups:
(1) American Smooth, consisting of:
Waltz
Tango
Foxtrot
Viennese Waltz
(2) American Rhythm, consisting of:
Cha Cha
Rumba
East Coast Swing
Bolero
Mambo
amount of turn
The amount of rotation of the feet which occurs on one step, or between two consecutive steps. In the charts, rotation is measured in fractions of a full turn. Body rotation is indicated only when different from the feet.
anchor step
A type of triple step where the feet stay anchored in one place.
anticipation
Premature action taken by the follower, before signal is given by the leader.
apart
Any dance position where the man and lady have no points of contact. Since there is no physical connection, the use of apart position is limited to visual lead and follow, or open choreographed dance routines.
appel
An accented movement in place, where the body weight is dropped sharply onto a flat foot. The Appel usually marks the beginning of a strong directional movement.
arabesque
A position of the body where the free leg is extended straight behind the body, usually lifted off the floor.
arm styling
Positioning and movement of the arms, reflecting the character of a dance or style of dancing.
arc turn
An underarm turn in which the lady turns to the right under the right hand, or to the left under the left hand.
arch
The part of the foot between the ball and the heel, which forms the shape of an arch.
Argentine Tango
A style of Tango which originated in the streets and salons of Buenos Aires, characterized by its passionate hold and complex leg and foot movements.
Associate
The first complete level of the International style syllabus, representing the foundation of movements and basic dance concepts.
attitude
A body position where the free leg is raised with the knee bent.
axial movement
Any movement that is anchored to one spot by a body part using only the available space in any direction without losing the initial body contact. Movement is organized around the axis of the body rather than designed for travel from one location to another; also known as non-locomotor movement.
axis of rotation
An imaginary vertical line around which the body turns. Depending on the type of rotation, an axis can run through the center of the body, through one of its sides, or outside of the body altogether.
American Smooth
A subset of the American Style of Ballroom Dancing which includes the following 5 competitive dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz.
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