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Elements of Movements
by Skippy Blair

These are one-line definitions, condensed as an outline for teaching. They are expanded in the Dance Terminology Notebook by Golden State Dance Teachers Association.

 

Action A move by the leader that initiates a move by the follower
Back A direction that requires a 4th or open 3rd foot position
Boot Hook A country foot position that allows the free foot to cross the knee
Break A Change of Direction that returns the body home
Break Turn Turns in opposite direction of the forward foot (eg. Fwd left, Turn Right)
Centering Connecting the CPB of both partners to each other, through Connection
Check An abrupt change of direction (CPB changes direction ¼ of the way)
Compression Resistance toward each other to a degree that requires reaction
CPB Center point of balance, (Solar Plexus) The Center of all movement.
Cross Crossing one foot over the other (in front) (also see Hook and Lock)
Drive The connection between the sending foot and the CPB
Drop A supported move, one partner is lowered and supported by the other
Follow Reaction to a lead. He leads on 'and a', she follows on 'a', both step on 1
Foot Positions 1st= feet together, 2nd= feet directly apart (side), 3rd= heel to instep,
4th= walking a strait/curving line, 5th= Toe to Heel
Force Point The Specific part of the body that initiates the action
Forward A direction that indicates 4th (or 3rd) foot position in front of weighted foot
Heel Splits (Pigeon Toes) Heels out and in
Hook Hooking one foot behind the other, left or right move
Kick A movement of the free foot (extension should be on the beat)
Lead An indication of direction that takes place on the "and" count
Leverage An away resistance to a degree where one action requires a reaction
Lift Where one partner supports the other, who has both feet off the floor
Lock Hooks traveling forward or crosses traveling backward
Pivot a ½ turn that turns in the direction of the forward foot (F,L –turn L)
Pivot Turn Lesser degree turn in the direction of the forward foot
Point Usually done in syncopations. Always done ON the beat
Press The movement of pressing the foot down to move the body up or out
Reaction The other half of action-reaction, seeing/feeling the result of a lead
Receiving Foot The foot that lands on the beat
Resistance The action either away or toward a partner. Comes in degrees
Rock 2 weight changes that return the CPB to where it started
Sending Foot The foot that presses down into the floor to move the CPB out
Shuffle A triple that travels with the weight over alternating feet, 2 beets at a time
Side A direction that moves the CPB to the left or right into2nd foot position
Spin A Full rotation of the body on one foot
Split One foot moving in each direction with weight on both feet (acrobatic)
Spot A method of turning or spinning that focuses the eyes on one spot
Style Preference of look, arm or body position, without altering essence
Swivel A pressed move that changes direction on the weighted foot
Torque Turn A turn in the opposite direction of forward foot (cont. in same direction)
Vine Any side, cross behind, side move

 


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