Dance Terminology Notes

Key Terms and Movements

Abet

• Origin: Spanish
• Description: Girl holds right arm of partner with left hand; three hands down at the sides.

Arms Positions

1. Lateral Position: Arms at shoulder, chest, or waist level to the side.
2. Reverse T Position: Arms horizontal, elbows bent at right angles, forearms parallel to head, palms forward or inward, fists loosely closed.

Bila

• Movement: Palms alternate up and down at waist level, elbows close to waist.

Brush

• Description: Weight on one foot, hit the floor with the ball or heel of the other foot, then lift free foot in any direction.

Clockwise Movement

• Description: Right shoulder toward the center of an imaginary circle, movement toward the left.

Counter Clockwise Movement

• Description: Left shoulder toward the center of an imaginary circle, movement toward the right.

Crossed Arms

• Description: Partners join left hands, right hands together, either right over left or left over right.

Dos Do

• Description: Partners pass each other’s right or left side, step across, move backward without turning.

Draw

• Movement: Pull one foot along the floor close to the other foot.

Hands on Waist

• Description: Place hands at waistline, knuckles in, fingers pointing in rear.

Hay

• Description: Flourish or offer a handkerchief, hat, or glass of wine as a sign of invitation.

Hop

• Description: Spring from one foot landing on the same foot in any direction, other foot can be raised in any direction.

Inside Hand

• Description: Rest partner's hand while partners stand side by side.

Halo

• Movement: Partners turn once around while maintaining elbows almost touching, using walking or dance steps.

Jump

• Description: Spring on one or both feet landing in any direction.

Kum

• Movement: Move the hand either clockwise or counterclockwise.

Lip

• Description: Spring from one foot landing on the other foot in any direction.

Li Maswa

• Movement: Turn hand from the wrist halfway clockwise twice, then raise and lower waist once or twice.

Outside Foot

• Description: Foot away from partner when standing side by side.

Hand Padc

• Movement: Stomp in front or at the side with the right foot, weight on left foot.

Padia P

• Description: Bend head downwards, supporting with forearm, pointing foot in rear, knee slightly bent.

Pivot

• Movement: Turn with the ball, heel, or whole foot in place.

Point

• Description: Touch the floor lightly with toes of one foot, weight on the other foot.

SCK

• Movement: Swing arm downward and upward, bending trunk forward.

Saludo

• Description: Partners bow to each other or the audience with feet together.

Saludo Saro

• Movement: Cross one foot in front of the other, bend slightly forward and cross hands or forearms.

Slide

• Description: Glide foot smoothly along the floor, with or without weight transfer.

Stomp

• Description: Bring down foot forcibly and noisily, can transfer weight or not.

Start with Left/Right Hand

• Description: Join hands and turn counterclockwise or clockwise in a circle.

Step

• Description: Raise one foot to another resting place, complete weight transfer.

Supporting Foot

• Definition: The foot bearing the weight of the body.

St (lift)

• Movement: Lift slightly with the ball or toe of the free foot, no weight transfer.

Stop Whe

• Description: Make fast turns with small steps in place to the right or left.