

The position of the arms is determined by the type of line that the dancer has to create with his/her body. Pose in which one leg is extended behind the body forming a right or acute angle with the back, while the supporting leg is straight or in demi-plié. It normally refers to the action of lengthening the arms into a straight line for a balanced or static position.

In Ballet, it is normally associated with jumping combinations, in which the feet and legs must move very fast, but the arms and torso must show tranquility and grace. Allégro is used to describe all movement combinations that are done at a fast tempo and require agility and precision from the dancer. It can refer to the working leg, meaning that this leg will be lifted from the floor while the supporting leg is still in contact with it for example, rond de jambe en l’air or to a movement done completely in the air with no contact with the floor for example, tour en l’air.Īllégro įast and lively movement. This term is used to indicate that a movement will be performed in the air (en l’air). An Adagio is composed of static positions where the dancer’s lines and extensions can be appreciated, and of promenades and turns in which the dancer must show control and elegance.Īdagio can also refer to one of the composing parts of a classical pas de deux, in which the ballerina shows her lines, control and extensions while being supported by her male partner. It is characterized by the ease and grace of the positions and connections, and builds the dancer’s control and endurance. Adagio is a center combination consisting of controlled, lyrical and continuous steps. New! Some basic Ballet definitions have video links attached to them. You may find it easier to watch a video demonstration of the ballet moves – we just started adding them. Because there are so many specific positions and variations, it helps to know the definitions. We tried to explain them in the most simple and easy way.īallet Terminology is very important to learn for anyone starting with this form of dance. The triple step is really not that difficult to master, it is performed in a chasse-like manner - side step, together, side step.Check out the text ‘A to Z’ ballet terms below. The overall progression is, of course, the same. In that case the pattern would be step, step, rock step or rock step, step, step, depending on how you start counting. When you're starting out you can replace the triple step with a single step. The basic pattern is triple step, triple step, and a rock step. Here we will show you the basic 6 count step for East Coast Swing.Įast Coast Swing has a basic count of 1&2, 3&4, 5,6. Now let's go swinging.īeginners usually start with East Coast Swing, because it is the easiest of all swing styles. Once you learn the fundamentals, you'll be swinging in no time. But as with all things, you have to start with the basics. It may seem a bit intimidating at first, especially if you're watching those who really mastered it. To dance swing you'll need a partner, a sense of humor, and a bit of endurance. If it's written in 4/4 time and has a tempo between 135-170 beats per minute, you can swing it. It will create a good foundation and is the base for other more complex versions.Įast Coast Swing can be danced to a variety of music styles. Perfect for beginners, which is why we'll focus on this version here. It's also a formal ballroom dance and the easiest to learn. It's a bit more social and relaxed than other versions. One of the most popular and very suitable for beginners is the East Coast Swing. Each of these dances has its own distinct flavor. There's Lindy Hop, Boogie-Woogie, Jitterbug, Shag, Charleston, West Coast and East Coast Swing, just to name a few. There are many different styles of swing, the term actually refers to a group of dances that developed from the swing style of jazz music in the first half of the last century. Easily adaptable to a wide range of tempos, it involves movements with lots of swinging, spinning and rhythmic, creative footwork. Swing is one of the most versatile partner dances you can learn - very social and beginner friendly. Non-progressive means it's mostly performed in one spot, so it's very convenient on a crowded dance floor. Swing is a lively, non-progressive partner dance that can be danced to a wide variety of music, from blues to rock & roll.
