Glossary of partner dance terms
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Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/67.70.9.168|67.70.9.168]] ([[User talk:67.70.9.168|talk]]) to last version by Largoplazo
This is the list of dance terms that are not names of dances or types of dances. See [[List of dances]] and [[List of dance style categories]] for those.
This glossary lists terms used in various types of [[partner dance]]s, leaving out terms of highly evolved or specialized dance forms, such as [[ballet]], [[tap dancing]], and [[square dance|square dancing]], which have their own elaborated terminology.
You may also want to check with
* [[Glossary of ballet terms]]
* [[Glossary of dance moves]]
''Unless there is much to say about a specific term, there is no reason to put each and every of them into a separate article.''
== Abbreviations ==
*3T - [[#Three Ts|Three Ts]]
*CBL - [[Cross-body lead]]
*CBM - [[Contra body movement]]
*CBMP - [[Contra body movement position]]
*COG - [[Center of gravity]]
*CPB - [[#Center point of balance|Center point of balance]]
*DC - [[Direction of movement (dance)|Diagonally to center]]
*DW - [[Direction of movement (dance)|Diagonally to wall]]
*[[IDSF]] - [http://www.idsf.net International DanceSport Federation]
*[[IDTA]] - [http://www.idta.co.uk/ International Dance Teachers Association]
*[[ISTD]] - [http://www.istd.org Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing]
*J&J - [[#Jack and Jill|Jack and Jill]]
*LOD - [[#Line of dance|Line of dance]]
*MPM - [[#Measures per minute|Measures per minute]]
*NFR - [[#No foot rise|No foot rise]]
*OP - [[#outside partner step|outside partner]] or [[#open position|open position]]
*PP - [[#promenade position|promenade position]]
*Q - quick
*S - slow
== A - F ==
=== American Smooth ===
A category of dances in [[#American Style|American Style]] ballroom competitions. It includes
[[waltz]], [[Tango (ballroom)|tango]], [[foxtrot]] and [[Viennese waltz]]. Previously [[Peabody (dance)|Peabody]] was also included.
This category loosely corresponds to the [[#Standard|Standard]] category of [[#International Style|International Style]] ballroom.
=== American Rhythm ===
A category of dances in [[#American Style|American Style]] ballroom competitions. It includes
[[Cha-cha-cha (dance)|Cha-cha-cha]], [[Rumba (dance)|Rumba]], [[East Coast Swing]], [[Bolero]], [[Mambo (dance)|Mambo]]. Sometimes it may include [[Samba (dance)|Samba]] and [[West Coast Swing]].
This category loosely corresponds to the [[#Latin|Latin]] category of [[#International Style|International Style]] ballroom.
=== American Style ===
The term describes the particular style of [[ballroom dance]]s developed in the [[USA]], as opposed to the [[International Style]]. In a narrower sense, it denotes the group of dances danced in American Style ballroom competitions. The group consists of two categories: [[#American Smooth|American Smooth]] and [[#American Rhythm|American Rhythm]].
=== [[Lead and follow (dance)#Backleading|Backleading]] ===
In social dancing strongly relying on [[Lead and follow (dance)|leading and following]], this term means that the follower executes steps without waiting for or contrary to the lead of the leader. This is also called '''anticipation''' and usually considered bad dancing habit. An exception would be to avoid a collision with another couple the leader hasn't seen (this is usually just to stop the leader performing specific steps rather than the follower actively executing steps).
Sometimes this term is used in the meaning of [[Lead and follow (dance)#Hijacking|hijacking]], which is not exactly the same.
=== Body flight ===
Body flight is a property of many movements in dances such as the [[waltz]] and [[foxtrot]]. It refers to steps taken with momentum in excess of that necessary to arrive at a point of static balance over the new position, which suggests a carry through to another step in the same direction. Steps in these dances naturally flow one into another, in contrast to the [[tango (ballroom)|tango]] and to the [[Latin]] and [[rhythm]] dances where many steps arrive to a point of static balance.
=== Body contact ===
'''[[Body contact (dance)|Body contact]]''' is a style of [[closed position]] in [[Partner dance|partner dancing]] (''"closed position with body contact"''); it is also a type of [[#Physical connection|physical connection]].
=== Body support ===
Support of the partner's body is largely avoided in ballroom dancing. The exception would be "lifts" - often featured in some forms of swing dancing, and ballroom showdance presentations, but banned in ordinary ballroom competition and rarely seen in social dancing.
=== Call ===
A '''call''' in [[square dance|square dancing]] is a command by a [[caller (dance)|caller]] to execute a particular [[dance figure]]. In [[round dancing]], calls are called '''cues'''. See "[[Caller (dance)|Caller]]" for the explanation of the difference. Voice calls may be complemented by [[hand sign]]s. See also [[#Voice cue|Voice cue]].
=== Caller ===
A [[caller (dance)|caller]] or a [[caller (dance)|cuer]] is a person that [[#call|calls/cue]]s [[dance figure]]s to be executed in [[square dance]]s and [[round dance]]s.
=== Center ===
When indicating a [[direction of movement (dance)|direction of movement]] during a dance, the term "center" means the direction perpendicular to the [[#Line of dance|LOD]] pointing towards the center of the room. If one stands [[Direction of movement (dance)|facing the LOD]], then the center direction is to their left.
The term Center may also be used as shorthand for the [[#Center point of balance|center point of balance]].
=== Center point of balance ===
Together with the [[center of gravity]] (COG), ''center point of balance'' ('''''CPB''''') helps the dancer to better understand and control his movements. CPB differs from the two other centers in two respects. The exact location of the COG is always well-defined, however it significantly depends on the shape the body assumes. In contrast, the CPB during normal dancing (heads up, feet down on the floor) is always at the same place of the dancer body, although defined in a loose way: it is said that the CPB is in the general area of the [[solar plexus]] for the gentlemen, and navel for the women. The reason to distinguish this point lies in the following simple observation. If you put your feet together, you may move your head or your hips pretty far away from your area of support without losing your balance. But if you move your CPB just 2-3 inches away from the equilibrium position, you will feel a strong urge to step in this direction. Therefore awareness of your CPB, both consciously and instinctively, gives you a better control of the overall dance movement and connection with your partner.
=== Closed dance figure ===
The term has at least two meanings: regarding dance position and regarding [[#Footwork|footwork]].
*A figure performed in [[#C|closed position]].
*A figure in which at the last step the moving foot closes to rest at the support foot. Examples are [[box step]] in [[Ballroom Dance|American Style]] [[waltz]] or [[natural turn]] in [[International Style Waltz]].
=== [[Closed position]] ===
The ordinary position of ballroom dancing in which the partners face each other with their bodies approximately parallel. In Standard and [[Smooth]] the bodies are also offset about a half body width such that each person has their partner on their right side, with their left side somewhat unobstructed. Contrast [[promenade position]] and [[open position]].
=== [[Connection (dance)|Connection]] ===
A means of communication between dancers in the couple. [[#Physical connection|Physical]] and [[#Visual connection|visual]] types of connection are distinguished. Sometimes referred to as resistance or tone, it involves slightly tensing the upper-body muscles, often in the context of a [[#Frame|frame]], thus enabling leader to communicate intentions to follower. See [[#Compression|compression]] and [[#Tension|tension]], two basic associated actions/reactions.
=== [[Contra body movement]] ===
Refers to a rotation of the body towards the moving foot.
=== [[Contra body movement position]] ===
A step is taken into '''contra body movement position''' when the moving foot is brought towards the opposite side of the body (or onto or across the line of the standing foot) The term is an analogy to the position that may be achieved by rotating the body towards the moving foot ([[contra body movement]]), and as such is usually applied only to situations without rotation.
=== Compression ===
The term has several meanings.
*Compression is a type of physical [[connection (dance)|connection]], opposite to [[#Leverage|leverage]], in which a stress exists at the point(s) of contact directed towards the contact point(s). The term is frequently used, e.g., in [[swing (dance)|swing]] dance community.
* Compression is lowering the body by bending the knees in a preparation for a step. The term is mostly used in describing the [[Rises and falls]] technique of [[ballroom dance]]s of [[#Standard|Standard]] (International style) of [[#Smooth|Smooth]] (American style) categories: [[waltz]]es, [[Tango (ballroom)|tango]]s, [[foxtrot]]s.
* Compression is a hip action in Latin dances. <!-- to be described -->
* An action to achieve a graceful [[sway (dance)|sway]].
===Cuban hip motion===
See [[Cuban motion]] and [[#Latin hip motion|Latin hip motion]].
=== Cue ===
A signal to execute a dance figure. See [[#Call|Call]] and [[#Voice cue|Voice cue]].
===[[Dancesport]]===
An official term to denote dance as [[Competitive dance|competitive]], [[sport]] activity.
=== Dance formation ===
''See [[#Formation|Formation]].''
=== [[Dance move]] ===
=== Dance pattern ===
See [[Dance move]].
=== Dance step ===
For one meaning, see [[Dance move]], for another one, see "[[#Step|Step]]". See also [[Glossary of dance steps]].
=== Direction of movement ===
''See [[Direction of movement (dance)|Direction of movement]]''.
=== Direction of step ===
''See [[Direction of movement (dance)|Direction of movement]]''.
=== Follower ===
See [[Lead and follow (dance)|Lead and follow]].
=== Footwork ===
In a wider sense the term [[footwork (dance)|footwork]] describes dance technique aspects related to feet: '''foot position''' and '''foot action'''.
In a narrow sense, e.g., in descriptions of ballroom dance figures, the term refers to the behavior of the foot when it is in contact with the floor. In particular, it describes which part of the foot is in contact with the floor: ball, heel, flat, toe, high toe, inside/outside edge, etc. In the [[Smooth]] and Standard dances, it is common for the body weight to progress through multiple parts of the foot during the course of a step. Customarily, parts of the foot reached only after the other foot has passed to begin a new step are implied but not explicitly mentioned.
=== Formation ===
# '''Formation''' or '''dance formation''' is a team of dance couples.
# '''Formation''' of a dance team is the specification of
:* positions of dancers or dance couples on the floor relative to each other and
:* directions the dancers face or move with respect to others.
=== Formation dance ===
[[Formation dance]] is a choreographed dance of a team of couples, e.g., ballroom formation dance.
=== Full weight ===
''Full weight'' or ''[[weight transfer (dance move)|full weight transfer]]'' means that at the end of the step the dancer's [[center of gravity]] is directly over the [[#support foot|support foot]]. A simple test for a full weight transfer is that you can freely lift the second foot off the floor.
=== [[Frame (dance)|Frame]] ===
Dance frames are the upper body positions of the dancers. A strong frame provides [[connection (dance)|connection]] with your partner and conveys intended movement. A strong frame is where your arms and upper body are held firmly in place without relying on your partner to maintain your frame nor applying force that would move your partner or your partner's frame.
Major types of dance frames are Latin, smooth, and swing.
== G - R ==
===Guapacha===
'''Guapacha timing''' is an alternative rhythm of various basic [[cha-cha-cha]] steps that are normally cued as "2, 3, cha-cha-cha". In Guapacha, the step that normally occurs on count "2" is delayed half-beat, until the count "&", so that the cue would be "<hold> &, 3, cha-cha-cha."
=== Handhold ===
Handhold is an element of dance [[connection (dance)|connection]]: it is a way the partners hold each other by hands.
=== Heel lead ===
Landing on the heel of the foot in motion during a step before putting weight on the remainder of the foot. As in normal walking, much of the swing of the foot is accomplished with its midpart closest to the floor, emphasis shifting to the heel only as the final placement is neared.
=== Heel turn ===
A '''heel turn''' is an action danced by the partner on the inside of turn in certain figures in Standard or [[Smooth]]. During the course of rotation, the dancer's weight moves from toe to heel of one foot while the other foot swings to close to it, then forward from heel towards the toe of the just closed foot. Follower's heel turns feature body rise coincident with the first step, which leads her foot to close next to the standing one rather than swing past. In contrast, when the leader is dancing a heel turn the rise is delayed until the conclusion of the turn, as he can better lead the amount of turn from a more grounded position. The heel turn is distinguished from other members of the family of heel pull actions which do not require complete closure of the feet. Follower's heel turns are commonly found in the double reverse spin and the open or closed telemark, and the natural and reverse turns of international style foxtrot, while leader's heel turns form the basis of the open or closed impetus.
=== Hijacking ===
In social dancing strongly relying on [[Lead and follow (dance)|leading and following]], this term [[Lead and follow (dance)#Hijacking|hijacking]] means temporary assuming the leading role by the [[Lead and follow (dance)|follower]]. Also known as '''stealing the lead'''. Compare to [[Lead and follow (dance)#Backleading|backleading]].
=== International Standard ===
See [[#Standard|Standard]].
=== International Style ===
The term describes the particular style of [[ballroom dance]]s, as opposed to the [[#American Style|American Style]]. In a narrower sense, it denotes the group of dances danced in International Style ballroom competitions. The group consists of two categories: [[#Standard|Standard]] and [[#Latin|Latin]].
=== International Latin ===
See [[#Latin|Latin]]
===Jack and Jill===
[[Jack and Jill (dance)|Jack and Jill]] ('''J&J''') is a format of competition in partner dancing, where the competing couples are the result of random matching of [[Leader (dance)|leader]]s and [[#Follower|follower]]s. Rules of matching vary. The name comes from the popular English [[nursery rhyme]], [[Jack and Jill (song)|Jack and Jill]]. In venues with same-sex dance partners, the ambiguous name "Pat and Chris" has been used.
In dance competitions J&J is included as a separate division (or divisions, with additional gradations).
J&J is popular at [[Swing (dance)|swing]] conventions, as well as at [[ballroom dance]] competitions in the [[USA]].
=== Latin ===
As applied to dances, the term has two meanings.
* [[Latin dance]]s is category of dances in [[#International Style|International Style]] ballroom competitions. It is also called '''Latin American''' category. It includes [[Samba (dance)|samba]], [[Rumba (dance)|rumba]], [[Cha-cha-cha (dance)|cha-cha-cha]], [[paso doble]], [[Jive (dance)|jive]]. This category loosely corresponds to the [[#American Rhythm|Rhythm]] category of [[#American Style|American Style]] ballroom.
*[[Latin dance]] is any of [[social dance]]s of [[Latin America]]n origin.
=== Latin dance ===
See [[#Latin|Latin]].
=== Latin hip motion ===
A characteristic type of [[hip]] motion found in the technique of performing a [[#Step|step]] in [[#Latin|Latin]] and [[#Rhythm|Rhythm]] dances. Although most visible in the hips, much of the effect is created through the action of the feet and knees. Sometimes it is also called [[#Cuban hip motion|Cuban hip motion]], although because of the divergence in dance technique between American Rhythm and International Latin some prefer to distinguish the two, with the term "Latin motion" reserved for International Style, while the "Cuban motion" reserved for American Style and Club Latin dances. The most notable distinction (in a simplified description) is that in the International Style "Latin motion" the straightening of the knee happens before the [[full weight transfer]], while in the "Cuban motion" the straightening of the knee happens after the full weight transfer. As a result, the Cuban hip motion results in a more fluid leg movement, while the Latin hip motion results in a more [[staccato]] leg movement.
=== Lead stealing ===
See [[Lead and follow (dance)#Hijacking|Hijacking]].
=== Leader ===
See [[Lead and follow (dance)|Lead and follow]].
=== Leading and following ===
See [[Lead and follow (dance)|Lead and follow]].
=== Leverage ===
The term describes type of physical [[connection (dance)|connection]], opposite to [[#Compression|compression]], in which a stress exists at the point(s) of contact directed away from the contact point(s). Predominantly used in the [[swing (dance)|swing]] dance community. See also [[#Tension|tension]].
=== Line of dance ===
Line of dance (LOD) is conceptually a path along and generally parallel to the edge of the dance floor in the counterclockwise direction. To help avoid collisions, it is agreed that in [[#T|travelling dance]]s dancers should proceed along the line of dance.
Line of dance is a useful line of reference when describing the [[#direction of movement|direction]]s of steps taken, e.g., "facing LOD", "backing [or reverse] LOD". See also [[#center|center]], [[#wall|wall]].
=== Line of foot ===
An imaginary straight line passing through the foot in the heel-toe direction.
=== Measures per minute ===
Measures per minute, or MPM, refers to the [[tempo]] of the music according to the number of measures or [[Bar (music)|bars]] occurring in one [[minute]] of music. This can vary from as low as 25-27 MPM for international style [[Rumba (dance)|rumba]] to as fast as 58-60 MPM for international style [[Viennese waltz]].
=== Musicality ===
''See [[Musicality (dance)|Musicality]].''
=== No foot rise ===
In descriptions of the footwork of step patterns the abbreviation '''NFR''' stands for '''no foot rise''' and means that the heel of the support foot remains in contact with the floor until the weight is transferred onto the other foot. See "[[Rises and falls]]" for details.
=== Open dance figure ===
The term has at least two meanings: regarding dance position and regarding [[#Footwork|footwork]].
*A figure performed in [[#O|open position]].
*A figure in which during the last step the moving foot passes the support foot. Examples are [[feather step]] in [[foxtrot]] or [[open left turn]], e.g., in [[Tango (ballroom)|Tango]].
=== Open position ===
[[Open position]] is any dance position in couple dances, in which the partners stand apart in contrast to [[closed position]]. They may face inwards or outwards, and hold one or both hands or stand independently.
=== Outside partner position ===
A step into '''outside partner position''' occurs when the moving foot of the forward travelling partner moves on a track outside of their partner's standing foot when it would ordinarily move on a track aimed between their partner's feet. Due to the offset of the hold, this generally applies to a step with the right foot. (The term '''left side outside''' is often used for the rare occurrences when the left foot crosses to pass outside, as in the Hover cross). Steps into outside partner position are also required to be in [[contra body movement position]], and are often preceded by a step with a strong [[side lead]]. The term "inline" is occasionally used when it is necessary to clarify that an outside partner position is not involved.
=== Pat and Chris ===
See [[#Jack and Jill|Jack and Jill]].
=== Physical connection ===
A dance [[connection (dance)|connection]] by means of physical contact. Types of physical connection are [[body contact (dance)|body contact]], [[#Compression|compression]], [[#Leverage|leverage]].
=== Pinched shoulder ===
Pinched shoulder is the position seen when [[promenade position]] is danced with an outward rotation of the upper bodies, rather than a rotational stretch in each body. It is characterized by one or both partner's having their trailing elbow behind the line of their shoulders, with a resulting break in the arm line at the trailing shoulder.
=== Progressive dance ===
See [[#Travelling (progressive) dance|Travelling dance]].
=== Promenade position ===
The '''[[promenade position]]''' is described differently in various dance categories. See also [[counter promenade position]].
In [[ballroom dance]]s their common trait is that the dance couple moves (or intends to move) essentially sidewise to the leader's left while partners nearly face each other, with the leader's right side of the body and the follower's left side of the body are closer than the respective opposite sides. Steps of both partners are basically sidewise or diagonally forward with respect to their bodies. Normally the dancers look in the direction of the intended movement.
In [[square dance]]s it is a close side-by-side position in various handholds with the general intention to move together forward, "in [[promenade (dance move)|promenade]]".
=== Replace ===
In brief descriptions of dance figures, ''replace'' means replacing the weight to the previous support foot while keeping it in place. For example a "rock back" figure may be described as "step back, replace". Notice that it doesn't require to "replace" the moving foot to the place from where it come in the previous step.
=== Rhythm ===
*See [[#American Rhythm|American Rhythm]].
*See [[Rhythm]].
== S - Z ==
=== Shadow position ===
Both partners face the same general direction, one of them squarely behind or slightly shifted sideways ("in the shadow"). [[#Handhold|Handhold]]s vary. Variants: [[#Sweetheart position|sweetheart position]], [[#Cuddle position|cuddle position]].
=== Side lead ===
A body position or action during a step, sometimes also called '''Same side lead'''. '''Side leading''' refers to a movement during which the side of the body corresponding to the [[moving foot]] is consistently in advance as a result of a previous [[contra body movement]] or '''body turns less''' action. A step with side lead will often precede or follow a step of the opposite foot taken into [[contra body movement position]] (in which the leading side is that opposite the moving foot) without requiring intervening rotation of the body.
Due to the offset position of the partners in the hold, a left side lead may be quite pronounced whereas a right side lead will be more subtle if taken in closed position.
=== Slot ===
In [[#Slotted dance|slotted dance]]s, the '''[[dance slot]]''' is an imaginary narrow rectangle along which the follower moves back and forth with respect to the leader, who is more or less stationary. As a rule, the leader mostly stays in the slot as well, leaving it only to give way for the follower to pass him.
=== Slotted dance ===
A dance style in which the couple's movements are generally confined to a [[#Slot|slot]]. The most typical slotted dance is [[west coast swing]]. Some other dances, e.g., [[hustle]] and [[Salsa (dance)|salsa]], may be danced in slotted style. Compare [[#Spot dance|spot dance]], [[#Travelling dance|travelling dance]].
=== Smooth ===
See [[#American Smooth|American Smooth]].
=== Spot dance ===
A dance that is generally danced in a restricted area of the dance floor. Examples are [[Rumba (dance)|rumba]], [[Salsa (dance)|salsa]], [[east coast swing]]. Compare [[#Travelling dance|travelling dance]], [[#Slotted dance|slotted dance]].
=== Spotting ===
A technique used during turns. The dancer chooses a reference point (such as his or her partner or a distant point along the line of travel) and focuses on it as long as possible. When during the turn it is no longer possible to see it, the head flips as fast as possible to "spot" the reference point again. This technique guides the body during the turn, makes it easier to determine when to stop turning, and helps prevent dizziness.
=== Standard ===
A category of dances in [[#International Style|International Style]] ballroom competitions. Sometimes in the context of competitions it is called '''Ballroom''' or '''International Ballroom''', confusing as it might be. (In England, the term "Modern" is often used, which should not be confused with "Modern Dance" that derives from Ballet technique) It includes [[Waltz (International Standard)|waltz]] (also called "slow waltz"), [[Tango (ballroom)|tango]], [[foxtrot]], [[quickstep]], [[Viennese waltz]]. This category loosely corresponds to the [[#Smooth|Smooth]] category of [[#American Style|American Style]] ballroom.
===Stationary dance===
See [[#Spot dance|Spot dance]].
=== Stealing the lead ===
See [[Lead and follow (dance)#Hijacking|Hijacking]].
=== Step ===
*In a strict sense, a '''step''', or a '''footstep''', is a single move of one foot, usually involving full or partial [[weight transfer (dance move)|weight transfer]] to the moving foot. However foot actions, such as '''tap''', '''kick''', etc., are also sometimes called "steps". For example, in a description: "step forward, [[#Replace|replace]], together" all three actions are steps.
: Sometimes it is important to define the exact limits of one (foot)step, i.e., exactly when it begins and ends. In describing the detailed technique in [[#Standard|Standard]] and [[#Smooth|Smooth]] dances ([[Waltz]], [[Tango (ballroom)|Tango]],...) it is agreed that in figures where the moving foot doesn't stop at the support foot a step begins (and the previous step ends) at the moment when the moving foot passes the support foot. Notice that according to this agreement such steps ''do not'' begin/end precisely at the "counts" 1, 2, etc. which normally match musical [[beat (music)|beat]]s.
*In a broader sense, '''step''' means '''dance step''', i.e., a '''dance figure''', e.g., [[Basic movement (dance)|basic step]], [[triple step]].
=== Standing foot ===
Same as [[#Supporting foot|Supporting foot]].
=== Supporting foot ===
It is also called '''support foot''', a foot which bears the full (or nearly full) weight at the beginning of a step or while the other foot does some action (tap, ronde, etc.). Compare [[#Moving foot|moving foot]].
=== Sway ===
The term '''[[sway (dance)|sway]]''' has a specific meaning in the technique of ballroom dancing. Basically, it describes a body position in which its upper part gracefully deflects from the vertical.
=== [[Syncopation]] ===
In dancing, the term has two meanings: The first one is similar to the [[music]]al terminology. The second one is making more (and/or different) steps than required by the standard description of a figure, to address more rhythmical nuances of the music. The latter usage is considered incorrect by many dance instructors, but it is still in circulation, a better term lacking.
=== Tension ===
Describes a physical [[connection (dance)|connection]], opposite to [[#Compression|compression]], in which a stress exists at the point(s) of contact directed away from the contact point(s) between partners. People frequently resort to describing the actions as "push" (compression, towards partner) and "pull" (tension, away from partner) to get the idea across. See also [[#Leverage|leverage]].
=== Three Ts ===
'''Technique, Timing, Teamwork'''. The criteria for evaluation of dance mastery in [[Swing (dance)|Swing]] dancing community.
=== Timing ===
The relation of the elements of a dance [[#S|step]] or '''dance figure''' with respect to [[music]]al [[time]]: [[bar (music)|bar]]s and [[beat (music)|beat]]s.
=== Toe lead ===
Landing on the toe of the foot in motion during a step before putting weight on the remainder of the foot.
=== Track of foot ===
The trajectory of the '''moving foot''' visualized as a narrow imaginary track, forward and backward of the foot rather than a line. For the '''standing foot''', its track is determined by its current orientation on the floor which may be noted on the inside of turns where the feet often point in differing directions.
=== Travelling (progressive) dance ===
A dance that significantly travels over the dance floor, generally in the direction of the [[#Line of dance|line of dance]]. Examples are [[waltz]], [[foxtrot]], [[polka]], [[Samba (dance)|samba]]. Compare [[#Spot dance|spot dance]], [[#Slotted dance|slotted dance]].
=== Visual connection ===
A dance connection by means of visual awareness of partners in a couple.
Visual connection by no means should replace the physical connection, and some consider it to be an inferior form of connection. However it does have its proper usages. Most important are the coordination of styles (arms, etc.) and when dancing without physical contact. An important example of the latter is [[#Spotting|spotting]] the partner during turns, especially [[#free spin|free spin]]s.
=== Voice cue ===
'''Voice cues''' help match rhythmic patterns of steps (or other moves) with the music. There are different types of voice cues.
*The most common example is the usage of "quick" and "slow" words: "quick-quick-slow" (pronounced as "quick quick slo-o-o-ow") immediately tells you that the third step takes twice the time of the first one (and of the second one).
*Some [[East Coast Swing]] instructors cue the [[Dance steps#basic step|basic step]] as "[[Shuffle Step|shuf-fle-STEP]], shuf-fle-STEP, [[Rock step|rock BACK]]", to indicate both the rhythmic pattern of the figure (1&2, 3&4, 5, 6) and the [[syncopation|syncopated]] character of [[swing music]]: every second syllable is stressed.
*Still another example: the [[Dance steps#Box Step|Box Step]] of [[#American style|American style]] [[Rumba (dance)|Rumba]] may be cued as "forward-...-side-together, back-...-side-together", to indicate the directions of (leader's) steps and their timing.
*Finally, for more advanced dancers voice cues are actually names of [[dance figure]]s and standard variations:
**"Two [[Glossary of dance moves#Walk|walk]]s, [[Progressive Link|link]], [[closed promenade]]" ([[Tango (ballroom)|tango]]).
**"[[Open telemark]], [[natural fallaway]], [[Whisk (dance move)|whisk]], [[quick wing]]" ([[Waltz (International Standard)|waltz]]).
**"[[Dile que no]]!... [[setenta]]!... [[Dame (Salsa Rueda)|Dame dos con una]]!..." ([[Rueda de casino|salsa rueda]])
Cues are an important element of [[round dance]]s. In [[square dance]]s they are called ''calls'' and called by a [[caller (dance)|caller]] <!-- [[Tongue-twister]] :-)-->.
=== Wall ===
When indicating a [[direction of movement (dance)|direction of movement]] during a dance, the term "wall" means the direction perpendicular to the [[#Line of dance|LOD]] pointing towards the wall of the room (possibly imaginary). If one stands [[Direction of movement (dance)|facing the LOD]], then the ''wall'' direction is to their right.
== See also ==
* [[List of dance organizations]]
* [[Musical terminology]]
* [[List of musical topics]]
==References==
*[[List of partner dance books]]
== External links ==
*[http://www.ballroomdancers.com/Learning_Center/Default.asp ballroomdancers.com: Learning Center]
*[http://www.ballroomcrazy.com Learn to Ballroom Dance]
*[http://www.streetswing.com Streetswing.com] large information base about more than thousand dances.
[[Category:Glossaries|Partner dance]]
[[Category:Partner dance technique]]