Definitions of Dance Terms

Adagio – Adage or in Italian “adagio” means slow, and in dance terminology, adagio means a
slow movement. Thus adagio is not a pose or a figure but a reference to any slowly developing
movement. Adagio movements may include poses and figures such as developpes, arabesques,
and attitudes.

Allegro – Allegro is the opposite of adagio. Allegro means fast and in dance terminology,
allegro means a fast movement such as a flick or a kick.

Attitude – Attitude is a pose on one leg with the other lifted and bent at approximately a 120-
degree angle. Attitude may be executed to the front or to the back.

Attitude Turn – An attitude turn is a turn executed while in the attitude position..

Arabesque – Arabesque is the position of the body when supported on one leg with the opposite
leg extended behind the body. The arms may be held in various positions, one being to create the
longest possible line along the body.

Developpe – The developpe is a movement in which the working leg is drawn up to the knee of
the supporting leg and from there smoothly out to a position in the air, usually at 90 degrees (i.e.,
parallel to the floor).

Drop – A drop is a theatrical type of dance movement in which the follower's head and torso are
lowered below the knee level of the leader while at least one part of the follower's body remains
in contact with the floor.

Drag - A drag is a theatrical type of dance movement in which the follower is scooted along the
floor surface by the leader. The leader may affect the drag either through leverage or through
compression.

Jete – a jete is a movement where the dancer jumps from one foot to the other. In the dramatic
grande jete, the dancer performs a split while at the center of the leap.

Lean – A lean is a stationary figure where the weight of one partner is partially supported or
counterbalanced by the other partner.

Lift - A lift is a theatrical, exhibition type of dance movement in which one partner lifts the other
from the floor.

Lunge – A lunge is a transfer of weight to a bent leg while keeping the other leg extended.

Slash or Slide – A slide is a movement where one partner transports the other, though the
transported partner maintains contact with the floor.

Spotting – When spotting during turning movements, the dancer attempts to focus and re-focus
upon the same stationary spot. In other words, spotting is focusing on a fixed point through a
turn. Some folks say that spotting helps prevent dizziness. In any event, it is usually judged as
aesthetically pleasing since it makes movements appear crisp and controlled.

Split – A split refers to a figure where the legs are split apart (separated apart) usually to an
angle of 180 degrees.