Refers to either the even balance of weight, or to the arrangement of bodies in a space: balanced in the centre – symmetrical, balanced off centre – asymmetrical.

A dance move that consists of a partial weight transfer on the ball of a foot behind or by the other foot, followed by a step on the other foot.

The fundamental steps that define a dance. Also known as Basic Step.

A male or female break dancer.

When the dance steps rest in the four corners of a square. It is used in dances like the Rumba, Waltz and Foxtrot.

A syncopated step in which a dancer brings the ball of one foot just behind the other to push the supporting leg forward. Used in Jazz dance and Tap.

A turn with the body held in a static 1st, taking half a turn from one foot to the other. Put together in a sequence they form a chain of small turns.

A step of one foot to the side, followed closely by the other foot. One foot leads and the other foot chases it.

Or Chorey, for short. The creation or composition of a dance or dances by the arrangement of steps and movements in a space.

A basic step in the Waltz, performed in closed position. E.g. The man steps forward on the right foot as the woman steps backward on the left. They will then step to the side on the other foot, and conclude the figure by closing the first foot beside the second. Each step takes up a full beat of the music.

Where the man leads the woman across in front of him while turning to allow the couple to reverse their positions. A common move in Latin dances such as Salsa, Mambo, Rumba and Cha-cha-cha.

Where two people who are initially facing each other, walk around each other without or almost without turning.

The footwork and breakdance moves performed on the ground.

A counting pattern representing the number of beats in two measures of music.

Where two dance partners keep contact with their hands while rotating concentrically through 180 degrees around the same point in opposite directions. Common in the Salsa.

A basic figure in Foxtrot in which the man makes three or four steps forward, with the third one done outside the lady.

A breakdance move borrowed from the gymnastics pommel. With both hands supporting the body, the breaker swings their legs in circular motions without touching the ground.

The concentration of a dancer to one particular point in a space. It can also can refer to the dancer's line of sight.

A spin without the partners holding hands.

Where a breakdancer holds a pose. Usually performed on one or two hands with the lower body frozen in the air.

Spanish for "hook". It describes the hooking action that’s common in Latin dances like the Tango and Salsa.

When a breaker spins on his head.

A step taken forward towards the partner as the partner steps backwards. In this step, the tracks of both partners overlap.

A turn under the right arm if turning left and under the left arm if turning right.

A movement done with only one part of the body.

A leap in which one leg is extended forward and the other backward. From ballet.

Quick arm movements that suddenly freeze to a locked position based on rhythm and beat. Legs are relaxed and follow in sync.

When the moving foot swings to a stop across the track of the standing foot rather than closing next to it.

First performed by Michael Jackson on his song "Billie Jean". Commonly used today in Hip Hop and Boogaloo.

When the dance couple rotates to the right (clockwise).

A step taken with the partner beside the moving foot (e.g. to the left of the left moving foot). During this step, the tracks of the partners do not overlap.

A turn under the left arm if turning left and under the right arm if turning right.

A spin performed on the toes or the ball of the foot. From ballet.

Contracting and releasing of muscles in your chest, arms, legs and shoulders to create a jerking motion to the beat.

More challenging breakdance moves – as opposed to Toprock or Groundrock.

A measure of the dancer’s ability to communicate their meaning to the audience.

Taking a sequence of dance and doing it backwards.

When the dance couple rotates to the left (counterclockwise).

An arranged pattern usually achieved with the combination of strong and weak elements of a dance.

The toe of the straight leg draws a semicircle on the floor.

With both hands on the floor, the upper body of the breaker turns to one side while one or both legs follow until a full circle has been formed.

Stepping on an unstressed beat. e.g. The Cha cha is a syncopated dance because it starts on the second beat - Two, three, cha-cha-cha.

The skills required by a dancer to perform the movements needed for a particular dance. Different styles of dance have specific techniques.

The speed of music or of a dance.

A rhythmic tap that was originally used to tell the band the desired tempo. Used in the Cha Cha.

A series of breakdance steps, shuffles and turns to transition into ground or power moves.

The point at which one sequence of a dance changes into another sequence. Can also refer to the change between one movement into another movement.

Sharp, controlled arm and hand movements usually held in a right-angle position. Robot is a form of tutting.

The most basic dance move. The dancers use basic walk steps – while honouring the technique of the particular dance style. Can be performed in closed position, promenade position, shadow position, sweetheart position, etc.

When a breaker rolls their torso on the floor while the legs twirl in a V-formation.