10 Questions
What is the purpose of accent in a musical note, and how does it affect the rhythm of a dance?
The accent is the stress or emphasis given to a musical note, and when it is not on the first beat, the rhythm is syncopated.
Describe the difference between 'Allemande Left' and 'Allemande Right' in quadrille or circle formation, and what are the key actions involved in each?
In Allemande Left, the boy turns to the girl at his left, takes her L hand in his L hand, and turns her once around counterclockwise. In Allemande Right, the boy faces his own partner, takes her R hand in his R hand, and turns her once around clockwise.
What is the purpose of an 'Arch' in a dance, and how is it formed by the dancers?
An Arch is formed when two dancers facing each other with joined hands raised to form an arch under which other dancers may pass, or when two dancers stand side by side, with joined inside hands raised to form an arch.
What is 'Balance' in dance, and how is it maintained by the dancer?
Balance is when a dancer's body is centered, with the weight of the body resting evenly on both feet, while imaginary lines dissect the body vertically and horizontally.
What is the difference between 'Bounce' and 'Brush' in dance, and how are they executed by the dancer?
Bounce involves taking weight on the balls of the foot/feet by lifting heels off the floor and then lowering them back down. Brush involves touching the floor lightly with the ball of one foot and then lifting it back up.
What are the primary objectives that a student should attain at the end of this chapter on dance terms and steps?
To show familiarity with dance terms and steps, name and describe popular dances, demonstrate mastery of abbreviations, explain the use of the chart of folk-dance steps, and execute fundamental dance step combinations with observance of time signature.
Why is it essential for a dance student to understand and master dance terms and steps?
Because mastery of a dance necessarily entails mastery of dance terms and steps, and an amateur dancer cannot learn fast if they do not know the concepts/terms being imparted by their trainer.
What is the significance of time signature in dance steps?
Time signature is crucial in dance steps, as it involves intricacies that require attention and mastery.
What inspired the selection of dance terms in this chapter, and how are they arranged?
The dance terms were selected from 'Fundamental Step and Music', 'Foreign Folk Dances' by Francisca Reyes Aquino, and 'The Glossary of Dance Terms' by Jim Battisson, and they are arranged alphabetically to facilitate learning.
What is the Abrasete dance term, and how is it executed?
The Abrasete is a dance term where the girl holds her partner's R arm with her L hand when they are standing side by side.
Study Notes
Dance Terms and Steps
- Familiarity with dance terms and steps is essential for mastery of dance.
- Understanding and mastering dance concepts/terms is crucial for a dance student.
- The chapter aims to facilitate the student's learning of dance terms and steps.
Dance Terms
- Abrasete: A term of Spanish origin, where the girl holds her partner's R arm with her L hand when standing side by side, used in Rigodon and other dances.
- Accent: Stress or emphasis given to a musical note or a mark indicating this, normally on the first beat of a bar of music.
- Address Partner: Same as "honor" your partner, where boys bow by bending the trunk from the waist, and girls curtsey to their partners.
- Advance & Retire: Dancers move forward, acknowledge their opposite with a nod of the head, and then move backward to the original place.
- Allemande Left/Right: Executed in quadrille or circle formation, where dancers turn their partners around counterclockwise/clockwise.
Dance Steps
- Arch: Two dancers facing each other with joined hands raised to form an arch under which other dancers may pass.
- Arms in Lateral Position: Both arms of the dancer are at one side, either sideward right or left, at waist, chest, or shoulder level.
- Arms in Reverse "T": Arms are side horizontal, elbow bent at right angles, forearms parallel to head, palms forward or facing inward, and fists loosely closed.
- Balance: A dancer's body is centered, with weight evenly distributed on both feet, regardless of motion or pause.
- Bar (music): A vertical line that divides a staff into measures.
- Beat (music): A regular pulse that continues throughout a piece of music, with beats organized into groups (notes) with varying strengths (accents).
- Bounce: Taking weight on the balls of the foot/feet by lifting heels off the floor then lowering heels to the floor.
- Bow: Bending from the waist and then straightening up.
- Brush: Touching the floor lightly with the ball of one foot after which that foot is lifted from the floor to a position.
Test your knowledge of dance terms, popular dances, abbreviations, and folk-dance steps in this quiz. Learn to execute fundamental dance step combinations with a focus on time signature. Master the vocabulary and techniques essential for dancing.
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