Jazz Dance Terms Quiz

Jazz Dance Terms

• 1. Ball change: A half turn where the dancer steps to the front and turns their body in the opposite direction without lifting their feet.

• 2. Relevé': The active motion of whipping the head around to prevent dizziness during a dance.

• 3. Triplet: A traveling step consisting of three steps: an up, up, down rhythm.

• 4. Pirouette: A dance move involving strutting across the floor with confidence and a slight bend in the knees.

• 5. Chasse': A three-step move focusing on behind, side, and front movements.

• 6. Pas de bourrée: A kick where the straight leg crosses in front of the supporting leg, circling around in the opposite direction.

• 7. High kick: A high kick, literally translated as "beating."

• 8. Jazz walks: Series of half-turns executed in the first position.

• 9. Battement: Full turns in fifth position, requiring the dancer to plie the supporting leg, and stepping onto a straight working leg.

• 10. Spotting: A traveling, jumping move where the back leg follows the front leg during a gallop.

• 11. Pivot turn: Rising up onto the toes.

• 12. Fan kick: A jump from one foot to the other, extending both legs in the air.

• 13. Soutenue: A dance move involving shifting weight from one foot to the other.

• 14. Chainé: A dance move shifting weight from the ball of one foot to the other.

• 15. Drag: A move where a dancer drags one leg behind them, similar to a catwalk movement.

• 16. Jete': A jump from one foot to the other with extended legs in the air.

• 17. Leap: A turn performed on one foot while the other leg is in passe.