Jazz Dance Terms Quiz

Jazz Dance Terms

• Ball change: A half turn where the dancer steps forward and turns their body in the opposite direction without lifting their feet.
• Relevé: A raising of the heels.
• Triplet: A traveling step with three steps and an up, up, down rhythm.
• Pirouette: A turn in which the dancer performs a series of steps, maintaining a controlled posture, using one or both legs to facilitate the turn.
• Chassé: A traveling step.
• Pas de bourrée: A 3-step sequence. The first 2 steps are small, sideways steps and the third step is a larger step with the direction of movement changing.
• Jazz walks: A series of alternating steps that create a walking rhythm
• Battement: A dance movement in which a leg is lifted and then lowered.
• Pivot turn: A turn that's performed on one foot or leg.
• Spotting: A technique that involves fixing the gaze on a single spot to maintain balance during a turn and prevent dizziness.
• Fan kick: A kick in which one leg is extended outwardly in a fan-like motion. It's characterized by its outward-facing motion.
• Soutenu: A sustained dance step where the weight shifts from one leg to the other while maintaining balance.
• Chainé: A series of quick, connected steps that involve alternating movements of the leg.
• Drag: A move where a dancer drags a leg behind them.
• Leap (or Jump): A dance move that involves a spring or jump.
• Spotting Technique: A technique that helps the dancer maintain balance during turns by keeping their gaze fixed on one position while the body rotates.
• Plie': A bending of the knees.
• High kick: A leg is kicked up high at a 90-degree angle.
• Beating: The literal translation for a high kick.
• 1st position: The feet are placed apart at a 5th of a circle.
• Series of half turns: The dancer performs a series of half turns in a 1st position.
• Full turns: Turns are performed in 5th position, and plie' the supporting leg before stepping out on a straight working leg.
• Traveling jump: A jump that involves significant forward momentum and requires a shift of weight from one leg to the other.
• Gallop: A type of running movement in dancing.
• Jete': A jump from one foot to the other in the air with both legs extended.
• Shifting weight: Moving the body weight from one foot to the other during dance sequences.
• Catwalk: A move that involves dragging one leg behind in a style similar to walking a catwalk.
• Passe': The step executed when bringing the raised leg up to place it in front of the supporting one.

Test your knowledge of essential jazz dance terminology with this quiz. Each term is critical for understanding jazz dance techniques and is commonly used in choreography. Are you ready to show off your vocabulary?