Dance Certification Test

Front 1

Ad Lib

Back 1

improvise

Front 2

Axel

Back 2

An axle turn is basically two turns in one. It starts with a chainé turn then without stopping one leg goes to passé position and the other joins it in a jump before landing. The arms pull in for the chainé - then for the axel jump one stays in first position front while the other opens to second then circles above your head and down.

Front 3

B's

Back 3

Ball Change: This is a change of weight between both feet. Change weight and do a stamp-stamp.

Barrel Jump: Basically a jump in the air with both legs bent back from the knee and both arms in the air in any basic pose.

Barrel turn: A turn with your arms straight out but one is higher then the other and as you turn the arms switch heights. The arms can stay opened or closed during the actual turning action. The body stays bent forward and the dancer spots the floor or to the front.

Bounce: Basically a swing type step or bounce to a step.

Front 4

C's

Back 4

Cake Walk: A type of diagonal walk with each step the foot raises as far up as to the knee – like an obnoxious type of exaggerated walk almost with an arched back. This was developed in the old days back when slavery was still happening and the black entertainers would do this walk to imitate the white high society as a parody. So it was a comical satire that turned into a dance step!

Cat Walk: A type of walk where one leg smoothly crosses over the other in a tango like fashion or a “cat like” way with the other foot bending back from the knee and the other extends forward.

Catch Step: This is a flat footed ball change.

Chassè: A basic ballet move that is used in all styles. A chasse is a kind of gallop where one foot chasses the other. It is a traveling step.

Coffee Grinder: This is a turning step that starts with a pirouette fouetté jump and one leg is bent while the other is in 2nd position. So do the fouette and a little jump while in mid turn. Others say this movement is closer to the ground while the body squats and one leg is bent and positioned unfer the working leg. Then the straight, free leg does a floor circle around your body and the supporting leg hops over the working leg as it is going – which describes more of a Russian move that a breakdancing move is now derived from. Both types of movement are basically called the same thing but the former is a more typical jazz mvoement.

Contract: A basic modern movement used in all styles. This is where the dancer contracts the mid section and pull back against a movement for emphasis.

Curve or “arch”: This is the opposite of a contraction. The mid section pushes forward and the back arches curving the back.

Front 5

D's

Back 5

Dolphin: This is a movement where the body flows in a snake type movement starting from the chest moving up. Shakira does this a lot! By the way, this movement is named several different things! We can call it the “s” move, the snake etc etc..

Drop and Recover: This is more of a modern dance step but can be used in jazz as well. It’s when a dancer has to drop to the floor in a controlled fall from a position.

Front 6

F's

Back 6

Fall: A way for the dancer to fall to the ground in a graceful and controlled movement that appears natural.

Fall Over the Log: A step where the dancer steps out onto one foot while the other foot lifts and points at the knee of the other. In ballet terms it would be considered a “piquè passé”.

Fan Kick: This is a round about kick where the body stays aligned but the leg kicks high in a fan motion starting inward and around or vice versa.

Figure 8: This movement you will see in mambo or the like and belly dancing even: it is when the hips smoothly roll around in the trace of the figure eight.

Flick: A jazzy and sassy way of doing a développe enveloppé. Basically the working leg sneaks up the supporting leg and flicks out straight ahead.

Flick Kick: Another ballet move done in a jazzy way which is basically a développé battement. This is when the working leg again sneaks up the supporting leg in a passé then jets out to a high kick in a flicking motion. This is a very “Fosse” like movement.

Freeze: Just what you think it means…to freeze a movement! This type of movement (or lack thereof) is more of an accent on music then a movement. It gives a moment flare and emphasis in a subtle way.

Funk: This is more of a energy then a specific movement that tells the dancer to get into the music and ride with it or grove with it in a loose and fun way. Funk is also a rhythm and a type of music.

Front 7

H's

Back 7

Head-roll: Speaks for itself! A head roll is letting the head move around it’s entire circular access in a controlled but relaxed fashion while the body stays aligned and in position. Head and hand rolls where a very popular movement Bob Fosse used. He liked small rolling movements as in his choreography from “Cabaret”.

Hinge: This is when the body is aligned but it is being tipped from the knees down with the feet on the ball pushing it forward.

Hip Walk: A basic jazz walk that jets the hips out in a circular sexy movement with the arms rounded in back while in pliè.

Hip-fall: This is a controlled drop to the floor whether on knees or feet and a slide through till the body is on the floor on it’s side and one arm is straight out against the floor.

Hip-roll: This is an isolated roll of the hips while the rest of the body stays in position.

Hitch Kick: This is like the famous “Karate Kid” finale kick! You give a little jump up with one knee in the air, and as soon as you kit the ground the other leg whips into a high kick. The former move is a preparation for the high kick

Hop: This is a jump off of one foot that lands on the same foot. Like in hop scotch…

Front 8

J's

Back 8

Jazz Drag: This is a jazz walk or hip walk with a drag in it. Sort of a dragging jazz walk.

Jazz Run: A running jazz walk! This requires a fluidity and grace to make it look natural and not awkward.

Jazz Split: This is a split on the floor with the back leg bent upward from the knee. Sometimes the knee can be grabbed or the head can be arched back towards it.

Jazz Square: This is a smooth four step movement, example: step out on your right leg, step back with your left, cross over with your right leg and step forward with your left. A full square movement in a sassy jazzy motion.

Jazz Walk: A low gravity type of walk where the body is in pliè and the shoulders and arms are curved in opposition while walking forward. This is without a hip roll. The Hip walk is the same but with a hip roll.

Jump Over the Log: This is a jump from one leg to the other that is a little more grand but not big enough to make a flying leap. It’s a control leap from one leg to the other. In jazz a slick and catlike form must be kept for the movement to “gel”.

Front 9

K's

Back 9

Kick: This is a high kick that throws the working leg in the air in a controlled manner, while the supporting leg and body stay properly aligned in the jazz position of choice.

Knee Fall: This requires knee pads! It’s a fall onto the knees which usually preludes another move and lands as a “punch” in the choreography.

Knee Slide: This is a very “rock n roll” move! It requires knee pads as well so you can slide across the floor on your knees without floor burn (ouch)!

Knee Turn: A 360 degree turn or the like but on both knees or one knee (usually two).

Front 10

L's

Back 10

Lay Out: This is the jazz moves of all jazz moves. The layout is a difficult one to master for some. The body must be flexible to kick out and within’ the kick the body will lean into it with the leg still high, and the entire torso will follow it until it’s parallel with the floor and the arms follow behind (or above) it.

Front 11

M's

Back 11

Limbo: We’ve all done or seen the limbo! Basically walking in a hinge and sometimes adding a shimmie to the shoulders.
Mess Around: This is a static turn that starts with one leg that crosses over the other and brings the body around in a 360 degree two legged turn (in ballet it’s called a soutenu). The head sometimes roll as do the hips and the arms are straight out in opposition like an “airplane” move.

Moonwalk: Michael Jackson originated this one

Front 12

P's

Back 12

Pencil Turn: This is a spin on both feet where the body is straight and the body spins a few times with ease.

Pitch: Often the position is a deep arabesque with the playing leg up in the sky and the chest towards the floor hitting the standing led. It's a very dynamic movement often done after a pirouette (turn + pitch).

Pivot Step: This is a step forward (or in any direction) with a pivot right after.

Primitive Squat: This is a hop forward into a deep 2nd position (see ballet terms) pliè. But in jazz, you won’t be required to be turned out as much (whew)! This is to make the move more sassy then classical…as is jazz

Front 13

R's

Back 13

Release:The opposite of contract. A release is only done after the contraction. It is a “letting go” of whatever forced movement or pose your body was in.

Ripple: A snake movement which starts at the pelvis and works it’s way up to the torso and moves in either direction one after the other. The actual “snake” starts from the head though – this differs cause it starts (again) from the pelvis.

Front 14

S's

Back 14

Shimmie: This movement is done from the shoulders. One shoulder moves forward while the other moves back and is done really fast in a shake. This movement is also a type of “breast” shaking movement in burlesque dancing (just so you get the picture)!

Shiver: This is a controlled tremble throughout the entire body. The small muscles must contract and tighten so they twitch very quickly.

Shoulder Fall: This movement started from Martha Graham and her series of “controlled falls”. Basically the dancer arches back almost into a backbend but pushes the body out when it would otherwise backbend or hit the ground so the body slides back leaving you on the ground flat on your back.

Shoulder Roll: An isolation movement of the shoulders. A shoulder roll!

Sissonne Fall: A controlled side fall after doing a “sisonne” which is a sissor like kick out to the side where you push out on two feet while the body flies sideways and one leg kicks up higher then the other. Then after you fall out to the side in a controlled manner with one arm being out flat against the ground as your hip and one same side leg will be.

Skate: This is a skating movement like a speedway skater. The leg pushes in then pulls out side forward then the other leg does the same.

Snake: Think “80s” – think “Paula Abdul” – the snake is an S movement starting from the head and curving the body sideways in a smooth and slinky movement all the way throughout the body and going to the other side in a seamless way.

Snap: A finger snap – like in West Side Story! Oh so jazzy…

Spins: Continuous moving turns (a.k.a. chainès).

Spiral: The spiral is a turn that turns the spine around in separate order. The top will be around faster then the bottom of your body or vice versa.

Stag Leap: This is a high leap or jump in a split but with the front leg bent from the knee inward.

Step: Step…need I say more?

Switch: This is a way to switch the working leg. Moving the working leg back so that the other leg is now free for the next movement

Front 15

T's

Back 15

Table top: 2nd parallel with a straight back tilting flat (like a table).

Tilt: High développé in a 2nd position with the body tilting to the opposite direction.

Touch: This is touching your pointed foot to the floor with a quiet energy.

Tripplettes: Diagonal walking at ¾ tempo (originated from Graham).

Turns: Turning on the beat.

Twists: Pivoting from one foot to the other.

Front 16

W's

Back 16

Worm: Dolphin going backwards with steps or chassés.

Front 17

Folk 1

Back 17

abbreviations: beg : beh : bkwd : C : CCW : cpl(s) : ct(s) : ctr : CW : diag : fig : ft : ftwk : fwd : L : LOD : M : meas : opp : orig : pos : ptr(s) : Q : R : RLOD : S : sdwd : shldr : tog : twd : W : wt :

courtesy: bow : curtsy : honour :

direction: anticlockwise : clockwise : counterclockwise : in place : line of dance : reverse line of dance :

figure: advance & retire : left/ right arm turn : basket : cast off : double ladies’ chain : grand chain : ladies’ chain : right/ left circle : cross over : diamond : do-si-do : figure of eight : left/ right hand turn : hands four/ six : [straight] hey : circular hey : ladies to centre : lead down : lead through : lead up : lead up turn and back : ladies’/ men’s right/ left hand mill : moulinet : move behind : pass through : piece of cake : polkade : promenade : reel of four : reel of three : right and left : side right : spin : right/ left hand star : strip the willow : swing : turn single : courtesy turn : visit : waltz solo : circular waltz :

formation: circle dance : circle of couples : broken circle : double circle : open circle : single circle : contra : couples : line dance : line of four : progressive line of three : longways set : i>duple/ triple minor set : quadrille [set] : [general] set : double sicillian progressive : sicillian progressive :

hold, couple: arch : ballroom hold : banjo hold : barn dance hold : butterfly hold : closed position : conversation position : couple position : cross-back hold : crossed arm/ hand hold : escort hold : open hand hold : long-arm hold : open position : promenade hold : promenade position : short-arm hold : shoulder waist hold : shoulder-shoulder blade hold : skaters hold : open V hold : varsouvienne hold : waltz hold :

hold, line: basket hold : belt hold : escort hold : shoulder hold : T position : close V hold : V hold : W hold :

music, general: accent : bar : beat : coda : count : duplet : measure : meter : rhythm : syncopation : tempo : time signature : triplet :

music, name: bourree : branle : buenek : chassidic : debka : dreher : driersteyrer : hora : kopanica : pravo : racenica : sirba : syrto : zweifacher :

music, note: crotchet : demisemiquaver : minim : note values : quaver : semibreve : semiquaver :

positions: adjacent : bottom : centre : corner : right hand ends : fall in : foot (of a line) : head : improper : inside [hand, foot, etc.] : lead couple : leading lady/ man : opposite : outside [hand, foot, etc.] : partner : proper : sides : top :

step, simple: bounce : brush : chug : close : cross : cukce : cut : dip : draw : hop : hop-point : jump : kick : leap : lift : heel lift : point : slide : spring : squat : stamp : step : stomp : swing (of the leg) : touch :

step, compound: balance : waltz balance : bleking step : bocazo : break step : buzz : change step : chasse : cherkessia : double : gallop : galop : grapevine : heel & toe : hop-step : mayim : pas de basque : pivot [turn] : point and knee : polka : polka promenade : [circular] polka : reel step : run : schottische : scissor : set : sevens : skip : skip change of step : slip step : step-close : step-hop : step-swing : tcherkessia : threes : two-step : walk : waltz : yemenite :

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I to R|S to Z


A

accent (music):
The stress or emphasis given to a musical note or a mark indicating this. Normally the accent in a bar of music is on the first beat. When the accent is not, the rhythm is syncopated.
adjacent (quadrille):

adjacent couple:
The couple to the right of the lead couple.
adjacent lady/ man:
The lady/ man of the adjacent couple.
adjacent couples:
The adjacent couple and their opposite couple.
advance & retire:


Move forward, acknowledge your opposite with a nod of the head, then move backward to original place. The number and type of steps should be defined in the dance notes.
anticlockwise:

The direction faced while standing with the left shoulder towards the centre of the dancing area. Often notated as facing line of dance (LOD).
The direction turned when making a continuous left turn.
arch:

Two dancers facing each other with joined hands raised to form an arch under which other dancers may pass.
Two dancers side by side, with joined inside hands raised to form an arch etc. The two dancers are usually a couple but need not be.
arm turn, left/ right arm turn:


A couple, with left/ right elbow’s bent and forearm horizontal move toward each other and link left/ right arms. Each of the dancer’s right hands grips their partner’s elbow. The couple turn around with each other moving forward. (Left arm turns are anticlockwise, right arm turns are clockwise.) Warning: In this position the thumb should not be used for gripping as the inside of the elbow is sensitive to pressure.
B
balance:

With feet apart transfer the body weight from one foot to the other.
| | meter. | Step forward on the right foot. Swing left foot forward. Step back with left foot. | Swing right foot back. The step may be repeated. It may start on the left foot and move to the left or right.
balance, waltz balance:


| | meter. | Step on right/ left foot. Close left/ right foot and raise heels just off the floor. | Take weight on right/ left foot in place and lower the heels. The step repeats with alternate footwork and may be danced in any direction.
ballroom hold:
A couple facing each other, man's right arm around the lady's waist, with his hand below her shoulder blade. The man’s left hand holds the lady’s right hand, with arms extended, at shoulder height. The lady's left hand rests on the man's shoulder.


banjo hold:
A couple facing each other but offset with the lady to the right and slightly in front of the man. The man's right hand at the lady's left waist and his left hand holds the lady’s extended right hand. The lady’s left hand rests on the man's shoulder. This is similar to the ballroom hold but the couples are more side by side than facing each other.

bar (music):
A group of beats divided by the regular occurrence of an accent. A bar of music, by definition (unless syncopated), starts with a strongly accented note and continues up to the next strongly accented note.

barn dance hold: A bush dance term equivalent to promenade hold.

basket:


Two couples in a small circle, the men, opposite each other, grip wrists with their arms behind the ladies' backs. Ladies rest their hands on the men's shoulder or grip the other lady's hand. All move clockwise using the buzz step.
flying basket:
A basket where the ladies allow their legs to lift and swing outwards. This is dangerous for the dancers and everyone else and requires a great deal of skill to do it safely.
basket hold:


Usually means front basket hold (see below). The dance description should indicate whether right or left arm is over the adjacent dancer's arm. The otherwise free hand of the first and last dancer is taken by the second and second last dancer.
[front] basket hold:
A row or circle of dancers, side by side, with arms extended sideways in front of the adjacent dancers to take hands with the second dancer to each side.
back basket hold:
A row or circle of dancers, side by side, with arms extended sideways behind the adjacent dancers to take hands with the second dancer to each side.
beat (music):
The beat is the regular pulse that continues throughout a piece of music. Beats can be organised into groups (notes) where some are stronger (accent) than others. Their speed (tempo) may vary or they may be used as a background for further division or enlargements (meter).

beg: Abbreviation of beginning.

beh: Abbreviation of behind.

belt hold:
A row of dancers, side by side, each dancer holding the belt of the adjacent dancer. If the row moves to the right in the dance then the right arm is crossed under the left arm and vice versa. The end dancers in the line hold their belts with their free hands.

bkwd: Abbreviation of backward.

bleking step:
| . | . | | . meter. | Hop on right foot. | . Touch left heel forward. | Spring onto left foot in place. | . Touch right heel forward. | Spring onto right foot in place. | Touch left heel forward. Spring onto left foot in place. Touch right heel forward. | Spring onto right foot in place. | . Touch left heel forward. The step is done in place and repeats, starting with a spring to the left foot, with alternate footwork.

bocazo (Hungary): Bo-ca-Zo
| | meter. | Hop on left foot, touching right toe diagonally left, in front of left foot. Hop on left foot, touching right toe diagonally to right. Jump to both feet together, clicking heels. | Hold in place.

bottom (longways): The end of a set farthest from the top of a hall.

bottom couple: The couple at the bottom of the set.

bounce: Take weight on the balls of the foot/ feet, lift heels then lower heels to the floor.

bourree: A French longways set dance.

bow: The man faces partner with feet together. He bends from the waist, then straightens up again.

branle:
A French round dance from Poitou in the 12th to 13th century. Popular during the reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV and survives as a folk dance. In favour at the court of Elizabeth I as the brawl.

break step (Hungary): Alternate term for bocazo.

brush: Touch the floor lightly with the ball of the foot while it is moving in the required direction.

buenek: A Bulgarian name for simple walking dances.

butterfly hold:
A couple facing each other take hands, joined right to left. Their arms are extended to the sides at shoulder height. Illustration »

buzz step (for couples):
The couple takes hold for swinging. meter. Step right foot near but outside your partner’s right foot, bending knees. Step to the left (clockwise) on the ball of the left foot with the left leg stretched straight while pivoting on the ball of the right foot. The step repeats with the same footwork. As the couple turn, the positions of their right feet change, so that the couple turn on the spot. The couple should give weight (lean out and counter-balance each other) and dance as a couple. The closer the couple hold and the closer and smaller their steps then the faster they will turn. The step is very rarely done anticlockwise with opposite footwork.

buzz step (for line dances):
meter. Cross the right foot down in front of left foot bending both knees. Step to the left on the ball of the left foot with the left leg stretched straight. Repeat the step with the same footwork. The step may also be done to the right with opposite footwork.

C
C: Abbreviation of centre.
cast off: Turn outside and dance outside the set.

cast up/ down: Turn outside and move, up to the top or down to the bottom, outside the set.

CCW: Abbreviation of counterclockwise.

centre: The space in the middle of a set or circle of dancers.

chain, double ladies’ chain (quadrille):
Ladies right hand star half way round, give left hands to their opposite man, who turns her with a courtesy turn. The figure is usually repeated to return to original places.

chain, grand chain:
Partners face each other in a circle with the men facing anticlockwise (LOD) and the ladies facing clockwise (RLOD). Give right hand to partner and pass by right shoulders. Give left hand to the next dancer and pass by left shoulder. Continue giving alternately right hand and then left hand to the oncoming dancers.

chain, ladies’ chain:
Start with two couples facing each other. The ladies cross over, take right hands and pass, then give left hands to their opposite man, who turns her with a courtesy turn. The figure is usually repeated to return to original places.

change step:
| | meter. | Step forward on right/ left foot. Close left/ right foot. | Step forward on the right/ left foot. Repeat with opposite footwork.

chassé/ chassez: A slow step sideways followed by a slow draw step to close.

chassidic: A Judaic sect that believe dance brings you closer to God.

cherkessia: Alternative spelling for tcherkessia

chug:
A sharp movement (usually backward) of the supporting foot/ feet where the foot/ feet do not leave the floor. First shift the weight in the direction of the chug then sharply move the foot/ feet to the new centre of weight.

circle dance:
A circle of dancers all holding hands or otherwise joined up in a single circle.

circle of couples: Couples in a circle side by side and facing line of dance.

progressive circle of couples:
A circle of couples where you change partners for each repeat of the dance.

circle, broken circle: Alternative term for open circle.

circle, double circle:
An outer circle of men facing their partners in an inner circle of ladies, with their backs to the centre. Can also have ladies on the outside and men inside.

circle, open circle:
A circle of dancers holding hands or otherwise joined up in a circle with the circle broken at one point, to let the evil out.

circle, right/ left circle: Form a circle and galop to the right/ left.

circle, single circle:
A circle of couples where all take hands with their partner and their ‘corner’ and face the centre. Sometimes the number of couples is determined by the dance.

clockwise:


The direction faced while standing with the right shoulder towards the centre of the dancing area. This is often notated as facing reverse line of dance (RLOD).
The direction turned when making a continuous right turn.
close: Bring the right/ left foot next to the other and take weight.

closed position: An American term equivalent to ballroom hold.

coda (music):
The independent passage at the end of a musical composition, which brings it to a satisfactory close.

contra: An American term equivalent to longways set.

conversation position (USA):
A couple stand side by side facing the same direction, with the man's right arm around the lady's waist. The lady's left hand rests on the man's right shoulder. The man’s left arm and the lady's right arm are held at their sides.

corner (quadrille): The dancer next to you who is not your partner.

count (music): An American term equivalent to beat.

counterclockwise: A term equivalent to anticlockwise

couple position (USA):
A couple side by side and facing the same direction with their inside hands joined and held at shoulder height. The man’s left arm and the lady's right arm are held at their sides.

couples: A couple dance where the couples spread randomly throughout the dance area.

cpl(s): Abbreviation of couple(s).

cross: Step across in front of or behind the other foot.

cross over:


(longways): Exchange positions with the opposite dancer by passing right shoulders, then turn to face the opposite dancer.
(quadrille): A couple exchange places with their opposite person passing right shoulders. Take inside hands with their partner and exchange places with the lady turning under an arch of the couple’s joined hands. Finish facing the opposite couple. The figure is usually repeated to return to original places.
cross-back hold (USA):
A couple side by side and facing the same direction. Join the right hands over the joined left hands behind the couple. Illustration »

crossed arm/ hand hold: Alternative term for long-arm hold.

crotchet (music):
The crotchet is a quarter the note value of the semibreve (whole note) and half the note value of the minim. See note values.

ct(s): Abbreviation of count(s) See beat.

ctr: Abbreviation of centre.

cukce (Balkan): This is a soft rise and fall of the heel, like a bounce.

curtsy:
The lady faces her partner with feet together, she touches her left foot behind her right and bends the knees slightly, lowering the body, then returns to normal position. Body remains upright.

cut:
A quick displacement of one foot by the other. eg. To cut the left foot, stand with weight on the left foot and swing the right foot sidewards towards the left foot. Take weight on the right foot and swing the left foot away from the right foot as a continuation of the right foot’s swing.

CW: Abbreviation of clockwise.

D
debka: A Syrian/ Palestinian men’s line dance.
demisemiquaver (music):
The demisemiquaver is one thirty-second of the note value of the semibreve (whole note) and half the note value of the semiquaver. See note values.

diag: Abbreviation of diagonal, diagonally.

diamond (longways):
A couple exchange places by moving diagonally right, turn to face each other (in the middle of the set), move diagonally right to their partner’s original position, then turn to face partner.

dip:
Step back on the right/ left foot taking full weight and bending the knee. The other leg remains extended and straight with the toe in contact with the floor.

do-si-do:
Partners move forward and pass each other by the right shoulder. Without turning each moves to their right passing back to back. Return to original position by passing left shoulders and moving backward. This may also be done passing left shoulders to start.

double, forward a double, back a double:
Four running steps forward bringing feet together on the last beat. Repeat the same footwork moving backward. The step usually starts with the right foot, both forwards and backwards.

draw:
Move the right/ left foot along the floor to bring the feet together then transfer weight to that foot. See also slide.

dreher (Germany): The pivot turn step.

dreisteyrer: A German/Austrian dance for three in 3/4 rhythm.

duplet (music):
A set of two notes played in the time (duration) normally allowed for three.

E
ends, right hand ends:
In a progressive line of three the right hand ends are the middle dancer, their right hand partner and the right hand partner’s opposite. There are two right hand ends in each minor set.
escort hold (line dance):
Place left hand at waist level close to center front of body. (Men may place left thumb in their belt.) Rest the right hand lightly on the adjacent dancer’s left forearm through the space formed by the bent elbow.

escort hold (couple dance):
A couple side by side and facing the same direction. The man bends his right arm and holds it at his waist. The lady slips her left hand through the gap at his elbow to rest it on the man’s right forearm. The man’s left arm and the lady's right arm are held at their sides.

F
fall in: To take the dancer’s proper place in line.
fall in behind (quadrille):
As the lead couple is returning to their original place, the adjacent couple, then the adjacent couple’s opposite couple, followed by the lead couple’s opposite couple, line up to form a longways set.

fig: Abbreviation of figure.

figure of eight:

A dancer moves in a figure of eight path around two stationary dancers.
Term erroneously used for reel of three.
foot (of a line): An American term equivalent to bottom (of set).

ft: Abbreviation of foot, feet.

ftwk: Abbreviation of footwork.

fwd: Abbreviation of forward.


G
gallop:
A step imitating a horse. . meter. . Step forward with the right foot, the leg lifts during the step. Close with the left foot. The step repeats with the same footwork and may be done with the left foot leading.
galop:
Spring to the right on the right foot. Commence closing with the left foot, but before this finishes, spring from the right foot (to repeat the start of the step) and allow both feet to touch in the air before landing on the left foot. To start the step, a quick hop on the left foot provides the spring needed by the right foot as it starts moving to the right. The step repeats with the same footwork and may be done to the left with opposite footwork and direction. This is a step that most adults can do without being taught so that although its analysis is difficult it is generally not a problem to teach. The detailed time analysis of this step is difficult to show without using a dance notation system like Romanotation or Labanotation because the two feet move out of phase with each other.

grapevine:
Four steps sideways where the trailing foot alternates between crossing in front and crossing behind. The four steps are;

Step right with the right foot.
Cross the left foot in front of the right foot.
Step right with right foot.
Cross the left foot behind the right foot.

The grapevine step may start on any of these four steps (1234, 2341, 3412 or 4123) but must include all four steps in order. The steps may be done with opposite footwork to the left . The steps are normally done on the whole foot but may be done on the heel in front and/ or the toe behind, and the steps may become leaps. The hips may swivel with the feet or remain ‘facing’ the front.

Front 18

Folk 2

Back 18

hand hold, open hand hold: A couple facing each other hold each other’s hands (uncrossed).
hand turn, left/ right hand turn:
A couple facing each other take left/ right hands, usually with elbows bent, forearms vertical and hands at shoulder height and turn around as a couple, moving forward.

hands four/ six/ etc.:
Four/ six or more dancers join hands, dance around clockwise, making one complete circuit, separate, and return to places.

head: An American term equivalent to top.

heel & toe:
Hop on right foot and extend left leg diagonally left to touch left heel to the floor. Hop on right foot and touch left toe to the floor with bent left knee.

hey, [straight] hey: An English term equivalent to reel of three.

hey, circular hey,: An English term similar to grand chain but without taking hands as you pass each oncoming dancer.

honour: Facing opposite dancer, lady curtsies and the man bows. See also: curtsey: bow:

hop: Spring from one foot and land on that same foot.

hop-point: Hop on one foot and at the same time point the other foot.

hop-step: A hop on one foot followed by a step onto the other.

hora, horo, oro, choros (Balkan): A baulkan dance in a circle or linked chain. choros (coro) -- Greece, hora -- Romania, horo -- Bulgaria, oro -- Macedonia.

I
improper:
A longways set is improper if any of the men are on the ladies’ side or any of the ladies are on the men’s side of the set. See also proper.
in place: At approximately the same spot where the previous step on that same foot was taken.

inside [hand, foot, etc.]: For a couple standing side-by-side, the hand, foot, etc. between them.

J
jump: Spring from either or both feet and land on both feet at the same time.
K
kick:
A strong lift of the free foot without bending the knee. The kick has more force than a swing.
A quick extension of the leg caused by straightening the knee.
kopanica: A Bulgarian dance in 11/16 ( . ) rhythm.

L
L: Abbreviation of left, also used for left foot, left arm or left hand.
ladies to centre (quadrille):
Each man takes his partner's left hand in his right and turns her under their raised hands to the centre of the set. The ladies move into a tight circle and sometimes hold each other round their waists.

lead couple:
The couple leading the dance and who usually perform parts of the dance reserved for them.

lead couple (quadrille):
The lead couple changes throughout the dance. Usually starting with the top couple then their opposite, followed by the top couple’s adjacent couple and their opposite. When a lady and her opposite man start the dance, then that lady and her partner are the lead couple.

lead couples: The lead couple and their opposite couple.

lead down (longways):
The top couple take inside hands and move down the middle of the set to the bottom.

lead through (quadrille):
The lead couple take inside hands and move between their opposite couple to the opposite couple’s position, while the opposite couple separate and move to the lead couple’s position then take inside hands. Both couples turn the ladys under an arch of their joined hands as the partners exchange position. This is usually repeated to return to original position’s with the new lead couple.

lead up (quadrille): A couple take inside hands and move towards their opposite couple.

lead up turn and back (quadrille):
A couple lead up, then the man turns the lady under an arch of their joined hands as the partners exchange places. The couple then lead back to place and turn again to finish in their original positions.

leading lady/ man: The lady/ man of the lead couple.

leap: Spring from one foot and land on the other foot.

lift: Raise the free foot with the knee bent.

lift, heel lift: Alternative term for cukce.

line dance:
A row of dancers, all facing in the same direction, holding hands or otherwise joined up in a line.

line of dance/ [direction]:
The direction of movement of the dancers along an imaginary circular line around the edge of the dancing area. If the dancers stand on this line with their left shoulders towards the centre of the circle and move forwards along the line then they are moving in line of dance. (It does not matter what direction the dancers are facing, just the direction of movement or travel.) This is an absolute direction of movement and does not refer to the direction of any particular dance.

line of four (quadrille):
The lines formed by the lead couple and their two corners and the opposite couple and their two corners. The lead couple and their opposite couple are in the middle of their respective line of four and are in their original position.

side lines (quadrille): A line of four where one of the side couples is the lead couple.

top and bottom lines (quadrille): A line of four where one of the tops is the lead couple.

line of three, progressive line of three:
A trio in a line, side by side, facing another trio. All the trios are in a circle alternately facing line of dance and reverse line of dance. (A sicilian progressive using trios instead of couples.)

LOD: Abbreviation of line of dance [line of direction].

long-arm hold:
A couple facing each other join hands right to right and left to left. The lady crosses her arms with the right on top. The hands grip with interlocked thumbs.

longways set:
A line of men facing their partners in a parallel line of ladies. The left most man in his line is at the top of the set which should be the end nearest to the music. See also, minor set, proper, improper.

M
M: Abbreviation of man, man's, men.
mayim step (Israel): My-im
An Israeli term equivalent to grapevine.

meas: Abbreviation of measure.

measure (music): An American term equivalent to bar.

meter (music):
The rhythmic structure of the music or dance. The term comes from American music terminology (and hence the spelling). See also time signature.

mill, ladies’/ men’s right/ left hand mill (quadrille):
ladies’ right hand mill: All ladies form a right hand star, men fall in beside partner with right arm around her waist, lady’s left hand on her partners right shoulder. All move forward to turn the mill clockwise. In the men’s mill, the men make the inner star. Right and left refer to the hand used to form the star. The figure usually repeats as an opposite hand mill with optional change of partner forming the inner star to return to original positions.

minim (music): The minim is half the note value of the semibreve (whole note). See note values.

minor set:
Minor sets occur when the dancers in large formations form up into small temporary groups of 2 to 4 couples. These groups perform the dance then progress to form a new group and repeat the dance.

duple/ triple minor set (longways set):
A minor set of two (duple) or three (triple) couples temporarily brought together to perform the dance. The lead couple progresses to the bottom of the general set and the other couple/s progress to the top. The minor set consists of the lead couple and the next (for duple minor set) or next two (for triple minor set) couple/s below them. The next couple below the minor set is the lead couple of the next minor set.

moulinet (quadrille): A star for two couples.

move behind (quadrille):
All men step back and cast off towards their own adjacent lady, who moves to meet them.

N
note values:
In the step descriptions I use musical symbols to show the time duration of each step part.
= semibreve, the whole note.
~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~
. = dotted minim, 3/4 of a whole note.
~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~
= minim, 1/2 a whole note.
~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~
. = dotted crotchet, 3/8 of a whole note.
~~~~~~~~ ~~~~
= crotchet, 1/4 of a whole note.
~~~~~~~~
. = dotted quaver, 3/16 of a whole note.
~~~~~~
= quaver, 1/8 of a whole note.
~~~~
. = dotted semiquaver, 3/32 of a whole note.
~~~
= semiquaver, 1/16 of a whole note.
~~
= demisemiquaver, 1/32 of a whole note.
~


O
open position:
A couple side by side, facing the same direction with the man's right arm around the lady's waist. The lady's left hand rests on the man's right shoulder. The man holds the lady's right hand in his left with arms extended forward. This is similar to the ballroom hold but more open.
opp: Abbreviation of opposite.

opposite: The dancer who is facing you.

opposite couple: The couple who is opposite another couple.

opposite lady/ man: The lady or man who is from the opposite couple.

orig: Abbreviation of original.

outside [hand, foot, etc.]:
For a couple standing side-by-side, the hand, foot, etc. furthest from your partner.

P
partner: The other dancer/s in your couple/ trio.
pas de basque:
| | meter. | Leap to the right onto the right foot. Step on ball of the left foot across in front of the right foot. | Step on the right foot in place. The step repeats with opposite footwork to the left.

pass through:
The movement through an opposite couple (or line of dancers). All pass right shoulders with their opposite to form a new minor set and repeat the dance. Sometimes the lead couple (the ones moving in line of dance) make an arch under which the others pass.

piece of cake:
In a circle dance, the dancers move diagonally forwards into the centre, turn and move backwards out of the centre along the other diagonal.

pivot [turn]:
A couple take a very close hold facing each other. The man’s left shoulder and the lady’s right shoulder are towards the direction of travel (LOD). The man’s and lady’s right feet are between their partners feet. Man steps in line of dance (LOD) on the left foot and start turning clockwise, swivelling on the ball of the left foot. Lady steps on the ball of the right foot, between the man’s feet, then swivels with the man as a couple. Lady steps in LOD on the left foot and continues the clockwise turn by swivelling on the ball of the left foot. Man steps on ball of right foot between the lady’s feet and swivels with the lady as a couple.
The steps should be small and close to or between the partners feet.

point: Touch the ball of the free foot to the floor in the indicated direction.

point and knee (Scotland):
The step is usually done with partner in the ballroom or open hold. Both hop on inside foot and point other foot to the side (outside) to touch, with straight leg. Hop again on the inside foot as the man lightly touches his inside lower leg with his outside heel just below his knee. Meanwhile the lady bends her outside knee similar to the man but without the touch.

polka:


Travelling The step may be danced in any direction but is usually forward. | meter. | Hop on right foot. | Step forward on left foot. Close right foot beside left foot. Step forward on left foot. Repeat with opposite footwork. The step usually starts with the man hopping on the right foot and the lady hopping on the left foot.
Turning A couple take a close hold facing each other. Man’s left and lady’s right shoulders towards the direction of travel (LOD). | | meter. | Man hops on right foot. Lady hops on left foot. | Man steps in LOD with left foot. Lady steps in LOD with right foot. Man closes right foot. Lady closes left foot. [ Man steps with left foot in place. Lady steps with right foot in place. During this ‘close - step in place’ the couple turn clockwise half way round.] | Man hops on left foot. Lady hops on right foot. | Man steps in LOD with right foot. Lady steps in LOD with left loot. [ Man closes left foot. Lady closes right foot. Man steps with right foot in place Lady steps with left foot in place. During this ‘close - step in place’ the couple turn clockwise half way round to return to their original position (relative to LOD).] The step repeats.
Czech & Russian The Czech, Russian and some other north-east European national polkas do not have the leading hop.
polka promenade: Alternative term for open polka.

polka, [circular] polka: Alternative term for polka 2 (turning)

polka, open polka:
A couple take inside hands and starting with hop on inside foot move forward with a polka 1 (travelling) step as the joined arms swing back and you turn towards your partner. Continue forward with a polka step on the outside foot as the arms swing forward and you turn away from your partner. The steps repeat.

polkade: An open polka for a single circle of couples with all dancers holding hands.


polkade left/ right:
To polkade left; All dancers turn to face their corner (to the man’s left) with arms extended sideways, then turn to face their partner. Each turn is with an open polka step and the dancers move as a whole circle clockwise.
To polkade right; All dancers turn to face their partner then their corner while moving as a whole circle anticlockwise.
pos: Abbreviation of position.

pravo: A Bulgarian straight line dance in 2/4 rhythm.

promenade:
The couples take promenade hold or skaters hold and move in line of dance around the circle.

promenade hold:
A couple side by side, facing the same direction, with the man a little behind the lady. Left hands are joined and held up. The right hands are joined and held up behind the lady. Illustration »

promenade position: An American term equivalent to skaters hold.

proper (longways):
A set is proper if all the men are on the men’s side and all the ladies are on the ladies’ side of the set.

ptr(s): Abbreviation of partner(s).

Q
Q: Abbreviation of quick.

quadrille [set]:
Four couples standing on the sides of a square and facing the centre of the set, ladies on the right of their partners. The couples are usually numbered in the order in which they take the lead in the dance. The top couple is couple 1, the bottom couple is couple 2, the couple to the right of the top couple is couple 3 and the remaining couple is couple 4. Sometimes other couple numbering is used for a particular dance.

quaver (music):
The quaver is one-eighth of the note value of the semibreve (whole note) and half the note value of the crotchet. See note values.

R
R: Abbreviation of right, also sometimes applied to right foot, right arm or right hand.
râcenica: (literally - small handkerchief) A Bulgarian horo in 7/16 rhythm.

reel of four:
A figure similar to the reel of three but with four dancers. The middle two dancers stand back to back facing the end dancers. All dancers start by passing their opposites by the right shoulder and continue to pass through the original position of each of the other dancers in turn. The figure ends when all dancers return to their original positions. When like dancers (two ends or two middles) pass, they do so by the left shoulder. Unlike dancers (ends and middles) pass by the right shoulder.

reel of three:
A figure for three dancers in a line, A, B and C. The end dancers A and C face the centre dancer B, who faces A. Each dancer travels in a figure of eight through the original positions of the other two dancers. Dancers A and B start by crossing right shoulders and dancer C starts by moving to his/her right. The dancers continue to move in their figures of eight taking turns to pass through B’s original position. First is A then C, B, A, C and finishing with B by which time all dancers have returned to their original position.

reel step:


Bush A variant of the schottische. The step starts with a hop on the upbeat followed by a step forward, a close, and a step in place. Sometimes the close is a cross behind.
International | . meter. | Hop slightly forward. | . Step crossed close in behind. The step repeats with the opposite footwork. The effect of the slight forward hop and cross behind is to dance in place.
reverse line of dance/ [direction]: The opposite direction of movement to line of dance (LOD).

rhythm (music):
Rhythm is used in a general sense to describe the flow of time in music. In a more limited sense it is used to describe the way in which beats are divided to produce smaller units and joined to produce larger units.

right and left:


Two couples facing eachother do half right and left then repeat it to return to place. See also cross over
half right and left:
Two couples face each other, give right hand to opposite, pass by right shoulders and turn to face partner. Give left hand to partner, pass by left shoulder and turn to face opposite.
right and left through (quadrille):
A couple and their opposite couple exchange places passing their opposite by the right shoulders then the ladies move to their opposite lady’s position and the men do likewise passing behind their lady to the opposite man’s position. Repeat to return to original positions. See also cross over.
RLOD: Abbreviation of reverse line of dance.

run: A series of leaps at a fast even tempo with both feet momentarily off the floor.

Front 19

Folk 3

Back 19

S: Abbreviation of slow.
schottische:
Step in the indicated direction on the lead foot. Close with the trailing foot. Step again with the lead foot. Hop on the lead foot. Repeat with opposite footwork. The step may be danced in any direction. The step appears in different rhythms in the same time signature.

scissors:
Spring to the right foot as the left foot kicks forward then spring to the left foot as the right foot kicks forward. The body weight usually rests on the back foot but can rest on the front or both feet. You spring on the spot and the legs alternately kick forward and may touch the ground with the toe, heel or whole foot. The scissors appear in many rhythms.

sdwd: Abbreviation of sideward.

semibreve (music):
The semibreve is the whole note from which all the other note values are derived by dividing by two, four, eight, sixteen, etc. See note values.

semiquaver (music):
The semiquaver is one sixteenth the note value of the semibreve, and half the note value of the quaver. See note values.

set, [general] set: The area enclosed by the dancers in the dance formation.

set/ setting step:
Leap to the right on the right foot, close left foot, step right foot in place. Usually repeated to the left with opposite footwork. There are many variants of the set.

sevens, [long] sevens (Ireland):
Danced on the balls of the feet. The first steps of the sevens depend on whether the leading or trailing foot has weight. (If travelling right then the right foot is the leading foot.) If starting with weight on the leading foot then on the up-beat | hop on the leading foot. | Step on trailing foot crossed behind leading foot. If starting with weight on the trailing foot then on the up-beat | hop on the trailing foot and lift the leading foot. | Hold the lifted leading foot. The step continues with step to the right/ left with the leading foot. Step on trailing foot crossed behind leading foot. | Step to the right/ left with the leading foot. | Step on trailing foot crossed behind leading foot. Step to the right/ left with the leading foot. . Step on trailing foot crossed behind leading foot. The step is usually followed by two [short] threes then repeated with opposite footwork to return to original position for another two [short] threes.

shldr: Abbreviation of shoulder.

short-arm hold:
A couple facing each other. Both place their right hands at their partner’s left waist and take left hands joined under the right arms. This hold is usually used for swinging.

shoulder hold:
A row of dancers, usually men, side by side, with arms straight and hands on the shoulders of neighbours.

shoulder waist hold:
A couple facing each other. Man’s hands on the small of the lady’s back and lady’s hands on the man’s shoulders. The arms are straight. Illustration »

shoulder-shoulder blade hold:
A couple facing each other. Man’s hands on the lady’s back just below the shoulders and the lady’s hands on the man’s shoulders. Hold the arms bent at the elbows forming a circular space between the couple.

sicillian progressive:
A couple facing another couple to form a minor set. The lady is on the right of her partner. All the couples are in a circle and are alternately facing line of dance and reverse line of dance.

sicillian, double sicillian progressive:
A line of two couples side by side, faces other line of two couples, to make each minor set. All the lines of couples are in a circle and are alternately facing line of dance and reverse line of dance.

side right (England):
Two dancers facing each other, move forward (beginning with the right foot) with 4 walking steps and pass by the left shoulders (to the right of your opposite). They turn in to face each other on the third step and close on the fourth. Repeat back to place beginning with the left foot, passing right shoulders, turning in toward each other to face each other again.

sides (quadrille): The top couple’s adjacent couples.

sirba: (literally - as the Serbs dance it) A Romanian line dance or circle dance.

skaters hold:
A couple standing side by side and facing the same direction. They join their right hands together and their left hands together in front of each other with the right arms crossed on top. Illustration »

skip:


| . meter. On the up-beat | hop in place on the right/ left foot. . Step onto the other foot. Repeat with opposite footwork.
A series of hop-steps (skip 1) on alternate feet.
skip change of step (Scotland):
| | meter. This is the common travelling step in Scottish dance. | Step forward on the right foot. Close the left foot behind the right so that the left instep touches the right heel. Step forward again on the right foot. Hop on the right foot. Turn the knees out and keep the toes pointed throughout.

slide:
A travelling step in a given direction, with the ball of the foot, in contact with the floor. See also draw.

slip step: Alternative term for galop.

spin: Alternative term for swing.

spring: To rise suddenly from the floor into the air.

squat:
Keeping back straight, bend both knees fully to almost sit on your heels then spring back up to normal position. Warning: Unless the dancer is well warmed up this is dangerous.

stamp:
Bring the free foot down to strike the floor suddenly, usually next to the other foot. The stamp is usually done with the whole foot but may be heel only. Stamping should not be with such force as to jar the leg. The stamping foot does not take weight. See also stomp.

star, right/ left hand star:
Usually performed with four dancers. All take right/ left hands in the centre and move forward clockwise/ anticlockwise. When taking hands in the centre, you can hold the wrist of the dancer in front, or the men can take hands and the ladies then take hands below the men’s joined hands.

step:


The transfer of weight from one foot to the other. Both feet are on the floor during the transfer.
This is a very general term for any movement using the feet.
step-close:
Step on one foot in the indicated direction. Close the other foot beside the first taking weight.

step-hop: A step followed by a hop on the same foot usually in even rhythm.

step-swing:
meter. Step to the right on the right foot. Swing left foot across in front of right foot. Step back with left foot. Swing right foot back. Repeat with opposite footwork to the left by stepping on left foot in place. The step may start on the left foot. While the free foot is swinging across in front, there may be a hop on the supporting foot.

stomp: Stamp the foot, taking weight.

strip the willow:
The lead couple, right arm turns 1½ times around. The leading lady left arm turns the second man in the line then right arm turns her partner. The leading lady alternates between, left arm turning with each man in turn and right arm turning with her partner, until she gets to the bottom of the set. The leading man only turns with his partner as he follows her down the set. This is usually repeated with the leading man stripping the willow up the set. He alternately left arm turns with each lady in turn, and right arm turns with his partner until he gets to the top of the line of ladies. This figure may also be done with the leading couple left arm turning with each couple in turn (leading man turns other lady, leading lady turns other man) then right arm turning with each other. Repeat this with each couple in turn until the lead couple get to the bottom of the set.

swing:
Take a secure hold with your partner (long-arm hold, short-arm hold, etc.) and use a buzz step to turn clockwise.

swing (of the leg):
Lift the leg, from the hip, and move it in the indicated direction. The swing has less force than a kick.

syncopation (music):
A temporary displacement of the natural accent in music so that the first beat in the bar does not have the strongest accent.

syrto:
(literally - to pull or drag) A Greek line dance or open circle dance from which the Kalamatianos has developed.

T
T position: An American term equivalent to shoulder hold.
tcherkessia (Israel):
Step right foot forward, step left foot in place, step right foot backward, step left foot in place.

double tcherkessia:
Step right foot across in front of left foot, step left foot in place, close right foot to left foot. Step left foot across in front of right foot, step right foot in place, close left foot to right foot.

half tcherkerssia: Step right foot forward, step left foot in place.

tempo: The tempo is the repetition rate (speed) of the beat.

threes, [short] threes (Ireland):
Dance this on the balls of the feet. on the up-beat | hop on the left foot. | Step on right foot crossed close behind left foot. Step slightly forward with the left foot. . Step on right foot crossed close behind left foot. Repeat with opposite footwork. The step behind and the step slightly forward, combine to keep the dancer in the same position.

time signature (music):
A sign indicating the number of beats in each bar of the music and their duration. The sign usually consists of a set of two numbers, one above the other. The top number is the number of beats in each bar and the bottom number is the number of these beats needed to make up a semibreve (whole note). The bottom number is always a power of 2 (2, 4, 8, 16, 32 etc) because beat duration derives from repeatedly halving the semibreve. There is no line between the top and the bottom numbers. Warning: The time signature of the music for a dance is not always the same as the “time signature” of the dance itself.

time signature - complex (music):
Complex time signatures occur when a mixture of 2 beat and 3 beat duration notes or groups of notes make up the rhythmic beat of the music. The top number of the time signature of this music is usually 5, 7, 9, or 11 but can be any number that is the sum of any combination of 2’s and 3’s. Formal music texts refer to this as irregular rather than complex.

time signature - compound (music):
Compound time signatures occur when 3 beat duration notes or groups of notes make up each rhythmic beat of the music. The top number of this time signature is either 6, 9 or 12. The music is usually in dotted beats.

time signature - simple (music):
Simple time signatures occur when 1 or 2 beat duration notes or groups of notes make up each rhythmic beat of the music. The top number of the time signature is usually either 2, 3, or 4 but can be 5 or more.

tog: Abbreviation of together.

top:
The end of a longways set or couple in a quadrille set nearer the music or the wall behind the music.

top couple: The couple at the top of a set.

tops (quadrille): The top couple and their opposite couple.

touch: Put the foot lightly on the floor without taking weight on it.

triplet (music): A set of three notes played in the time (duration) normally allowed for two.

turn: See arm turn or hand turn.

turn single (England): Four little walks turning right, full about on the spot.

turn, courtesy turn:
Lady moves towards man and they take left hands. He puts his right hand around the her waist and turns the couple anticlockwise until they face the man’s original direction.

twd: Abbreviation of toward.

two-step: Alternative term for change step.

V
V hold:

A row or circle of dancers, side by side, with arms sloping down and hands joined with neighbours. There is a slight gap between dancers.
close V hold:
A row of dancers, side by side, with arms straight down and hands joined with neighbours. There is no gap between dancers.
open V hold:
A couple side by side, facing the same direction, inside hands joined and arms down.
varsouvienne hold: Alternative term for promenade hold.

visit (quadrilles):
The lead couple take inside hands and walk round inside the set (anticlockwise), honouring each couple in turn, then return to their original place.

W
W: Abbreviation of (woman) lady, lady's, ladies.
W hold:
A row or circle of dancers, side by side, with elbows bent and hands joined with neighbours at shoulder height. Hands are slightly forward.

walk:
A series of steps with alternating feet. One of the feet is always on the floor. Weight is transferred from the toe of the trailing foot to the heel of the leading foot.

waltz:
| | meter. This step may be danced in any direction or while turning. | Big step backward on the left foot. Little step backward (just past the left) on the right foot. | Close with the left foot. | Big step forward on the right foot. Little step forward (just past the right) on the left foot. | Close with the right foot. Men start with a step backward on the left foot and ladies start by stepping forward with the right foot.

waltz hold: Alternative term for ballroom hold.

waltz solo: A circular waltz without a partner.

waltz, circular waltz: A series of waltz steps with a partner having a full turn every two waltz steps.

wt: Abbreviation of weight.

Y
yemenite right (Israel):

| | meter. | Step to the right with the right foot, bending the knee. Step on the left foot slightly behind the right foot with straight leg and on the ball of the foot. Step with right foot back to starting position. Hold (or close left foot). May be “repeated” with a yemenite left, ie. opposite footwork and opposite sideways directions.
backward yemenite:
Similar to the yemenite but the first step is backward not to the right/ left.
Z
zweifacher: (literally - two kinds) A group of Bavarian (Germany) dances which alternate between waltz and dreher steps along with the music alternating between 3/4 (waltz) and 2/4 (dreher) rhythms.