The Alphabet According To Dancers

And 5, 6, 7, 8!

A is for Arabesque.

San Francisco Ballet / Via wifflegif.com

Arabesque [noun]:​ A dance position in which a dancer stands on one leg with the other leg turned out and extended behind the body, with both legs held straight​.

B is for Bruises.

Twitter: @amber_burdett

Bruises [noun]: An injury appearing as an area of discolored skin on the body, caused by floor work or another impact rupturing underlying blood vessels​.

C is for Competition.

NYCDA

​Competition [noun]: A sport in which competitors perform dances of varying styles (tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical) for a panel of judges.

D is for Dance Moms.

Lifetime

Lifetime

Dance Moms [noun]: 1. ​The aggressive parents of dancers who are always ready to fight for their child/dance studio.

2. The TV show with most intense depiction of dance moms.

E is for Extensions

Extensions [noun]: A body position in which one leg is lifted to the front, side, or back, while the other remains planted on the floor.

F is for Fosse.

20th Century Fox

Fosse [noun]: A dance style made popular by choreographer Bob Fosse in which movements are sharp and isolated. Oftentimes, the feet are turned in.

G is for Grace.

Fox Searchlight / Via gph.is

Grace [noun]: A simple elegance or refinement of movement.

H is for Hairspray.

Via gph.is

Hairspray [noun]:1. A liquid solution generally from an aerosol container that is used to hold hair in place.

2. A necessity.

I is for In Sync.

Loew's Inc

In Sync [prepositional phrase]: A word used to describe two or more dancers who work well together.

J is for Jeté.

instagram.com

Jeté [verb]: To jump from one foot to the other while gliding through the air.

K is for Kicks.

Via gph.is

Kick [verb]: To forcefully thrust the leg into the air.

L is for Leotard.

Capezio

Leotard [noun]: 1. Form-fitting and stretchy dance wear usually worn by ballerinas and other types of dancers.

2. Half of your wardrobe.

M is for Muscle.

instagram.com

Muscle [noun]: The physical power or strength that is used to produce movement or hold body positions.

N is for Nerves.

Lifetime / Via gph.is

Nerves [noun]: 1. The state in which a person is agitated or worried.

2. A dancer's mental state before going onstage.

O is for Original.

Via au.entertainment.yahoo.com

Original [adjective]: Created directly and personally by a particular artist for a specific medium or audience.

P is for Pointed Toes.

instagram.com

Pointed Toes [noun]: The way to hold your feet unless you want to give your teacher an aneurysm.

Q is for Quiet Feet

Via shamelesstale.wordpress.com

Quiet Feet [noun]: The instruction given by your teacher when you sound like cows on the floor.

R is for Recital.

Lauren Garafano

Recital [noun]: 1. The show that you've been working toward for months.

2. Your time to shine.

S is for So You Think You Can Dance.

Fox

Fox

So You Think You Can Dance [noun]: 1. A television show on which dancers compete for the position of best dancer.

2. The words that go through your mind as you watch the show.

T is for Tap.

Fox / Via giphy.com

Tap [noun]: A style of dance defined by syncopation and rhythm.

U is for Up to Tempo.

Interscope Records

Up to Tempo [prepositional phrase]: The phrase that means to dance faster, or to the tempo of the music.

V is for Vacation.

instagram.com

Vacation​ [noun]: 1. An extended period of recreation.

2. What you don't get as a dancer.

W is for Win.

Lifetime / Via pinterest.com

Win [verb]: To be rewarded the highest award at a competition.

X is for Explosion.

CBS / Via dailydot.com

Explosion [noun]: The sudden burst of energy and emotion the moment you step onstage.

Y is for Years.

instagram.com

Years [noun]: The length of time you've been proud to call yourself a dancer.

Z is for Zero Regrets.

Via bolzanoconcorsodanza.it

Zero Regrets [noun]: 1. No feelings of sadness or repentance with how you've spent your life.

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