Folk Dance Federation of California, South, Inc. Dance Definitions Compiled by Dick Oakes

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Dance Definitions

Cast Off

The primary method of progression in contra dances. The active couples continue to move down the set, while the inactive couples move up. There are many methods of casting off.

Chain

A dance form in which dancers stand in a line, semi-circle, or circle and are joined by holding hands with the person on either side. The hand hold may vary (low, elbows bent, elbows straight, elbow hold, shoulder hold, belt hold, front basket, back basket, etc.).

Broken Rhythm

A combination of slow and quick bts when the rhythm pattern takes more than one measure. A repetition will begin in the middle of a measure. An example is the magic step in the fox trot.

Couple

A set of two people.

Even Rhythm

Bts getting full note value — long or short (slow or quick). Examples are hop, jump, leap, run, and walk.

Gesturing Leg, Foot, Arm, Hand

The limb which is not carrying weight and is free to move as the dance dictates.

Head of Set

In contra sets, the end of the set closest to the music or the caller. The opposite end is the Foot of the Set.

Home Position

Original pos of each dancer or couple in a set.

In Place

At approximately the same spot where the previous step on that same ft was taken.

Measure

One group of bts made by the regular occurrence of the heavy accent. It represents the underlying bt enclosed between two adjacent bars on a musical staff.

Meter

The time in music or a group of bts to form the underlying rhythms within a meas.

Phrase

A musical "sentence." It can be felt by listening for the complete "thought" of the music. Phrases may vary in length. A group of phrases may express a "thought" as a group of "sentences" may express a "paragraph."

Rhythm

An ordered recurrent alternation of strong and weak elements in the fwd flow of sound.

Rhythmic Pattern

The melody pattern or grouping of bts, as the melody of a song corresponds to the underlying rhythm.

Supporting Leg, Foot

The leg or foot which is carrying the body's weight.

Place

The spot where the feet are when standing still with feet together. Place moves to the new spot beside the supporting foot when weight is transferred from one foot to the other.

Tempo

The rate of speed at which the music is played.

Trio

A set of three people.

Uneven Rhythm

A combination of slow and quick bts. Examples are gallop, polka, skip, slide, and two-step.

Used with permission of the author.