Get a Leg up on Choreography – Without Moving a Muscle

PAA’s industry dance experts want you to know there’s more to choreography than moving your body. Beyond the twists, turns, and techniques – it’s just as important to know your dance terminology. 

One PAA student said that the dance terms she learned at PAA gave her a real advantage while rehearsing for her professional production.

“I felt like I could learn the choreography so much easier after taking [a PAA dance] class –I knew all of the terminology they were using!”

Stepping into an audition/rehearsal knowing your choreography terms will set you apart by leaps and bounds. Don’t be caught deciphering a Pas De Bourree or processing a Passé. Learn your dance move terms so you can focus on stretching your limbs and not scratching your head at your next musical debut. 

PAA choreographers pieced together a list of dance terms every budding performer should know. 

Elevate your dance skills in one of PAA’s year-round dance classes, where technique and terminology take center stage. 

These must-know dance moves are featured in many fan-favorite musicals, including Chicago, A Chorus Line, Newsies, Wicked, Hamilton, and more. 

Dance Terms To Know: 

3 Step Turn

Arabesque

Attitude

Ball-change

Ballet Positions- (first, second, fourth, fifth)

Battement

Canon

Chaîne Turn

Charleston

Chassé

Chugs

Grapevine

Jazz hands

Jazz Square

Leap

Paddle Turn

Pas De Bourree

Passé

Pirouette

Pivot Turn

Plié

Ponies

Relevé

Ron de Jambe

Spotting

Tendu

Turned out vs turned in

Master your dance terms by enrolling in a PAA Dance Class today.