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.