Dance Vocabulary 101: Common Dance Terms Every Parent Should Know

Sharon's Studio of Dance & Music
Jan 21
3 min read

If you’ve ever picked up your child from dance class and heard words like plié or pirouette, you might have wondered, “What does that mean?” Don't worry, you’re not alone. Dance classes have their own language, and it’s normal to feel a little lost at first.

Understanding basic dance terminology can help you follow along, support your child at home, and feel more connected to their dance journey. At Sharon’s Studio of Dance & Music in Whippany, NJ, we love helping parents become part of the dance experience.

Here’s a friendly guide to some of the most common terms you’ll hear in our studio, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary styles.

General Dance Terms (Used Across All Styles)

These are words you’ll hear in almost every class:

Choreography – The dance routine your child learns, usually created by the instructor.
Counts – Beats of music used to keep dancers in time, often referred to as “8-counts.”
Marking – Practicing a dance lightly or slowly to save energy.
Spacing – How dancers position themselves on the floor relative to one another.
Formation – The shape or pattern dancers create on stage.
Across the Floor – Steps or sequences performed while traveling from one side of the room to the other.
Combo (Combination) – A short sequence of dance steps put together.

Ballet Terms Parents Hear Most Often

Ballet introduces a few French words, but they’re easier to understand than they sound:

Barre – The handrail used for support during warm-ups and exercises.
Plié – Bending the knees while keeping the upper body upright.
Tendu – Stretching the foot along the floor to point the toes.
Relevé – Rising up onto the balls of the feet.
Chassé – A traveling step where one foot “chases” the other across the floor.
Pirouette – A turn on one foot, often performed on pointe or demi-pointe.

Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary Terms

These styles focus on energy, expression, and creativity. Here are some words you might hear:

Isolations – Moving one part of the body at a time, like shoulders or hips.
Kick – A controlled lift of the leg in any direction.
Leap – A traveling jump from one foot to the other.
Floor Work – Movements done on or near the floor.
Dynamics – The quality of movement, such as sharp, soft, fast, or slow.
Musicality – Dancing in sync with the rhythm, melody, and emotion of the music.

Performance and Recital Vocabulary

Recital season introduces even more terms:

Dress Rehearsal – A full run-through of the recital in costume.
Quick Change – A fast costume change between numbers.
Wings – The areas on the sides of the stage where dancers wait to enter.
Finale – The last performance of the show, usually involving all dancers.

Studio and Training Terms

As your child progresses, these words may come up:

Technique Class – Focused on building skills, strength, and precision.
Choreography Class – Focused on choreography and putting steps together.
Performing Group – A select group of dancers who perform throughout the year.
Competition Team – Dancers who train for and compete in dance competitions.
Cross-Training – Classes that support flexibility, strength, and overall fitness.

Tips for Parents

Ask questions – If a term comes up and you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask.
Practice at home – Learning the vocabulary alongside your child helps them remember and apply it.

Your Dance Vocabulary Checklist

Print or save this dance vocabulary guide for quick reference. It’s especially useful during recital season, competitions, or just while watching your child in class. If you hear a word we didn’t include, drop us a comment or message. We love helping parents feel confident and connected to the dance experience.

Join Us at Sharon’s Studio of Dance & Music

Whether your child is taking their first ballet class or advancing in jazz, lyrical, or contemporary, understanding the language of dance makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Located in Whippany, NJ, our studio welcomes dancers of all ages and skill levels. View our class schedule or register online today.