The ballroom dance glossary
Plain-language definitions of the words you hear in lessons and at competitions, and where the international and US worlds use them differently.
263 terms
Terms per category
A 12
- Adjudicator
The formal word for a judge.
See also Judge
Competitions
- Adult
The main age group, from about 19, with no upper limit. Most championships are Adult events.
See also Age categorySenior
Levels and age groups
- Age category
The age group a dancer competes in. Names are similar everywhere, but the ages and how they are counted differ by body.
Where it differs WDSF counts age by the calendar year in which a dancer turns it. NDCA uses the birthday, with a window of 30 days either side to move up.
See also JuvenileJuniorYouthAdultSeniorPro-Am age groups
Levels and age groups
- Aida
A Rumba and Cha Cha figure of backward walks that turns the couple to finish side by side in a held back line.
See also RumbaCha ChaPicture line
Figures
- Alemana
A Rumba and Cha Cha figure in which the follower turns to the right under the raised joined hands.
See also RumbaCha ChaUnderarm turn
Figures
- Alignment
Which way the feet point or the body moves, described against the line of dance and the walls, for example facing diagonal to wall.
See also Line of danceFootwork
Technique
- Amalgamation
Two or more figures joined into a short sequence. A routine is a long amalgamation that fits the floor and the music.
Technique
- Amateur
A dancer who does not teach or perform for money. An amateur couple is two amateurs dancing together, the norm in WDSF countries.
See also Pro-AmProfessionalMixed Amateur
Levels and age groups
- American Style
The style developed in American studios, made up of Smooth and Rhythm. It is competed mostly in the US and Canada, at NDCA and USA Dance events.
See also SmoothRhythmInternational StyleNine Dance
Styles
- Appel
In the Paso Doble, a stamp with a flat foot that marks the start of a figure, taken from the matador's call to the bull.
See also Paso DobleSur place
Figures
- Argentine Tango
The improvised tango of Buenos Aires, danced in a close embrace with intricate leg work. A different dance from ballroom Tango.
Dances
- Arm styling
How the free arms move in the Latin and Rhythm dances. Good styling grows from the body's action instead of being added on top.
Technique
B 12
- Bachata
A Dominican partner dance with a side-to-side basic and a tap or hip lift on the fourth beat.
Dances
- Back number
The competitor number pinned to the back of one partner, usually the leader, so judges can mark the couple. Bring safety pins, or ask at registration.
Competitions
- Ballroom dance
The family of partner dances a couple dances together in a hold, from the waltz to the rumba. In competition it is organised into styles, each with a fixed set of dances.
See also International StyleAmerican StyleDanceSportSocial dancing
Styles
- Bar
One measure of music: three beats in a Waltz, four in a Foxtrot or Cha Cha, two in a Samba or Paso Doble.
Technique
- Basic movement
The first pattern a student learns in a dance, the one the dance keeps coming back to. In the Latin dances it is usually called the basic.
See also FigureBox stepSyllabus
Figures
- Beginner
The first British amateur grade, usually one, two or three dance events.
Levels and age groups
- Blackpool
The Blackpool Dance Festival in England, held every year since 1920 and the best-known ballroom competition in the world. The Skating System was first used there.
See also Skating SystemChampionship
Competitions
- Bolero
A slow, romantic Rhythm dance that mixes the hip action of rumba with the rise and fall of the smooth dances.
See also RhythmRumbaRise and fall
Dances
- Bota fogo
A travelling Samba figure: a step, a side step and a replace, repeated so that the partners pass to alternate sides of each other.
See also Samba
Figures
- Box step
A basic figure whose steps trace a square on the floor: forward, side, close, back, side, close. Taught in American Smooth Waltz and Foxtrot and in Rhythm Rumba.
See also Basic movementWaltzRumbaAmerican Style
Figures
- British Dance Council
The body that sets the rules for ballroom, Latin, smooth and sequence competitions in Great Britain. It began as the Official Board of Ballroom Dancing, where the Skating System was adopted.
See also Skating SystemSequence dancing
Organisations
- Bronze
The first full syllabus level, with the basic figures of each dance. Most dancers spend a year or more here.
Where it differs Many US competitions split it into Intermediate and Full Bronze, or Bronze 1 to 4.
See also SilverGoldPre-BronzeSyllabusMedal test
Levels and age groups
C 30
- Callback
The US word for a recall: being called back for the next round.
See also Recall
Competitions
- Camp
An intensive of lectures and lessons with visiting coaches over several days, often before the main competitions of the season.
Studio life
- Cancellation policy
How much notice a student must give to move or cancel a lesson without losing it, often 24 hours.
See also No-showPrivate lesson
Studio life
- CBM
Contra body movement: turning the opposite hip and shoulder in the direction of the moving leg, used to start a turn. When the right foot moves forward, the left side of the body comes forward with it.
See also CBMPNatural turnReverse turn
Technique
- CBMP
Contra body movement position: a foot position, not a movement. The stepping foot is placed across the line of the standing foot, as when stepping outside a partner.
See also CBMFeather step
Technique
- Cha Cha
A playful dance in 4/4 time with a characteristic triple step, counted 2, 3, 4 and 1. Danced in both Latin and Rhythm.
Where it differs International Cha Cha and Rhythm Cha Cha differ in technique and in many figure names.
See also LatinRhythmChasséNew YorkFan
Dances
- Chairperson
The official in charge of the judging: they decide with the organizer how many couples are recalled, check the music tempo and settle disputes on the floor. Also chair of judges or chairman of adjudicators.
See also JudgeScrutineerRecallInvigilator
Competitions
- Championship
An event that awards a title, such as a national or open championship, or the top multi-dance events of a competition.
Where it differs Under NDCA rules a championship needs at least six couples to be valid.
See also ScholarshipOpenFinal
Competitions
- Change of places
Jive figures in which the partners swap sides, the follower turning under the joined hands.
See also JiveUnderarm turnLink
Figures
- Charleston
A lively 1920s dance with swivelling feet and kicks. Its actions live on in the Quickstep and in many show and swing routines.
Dances
- Chassé
A step, close, step pattern, usually travelling sideways. Found in Waltz, Quickstep, Cha Cha, Jive and many other dances.
See also QuickstepCha ChaJiveLock step
Figures
- Choreography
The design of a routine: which figures, in what order and how they fit the floor and the music. Choreographers often charge for creating a routine.
See also RoutineOpen choreographyTheatre Arts
Technique
- Class
In many European federations, a letter grade an amateur couple moves up through by points and placings, such as D, C, B, A and S in Germany. Letters and rules differ by country.
See also LevelNational federationRanking
Levels and age groups
- Closed
Also several meanings. A closed competition limits who may enter: in Britain, by birth or residence in the area named in its title; in the US, sometimes members of one organisation. Closed syllabus is a limit on figures.
See also OpenClosed syllabus
Competitions
- Closed change
A short Waltz figure of three steps that closes the feet and switches the couple between natural and reverse turning figures.
See also WaltzNatural turnReverse turn
Figures
- Closed position
The couple faces each other in hold, slightly offset to the right. The home position of the Standard dances.
See also HoldPromenade positionOpen position
Technique
- Closed syllabus
An event where couples may dance only the figures of their level. Usually how Newcomer to Gold events run in US Pro-Am.
Where it differs NDCA publishes the figures and elements each level allows, and invigilates every closed event.
See also SyllabusOpen choreographyInvigilatorClosed
Levels and age groups
- Coach
A teacher who prepares dancers for competition. Many couples have a main coach and see several others.
Studio life
- Coaching
A lesson with a specialist, often a visiting champion, who polishes a couple's technique and routines. Usually more expensive than a regular lesson.
See also CoachCampPrivate lesson
Studio life
- Competition
An event where couples dance in front of judges and are placed. A ballroom competition usually runs over one to several days, with hundreds of events.
See also EventHeatEntrySanctioned competition
Competitions
- Connection
The physical link between partners, through the hands, arms and body, that lets a lead be felt and answered.
See also Lead and followFrameHold
Technique
- Contra check
A Standard figure in which the leader checks forward with strong body turn and the couple holds a short, stretched line before moving on.
See also CBMPicture lineStandard
Figures
- Costume
Competition clothing: gowns for Standard and Smooth, shorter dresses for Latin and Rhythm, and tailsuits or fitted shirts and trousers. Often rented for a first competition.
See also Dress rulesDance shoesHair and makeup
Studio life
- Country Waltz
A waltz danced to country music, travelling around the floor in 3/4 time, part of country western competition.
See also Country WesternWaltzUCWDC
Dances
- Country Western
Partner dances to country music, such as the Two Step, Country Waltz, Triple Two Step, Polka, Cha Cha, Nightclub and East Coast and West Coast Swing. Competitions are run mainly under the United Country Western Dance Council.
Styles
- Couple
The two partners who dance and compete together, a leader and a follower.
See also Leader and followerPro-AmAmateur
Technique
- Credit
One lesson's worth on a package. Each lesson taken uses one up, and the balance shows how many are left.
See also PackagePackage expiry
Studio life
- Cuban break
A Cha Cha figure of quick, syncopated crossing and replacing steps danced on the spot.
See also Cha ChaSyncopation
Figures
- Cuban motion
The hip action of the Latin and Rhythm dances, created by bending and straightening the knees in time with the steps rather than by swinging the hips.
See also RumbaCha ChaRhythmLatin
Technique
- Cucarachas
A Rumba and Cha Cha figure of pressure steps to the side and back, keeping the hips moving on the spot.
See also RumbaCha ChaCuban motion
Figures
D 7
- Dance shoes
Shoes with suede soles that grip and slide just enough. Followers wear closed court shoes for Standard and Smooth and open sandals with higher heels for Latin and Rhythm; leaders wear low heels, slightly higher for Latin.
See also Shoe brushCostume
Studio life
- DanceSport
Competitive ballroom dancing treated as a sport, with rules, rankings and championships. The word is used most by the World DanceSport Federation and its national members.
See also WDSFBallroom danceCompetition
Styles
- Dancing up
Entering an age group or level above your own, which many rules allow by one step.
See also Age categoryLevel
Levels and age groups
- Deck captain
The official at the on-deck area who checks numbers and lines couples up so each heat starts on time.
Competitions
- Dress rules
Rules on what competitors may wear, strictest for children: necklines, skirt lengths, colours, makeup and stones. Federations publish their own.
Where it differs WDSF, British and NDCA rules all differ, and some events check costumes before children dance.
Competitions
- Drop-in
Paying for a single group class on the day, without a package or membership.
See also Group classMembership
Studio life
- DVIDA
A US body that publishes an American and International Style syllabus and runs examinations for teachers.
See also SyllabusAmerican StyleMedal test
Organisations
E 5
- East Coast Swing
A bouncy swing dance with a six-count basic of triple steps and a rock step. Part of American Rhythm.
See also RhythmJiveWest Coast SwingLindy Hop
Dances
- Emcee
The master of ceremonies, who calls the heats and the couples to the floor and announces results.
Competitions
- Entry
Signing up for an event, with its fee. Entries close on a deadline before the competition, and late entries may cost extra or be refused.
See also Entry feeEventHeat list
Competitions
- Entry fee
The price of one entry. Pro-Am events are usually priced per dance, and a competition may add a registration or admission fee on top.
Competitions
- Event
One contest within a competition, defined by style, level, age group and partnership, such as Pro-Am Adult Bronze Waltz.
See also CompetitionSingle danceMulti-danceHeat
Competitions
F 14
- Fallaway position
A promenade position in which the couple moves backward instead of forward.
See also Promenade positionClosed position
Technique
- Fan
A Rumba and Cha Cha figure that ends with the follower at arm's length, at a right angle to the leader. Many figures start from fan position.
See also Hockey stickRumbaCha Cha
Figures
- Feather step
The signature opening figure of the Slow Foxtrot, three steps in which the leader steps outside the partner.
Figures
- Figure
A named pattern of steps, such as a natural turn or a fan. Routines are built from figures, and syllabus levels say which figures are allowed.
See also AmalgamationRoutineSyllabus
Technique
- Final
The last round, usually six or seven couples, sometimes up to eight. Judges place the couples in order instead of marking recalls.
See also PlacementSkating SystemSemifinal
Competitions
- First round
The opening round, in which every entered couple dances. When the entry is large it is split into several heats.
Competitions
- Floor
The wooden dance surface the competition is danced on. Large competitions sometimes run events on more than one floor at once.
See also FloorcraftOpen practice
Competitions
- Floor fee
What an independent teacher pays a studio for using its floor, per lesson or per hour.
See also Independent teacher
Studio life
- Floorcraft
Steering around other couples on a crowded floor without collisions, by adjusting figures on the spot. Judges count it.
See also Line of danceHeat
Technique
- Footwork
Which part of the foot touches the floor on each step: heel, toe, ball, flat or the inside edge. The syllabus books list it for every step.
See also Heel leadRise and fallSyllabus
Technique
- Formation team
A team of couples dancing one routine together, judged on patterns and unison as well as dancing. International teams usually have six to eight couples.
Where it differs NDCA allows teams of four to eight couples and sets music lengths by age group.
See also ShowdanceTeam match
Styles
- Foxtrot
A smooth, gliding dance in 4/4 time built on long walking steps, counted slow, quick, quick. International Style calls it Slow Foxtrot.
Where it differs The Smooth Foxtrot and the International Slow Foxtrot share their roots but use different figures and timing.
See also Feather stepSlow and quickStandardSmoothQuickstep
Dances
- Frame
The shape of the arms, back and shoulders held in a hold. A good frame stays stable so the couple can move and communicate as one.
See also HoldPostureToplineConnection
Technique
- Franchise studio
A studio that runs under a national brand, with that brand's syllabus, teacher training and its own competitions.
See also Independent teacherSyllabus
Studio life
G 3
- Gold
The highest syllabus level, with the most advanced figures in the syllabus. Above it, dancers move to open choreography.
Where it differs Some US competitions add levels such as Gold Star or Supreme Gold beyond it.
See also SilverOpen choreographySyllabus
Levels and age groups
- Gold Star
A level above Gold that some US Pro-Am competitions offer, alongside names such as Supreme Gold. Each competition's rules say what it allows.
See also GoldOpen choreography
Levels and age groups
- Group class
A class for many students at once, usually on one dance or one level. Cheaper than a private lesson and a good place to meet partners.
See also Private lessonPractice party
Studio life
H 9
- Hair and makeup
Competition styling meant to read from the back of a ballroom: hair set firmly so it stays put, and stronger makeup than daywear. Many competitions have stylists on site.
Studio life
- Heat
One group of couples on the floor at the same time. In US Pro-Am, heat usually means a numbered slot in the running order, and each heat may hold several events danced together.
Where it differs In British usage a heat is also an early round of a competition, when the entry is split into several groups.
See also Heat listRoundEventOn deck
Competitions
- Heat list
The list of every heat a dancer is in, with heat numbers and estimated times, published shortly before the competition. Also called a heat sheet.
See also HeatScheduleBack number
Competitions
- Heel lead
A forward step taken heel first, rolling through the foot, used in the Standard and Smooth dances.
Technique
- Heel protectors
Small caps over the heels of dance shoes that protect wooden floors and stop the heel catching in gaps.
See also Dance shoes
Studio life
- Heel turn
A turn made on the heel of the supporting foot with the feet closed, usually by the follower in a Standard figure.
See also TelemarkHeel leadPivot
Technique
- Hockey stick
A Rumba and Cha Cha figure danced from the fan, in which the follower turns under the arm along a path shaped like a hockey stick.
Figures
- Hold
How partners hold each other. In a closed hold the leader's right hand is on the follower's back and the other hands are joined at about eye level.
See also FrameClosed positionConnection
Technique
- Hustle
A fast disco-era partner dance with continuous turns and travelling patterns.
See also Nightclub
Dances
I 7
- IDTA
The International Dance Teachers' Association, a British teaching and examining body that also sets syllabi and medal tests.
See also ISTDMedal test
Organisations
- Independent teacher
A teacher with their own students who rents floor time at one or more studios instead of being employed by one.
Studio life
- Intermediate
A step within or between levels. In Britain it is the amateur grade between Novice and Pre-Championship; at US Pro-Am competitions it is often the first half of a level, as in Intermediate Bronze.
See also NovicePre-ChampionshipBronze
Levels and age groups
- International Style
The style danced at competitions around the world, made up of Standard and Latin. Its technique was codified by English teaching societies and is the style of the WDSF and WDC world championships.
Where it differs In the US the same style is still called International, to tell it apart from American Style.
See also StandardLatinAmerican StyleTen Dance
Styles
- Intro lesson
A first lesson, often at a reduced price, where a new student tries the studio and the teacher learns what they want.
See also Private lessonPackage
Studio life
- Invigilator
An official who watches syllabus events and flags figures that are not allowed at that level.
Where it differs An NDCA role: every couple in a closed syllabus event is invigilated, and infractions can cost placings.
See also Closed syllabusChairperson
Competitions
- ISTD
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, a London-based teaching and examining body founded in 1904, whose technique books define much of International Style.
See also IDTASyllabusMedal test
Organisations
J 4
- Jive
A fast, energetic swing dance in 4/4 time with kicks and flicks, usually the last dance of a Latin final.
See also LatinEast Coast SwingChassé
Dances
- Judge
A qualified official who marks the couples. Also called an adjudicator. Judges mark independently and are not supposed to discuss competitors during the event.
See also AdjudicatorChairpersonMarksPanel
Competitions
- Junior
Dancers of roughly 12 to 15, often split into Junior I and Junior II.
See also Age categoryJuvenileYouth
Levels and age groups
- Juvenile
The youngest age group, roughly up to 11 years old. Dress and figure rules are strictest here.
Where it differs NDCA calls these ages Pre-Teen I and II. British rules have Juvenile Under 10 and Under 12.
See also Age categoryJuniorDress rules
Levels and age groups
L 11
- Latin
The five International Latin dances: Samba, Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive. They are danced mostly in place, with strong hip action and open as well as closed positions.
Where it differs Its American counterpart is Rhythm, which shares the Cha Cha and Rumba but dances them with different technique.
See also International StyleSambaCha ChaRumbaPaso DobleJiveRhythm
Styles
- Lead and follow
How a couple dances together: the leader proposes the figure through the body and connection, and the follower answers it. Traditionally the man leads, but roles are not tied to gender.
Where it differs NDCA defines a couple as a leader and a follower regardless of gender, and partners may not swap roles during an event.
See also ConnectionLeader and follower
Technique
- Leader and follower
The two roles in a couple. The leader chooses and starts each figure; the follower responds, and in good dancing also shapes it.
See also Lead and followCouple
Technique
- Lecture
At a camp or congress, a talk with demonstration in which a coach explains technique to a whole room.
Studio life
- Lesson notes
What was covered in a lesson and what to practise next, written down by the teacher or the student so the next lesson starts in the right place.
See also Private lessonPractice
Studio life
- Level
How advanced a dancer is, which decides the events they may enter. Studios teach by syllabus levels; amateur competition uses grades or classes that dancers move up through.
See also NewcomerBronzeNoviceClass
Levels and age groups
- Lift
A move in which one partner lifts the other completely off the floor. Allowed in show categories and banned in most other events.
Where it differs NDCA closed syllabus events also forbid jumps, drops and dips below the waist.
See also Theatre ArtsClosed syllabus
Figures
- Lindy Hop
The original swing dance from Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s, with swing-outs, improvisation and, in performance, air steps.
See also East Coast SwingJive
Dances
- Line of dance
The counterclockwise direction of travel around the floor that every couple follows in the travelling dances.
See also AlignmentFloorcraft
Technique
- Link
A short Jive figure, a rock step and a chassé, that joins one figure to the next.
See also JiveChasséChange of places
Figures
- Lock step
A travelling figure where one foot crosses loosely behind or in front of the other, typical of the Quickstep and Cha Cha.
Figures
M 11
- Majority
More than half of the judges. The Skating System gives a place to the couple that a majority of judges put at that place or better.
See also Skating SystemPanelTie
Competitions
- Mambo
A fast, syncopated Rhythm dance from Cuban music, close cousin of salsa, usually breaking on the second beat.
Dances
- Marks
What judges give: a cross or tick for each couple they recall in an early round, and a place for each couple in the final. Many events publish every judge's marks afterwards.
See also RecallPlacementSkating SystemMarksheet
Competitions
- Marksheet
The sheet, paper or on a tablet, on which a judge records marks for one round, and signs.
Competitions
- Medal test
An examination of a student's dancing at a level, such as Bronze, taken in front of an examiner and graded. A goal without the pressure of competing.
Levels and age groups
- Membership
A monthly plan that gives a set number of lessons or classes for a recurring fee.
See also PackageGroup class
Studio life
- Merengue
A simple, marching Dominican dance with a step on every beat, often a first dance at a beginner class.
Dances
- Mixed Amateur
A US category for an advanced amateur dancing with another amateur who is not their regular partner, often their student.
Levels and age groups
- Multi-dance
An event of two or more dances with one overall result, such as a three-dance Bronze Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot.
Where it differs NDCA rules base the recalls of a multi-dance on the marks across all its dances.
See also Single danceScholarshipSkating System
Competitions
- Music director
The official who chooses and plays the music for every heat, keeping each dance within its tempo and length.
Where it differs NDCA rules say competitors may not request music; the chair and organizer may veto a song, but the music director decides.
See also TempoChairperson
Competitions
- Musicality
Dancing to the character and phrasing of the music, not only to the beat: slowing, accenting and pausing where the music does.
Technique
N 10
- National federation
A country's governing body for DanceSport, which licenses dancers and events and selects national teams. Most are WDSF members.
See also WDSFClassRegistration
Organisations
- Natural turn
A turn to the right, clockwise, as seen from above. The name describes the direction, so there are natural turns in many dances.
See also Reverse turnWaltzViennese Waltz
Figures
- NDCA
The National Dance Council of America, founded in 1948, which sanctions most US Pro-Am and professional competitions and registers their dancers and officials. The US member of the WDC.
See also WDCSanctioned competitionUSA Dance
Organisations
- New York
A Cha Cha and Rumba figure where the couple turns to side-by-side position and checks forward, usually in both directions.
Figures
- Newcomer
The first US competitive level, for dancers in their first year of competing.
Where it differs NDCA allows Newcomer for one year from the first sanctioned event and restricts it to closed syllabus.
See also Pre-BronzeBronzeLevel
Levels and age groups
- Nightclub
A group of social dances that some competitions run as their own category. Which dances are included varies by event; Hustle, West Coast Swing, Nightclub Two Step, Salsa, Argentine Tango, Merengue and Bachata are common.
Where it differs Mostly a US category. Many international events do not offer it at all.
See also HustleWest Coast SwingNightclub Two StepSalsaArgentine TangoSocial dancing
Styles
- Nightclub Two Step
A slow, flowing partner dance to contemporary ballads, built on a side step and a rock step.
Dances
- Nine Dance
The American counterpart of Ten Dance: the four Smooth and five Rhythm dances, with one result across the nine.
See also SmoothRhythmTen Dance
Styles
- No-show
A lesson the student missed without notice. Under most cancellation policies it is charged or the credit is used.
See also Cancellation policyCredit
Studio life
- Novice
An early amateur grade. In US amateur competition it is an open syllabus class above Syllabus; in Britain it follows Beginner.
Where it differs British couples move up by winning a set number of competitions with at least six couples. NDCA amateurs move up through proficiency points.
See also Pre-ChampionshipBeginnerProficiency pointsLevel
Levels and age groups
O 8
- On deck
The area beside the floor where couples wait for their heat, usually a few heats ahead. Officials there check numbers and line couples up.
See also HeatBack numberEmcee
Competitions
- Open
Several meanings. An open competition or championship accepts entries from outside the area in its title. Open choreography means no syllabus limits. Open Amateur is the top US amateur class. And many WDSF events are called Opens.
See also ClosedOpen choreographyChampionship
Competitions
- Open Amateur
The top US amateur class under NDCA rules: open choreography, with every dance of the style danced in every round, in the set order.
See also Pre-ChampionshipAmateurOpen choreography
Levels and age groups
- Open choreography
Events with no syllabus limits, where couples dance any figures they like. Also called open syllabus.
See also Closed syllabusChoreographyOpen
Levels and age groups
- Open position
Any position where the partners are apart, joined by one or two hands or not at all. Common in Latin, Rhythm and Smooth.
See also Closed positionSmoothFan
Technique
- Open practice
Time on the competition floor before the events start, to get used to its size and grip. Also called a floor trial.
Competitions
- Outside partner
A forward step taken to the side of the partner instead of between their feet, placed in CBMP.
See also CBMPFeather stepWeave
Technique
- Oversway
A Standard picture line in which the couple stretches over a softened supporting leg, the follower's head turned and the shape held for a moment.
See also Picture lineSwayStandard
Figures
P 28
- Package
A bundle of lessons bought in advance, such as ten private lessons, usually cheaper per lesson than paying each time.
See also Private lessonMembership
Studio life
- Package expiry
The date after which unused lessons on a package can no longer be taken, if the studio sets one.
Studio life
- Panel
The group of judges marking an event. Usually an odd number, such as five, seven or nine, so that a majority always exists.
See also JudgeSkating System
Competitions
- Paso Doble
A marching dance in 2/4 time that draws on the drama of the Spanish bullfight. The leader often plays the matador and the follower the cape.
Where it differs Its competition music has set musical highlights that couples choreograph to, which is why many events use the same few pieces.
See also Latin
Dances
- Peabody
A fast American travelling dance, a quick relative of the Foxtrot, once part of Smooth competition and now rarely danced.
Dances
- Peaking
Planning training so a dancer is at their best for the competitions that matter most, with harder weeks before and lighter ones just before.
Studio life
- Penalty
A loss of one or more places given for breaking a rule, such as dancing a figure the level does not allow, usually after a warning.
Where it differs NDCA rules mark a repeated syllabus infraction in a final down one or more places at the chair's discretion. British rules allow the loss of a placing.
See also InvigilatorChairpersonClosed syllabus
Competitions
- Picture line
A shape held for a moment for effect, such as an oversway or a contra check, often placed on a strong accent in the music.
See also OverswayContra checkMusicality
Technique
- Pivot
A rotation on the ball of one foot with the other foot held in front or behind, used to turn quickly while keeping the body in line.
Figures
- Placement
A couple's finishing position: first, second, third and so on. In a final every judge places every couple, and the results are worked out from those places.
See also FinalSkating SystemMarks
Competitions
- Poise
The way the body is balanced and carried, including the slight lean and stretch of the upper body in the Standard dances.
Technique
- Polka
A lively turning dance in 2/4 time built on triple steps, danced in country western competitions.
See also Country WesternTwo Step
Dances
- Posture
How a dancer holds their own body: stacked, long through the spine and balanced over the feet. Teachers usually fix it first, since every figure depends on it.
Technique
- Practice
Time on the floor without a teacher, going over what was taught. Most progress happens here, between lessons.
See also Practice partyPractice partner
Studio life
- Practice partner
Someone to practise with between lessons, often another student at the same level.
Studio life
- Practice party
A social dance evening at the studio where students practise with each other and with teachers, to a mix of music.
See also Social dancingGroup class
Studio life
- Pre-Bronze
The level before Bronze, using the simplest figures. Common at US Pro-Am competitions.
Levels and age groups
- Pre-Championship
The amateur grade just below Championship or Open Amateur, with most dances of the style.
See also NoviceChampionshipProficiency points
Levels and age groups
- Pre-Teen
The NDCA name for its youngest age groups: Pre-Teen I up to age 9 and Pre-Teen II for ages 10 and 11.
See also JuvenileJuniorAge category
Levels and age groups
- Private lesson
A lesson for one student or one couple with a teacher, usually 45 or 60 minutes. The core of most ballroom studios.
See also Group classPackageCoaching
Studio life
- Pro-Am
A partnership of a professional, usually the teacher, and an amateur student. The student is the one being judged.
Where it differs Mostly a North American format. In WDSF countries most students compete with an amateur partner instead.
See also AmateurProfessionalStudent-StudentTop Student
Levels and age groups
- Pro-Am age groups
In US Pro-Am the student's age decides the group, labelled by letters.
Where it differs NDCA lists A from 19, B from 36, C from 51 and Senior groups from 61, 71, 76 and 81. Organizers need not offer them all.
See also Pro-AmAge category
Levels and age groups
- Professional
A dancer who teaches or competes for money. Professional couples compete in their own events.
Where it differs Under NDCA rules, dancing as the professional partner in Pro-Am makes a dancer a professional.
See also AmateurPro-AmRising StarWDC
Levels and age groups
- Proficiency
Two US meanings. A proficiency score rates one couple against a standard rather than against others, such as 90 to 99 at an NDCA event. And amateur proficiency classes are levels such as Syllabus, Novice and Pre-Championship.
See also UncontestedShowcaseNoviceProficiency points
Competitions
- Proficiency points
An NDCA amateur rule: a point for winning your class, or making the final of a higher one, when a quarterfinal was held. Three points and you move up.
See also NovicePre-ChampionshipProficiency
Levels and age groups
- Programme
The printed or online list of a competition's events, competitors and timetable, often with each event's heat numbers.
Competitions
- Progressive chassé
One of the first Quickstep figures: a chassé that travels along the line of dance while turning slightly.
See also QuickstepChasséQuarter turn
Figures
- Promenade position
A V-shaped position in which the couple is in hold but both face the same direction, ready to travel forward together.
See also Closed positionWhiskTelemark
Technique
Q 4
- Qualifying competition
A competition whose results earn a place at a later championship, such as a national or international final.
See also ChampionshipRanking
Competitions
- Quarter turn
A basic Quickstep figure that turns about a quarter to the right and finishes with a chassé.
See also QuickstepProgressive chasséNatural turn
Figures
- Quarterfinal
The round before the semifinal, usually for about 24 couples.
Competitions
- Quickstep
A fast, light dance in 4/4 time with runs, hops, locks and skips. It grew out of the faster Foxtrot and Charleston.
See also Lock stepChasséFoxtrotStandard
Dances
R 14
- Ranking
A league table of couples built from results across a season, used for invitations and selection to championships.
Competitions
- Recall
Being chosen to go through to the next round. In the rounds before the final each judge marks the couples they want to see again, and the couples with the most marks go through.
Where it differs Called a callback in the US.
See also CallbackMarksRoundChairperson
Competitions
- Redance
An extra round, also called a repechage, that gives couples not recalled from the first round a second chance to reach the next round.
Where it differs Used at many WDSF and European events. NDCA rules do not allow a repechage.
See also First roundRecall
Competitions
- Registrar
The official who handles competitor check-in, numbers and entry problems at the event.
See also Back numberEntryRegistration
Competitions
- Registration
Being registered or licensed with the governing body, which many competitions require before a dancer may enter.
Where it differs NDCA requires professionals, amateurs and Pro-Am students to be registered. In WDSF countries dancers usually hold a licence through their national federation.
See also Sanctioned competitionNational federation
Competitions
- Results
The published placings of every event, and in many cases each judge's marks, posted at the venue and online.
See also PlacementMarksSkating System
Competitions
- Reverse turn
A turn to the left, counterclockwise, as seen from above. The partner of the natural turn.
See also Natural turnClosed change
Figures
- Rhinestones
The crystals sewn or glued onto competition costumes so they sparkle under the lights. A costume's price rises with its stones.
See also CostumeDress rules
Studio life
- Rhythm
American Style's Latin-flavoured dances: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero and Mambo. The hip action is called Cuban motion.
See also American StyleLatinCha ChaRumbaEast Coast SwingBoleroMamboCuban motion
Styles
- Rise and fall
The rising and lowering of the body through the feet, ankles and knees. It gives the Waltz and Foxtrot their wave-like flow. Tango has none.
See also WaltzFoxtrotSwingFootwork
Technique
- Rising Star
A category for professionals who are not yet at the top, kept apart from the Open Professional events.
Where it differs In NDCA rules a couple loses rising star status by winning the US Rising Star or reaching the US Championship final, among other results.
See also ProfessionalOpen
Levels and age groups
- Round
One stage of an event. Large events have several rounds, and only the couples recalled from one round dance in the next.
See also First roundQuarterfinalSemifinalFinalRecall
Competitions
- Routine
The set sequence of figures a couple dances in competition, planned to fit the floor and the music. Most competitors have one routine per dance.
See also ChoreographyAmalgamationFigure
Technique
- Rumba
The slowest Latin dance, sensual and expressive, with strong hip action.
Where it differs International Rumba starts its basic step on beat 2. American Rhythm Rumba is often taught from a box with slow, quick, quick timing, starting on beat 1.
See also LatinRhythmCuban motionFanHockey stickBolero
Dances
S 36
- Salsa
A Latin club dance in 4/4 time with a quick-quick-slow rhythm, danced on the first or second beat depending on the style.
See also NightclubMamboMerengueBachata
Dances
- Samba
A lively Brazilian-rooted dance in 2/4 time that travels around the floor, driven by a bounce action through the knees and ankles.
Dances
- Samba walk
The walking steps of the Samba, with a pressure action into the floor, danced in promenade or side by side.
See also SambaShadow position
Figures
- Sanctioned competition
A competition recognised by a governing body, which sets its rules, requires registered officials and counts its results.
Where it differs In the US most Pro-Am and professional competitions are NDCA sanctioned. Elsewhere national federations license events under WDSF or WDC rules.
See also NDCAWDSFRegistration
Competitions
- Schedule
The competition timetable, by day and session. Times are estimates: heats can run early or late, so dancers are told to be ready well before their time.
Competitions
- Scholarship
A US multi-dance Pro-Am event, often with prize money. The prize belongs to the student, not the teacher.
See also ChampionshipMulti-dancePro-Am
Competitions
- Scrutineer
The official who collects the judges' marks, checks them and calculates the results, today usually with software.
Where it differs British rules say the scrutineer may not also serve as chair of the judges, and only the chair may see the marks before the event ends.
See also Skating SystemChairpersonMarks
Competitions
- Semifinal
The round before the final, usually for 12 couples, from which about half are recalled to the final.
Competitions
- Senior
Age groups for older dancers, numbered Senior I, II, III and up. In amateur couples both partners must reach set ages.
Where it differs NDCA Senior I needs one partner at 35 and the other at 30, rising by ten years per group. British rules use Over 35, Over 50 and Over 60.
See also AdultAge category
Levels and age groups
- Sequence dancing
A British form in which every couple on the floor dances the same set sequence at the same time. It has its own competitions under the British Dance Council.
See also British Dance CouncilSocial dancing
Styles
- Session
A block of the schedule, such as Friday morning or Saturday evening. Evening sessions often hold the championships and professional events.
See also Schedule
Competitions
- Shadow position
Both partners face the same way, one slightly behind and to the side of the other, so their steps mirror like a shadow.
See also Open positionPromenade positionSamba walk
Technique
- Shoe brush
A wire brush that roughens worn suede soles so they grip again. Part of every competitor's bag.
See also Dance shoes
Studio life
- Showcase
A studio performance event where students dance for an audience and often for a judge's feedback, without being ranked against each other.
Where it differs NDCA describes a showcase as having one adjudicator, individual proficiency scores and no top awards.
See also SoloProficiencyPractice party
Studio life
- Showdance
A competition for a choreographed show routine based on Standard or Latin dances, danced to the couple's own music. Judged on the dancing as well as the show.
See also Theatre ArtsChoreographyFormation team
Styles
- Silver
The middle syllabus level, with more turns, rotation and shaping than Bronze.
Levels and age groups
- Single dance
An event of one dance, such as Bronze Waltz, with its own result. The bulk of US Pro-Am competition is single dances.
See also Multi-danceEventPro-Am
Competitions
- Skating System
The method used in most ballroom competitions to turn judges' places into a result. A couple wins a place when a majority of judges put them at that place or better, and set rules break the ties. Introduced in Britain in 1937 and still the standard.
Where it differs Rules 1 to 4 cover how judges mark, 5 to 8 a single dance, and 9 to 11 combine several dances. WDSF has also used a component scoring system at some top events.
See also MarksPlacementScrutineerMulti-dance
Competitions
- Slow and quick
The way many figures are counted. A slow usually takes two beats and a quick one, so slow, quick, quick fills four beats.
Technique
- Smooth
American Style's travelling dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz. Unlike Standard, the couple may break hold and dance open and side-by-side figures.
See also American StyleStandardWaltzTangoFoxtrotViennese Waltz
Styles
- Social dancing
Dancing for fun at parties and dance halls, without judges. Most dancers start here, and the patterns are often simpler and led on the spot rather than choreographed.
See also Practice partyLead and followGroup class
Styles
- Solo
A couple dancing a choreographed routine alone on the floor, often to their own music. Common in Pro-Am showcases and as an exhibition.
See also Theatre ArtsShowcase
Competitions
- Solo Star
An NDCA category for Pre-Teen, Junior and Youth dancers who compete on their own, without a partner.
Levels and age groups
- Spin turn
A Standard turning figure to the right built around a pivot, used in Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep to turn the couple strongly in a short space.
See also PivotNatural turnStandard
Figures
- Spot turn
A turn made in place without travelling. In the Latin dances it is often a solo turn under no hold.
See also Underarm turnPivot
Figures
- Spotting
Keeping the eyes on a fixed point and whipping the head round at the end of a turn, so the dancer stays oriented and does not get dizzy.
Technique
- Standard
The five International smooth-travelling dances: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep. The couple stays in a closed hold for the whole dance and travels around the floor.
Where it differs Called International Ballroom in the US and simply Ballroom in Great Britain, where it was once known as Modern.
See also International StyleWaltzTangoViennese WaltzFoxtrotQuickstepSmooth
Styles
- Straight leg
In the Latin dances, the supporting leg is straightened as the weight arrives on it, which produces the hip action.
See also Cuban motionLatinWeight transfer
Technique
- Student-Student
A US category in which two Pro-Am students dance together, often on the floor at the same time as Pro-Am heats.
Levels and age groups
- STUL
Suomen Tanssiurheiluliitto, the Finnish DanceSport Federation, which runs competitive dance in Finland through its member clubs and is a WDSF member.
See also National federationWDSF
Organisations
- Supporting foot
The foot that carries the body's weight at a given moment. The other is called the free foot.
See also Weight transferHeel turn
Technique
- Sur place
Marching on the spot on the balls of the feet in the Paso Doble, keeping the body tall and still.
See also Paso DobleAppel
Figures
- Sway
A tilt of the body from the feet up, usually toward the inside of a turn, used to keep balance and shape the movement.
See also SwingRise and fall
Technique
- Swing
In the Standard dances, the pendulum-like movement of the body that carries it through a turn or a travelling figure.
See also Rise and fallSwayWaltz
Technique
- Syllabus
The official list of figures for each dance and each level, published by a teaching body. Students learn it level by level, and syllabus events restrict couples to it.
Where it differs International Style syllabi come mainly from the ISTD and IDTA. American Style syllabi come from the US teaching organisations, and the NDCA keeps its own list of what closed syllabus events allow.
See also Closed syllabusOpen choreographyFigureISTDDVIDA
Technique
- Syncopation
Splitting a beat to fit in an extra step, counted with an "and" or "a", as in the Cha Cha chassé.
See also TimingCha ChaCuban break
Technique
T 19
- Tailsuit
The traditional leader's costume for Standard: a fitted tailcoat, trousers, a wing-collar shirt and a bow tie. Juniors and lower levels often wear a vest and tie instead.
Studio life
- Tan
Competition tan, applied before a competition, especially for Latin and Rhythm, so dancers do not look washed out under bright lights.
See also Hair and makeupCostume
Studio life
- Tango
A dramatic dance in 2/4 time with sharp, staccato actions and no rise and fall. The knees stay softly flexed and the feet are picked up and placed rather than swung.
Where it differs Ballroom Tango is a different dance from Argentine Tango.
See also Argentine TangoStandardSmoothPromenade position
Dances
- Teacher
Someone who teaches dancing. In US studios the teacher is often also the student's Pro-Am partner, known as their pro.
See also CoachPro-AmIndependent teacher
Studio life
- Team match
A contest between teams from different studios or clubs, scored by adding up the team's results.
See also Formation teamTop Teacher and Top Studio
Competitions
- Telemark
A Standard turning figure in which the follower makes a heel turn while the leader turns around them, often ending in promenade position.
See also Heel turnPromenade positionStandard
Figures
- Tempo
The speed of the music, measured in bars per minute. Competition rules set a tempo range for each dance.
Where it differs Under British Dance Council rules, for example, Quickstep is 48 to 50 bars per minute and Rumba 25 to 27.
See also BarTimingChairperson
Technique
- Ten Dance
An event in which couples dance all five Standard and all five Latin dances, with one result across the ten.
See also StandardLatinNine DanceMulti-dance
Styles
- Theatre Arts
A show category where a couple dances a choreographed routine to their own music, with lifts and tricks that other events forbid. Also called Cabaret.
Where it differs NDCA rules have couples in these divisions dance in an order set by draw and keep the same routine in every round.
See also ShowdanceLiftSoloChoreography
Styles
- Three step
A Slow Foxtrot figure of three walking steps forward for the leader, slow, quick, quick, that keeps the dance travelling.
See also FoxtrotFeather step
Figures
- Tie
Two couples the judges cannot separate. The Skating System breaks most ties with set rules, and a shared place is possible when it cannot.
See also Skating SystemPlacementMajority
Competitions
- Timing
Dancing each step on the beat the figure asks for. Being off time is among the first things a judge sees.
See also MusicalitySlow and quick
Technique
- Top Student
An award at US Pro-Am competitions for the students who earned the most points, usually by level and age group.
See also Pro-AmTop Teacher and Top Studio
Competitions
- Top Teacher and Top Studio
Awards at US Pro-Am competitions for the teacher and the studio whose students earned the most points or entries.
See also Pro-AmTop Student
Competitions
- Topline
The line of the arms, shoulders and head as seen from the audience. Judges notice it from across the room.
Technique
- Triple Two Step
A country dance built on travelling triple steps, a smoother cousin of the Polka, danced in country western competition.
See also Country WesternPolkaTwo Step
Dances
- Tryout
A trial session in which two dancers dance together to see if they could form a competitive partnership.
See also CouplePractice partner
Studio life
- Turnout
Feet slightly turned out from the hips, as worn in the Latin dances for line and balance.
Technique
- Two Step
The signature country dance, travelling around the floor to a quick, quick, slow, slow rhythm.
See also Country WesternPolka
Dances
U 6
- UCWDC
The United Country Western Dance Council, which runs country western dance competitions and sets their dances.
See also Country Western
Organisations
- Uncontested
An event with only one couple entered. Under NDCA rules that couple is the winner and gets first place, and some events still give feedback or a score.
See also ProficiencySingle dance
Competitions
- Under 21
A category for young adults, usually 16 to 20, between Youth and Adult.
Levels and age groups
- Underarm turn
A turn the follower makes under the joined hands, led by raising the arm.
See also Spot turnLead and follow
Figures
- USA Dance
The US national body for amateur DanceSport and social dancing, and the US member of the WDSF.
Organisations
- USDC
The United States Dance Championships, the yearly event where the NDCA's US professional championships and US Rising Star titles are decided.
See also NDCARising StarChampionship
Competitions
V 2
- Viennese Waltz
A fast waltz built on continuous rotating turns around the floor. It is the quickest of the smooth dances.
Where it differs Played somewhat shorter than the other dances in many championships. Smooth Viennese Waltz allows open figures.
See also WaltzNatural turnReverse turnStandard
Dances
- Voltas
A Samba figure of quick crossing steps that travel sideways or circle, often danced side by side.
See also SambaShadow position
Figures
W 10
- Waltz
A smooth dance in 3/4 time with a strong first beat, known for its rise and fall and swing. Danced in Standard (sometimes called Slow Waltz) and in Smooth.
Where it differs Under British Dance Council rules the tempo is 28 to 30 bars per minute. Smooth Waltz adds open and side-by-side figures.
See also Viennese WaltzRise and fallSwingStandardSmoothBox step
Dances
- WDC
The World Dance Council, founded in 1950, best known for professional world championships. It also runs an Amateur League.
See also NDCAWDSFProfessional
Organisations
- WDC Amateur League
The WDC's amateur branch, founded in 2007, which runs its own amateur world and continental championships.
Organisations
- WDSF
The World DanceSport Federation, the international federation for amateur DanceSport recognised by the International Olympic Committee. Its members are national federations.
See also National federationUSA DanceWDCDanceSport
Organisations
- Weave
A travelling figure in Waltz and Foxtrot whose steps pass in and out of line with the partner, weaving down the floor.
See also WaltzFoxtrotOutside partner
Figures
- Wedding dance
Lessons that prepare a couple for the first dance at their wedding. For many studios a common first booking.
See also Private lessonIntro lesson
Studio life
- Weight transfer
Moving the body's weight fully from one foot to the other. Clean weight transfers are what make a step look finished.
See also Supporting footFootwork
Technique
- West Coast Swing
A smooth swing danced in a slot, where the follower travels back and forth along a line. Strong on improvisation and musicality.
See also NightclubEast Coast Swing
Dances
- Whisk
A Waltz figure that crosses one foot behind the other and opens the couple into promenade position.
See also WaltzPromenade position
Figures
- Workshop
A one-off class on a single topic, such as turns or Latin arms, often with a visiting teacher.
See also Group classCoaching
Studio life
Y 1
- Youth
Dancers of roughly 16 to 18. Under 21 is a separate category for young adults.
Where it differs NDCA Youth is the 16th to 18th birthday; Under 21 needs one partner to be at least 16 and neither to be 21.
See also Age categoryJuniorAdultUnder 21
Levels and age groups
Sources consulted
Every definition is written in our own words and checked against these public sources. Rules change, and they vary between bodies and between competitions: for any event, its own published rules are the ones that count.
- NDCA Rules and Regulations, July 2026 edition
- NDCA Approved Figures, Elements and Restrictions, June 2026
- British Dance Council Rules
- British Dance Council: history of the BDC and WDC
- WDSF rules, documents and forms
- WDSF: Standard, Latin and Ten Dance
- WDSF: about competition
- STUL, the Finnish DanceSport Federation: Standard and Latin
- DVIDA certification pathway
- Wikipedia: Skating system
- Wikipedia: DanceSport
- Wikipedia: Ballroom dance
- Wikipedia: World Dance Council
- Wikipedia: World DanceSport Federation
- Wikipedia: National Dance Council of America
- Wikipedia: Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
- Wikipedia: United Country Western Dance Council
- Wikipedia: Contra body movement
- Wikipedia: Sway (dance)
- Wikipedia: Cuban motion
- Wikipedia: Glossary of partner dance terms
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