GLOSSARY OF C/W LINE DANCE
& FIXED PATTERN DANCE
TERMINOLOGY

This Glossary was prepared by CDL with help from Kelly Gellette and Bobby Curtis (Last edited-August 1999). Definitions and descriptions for all terminology for "Sweet Fire" step descriptions* can be found here (and then some). *A glossary for Dancing On Wheels is included in that section of the web site. I've included the entire glossary here as dances for songs on future CDs may include additional terms.
The terminology in this glossary are mostly in accordance with National CW Dance Teachers Association guidelines, however this is not the NTA Glossary. That glossary includes terms (mostly for free style couple dancing) that are not included here, and this glossary includes terms (mostly necessitated by the print medium ) that are not included in the NTA glossary.

Note: a.k.a. (also known as) terms are included for reference purposes for step descriptions published in the past as well as to allow for interpretation of many regional terminologies.
Several of the Cross References refer to similar moves and not to other names for the same moves.

ACCENT - Emphasis on a particular step or move in a pattern, or, in music, the emphasis on a certain beat in a measure.
ACROSS - Movement across the Line Of Dance
ACROSS LEFT - The Right foot will cross in front of the Left foot.
ACROSS RIGHT - The Left foot will cross in front of Right foot.
ADD - See Tag
ADVANCED - A dancer with the ability to perform intricate moves and patterns and improvise freely within them. See Difficulty Level
ALIGNMENT - The alignment of the body part with respect to the torso. See Floor Alignment
AND - Used when 2 movements are to be done simultaneously, i.e.:
1. Step forward and clap hands.
& (ampersand) - The upbeat that precedes or follows the whole downbeat. &1 precedes the beat, 1& follows the beat. Unlike the usage of the term "and", the ampersand is used when "Step and clap" means two separate movements (one on the downbeat and the other on the up-beat)and is notated in step descriptions as:
1. Step forward on Left foot
& Clap hands
AND STEP Signifies weight change with a movement. For instance, in describing the first three steps in a Grapevine right, the description would read:
1. Step to the right with Right foot.
2. Cross Left foot behind Right and step.
3. Step to the right with Right foot.
Without the "and step" the Left foot would still be dangling behind the Right foot and, unless you can fly, executing Step 3 will be quite difficult.
ANKLE ROCK. - Feet are crossed and ankles are in a locked position. Shift weight one or more time from forward foot to trailing foot and back maintaining the locked ankle position.
APART - Movement away from partner.
APPLEJACKS - A foot swiveling movement in place as follows:
1 With weight on Left heel and ball of Right foot, swivel Left toe to the left
and Right heel to the left (feet are in a "V" position, toes pointed outward.
& Swivel Left toe and Right heel back to center.
2 With weight on Right heel and ball of Left foot, swivel Right toe to the right
and Left heel to the right (feet are in a "V" position, toes pointed outward.
& Bring feet together
This move can be done with opposite weight changes. Also see Traveling Applejacks
ARCH - A curvature of the torso initiated by lifting the ribcage. Also See Partner Dance Positions - Arch
ATTITUDE - The free leg is turned out, and extended backward with a bent knee

BACK - To the back of the dancer.
BACKWARD - The area behind the dancer.
BALANCE - A state of equilibrium or body stability. To keep the center of the mass over the support base.
BALANCE STEP- A maneuver, usually performed in waltz time, wherein there is a stride forward, or back, and the weight his held on the stepping foot for the following two beats. For example:
1. Stride forward on Left foot
2, 3. Hold for two beats
BALL CHANGE - A quick change of weight from the ball of one foot to the other foot. This move is usually preceded by either a kick or a heel touch.
BALLROOM - See Partner Dance Positions - Traditional
BANJO - See Partner Dance Positions - Parallel
BAR - In sheet music, a vertical line that separates measures. In music jargon, a "bar" is a measure of music, hence "12 bar blues" means there are 12 measures in a verse. See Measure
BASKET - See Partner Dance Positions - Wrap
BEAT - The pulse of music. The basis for describing step descriptions and footwork.
BEGINNER - A dancer at the introductory stages of dance. See Difficulty Level.
BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE - See Difficulty Level
BEHIND - The free foot will go behind the opposite foot.
BODY ALIGNMENT - The position of the feet to the room. Includes: Down LOD, Backing LOD, Facing wall, Facing center, racing diagonally to wall, Facing diagonally to center, Facing diagonally to wall against LOD, Facing diagonally to center against LOD.
BODY RISE - The rise of the body as controlled by bracing the leg muscles or stretching the spine. Used in C/W Waltz and Polka. See Rise (Rise & Fall)
BODY ROLL - Done forward, backward or sideways. A movement where different parts of the body move in order respectively. a.k.a. "Ripple"
BOOGIE - The free hip and leg lifts and moves circularly in the direction of the non-weighted leg.
BOOGIE ROLL - Similar to Forward Cuban Motion, using a bent knee, but the hip stays back
BOOGIE WALK - While moving forward, the non-support hip and leg moves forward using a circular movement transferring weight to moving leg.
BOX STEPS - A maneuver, usually completed in 8 beats, which forms a box on the floor. Example:
1 Step forward on Left foot
2 Step Right foot next to Left
3 Step to the left on Left foot
4 Touch Right foot next to Left
5 Step back on Right foot
6 Step Left foot next to Right
7 Step to the right on Right foot
8 Touch Left foot next to Right
BPM - Beats Per Minute. see Tempo.
BREAK - 1. Reverse direction. 2. The 6 count pattern in Swing is called a break pattern. 3. In music, the instrumental section within a song.
BREAK TURN - Also called Step Turn. A phrasing variation on the Military Pivot wherein the step forward and the turn are done on the first beat. The weight change occurs on the second beat as follows:
1 Step forward onto Right foot while pivoting 1/2 turn CCW
2 Step down in place onto Left foot
BRUSH - On a Brush the free leg swings forward or back with the sole of the foot brushing the floor as it moves. See scuff.
BUMP - Dancers bump hips to the side or with their partner.
BUTTERFLIES - See Heel Splits or Toe Splits
BUTTERMILKS - See Heel Splits or Toe Splits
BUZZ - See Paddle Turn

CAMEL WALK - A two beat maneuver in which a step forward is made on the first beat. On the second beat, the forward foot does a knee pop while the trailing foot slides up to and under the upraised heel of the forward foot. Also done as a syncopated one beat maneuver.
CANTER RHYTHM - 3/4 time. An uneven pattern using one long count (1, 2) and one short count (3). Two steps taken to 3 beats of music.
CATHEDRAL - See Partner Dance Positions - Arch
CCW - See Counterclockwise
CHA CHA STEP - Three steps done to two beats of music. Count 1&2 - Left, Right, Left (LRL), or Right, Left, Right (RLR) and is used with Cha Cha rhythm.
CHANGE OF WEIGHT - Shifting weight from the supporting foot to the free foot. See And Step
CHARLESTON (Traditional) - A 4 count step pattern swiveling the feet in and out. Example: Can be done with either Right or Left Lead
1 Step forward on Left foot with heel swiveled inward
& Swivel Left heel outward
2 Kick Right foot forward while swiveling Left heel inward
& Swivel Left heel outward
3 Step back on Right foot with Right heel turned outward
& Swivel Right heel inward
4 Touch left toe back while swiveling Right heel outward
& Swivel Right heel inward
CHARLESTON KICK - Traditional Charleston without swivels; a.k.a. Charleston. Example is left lead:
1 Step forward Left
2 Kick Right forward
3 Step back Right
4 Touch Left toe back
CHASE - A figure where one partner pursues the other.
CHASÉ - Pronounced Shah-say. A series of side steps. The free foot never passes the supporting foot. May be done forward or backward
CHOREOGRAPHER - One who authors a dance or a sequence of movements in dance.
CHOREOGRAPHY - A planned sequence of dance movement.
CHUG - With weight on the ball of one foot lift the opposite foot and scoot forward. For Hip Hop, a Chug is a movement with the weight on the ball of one foot while using the opposite foot to push off and complete a turn without moving the weighted foot.
CLOCKWISE (CW) - Movements completed from Left to Right. The way the hands of a clock move around the face. Also see Counterclockwise.
CLOSE - To bring the feet together without a change of weight
CLOSED - See Partner Dance Positions
COASTER - A syncopated maneuver in which the starting foot steps in a given direction, then the trailing foot closes with the starting foot and then the starting foot steps in the opposite direction. Can be done with either a Right or Left lead.
CONVERSATION - See Partner Dance Positions - Promenade
CORKSCREW - A maneuver similar to an "unwind" in that it starts with the crossing of one foot over to the other side of the other foot and placing the weight fully onto the balls of both feet. The turn, or unwind, is then executed. However, the legs end up in an opposite crossed position upon completion. A corkscrew can be either a 3/4 turn or a full turn in duration. Upon completion of a full corkscrew turn, the trailing foot is usually lifted off the floor slightly to relieve pressure on the hips and to facilitate an easy transition into the next step.
COTTON-EYED JOE - A Fixed Pattern Partner Dance. Also see Partner Dance Positions - Side By Side
COUNT - A call used to count the rhythm of foot movements and weight changes, or to count the beats of music.
COUNTER CLOCKWISE (CCW) - Movement completed from Right to Left opposite (or anti) Clockwise. Also see Clockwise.
CRADLE - See Partner Dance Positions - Wrap
CROSS - The free foot will step across in front or behind the opposite foot. See Across Left and Across Right
CROSS BACK - See Partner Dance Positions - Skaters
CROSS-BALL CHANGE - See Sailor Shuffle.
CROSS SHUFFLE - See Gallop
CUBAN MOTION - A discreet but excessive hip movement achieved by bending and straightening the knee with carefully timed weight transfer. The foot is moved delaying the weight transfer. Knee of the moving leg bends inward
CUDDLE - See Partner Dance Positions - Wrap
C/W - Country Western. Used when referring to dance.
C & W - Country & Western. Used when referring to music.
CW - See Clockwise
C/W OPEN POSITION - See Partner Dance Positions - Side By Side, Open, Promenade

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY - See Difficulty Level
DEVELOPÉ - A maneuver common to waltz tempo wherein the non-support foot follows the standing leg line to the knee and then opens forward. Executed as follows:
1 Stride forward on Left foot
2 Bend Right knee raising Right foot along Left calf
3 Extend Right foot forward
DIAGONAL - 45 degrees out from center.
DIG - To place the ball or the heel of the free foot to the floor with a strong emphasis.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL - The degree to which a dance is rated for ease of learning or performance. CDL only includes a Difficulty Level when the choreographer identifies it in their dance. Also, note that the Difficulty Level can be subject to the tempo of music and other factors in instructing. Difficulty Levels in CDL are categorized by the following five levels:
Beginner - For dancers with little or no dance experience.
Beginner/Intermediate - For dancers who have progressed beyond the hesitant stage and are starting to feel comfortable with standard dance maneuvers.
Intermediate - For dancers with some working knowledge and experience of musical rhythms and the ability to perform slightly intricate dance patterns.
Intermediate/Advanced - For those who are coming into their own as polished dancers and are able to follow most dance patterns and rhythms.
Advanced - For dancers familiar with the various rhythms and with abilities to perform intricate moves and patterns and improvise freely with them.
DIP - A slight bend of the support knee (plie) to a sitting position with the free leg extend forward. The thighs are parallel. Also called Corte
DIRECTION - A pattern call - forward, backward, side left, right or together.
DOUBLE ELECTRIC KICKS - See Electric Kicks
DOUBLE FOOT BOOGIE - A four beat pattern of toe and I heel (or heel and toe) swivels described as follows:
1 With weight on heels, swivel toes outward diagonally
2 With weight on toes, swivel heels outward diagonally
3 With weight on toes, swivel heels inward
4 With weight on heels, bring toes together
DOUBLE REVERSE - See Partner Dance Positions - Skaters
DOWNBEAT - The accented beats in a measure of music. There are four of these in a 4/4 measure. They are the numbers when counting 1&2&3&4& or &1&2&3&4, while the ampersands are the upbeats.
DRAG - Bring free foot slowly together to the supporting foot.
DRAW - See Drag
DSD - Dance Step Description. A Choreography communicated through print technology. The reason for this Glossary.

ELECTRIC KICKS - A Hip Hop maneuver done as follows:
1 Step forward on Right foot while kicking Left foot backwards slightly off of floor
2 Step back on Left foot while kicking Right foot forwards slightly off of floor
3 Step back on Right foot while kicking Left foot forwards slightly off of floor
4 Step forward on Left foot while kicking Right foot backwards slightly off of floor
Double Electric Kicks is the above 4 beat maneuver done twice.

FALL A-WAY - See Partner Dance Positions - Promenade
FAN - See Heel Fan or Toe Fan
FAN BRUSH - See Sweep
FAN KICK - A high, straight leg kick where the extended leg makes a circular sweep.
FIGURE FORE (FOUR) - The free leg moves as a pendulum in front of the weighted foot and is kept off the floor. The toe is pointed downward.
FIXED PATTERN PARTNER DANCE - Couples dance in unison, usually CCW around the dance floor, to a step pattern that is repeated for the duration of the song. Also see Round Dance
FLARE - A low kick on or near the floor
FLEA HOP - A skip or scoot sideways in the direction of the non support leg as the hip moves upward
FLICK - A lift of the foot bending at the knee.
FLOD (a.k.a. LOD) - Line Of Direction, Line of Dance or Forward Line of Dance on the dance floor. The direction that the dance is normally flowing in. The term FLOD is most often used when there are a number of direction changes in a step description. FLOD is usually counterclockwise around the dance floor. Against FLOD is RLOD - (Usually clockwise around the dance floor.) Also see ILOD, OLOD.
FLOOR ALIGNMENT - See FLOD, ILOD, RLOD, OLOD, Alignment
FOLLOW THROUGH - The non-support foot passes by the weighted foot before changing directions.
FOOT BOOGIE - A four beat pattern of toe/heel swivels (right or left) with one foot staying in place as follows:
Right Foot Boogie:
1 Keeping Left foot in place, swivel Right toe to right
2 Swivel Right heel to right
3 Swivel Right heel to center
4 Swivel right toe to center
A Left Foot Boogie is opposite the above.
FOOT PARTS - Parts of the foot used in dance
1. Toe
2. Inside edge of the toe
3. Outside edge of the toe
4. Ball
5. Inside edge of the ball
6. Outside edge of the ball
7. Heel
8. Inside edge of the heel
9. Outside edge of the heel
10. Flat
11. Inside edge of the flat foot (instep)
12. Outside edge of the flat foot
FOOTWORK - The use of the five positions of the feet in dancing.
1. Feet together
2. Feet parallel
3. Heel to instep - Instep to heel
4. Forward or back
5. Toe to heel - Heel to toe
FORWARD - The area in front of the dancer.
FRAME - Dance posture for the purpose of maintaining balance and appearance.
FREEZE - A stop; no movement. See Hold
FRONT SIDE - The area half way between the front and the side.

GALLOP - A sideways syncopated maneuver wherein one foot crosses over the other and steps and then the trailing foot pushes off towards the direction of travel. The leading foot then steps again towards direction of travel to complete the maneuver. For example:
1 Cross Right foot over Left and step
& Push off to the left slightly with Left foot in place
2 Step to the left on Right foot.
See Cross Shuffle
GRAPEVINE - A continuous traveling step to the side with crosses behind and/or in front. VINE is an abbreviation. The Grapevine is a 3 count move to either side. The 4th count is an optional ending, such as a brush, kick, scoot, etc. Any more than 3 counts is called a weave. See Weave
GRIND WALK - Also called a Heel Twist and a Suzie Q. A maneuver executed as follows:
1 Extend Right heel forward across the left foot with the Right toe pointing toward the left.
2 Keeping the weight on the Right heel, twist the Right toe to the right as the Left foot steps to side left.

HAMMERLOCK - a.k.a. Hammer. See Partner Dance Positions - Pretzel
HEEL - 1. Heel of the hand refers to the man's hand lead. 2. Heel of foot touching the floor.
HEEL-BALL CHANGE - A syncopated movement executes as follows:
Right Heel-Ball Change
1 Touch Right heel forward
& Step on ball of Right foot next to Left foot
2 Shift weight to Left foot
A Left Heel-Ball Change is the opposite of above.
HEEL BOUNCES - The simultaneous raising of both heels (either together or slightly apart) and lowering them to the floor (executed on beats &1&2). a.k.a. Heel Raises,
HEEL FAN - Feet are together, the heel of one foot moves to the side and back together.
HEEL CLICKS - Fast heel spreads (splits) counted &1&2, clicking the heels slightly together on the down beat.
HEEL JACK - See Romp
HEEL RAISES - See Heel Bounces
HEEL SPLITS - Feet together with weight on the balls of both feet. Push heels apart on count 1. Bring heels together on count 2. A fast heel split takes one beat of music and is counted as &1 or 1&. See Toe Splits. Also known as Scissors, Butterflies, Buttermilks, Splits, Pigeon Toes, Heel Spreads, Toe Spread, Texas Twists, etc.
HEEL SHIFTS - See Heel Swivels, Twist
HEEL SPREADS - See Heel Splits
HEEL STOMPS - Lift both heels off the floor by bending the knees and return the heels to the floor with emphasis. See Heel Bounces
HEEL SWITCHES - A syncopated movement in which the weighted and unweighted feet switch places from heel touches to home position. Example (usually done in multiples as below):
1 Touch Right heel forward.
& Step Right foot to home.
2 Touch Left heel forward.
& Step Left foot to home.
HEEL SWIVELS - With feet together and weight on the balls of the feet shift both heels either right or left and then back to center.
HEEL TOUCH - See Touch
HEEL TWISTS - See Grind Walk.
HIP BUMPS - Move hips out (usually to either side) and back.
HIP LEFT - The hip lifts the leg by rotating the hips around the axis or the hips lift sideways
HITCH - A lifting of the leg without executing a scoot.
HITCH HIKE - Upper body movement. Either thumb points back over shoulders, usually done while stepping back or executing swivets.
HITCH KICK - See Kick-Ball Change
HOLD - A one beat pause before taking another step. See Freeze
HOME - Position of the feet directly under the body.
HOOK - See Partner Dance Positions - Arch
HOOK - The free foot moves as a pendulum in front or back of the weighted foot and is kept off the floor.
HOOK COMBINATION - A four beat maneuver executed as follows:
1 Touch heel front
2 Hook free foot over opposite knee
3 Touch heel front
4 Step free foot next to weighted foot
HOP - A spring into the air from one foot landing on the same foot.
HORSESHOE - See Partner Dance Positions - Side-By-Side

ILOD - Inside Line Of Dance. Direction facing toward center of dance floor
IMPROVISE - To add moves and variations within an original choreography, i.e. rolling turns during Grapevines, etc.
INTERMEDIATE - A dancer who has learned and understands the basics of dance and is comfortable on the dance floor and can perform some intricate patterns and moves but has not attained the ability to freely improvise within them. See Difficulty Level
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED - See Difficulty Level

JAZZ SQUARE - a.k.a. Jazz Box. A dance pattern with four weight changes as follows.
Right Jazz Square
1 Cross Right over Left and step
2 Step back on Left foot
3 Step to the right on Right foot
4 Step forward on left foot
A Left Jazz Square is the opposite of above
JODY - See Partner Dance Positions - Side-By-Side
JUMP - Spring into the air off both feet and land on both feet.
JUMPING JACKS - Jump landing with feet apart on Count 1 and then jump landing with feet together on Count 2. These can be done quickly by jumping apart on Count 1 and back together on Count &.

KNEE POP - With feet together or slightly apart, the non-support knee is 'popped" forward as the heel is lifted. As the heel is lowered the knee is returned to straight position. May be done both knees popping for-ward simultaneously as a Double Knee Pop.
KICK - A leg lift movement in any direction taken from the knee. The knee does not completely straighten.
KICK-BALL CHANGE - A syncopated movement done in place as follows:
1 Kick Right foot forward
& Step on ball of Right foot next to Left foot
2 Shift weight to Left foot
A Left Kick-Ball Change is the opposite of above.

LA VARSOUVIENNE - See Partner Dance Positions - Side-By-Side
LEAP - A transfer of weight from one foot to the other. Push off with a spring and land on the hall of the other foot, letting the heel come down. Bend knee to absorb the shock.
LEFT - When capitalized (Left) refers to a part of the body. Lower case (left) refers to a direction. See CCW
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY - See Difficulty Level
LINE OF DANCE - Same as FLOD. a.k.a. LOD
LOCK - A tight cross of the feet
LOCK STEP - Step forward and slide opposite foot up to first foot with ankles crossed.
LOD - See FLOD.
LOUIE-LOUIE - a.k.a. Louie-Louie Swivels. A maneuver done with one foot forward of the other and weight on the balls of both feet. The knees are bent slightly and both heels swivel inward and then back to center.
LRL - Left, Right, Left. Used in describing Cha Cha, Shuffle, Triple Steps and Polka steps. Also see RLR
LUNGE - A weight transfer to a bent leg with the other leg extended.

MANEUVER - A short sequence of steps such as a Kick-Ball Change, a Sailor Shuffle, or Grapevine, etc.
MARK TIME - To step In place two or more times.
MASH POTATO - a.k.a. Mashed Potatoes. A syncopated maneuver traveling in a rearward which involves the stepping back (usually behind the other foot) with the heel turned slightly inward, and then the quick swiveling of the heel on the weighted foot outward. Example:
& Step Right foot slightly behind Left foot with Right heel turned slightly to
the left
1 Swivel Right heel to the right
& Step back on Left foot slightly behind Right foot with Left heel turned
slightly to the right
2 Swivel Left heel to the left
This pattern may continue for as many beats as desired. Sometimes there is a variation in the middle of the pattern as follows:
&1&2 Same as above
&3 Same as &1 above
& With feet in place, swivel both heels inward
4 Swivel both heels outward
MEASURE - In 4/4 time (most C/W music), a grouping of four accented beats. (3 beats for waltz time.)
MERINGUE - A 2-beat sideways maneuver wherein, on the first beat, the lead foot turns to the direction of travel (body turns diagonally) while the heel of the trailing foot, which bears the weight, swivels in the opposite direction and the hips are swayed in an exaggerated motion over the trailing foot. On second beat of the maneuver, the lead foot is placed down while the trailing foot is brought next to it with both feet swiveling to face forward (body turns to face forward), during which the weight is transferred to and the hips are swayed in an exaggerated movement over the lead foot and toward the direction of travel.
MILITARY PIVOT - A 1/2 turn maneuver using two beats of music whereupon the first beat is a step forward with one foot, and the second beat is a 1/2 pivot on that weighted foot while shifting the weight to the other foot. Veterans know this move as "to the rear, march." Also see Break Turn.
MILITARY TURN - A 1/4 turn maneuver using two beats of music where upon the first beat is a step forward with one foot, and the second beat is a 1/4 pivot on that weighted foot while shifting the weight to the other foot.
MINUET - Performed as a partner dance waltz move. A maneuver where the man and lady are facing each other holding one or both hands. On beats 1-2-3, they close together holding hands about chest high. On 4-5-6, they back away from each other, lowering the hands down to waist level.
MIXER - A dance or dance pattern during which couples change partners.
MONTEREY TURN - A turning maneuver that can be executed CW or CCW, being ½ or ¼ total turn in duration and taking four beats of music to complete. Example:
CW Turn: (Turn may be choreographed ¼.)
1 Touch Right toe to the right
& Pushing off of Right toe, pivot ½ turn CW on ball of Left foot
2 Step Right foot next to Left
3 Touch Left toe to the left
4 Step Left foot next to Right
CCW Turn (Turn may be choreographed ¼).
1 Touch left toe to the left
& Pushing off of Left toe, pivot ½ turn CCW on ball of Right foot.
2 Step Left foot next to Right
3 Touch Right toe to the right
4 Step Right foot next to Left
MOVE- See Movement
MOVEMENT - A change in body position.
MUSIC - The stuff, without which, the title of this work would read:

NECK CROSS - See Partner Dance Positions - Bow

OLOD - Outside Line Of Dance. Direction facing away from center of dance floor.
ONE STEP - A dance taking one step to each beat of music.
OUT OF PHRASE - When the number of steps in a dance pattern are not equal to the number of beats or measures of music, or vice versa.

PADDLE TURN - A turning maneuver in which the pivoting foot stays in contact with the floor while the other foot causes the turn by pushing the body in the direction of the turn. This turn is not unlike several Military Turns done in a row. Also known as a Buzz.
PARTNER DANCE POSITIONS - The following 18 positions are adapted (often directly copied) from the NTA Teachers Manual. Where a right or left is described, the term for the position is normally addressed with the direction, i.e. Right Side-By-Side or Left-Side-By Side.
1. Traditional Closed - Partners face each other slightly offset. The man holds the lady's right hand in his left (shoulder height). His right hand is placed on the lady's left shoulder blade, with the fingers and thumb held together. The lady rests her left hand on the man's upper arm, or slightly behind his right shoulder, with thumb and fingers together. a.k.a. Ballroom, Studio
2. Country/Western Closed - Partners Face, with toes pointed towards each other. The man holds the lady's right hand in his left (shoulder height). His right hand or wrist rests on lady's left shoulder, or on the back of her shoulder. The lady's left hand rests on the man's upper right arm, or slightly behind his shoulder, with fingers and thumb held together.
3. Indian - Dancers are in single file. Lady is in front. Use a double hand hold. Their joined hands are on lady's shoulders. NOTE: The man may also be in front of the lady using this hand hold.
4. Reverse Indian - Dancers are in single file. Lady is behind man. The man uses a double hand hold. Their joined hands are together, placed behind the man's hips. Note: The lady may also be in front of the man using this hand hold.
5. Wrap, Left or Right (Right is assumed) - For a Right Wrap, couple is facing in the same direction. The lady is slightly in front of the man on his right side, with her left foot slightly in front of his right foot, Using a dou-ble hand hold, the man's right arm is wrapped behind the lady's back. Their joined hands rest on her right hip. His left arm is crossed in front of the lady. For a Left Wrap, couple is facing in the same direction. The lady is slightly in front of the man on his left side, with her right foot slightly in front of his left foot. Using a double hand hold, the man's left arm is wrapped behind the lady's back. Their joined hands rest on her left hip. His right arm is crossed in front of the lady. a.k.a. Cuddle, Cradle, Basket, Sweetheart.
6. Dancing Skaters - (Elbows are always equal in both right and left positions.) Right: The couple face the same direction, the lady is slightly in front of the man's right hip. The man's right arm is crossed behind the lady's back. Their right hands rest on the lady's right hip. The lady's right hand may also be held behind her back. Their left hands are held in front of the man at chest level.
Left: The couple face the same direction, the lady is slightly in front of the man's left hip. The man's left arm is crossed behind the lady's back. Their left hands rest on the lady's left hip. The lady's left hand may also be held behind her back. Their right hands are held in front of the man at chest level. a.k.a. Sweetheart
7. Skaters - Right: The couple face the same direction. the lady is on the man's right. The man holds the lady's right hand in his right hand, and her left hand in his left hand. The arms are crossed right over left and are held at about waist level. a.k.a. Promenade.
Left: The couple face the same direction, the lady is on the man's left. The man holds the lady's right hand in his right hand, and her left hand in his left hand. The arms are crossed right over left and are held about waist level.
Reverse Right: The couple face the same direction, the lady is on the man's right. Their arms are crossed behind their backs. The right hands are on the lady's right hip, the left hands on the man's left hip. a.k.a. Cross Back.
Reverse Left: The couple face the same direction, the lady is on the man's left. Their arms are crossed behind their backs, The right hands are on the man's right hip, the left hands on the lady's left hip. a.k.a. Double Reverse
8. Arch - Right: Partners face in the opposite direction. The right arms are hooked at the elbows. The left hands are joined above their heads in an arch. The right hands may be joined and held at the right sides.
Left: Partners Face in the opposite direction. The left arms are hooked at the elbows. The right hands are joined above their heads in an arch.. The left hands may be joined and held at the left sides. a.k.a. Steeple, Cathedral, Hook.
9. Side By Side - (Elbows are held at an equal level in both right and left positions.)
Right: The couple face the same direction, lady is on the man's right side. Her left foot is slightly in front of his right foot. The right hands are held slightly forward of the lady's right shoulder. The left hands are slightly forward of the lady's left shoulder.
Left: The couple Face the same direction, lady is on the man's left side. Her right foot is slightly in front of his left foot. The left hands are held slightly forward of the lady's left shoulder. The right hands are held slightly forward of the lady's right shoulder. a.k.a. La Varsouvienne, Horseshoe, Schottische, Western Polka, Cotton-Eyed Joe, Jody, Sweetheart
10. Bow - Right: Partners face the same direction, lady is to the man's right. Using a double hand hold, his left arm is crossed behind his peck. His right arm is crossed behind the lady's neck.
Left: Partners face the same direction, lady is to the man's left. Using a double hand hold, his right arm is crossed behind his neck. His left arm is crossed behind the lady's neck. a.k.a. Yoke, Neck Crass
11. Pretzel - Right: Partners face the opposite direction using a double hand hold, her tight hand is in his left hand, her left in his right hand. The lady is slightly in front of the man on his right side. The man's left arm, and the lady's right, are held up, elbows down. His right arm, and lady's left arm, are crossed behind the lady's back.
Left: Partners face the opposite direction using a double hand hold, her right hand in his left hand, her left in his right hand. The lady is slightly in front of the man on his left side. The man's right arm, and the lady's left, are held up, elbows down. His left arm, and lady's right arm, are crossed behind the lady's back. a.k.a. Hammerlock, Hammer, Tamara
12. Open - Partners face each other. Hand Holds for Open Position Single: Man's left hand is joined with lady's right hand. The free hands are held close to the body.
Open Position Cross: Man's right hand is joined with the lady's right hand (as in a hand shake). The free hands are held close to the body.
Double: The lady's right hand is in the man's left hand. The lady's left hand is in the man's right hand.
Open Position Crossed Double: The lady's right hand is in the man's right hand. The lady's left hand is in the man's left. Either hand may be on top. However, Right hands on top is the most common.
13. Challenge - Partners face each other. They are standing apart. There is no body contact. a.k.a. Shine.
14. Promenade - From Closed dance position, the man and the lady step forward in a "V" position down the line of dance. a.k.a. Conversation, Semi-open.
15. Swing - The couple stand in Promenade dance position. His right hand is on the lady's back on her left shoulder blade. The joined hands are held lower, about the lady's waist level, in a cup & pin position.
16. Open Promenade - Right: The couple are in Open Dance Position. The lady is to the right of the man. The lady's left hand is held in the man's right. They are facing the same direction, both traveling down the line of dance.
Left: The couple are in Open Dance Position. The lady is to the left of the man. The lady's right hand is held in the man's left. They are facing the same direction, both traveling down the line of dance.
17. Parallel - Right: From Closed Dance Position (Traditional or Country/ Western) the man steps forward
and slightly to his left (outside) to place the lady into Right Parallel Dance Position. They face each other, but the lady is to the right side of the man. Her right foot is slightly in front of the man's right foot. They should be the same width apart as they were in the Closed Dance Position. Although the couple have moved slightly sideways, the man's left arm and the lady's right arm are still in the same place as they were in the Closed Dance Position.
Left: (Traditional or Country/Western) The couple face each other, but the lady is to the left side of the man, in Left Parallel Dance Position. The lady's left foot is slightly in front of the man's left foot. They should be the same width apart as they were in the Closed Dance Position. The man's left arm and the lady's right arm are in about the same position as they were in the Closed Dance Position, The lady should not be directly beside the man. a.k.a. Banjo, Side Car
18. Tandem - The lady stands directly in front of the man. He holds her left hand in his left hand, mid-chest to shoulder level. His right hand is placed on her right hip, fingers together, pointing to her left side. The lady places her right hand on top of the man's right hand, or under his right hand. Their right hands may also be placed at the lady's center waist. a.k.a. Sweetheart, Shadow
PATTERN - See Choreography
PHRASE - In music, a division of a composition, usually consisting of two, four, or eight measures. Also see Out Of Phrase. In dance, to execute the correct movements to a designated number of measures.
PIGEON TOES - See Heel Splits.
PIROUETTE - To do a complete turn on one foot. See Spin
PIVOT - Turn by putting weight on the balls of one or both feet, keeping feet in place
PLIÉ (plee-ay) - The body lowers with weight centered over both feet. a.k.a. Squat
POPCORN - This movement is done by rolling the knee while keeping the ball of the foot in place using two beats of music. Left: Roll Left knee in a half circle to the left, then back to center. Right: Roll Right knee in a half circle to the right, then back to center.
POLKA - Three steps done to two beats of music. See Shuffle.
POINT - Point the free foot forward, backward, sideways or crosswise without touching the floor.
PREP - A lead in move or step, a set up used as preparation for a turn or a change of dance position
PROMENADE POSITION - See Partner Dance Positions - Promenade, Skaters
PUSH STEP - A step ball change pattern moving to the side, forward or backwards.

RAMBLE - A pattern traveling sideways (right or left) by alternating weight on both heels then both toes (or vice versa) and fanning both feet to the direction of the ramble.
RHYTHM - In music, a flow of regularity of groups of recurrent heavy and light accents which conform to a specific metered timing. In dance, the manner in which beats of the music are distributed and applied to the movements of the feet and body, forming dance patterns.
RIGHT - When capitalized (Right), refers to the a part of the body. Lower case (right) refers to a direction. See CW
RIGHT SIDE-BY-SIDE - See Partner Dance Positions - Side-By-Side
RIPPLE - See Body Roll
RISE (RISE & FALL) - The coming up on the toes by bracing the ankles and stretching the spine. Used in C/W Waltz.
RLOD - Reverse Line Of Dance (also known as Rear Line Of Dance). Direction that is opposite to that which the dance is normally flowing to. See LOD
RLR - Right, Left, Right. Used in describing Cha Cha, Shuffle, Triple and Polka steps. Also see LRL.
ROCK - With feet apart shift weight from Left foot to Right foot or from Right foot to Left foot. This movement is a weight change so you will not be changing the position of the feet although they may lift slightly off of the floor.
ROCK STEP - A movement, usually done in two beats of music, initiated by stepping in any direction on the first beat while bending the knee slightly, and by using a rocking motion, returning the weight onto the other foot on the second beat.
ROCKING MANEUVER Two weight changes in opposite directions, usually done while feet are already in place.
ROCKING CHAIR - A 4-beat maneuver where one foot (either right or left) remains as a center point while the dancer rocks forward and back (or vice versa) on the other foot. For example:
1 Step forward on Right foot
2 Rock back onto Left foot in place
3 Step back on Right Foot
4 Rock forward onto Left foot in place
RODEO KICKS - A two beat kick with either foot, the first kick forward and the second kick to the side. It is common to follow these kicks with a Triple Step in place or a Sailor Shuffle.
ROLL - The indicated part of the body circles right or left.
ROLLING TURN - A 3/4 to Full turn while progressing in any given direction, usually requiring 3 to 4 steps.
ROMP - (a.k.a. Heel Jack) A syncopated heel and toe pattern executed on either side as follows:
Left Heel Touch:
& Step slightly backand to the right onto ball of Right foot
1 Touch Left heel forward
& Step to home on Left foot
2 Touch Right toe next to Left instep
Right Heel Touch
& Step slightly back and to the left onto ball of Left foot
1 Touch Right heel forward
& Step to home on Right foot
2 Touch Left toe next to Right instep
RONDÉ - a.k.a. Ronde-de-Jambe. A movement where the unweighted leg moves from one leg position to another in a circular arc in either a CW or CCW direction. Moving foot does not have to be in contact with the floor and is never raised higher than the knee.
ROTATION - To rotate or turn.
ROUND DANCE - Although all types of social dances were once collected under the round dance heading, the term evolved to a classification for dancer's executing a pattern on the same foot in couples or groupings of 3 or more, the pattern choreographed for a specific version of the entire song. Also see Fixed Pattern Partner Dance
ROUTINE - A choreography in which the steps and moves are performed to exactly fit the phrasing of a certain rendition of a song. The routine usually has a fixed pattern but will be altered with "tags" and/or "truncations" in order to match the phrasing of the song being used. See Tags, Truncations
RUNNING MAN - A movement being used in Hip Hop type dances executed as follows:
1 Step forward on Right foot
& Scoot back on Right foot while lifting Left knee
2 Step forward on Left foot
& Scoot back on Left while lifting Right knee up
3 Step forward on Right foot
& Scoot back on Right while lifting Left knee up
4 Step forward on Left foot

SAILOR SHUFFLE - A syncopated shuffle pattern similar to Sailor Step, executed as follows:
& Step to left side on Left foot
1 Kick, or, Touch heel of Right foot diagonally forward
& Step back on Right foot
2 Cross Left foot over Right and step
& Step to right side on Right foot
3 Kick, or, Touch heel of Left foot diagonally forward
& Step back on Left foot
4 Cross Right foot over Left and step
Variation: Execute the same step pattern but begin the "Step to left, etc.," on the downbeat, i.e. 1-&-2-&-3-&-4-&-
SAILOR STEP - A syncopated maneuver starting with a cross behind. The name derives from the stumbling type step a sailor does when he first hits dry land. The style is accomplished by leaning in the opposite direction of the crossing foot. Also called a Sailor.
Left
1 Cross Left foot behind Right and step
& Step slightly to the right on Right foot
2 Step slightly to the left on Left foot while leaning to the left through the step
Right
1 Cross Right behind Left and step
& Step slightly to the left on Left foot
2 Step slightly to the right on Right foot while leaning to the right through the step
SCHOTTISCHE - See Partner Dance Positions - Side-By-Side
SCISSOR STEPS - A 3-beat crossing maneuver initiated with a side step and completed with a crossover step. Example:
1 Step to the right on Right foot
2 Step Left foot next to Right
3 Cross Right foot over Left and step.
The Weight is distributed evenly on both feet, both legs slide past each other sideways, forward or backward.
SCOOT - A scoot is a slide of the weighted foot forward, backward or sideways, raising the opposite leg with a bent knee.
SCUFF - The free leg swings forward with the heel scraping the floor with accent, after which the foot is lifted slightly. See Brush
SEMI-OPEN - See Partner Dance Positions - Promenade
SHADOW - See Partner Dance Positions - Tandem
SHIMMY - Upper body movement, Rapidly move shoulders alternately forward and backwards. Left shoulder moves forward while Right shoulder moves backwards and vice versa.
SHINE - See Partner Dance Positions - Challenge
SHRUG - A roll of one or both shoulders either backwards or forwards in a circular motion.
SHUFFLE - A direction movement beginning with one foot, then the bringing of the opposite foot together with the starting foot and then stepping again with the starting foot in the initial direction. These steps are taken to 2 beats of music, counted 1&2.
SIDE - The area to the side of the dancer.
SIDE CAR - See Partner Dance Positions - Parallel
SKATERS - See Partner Dance Positions
SKIP - See Scoot
SLAP - Use one hand to slap the same or opposite foot or knee
SLIDE - Moving an unweighted foot in any direction keeping the leg straight and the foot in contact with the floor.
SPIN - A full or 3/4 turn executed on one foot in one beat of music.
SPLITS - See Heel Splits or Toe Splits
SQUAT - The simultaneous bending of both knees and lowering the upper body with the back held straight. See Plié
STAMP - See Stomp
STARTING POSITION - The position required to begin a dance. See Partner Dance Positions
STEEPLE - See Partner Dance Positions - Arch
STEP - The transfer of weight from one foot to another.
STEP PATTERN - See Choreography
STEP TURN - See Break Turn. Also see Military Pivot.
STOMP - Strike the floor with the complete foot causing a stomping noise. Stomp down: The weight may end up evenly distributed on both feet. Stomp up: No weight applied; the foot may rebound ready to use again, depending on the next movement. A stomp up is also known as a Stamp.
STOMP DOWN - See Stomp
STOMP UP - See Stomp
STRIDE - A term used in Waltz descriptions for the slightly longer step occurring on the first and fourth count of a Waltz basic as these counts are the heavy downbeats in the Waltz rhythm.
STROLL - A forward step followed by a cross behind, and another forward step. Usually moving diagonally forward.
STRUT - A strut takes two counts and is two movements. Step forward onto the heel with toe remaining in the air. On the next beat the toe goes down.
STUDIO - See Partner Dance Positions - Traditional Closed
SUGARFOOT - The alternate touching of the toe and then the heel of the unweighted foot next to instep of the weighted foot.
SUGARFOOT SWIVELS - The alternate swiveling of one foot (See Ramble) in the direction of the un-weighted foot while the un-weighted foot touches the toe and then the heel. Example:
1 Swivel Left heel to the right while touching Right toe next to Left instep
2 Swivel Left toe to the right while touching Right heel to Left in step
SUSIE Q - See Grind Walk.
SWEEP - The foot brushes front diagonally across the standing foot and is carried around in an arc to the side before it is lowered. a.k.a. Fan Brush
SWEETHEART - See Partner Dance Positions - Side-By-Side, Wrap, Dancing Skaters, Tandem
SWING - The free foot is raised and moved forward, backward, sideways or crossways
SWITCH - Return one foot together with a hop while at the same time putting the opposite foot out.
SWIVEL - With feet together, move the heels or toes in the given direction by putting the weight on the opposite pan of the foot
SWIVEL LEFT - Start with feet together. Keep toes on floor and move both heels to the left, Now leave the heels on the floor and move both toes to the left. Keep repeating as many times as necessary. First heels, then toes, then heels, etc.
SWIVEL RIGHT - Same as Swivel Left but move toward the right.
SWIVET - Performed either right or left. Move is done on the ball of one foot and the heel of the other.
Right swivet:
1 On the ball of Left foot and heel or Right foot, swivel Left heel to the left
and Right toe to the right.
2 Swivel Left heel and Right toe back to center
Left swivet:
1 On the ball of Right foot and heel of Left foot, swivel Right heel to the
right and Left toe to the left.
2 Swivel Right heel and Left toe back to center
SYNCOPATION - A maneuver which employs steps between the downbeats. Example: Shuffle, Kick-Ball Change.

TAG - a.k.a. Add A repeated (or an entirely different) choreography for a section of the existing dance pattern inserted where required in order to allow the dance to be phrased to, or comply with, the phrasing of a certain rendition of a song. Also See Routine.
TAMARA - See Partner Dance Positions - Pretzel
TANDEM - See Partner Dance Positions - Tandem
TAP - See Touch
TEMPO - The speed of the music. Usually measured in Beats Per Minute (BPM)
TIME - The number of beats per measure
TIME SIGNATURE - A fraction at the beginning, and sometimes within, music notation that signifies the number of beats per measure and the duration of the notes. The upper number identifies the number of beats in one measure, while the lower number identifies which kind of note gets one beat. Examples:
4/4 - Four beats per measure, a quarter note gets one beat. (Most C & W music.)
3/4 - Three beats per measure, a quarter note gets one beat. (Waltz music.)
6/8 - Six beats per measure, an eighth note gets one beat. (Much fast Waltz music.)
TOE FAN - Feet are together, the toes of one foot move to the side and back together.
TOE SPLITS - With heels in place, fan both toes out and back together. See heel splits.
TOE TOUCH - See Touch
TOGETHER - Move free next to opposite foot.
TOUCH - The heel or toe touches the floor in a given direction without putting weight on that foot.
TRAVELING APPLEJACKS - A pattern traveling sideways bringing the toes together leaving the heels apart, then bringing the heels together leaving the toes apart. Weight is on one toe and the opposite heel, then reversed to result in sideways traveling. See Applejacks
TRIPLE STEP - Three steps, LRL or RLR, taken in place within two beats of music.
TRUNCATION - A sequence of steps purposely eliminated from the fixed pattern of a choreography in order to fit the remaining pattern exactly to the phrasing of a certain rendition of a song. Also see Routine
TURNING - Changing position in a circular fashion.
TWIST - With feet together, move the heels in the given direction by putting weight on the balls of the feet.

UNWIND - A maneuver which starts with the crossing of one foot in front of and to the opposite side of the other foot. A turn is then executed with the feet in place which then, in effect, unwinds and returns the legs to a normal position. An unwind can be either 1/4 or 1/2 turn in duration. If the turn is more than 1/2, the maneuver then becomes a Corkscrew. See Corkscrew.
UPBEAT - The unaccented beats in a measure of music. There are four of these in a 4/4 measure. They are the "&" when counting 1&2&3&4& or &1&2&3&4

VARIATION - Any movement of footwork that is different from the original footwork.
VARSOUVIENNE - See Partner Dance Positions - Side-By-Side
VAUDEVILLE LEFT - A syncopated crossing pattern as follows:
& Step Slightly back and to the left on Left foot.
1 Cross Right foot over Left and step.
& Step slightly to the left on Left foot while turning body diagonally to the right
2 Touch Right foot forward and diagonally to the right.
Note: Beats "&1" may vary in that the Right foot may Cross behind the Left. In this instance, the step on the previous "&" would be directly to the left.
VAUDEVILLE RIGHT - A syncopated crossing pattern as follows:
& Step slightly back and to the left on Left foot.
1 Cross Left foot over Right and step.
& Step slightly to the right on Right foot while turning body diagonally to the left.
2 Touch Left foot forward and diagonally to the left.
Note: Beats "&1" may vary in that the Left foot may Cross behind the Right. In this instance, the steps on the previous "&" would be directly to the right.
VAUDEVILLE STEPS - One or more combinations of both Vaudeville Right and Vaudeville Left (or vice-versa) maneuvers.
VINE - See Grapevine, Weave

WAGON WHEEL - Like the spokes in a wagon wheel, to turn around on a spot in any dance position using two or more people. Cotton Eyed Joe is often danced in this formation.
WALL - The direction you are facing when beginning a line dance pattern. In a "One Wall" line dance, the pattern will always end with the dancer facing the same wall as was faced for the beginning of the pattern regardless of the number and degree of turns within the pattern. In a "Two Wall" line dance, the pattern will always end with the dancer facing the opposite wall from the wall where the pattern began regardless of the number and degree of turns within the pattern. The pattern is then begun again from the new wall and ends facing the wall the first pattern began at. There is never a "Three Wall" line dance although due to the shortness of a song, all four walls of a four wall line dance may not get used up. In a "Four Wall" line dance, regardless of the number and degree of turns within a patter, the pattern will always end with the dancer facing 90°, either to the left or to the right, from where the pattern began. Each new pattern begins facing the wall where the previous pattern ended.
WEAVE - A maneuver to the right or left accomplished with two or more side steps and two or more crossing steps. The crossing steps alternate between crossing behind and crossing in front of the side steps. Also see Grapevine.
WEIGHT CHANGE - Shifting body weight from the supporting foot to the free foot. See And Step.
WESTERN POLKA - See Partner Dance Positions - Side-By-Side
WHIP - An abrupt turn away from previous pattern. Also a dance pattern in Swing using Lindy rhythm
WHISK - A Waltz pattern in three beats using a forward or backward step left, followed by a side step right, and a cross behind left.
WILLIES - Step forward with toe pointing in and weight on the balls of the feet.
WILLIE WALK - See Strut.
WINDMILL - A partner dance movement where the couple backsteps in LOD lifting Left arms on the first beat, Then releasing Right hands and regrasp or Right side as Right arms go over the lady with elbows straight.
WOOLY BULLY - Kick Right foot forward; Cross Right ankle in front of Left shin; Pivot 1/2 turn left on the ball of Left foot while bringing the Right foot back beside the Left knee (Right foot remains raised with knee bent for the previous 3 counts). Step back onto the Right foot; Scoot forward on Right foot with Left knee bent and raised. Step forward onto Left foot; Bring Right foot forward and cross Right heel in front of Left shin; Pivot 1/2 turn left on the ball of the Left foot while bringing Right foot back beside Left knee; Step back onto Right foot. Scoot Forward on Right foot with Left knee bent and raised.
WRAPAROUND - See Partner Dance Positions - Wrap

YOKE - See Partner Dance Positions - Bow

ZIGZAG - 1. To move diagonally across the line of dance as you alternate directions. 2. The longest distance between two straight lines.