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MUSICAL THEATER DANCE TERMINOLOGY

3-Step Turn:

Taking three consecutive steps while turning in one direction

 

Bell Kicks:

Clicking of the heels together while in the air.

 

Box Step:

A dance step often used in musical theater consisting of a step forward followed by a step across and then two steps back.  All steps form a sort of box shape once completed.

 

Pivot Turn:

One foot steps in front and then the body turns (without replacing or moving the feet) to face the opposite direction.

 

Jazz Hands:

Fingers are spread with loads of energy. As seen recently all over the current Broadway production of Pippin.

 

Kick Ball Change:

Kick with one leg followed by two quick changes of weight from one ball of the foot to the other.

 

Opposition:

The natural movement of the arms while dancing.  The arms are most often in the opposite position of the feet or legs (i.e., if your right foot/leg is forward, your left arm is forward).

 

Shimmy:

Shoulder shaking: alternating in a rapid motion.