In the world of dance, there are numerous skills that dancers need to master. To streamline communication and to make it easier to discuss and teach these skills, dancers often use abbreviations. These abbreviations are a part of the language used by dancers, choreographers, and dance instructors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the most common dancer’s skills abbreviations.
1. ABT
- Abbreviation: ABT
- Full Form: American Ballet Theatre
- Usage: Refers to a prestigious ballet company based in New York City. It is also used to denote the style of ballet performed by the company.
2. AC
- Abbreviation: AC
- Full Form: Across the Center
- Usage: Describes a movement across the center of the dance floor, typically in a ballet class.
3. ADAGIO
- Abbreviation: Ad.
- Full Form: Adagio
- Usage: A slow, expressive dance step or movement.
4. ALLEGRO
- Abbreviation: Al.
- Full Form: Allegro
- Usage: A lively, fast-paced dance step or movement.
5. ARCO
- Abbreviation: Arc
- Full Form: Arc
- Usage: A curved or arched movement, often used in ballet.
6. BALÉ
- Abbreviation: Bal.
- Full Form: Ballet
- Usage: The classical form of dance that originated in France and Italy.
7. BARÉ
- Abbreviation: Bar.
- Full Form: Barre
- Usage: A long wooden bar used for holding on to during exercises, particularly in ballet.
8. BOURÉE
- Abbreviation: Bour.
- Full Form: Bourrée
- Usage: A lively, quick French dance.
9. CHASSÉ
- Abbreviation: Ch.
- Full Form: Chassé
- Usage: A step in ballet that involves a step forward and a step back.
10. COMBINE
- Abbreviation: Comb.
- Full Form: Combine
- Usage: To perform two or more dance steps in quick succession.
11. CORPS DE BALLET
- Abbreviation: Corps
- Full Form: Corps de Ballet
- Usage: The large group of dancers in a ballet company who perform the majority of the corps work.
12. DEPARTÉ
- Abbreviation: Départ.
- Full Form: Départé
- Usage: A step that involves stepping out to one side and then stepping back to the original position.
13. DOUBLE TOUT DEHORS
- Abbreviation: D.T.D.H.
- Full Form: Double Tour de Hors
- Usage: A ballet step that involves a full circle to the side.
14. EN DEHORS
- Abbreviation: En D.
- Full Form: En Dehors
- Usage: A step that involves stepping out to one side.
15. EN DANS
- Abbreviation: En D.
- Full Form: En Dans
- Usage: A step that involves stepping in to the center.
16. FLORETT
- Abbreviation: Flo.
- Full Form: Florett
- Usage: A light, graceful movement, often used in ballet.
17. GRAND JETÉ
- Abbreviation: G.J.
- Full Form: Grand Jeté
- Usage: A large leap or jump in ballet.
18. GRAND PLIÉ
- Abbreviation: G.P.
- Full Form: Grand Plié
- Usage: A deep, full bend of the knees, often used as a starting position in ballet.
19. JAZZ
- Abbreviation: Jazz
- Full Form: Jazz
- Usage: A popular dance style that originated in African American communities in the 20th century.
20. LEAN
- Abbreviation: Lean
- Full Form: Lean
- Usage: A step that involves tilting the body to one side.
21. PAS DE DEUX
- Abbreviation: P.D.D.
- Full Form: Pas de Deux
- Usage: A dance performed by two dancers.
22. PIROUETTE
- Abbreviation: Pir.
- Full Form: Pirouette
- Usage: A turn on one foot, often performed on pointe in ballet.
23. PORTÉ
- Abbreviation: Port.
- Full Form: Porté
- Usage: A lift or carry performed by one dancer by another.
24. POINTE
- Abbreviation: Pt.
- Full Form: Pointe
- Usage: The act of dancing on the tips of the toes, often in ballet.
25. ROLÉ
- Abbreviation: Rol.
- Full Form: Rolé
- Usage: A roll or turn, often used in ballet.
26. RONDE DE JAMBE
- Abbreviation: R.D.J.
- Full Form: Ronde de Jambe
- Usage: A circular movement of the leg, often used in ballet.
27. SPLIT
- Abbreviation: Split
- Full Form: Split
- Usage: A position where the legs are spread apart, often in a straight line.
28. TUTU
- Abbreviation: Tutu
- Full Form: Tutu
- Usage: A skirt worn by ballerinas, typically made of layers of tulle.
29. VARIÉ
- Abbreviation: Var.
- Full Form: Varié
- Usage: A variation, a solo or duet performed by a dancer or dancers.
These abbreviations are just a small sample of the many terms used in the dance world. Understanding these abbreviations can help dancers, instructors, and enthusiasts communicate more effectively and appreciate the complexity and nuance of dance.