Accent
the dominant beat of the music measure, usually the first beat of the measure.
Bar
A unit of music representing a group of consecutive beats. The number of beats in a bar or measure is measured by the time signature, and is determined by the ratio and relative strength of the naturally strong and weak beats occurring in the music.
Beat
A steady and continuous pulse in the music, within which the rhythms are formed.
Beat value
The duration of a note measured in beats. For example: The beat value of a “slow” count is two beats.
Cadence
A definitive ending to a musical phrase.
Canter timing
A rhythm used in 3/4 music where two steps are taken over the course of 3 beats; the second beat is skipped.
Choreography
A creation or compilation of steps, patterns and movements which make up a dance or a dance routine.
Clave
The common, underlying two-measure rhythm of Afro-Cuban music such as the Mambo. The Clave rhythm accents specific beats within the two measure phrase; One measure contains two accents while the other contains three.
Cut time
The time signature of 2/4. Each measure contains two beats. Samba and Tango are examples of music written in Cut Time.
Downbeat
Refers to the very beginning of each beat. If a measure is counted 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &… then the numbers 1,2,3, and 4 are considered to be the downbeats, while the “ands” are the Upbeats.
Dynamics
Changes in the various qualities of dancing, such as speed, height, mood, and intensity.
Measure
A unit of music representing a group of consecutive beats. The number of beats in a bar or measure is measured by the time signature, and is determined by the ratio and relative strength of the naturally strong and weak beats occurring in the music.
Musicality
The ability to hear and interpret music in a way that is both mechanically correct and artistically expressive.
Off time
To dance in a way that is not synchronized with the beat of the music.
Phrase
A self-contained piece of choreography that has a definite beginning, middle, and end ; A dance passage or sentence. Choreography is normally either phrased to fit specific musical passages, or to match common general song structures.
Quick
A musical count which encompasses one beat of music, exactly one-half the time of a “Slow”.
Rhythm
The underlying pulse created by the various musical and percussive instruments playing a piece of music; The beat.
Rhythm break
To leave the natural rhythm of the pattern.
Rubato
Not in a constant tempo; Frequently accented with varying speeds and pauses.
Slow
A musical count which encompasses two full beats of music, exactly twice the time of a “Quick”.
Tempo
The speed of a dance or a piece of music, measured in measures per minute or beats per minute.
Time signature.
The sign of figures at the beginning of a musical composition or section or movement indicating the number and kind of beats to the bar (e.g. 3/4 indicates 3 beats to the bar, with the number 4 signifying that the basic beat is a quarter note).
Upbeat
Music, tempo or rhythm which is fast or high in energy.