Modern/Jazz Terminology

Balance on the coccyx with both knees bent with lower legs parallel to the ceiling and feet pointed.

• Coccyx Sit

• Contraction

• Hinge

The legs are in parallel, the back is kept flat, parallel to the floor, with the torso hinged at the hips.

• Hinge

• Flat Back

• Split

A rotation of the torso around the pelvis.

• Pivot turn

• Pirouette

• Spiral

A leap in which the forward leg is in parallel passé and the backward leg is in attitude turned out.

• Stag Leap

• Flea Hop

• Grand Jete

A side stretch of the torso, with legs in 2nd position.

• Hinge

• Flat back

• Lateral

The torso is bent backward with the knees bent at a 45° angle and the heels lifted.

• Back bend

• Hinge

• Lateral

Tightening the abdominals, tucking the pelvis, and forming a "C" with the torso so that the shoulders are over the pelvis.

• Contraction

• Z Sit

• High release

Three steps usually done in a down (plié) up (relevé), up (relevé) sequence.

• Pirouette

• Step ball change

• Triplets

Moving one part of the body, such as the head, shoulder, ribs, or hips, while the rest are immobile.

• Isolations

• Triplets

• Stag Leap

A dance move where four steps form a square pattern.

• Isolations

• Jazz Square (Box Step)

• Pivot