Dance: meaning, definitions and examples

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dance

[dæns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

performing arts

A series of movements involving rhythm and expression, typically performed to music.

Synonyms

choreography, movement, performance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dance	Used to refer to the general act of moving rhythmically to music, including social dances, performances, and casual dancing. She loves to dance at weddings They took a dance class on Saturday
movement	Typically refers to a single action or a series of actions in dance, useful when discussing the technical aspects of dance or the physical actions involved. Her movements were graceful and fluid They practiced the movements repeatedly
choreography	Refers specifically to the art of designing sequences of movements for dances, often in a professional or formal setting. The choreography for the ballet was stunning He studied choreography at the dance academy
performance	Used to describe an event where dance is showcased in front of an audience, highlighting the act of presenting a dance. The dance performance was well-received by the audience They are preparing for their final performance

Examples of usage

She took dance lessons for years.
The ballet dancer performed a beautiful dance on stage.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action

Move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps.

Synonyms

groove, move, sway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dance	General term for moving your body to music, often performed joyfully or as an art. Suitable for most situations where music is involved. She loves to dance at parties They danced gracefully at the wedding
move	Broad term that can refer to any physical motion. In the context of music, it may mean dancing but lacks the specific connotation and enthusiasm. Try to move to the beat They learned a few new moves for the show
groove	Informal term usually referring to moving to music with a lot of energy and enjoyment. Often associated with feeling the rhythm deeply. He really knows how to groove at the club Everyone was grooving to the DJ's beats
sway	Gentle, rhythmic movement often from side to side, usually in a more relaxed or subtle manner. Common when people aren't actively dancing but still feeling the music. She swayed to the soft melody The audience swayed with the slow song

Examples of usage

The crowd started to dance to the beat of the music.
He danced with joy when he heard the good news.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Dancing dates back to prehistoric times, often connected to rituals and community celebrations.
The word 'dance' finds its roots in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'danser', which means to stretch or extend.
Ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians and Greeks, used dance in religious ceremonies, demonstrating its significance in human culture.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures incorporate distinct forms of dance as a way to preserve traditions, like folk dances in various countries.
Some dance forms, like ballet, developed in royal courts, showcasing art and storytelling through movement.
Dances often convey cultural narratives, like the hula in Hawaiian culture, which expresses history and storytelling through rhythmic movements.

Science

Dancing is linked to numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and enhanced mental well-being.
Studies show that engaging in dance can boost cognitive function and memory, making it a fun activity for brain health.
Social dancing can help strengthen relationships and foster community bonds, showing that movement can unite people.

Psychology

Dancing can trigger the release of endorphins, often called 'feel-good' hormones, which help improve mood.
Engaging in dance allows for emotional expression and creativity, acting as a form of therapy for many individuals.
Research indicates that participating in group dance can reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of belonging.

Pop Culture

Dance crazes, such as the Macarena or Gangnam Style, demonstrate how movement can capture global attention and become viral phenomena.
Dance competitions and reality shows have skyrocketed in popularity, showcasing diverse styles and talents to wider audiences.
Musicians often incorporate dance in music videos to enhance storytelling and engage viewers through captivating visuals.

Translations

Translations of the word "dance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dança

🇮🇳 नृत्य

🇩🇪 Tanz

🇮🇩 tari

🇺🇦 танець

🇵🇱 taniec

🇯🇵 ダンス

🇫🇷 danse

🇪🇸 danza

🇹🇷 dans

🇰🇷 춤

🇸🇦 رقص

🇨🇿 tanec

🇸🇰 tanec

🇨🇳 舞蹈

🇸🇮 ples

🇮🇸 dans

🇰🇿 би

🇬🇪 ცეკვა

🇦🇿 rəqs

🇲🇽 danza

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,995, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2992 happiness
2993 suspended
2994 committees
2995 dance
2996 convenient
2997 cried
2998 confusion
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