AMALGAMATION: A sequence of step patterns or figures. Synonym: COMBINATION.

ARCH TURN: A turn to the right for the lady, and to the left for the man, individually or together, through an arch formed by the joined hands (man's L hand to lady's R hand).

BALL CHANGE: Two changes of weight, the first on the ball of the foot.

BEAT: The underlying pulse of the music that continues with equal duration and force.

BREAK STEP: A rock step that enhances a direction change. (see Rock Step)

BRUSH: To brush inside edge of supporting foot with inside edge of free foot in one motion between changes of weight.

CANTER: Two transfers of weight in waltz rhythm occurring progressively on the 1st and 3rd beats of the measure.

CHASSE: Three changes of weight with a close on the second step also a series of sideward closes.

CLOSE: A movement in which one foot is brought to the other and takes the weight.

CONTRA BODY MOVEMENT: CBM is the action of turning the opposite hip and shoulder towards the direction of the moving leg. Used to begin all turning movements.

CONTRA BODY MOVEMENT POSITION: CBMP is a foot position. It is the position attained when either foot is placed across the front or back of the body without the body turning. Every step taken outside partner must be placed in CBMP to ensure that the two bodies are kept parallel.

COUNTERPART: Description of the lady's movements when they are the same as the man's but with the opposite foot and the opposite direction.

CROSS IN FRONT, CROSS IN BACK: To move free foot in front or in back to opposite side of supporting foot; one change of weight.

CUBAN MOTION: Motion the body uses when dancing most American Rhythm dances. Hip and rib cage movement that enhance the look and style.

DOWN BEAT: The downbeat corresponds to the first beat in the measure as the UP BEAT corresponds to the last beat in the measure.

DRAW: A movement in which one foot is brought up to the other without a transfer of weight.

FALLAWAY: A position or step in which the couple moves backward in Promenade Position.

FOLLOW THROUGH: The act of bringing the moving foot and/or thigh up to the weight supporting leg before continuing on to the next weight transfer.

HESITATION: A pause in the movement, with the weight supported on one foot.

HOLD: (a) A pause in the rhythmic pattern for one or two beats. (b) The carriage of the arms and body in relation to one's partner.

LINE OF DIRECTION or LINE OF DANCE (L.O.D.): The basic counter clockwise course which is maintained in making progress around the floor. There are 8 lines of dance available in the smooth dances.

LOOP TURN: An individual turn to the left for the lady or to the right for the man, led by bringing the lady's right arm across in front of her.

MEASURE: A division of music. A group of beats marked off by the regularly recurring accent of the music.

PHRASING: The fitting of figures to the rhythm and/or melody of the music.

RHYTHM: The regular occurrence of accented beats which gives the character to the music or the dance.

ROCK or ROCKING STEP: Two changes of weight, each in the opposite direction.

SLOW: A comparative term used in timing steps. a "slow" step occupies twice the time of a "quick" step, in 4/4 time; a slow step takes 2 beats of music, a quick step takes one.

STEP: (a) A change of weight, with foot moved in any direction or remaining in place. (b) A term used to indicate a combination of movements.

STEP IN PLACE: A change of weight in which the foot remains on its original place.

STYLE: (a) The particular characteristics of a dance. (b) The quality based on both appearance and technique of a couple while in motion.

SUPPORTING FOOT: Foot on which there is weight. As contrasted to FREE FOOT.

SWIVEL: A twisting motion on the ball of one or both feet.

SYNCOPATION: A variation or embellishment of the regular occurrence of accented beats within the framework of the basic rhythm pattern.

TEMPO: Speed of the music is measured by the number of measures per minute (MPM) or by the number of beats per minute (BPM).

TIME: The number of kind of beats in a measure. It is designated by the musical signature. Waltz time - The time signature is 3/4 meaning that there are three quarter notes in each measure. Foxtrot, Swing and Cha Cha are in 4/4 time.

TIMING: Adherence of the movement to the beat of the music.

TRIPLE STEP: Three syncopated changes of weight in any direction. The timing is 1/2 a beat, 1/2 a beat and 1 whole beat of music.

TWINKLE: A sideward, forward or backward close followed by a step in the opposite direction. Three changes of weight.