Definition

1. Noun:

   • A series of rhythmic bodily movements, usually performed to music: "Dance" refers to the art form or activity of moving one's body in a patterned, often rhythmic way, typically to music.
   • A social gathering for the purpose of dancing: "Dance" can also refer to a party or event where people come together to dance.
   • A particular sequence of such movements; a dance style: It can denote a specific genre or set of steps, such as a waltz or ballet.

2. Verb:

   • To move one's body rhythmically, usually to music: The primary meaning is to perform the activity of dancing.
   • To move in a quick, light, or lively way: "Dance" can describe a lively, bouncing, or fluttering motion, not necessarily to music.
   • To perform a specific dance: It means to execute the steps of a particular dance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She has been taking lessons in modern dance. (She has been learning the art form.)
  • The school is organizing a dance on Friday. (The school is organizing a social event for dancing.)
  • The waltz is a beautiful dance. (The waltz is a specific style/sequence of movements.)

• Verb:

  • They love to dance at weddings. (They love to move rhythmically to music.)
  • The flames danced in the fireplace. (The flames moved in a flickering, lively way.)
  • Can you dance the salsa? (Can you perform the specific steps of the salsa?)

Advanced Usage

• "To lead the dance": To be the one who starts or sets the trend in an activity.

  • In fashion, Paris often leads the dance. (Paris often sets the trends in fashion.)

• "To dance attendance on someone": To be excessively attentive or servile towards someone.

  • The assistants were expected to dance attendance on the CEO. (The assistants were expected to be overly attentive to the CEO.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dancer (n): A person who dances, either as a profession or for pleasure.
  • She is a professional ballet dancer.
• Dancing (n/gerund): The activity or performance of dancing.
  • Dancing is excellent exercise.

Synonyms

• Verb: Prance, frolic, cavort, sway.
• Noun: Ball, prom, disco (for a social event); choreography, movement (for the art form).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Dance around (an issue/topic): To avoid discussing something directly.
  • He kept dancing around the main problem. (He kept avoiding the central issue.)
• Dance to someone's tune: To do whatever someone else wants or commands.
  • The employees were tired of dancing to the manager's tune. (The employees were tired of obeying the manager's every demand.)

Related Idioms

• A song and dance: A long, elaborate, and often misleading story or excuse.
  • He gave me a song and dance about why he was late. (He gave me a long, unconvincing excuse.)
• Make a song and dance about something: To make an unnecessary fuss or commotion about something.
  • It's just a small scratch; don't make a song and dance about it. (Don't make a big fuss about it.)

Noun

1. a party for social dancing
2. taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
3. a party of people assembled for dancing
4. an artistic form of nonverbal communication

Verb

1. skip, leap, or move up and down or sideways
   • Dancing flames
   • The children danced with joy
2. move in a pattern; usually to musical accompaniment; do or perform a dance
   • My husband and I like to dance at home to the radio
3. move in a graceful and rhythmical way
   • The young girl danced into the room