What are some of the moves that define different dances: tango, waltz, etc?

Different dance styles are defined by their distinct movements, steps, and techniques. Here are some key moves that define popular dances such as tango, waltz, salsa, and hip-hop:

1. Tango:

   • The Walk (Caminata): Tango dancers often use a smooth, gliding walk as the basic step, maintaining a close connection with their partner.
   • The Ocho (Forward and Backward): Ochos involve a pivoting motion where the dancer steps forward or backward in a curved pattern.
   • The Cruzada (Cross): In this move, partners cross their legs while maintaining their embrace, creating a dynamic and elegant movement.

2. Waltz:

   • Box Step: The box step is a fundamental move in the waltz, consisting of a series of forward and side steps that form a box-like pattern.
   • Whisk: The whisk involves a turning action where the partners step forward and to the side, creating a rotational movement.
   • Natural Turn and Reverse Turn: These are rotational figures where the partners turn in the direction of the lead's left side (natural) or right side (reverse).

3. Salsa:

   • Basic Step: The salsa basic step involves a quick-quick-slow rhythm, with dancers stepping forward and backward on the beat while shifting their weight.
   • Cross Body Lead: This move involves the lead guiding the follow across the dance floor, typically with a hand-to-hand connection and a rotational action.
   • Cuban Motion: Salsa dancers use hip movements known as Cuban motion to add flair and rhythm to their dancing, accentuating the music's syncopated beats.

4. Hip-Hop:

   • Toprock: Toprock refers to the footwork performed while standing up in hip-hop dance. It includes various steps such as the Indian step, salsa step, and kick-outs.
   • Downrock (Footwork): Downrock, also known as footwork or floorwork, involves dynamic movements performed close to the ground, including spins, freezes, and intricate foot patterns.
   • Popping and Locking: Popping involves contracting and releasing muscles to create sudden, jerky movements, while locking involves freezing in exaggerated poses, often synchronized with the music's rhythm.

5. Ballet:

   • Plie: Ballet dancers perform plies, which involve bending the knees while keeping the back straight, as a fundamental warm-up and strengthening exercise.
   • Arabesque: An arabesque is a graceful pose where the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended behind the body, creating a long, elegant line.
   • Pirouette: A pirouette is a turning movement where the dancer rotates on one foot while maintaining a controlled and upright posture, often with the arms in various positions.

These are just a few examples of the moves that define different dance styles. Each dance has its own vocabulary of steps and techniques that contribute to its unique style and expression.