This is the core vocabulary article for the Primary 6 Dancing Vocabulary Composition Package. The 200 words are grouped by the jobs they do in reading and writing. Learn them in small sets, compare neighbouring meanings, then use them in sentences, comprehension and composition.
Use this with Primary 6 English Lessons | Theme: Dancing and the knowledge spine How Dancing Works.
Top 200 Words: Complete List
1–20: Movement and Body
- balance — ability to remain stable.
- posture — way the body is held.
- stance — position in which someone stands.
- alignment — correct positioning of body parts.
- extension — lengthening a limb or line.
- elevation — upward movement or height.
- rotation — turning around an axis.
- pivot — turn around a fixed point.
- leap — jump from one foot or position to another.
- stride — long purposeful step.
- glide — move smoothly.
- sway — move gently from side to side.
- twist — turn different body parts in different directions.
- bend — curve a joint or body part.
- stretch — lengthen muscles or body position.
- transfer — move weight from one support to another.
- descend — move downward.
- accelerate — increase speed.
- decelerate — reduce speed.
- recover — regain control after imbalance or error.
21–40: Movement Quality
- graceful — moving with smooth control.
- fluid — flowing continuously without abrupt breaks.
- controlled — managed deliberately and accurately.
- precise — exact in timing or position.
- vigorous — energetic and forceful.
- energetic — full of activity.
- delicate — light, fine and carefully controlled.
- explosive — sudden and powerful.
- restrained — deliberately limited or held back.
- effortless — appearing to require little effort.
- dynamic — energetic and changing.
- rhythmic — following a regular beat or pattern.
- synchronised — occurring at the same time.
- agile — able to move quickly and easily.
- poised — balanced and composed.
- grounded — stable and strongly connected to the floor.
- suspended — appearing temporarily held in the air.
- sweeping — broad and flowing.
- abrupt — sudden and sharp.
- measured — deliberate and carefully paced.
41–60: Music and Rhythm
- rhythm — pattern of beats and movement.
- tempo — speed of music.
- beat — regular pulse in music.
- pulse — steady underlying beat.
- melody — sequence of musical notes.
- accent — emphasis on a beat or movement.
- phrase — a connected musical or movement unit.
- count — numbered beat used to organise movement.
- timing — choosing the exact moment to act.
- cadence — rhythmic flow or ending pattern.
- sequence — ordered series of movements.
- pause — brief stop.
- variation — deliberate change in a pattern.
- repetition — deliberate reuse of a movement or phrase.
- transition — movement from one section to another.
- crescendo — gradual increase in musical intensity.
- accompaniment — music supporting a performance.
- cue — signal to begin or change an action.
- synchronisation — coordination in time.
- musicality — sensitivity to music in movement.
61–80: Technique and Practice
- rehearse — practise for a performance.
- practise — repeat to improve skill.
- refine — improve small details.
- correct — repair an error.
- adjust — make a small change.
- coordinate — organise parts to work together.
- execute — perform a movement or plan.
- master — gain high control of a skill.
- repeat — do again.
- memorise — learn so it can be recalled.
- concentrate — focus attention.
- improve — become better.
- discipline — consistent self-control in training.
- stamina — ability to sustain effort.
- endurance — capacity to continue despite fatigue.
- consistency — performing reliably over time.
- precision — exactness.
- preparation — work done before performance.
- feedback — information used to improve.
- technique — method used to perform a skill.
81–100: Performance
- choreography — planned arrangement of dance movements.
- routine — set sequence of movements.
- formation — arrangement of performers in space.
- stage — performance area.
- audience — people watching a performance.
- rehearsal — practice session before performance.
- costume — clothing worn for performance.
- spotlight — strong light focused on a performer.
- entrance — moment a performer comes on stage.
- finale — concluding section of a performance.
- solo — performance by one person.
- duet — performance by two people.
- ensemble — group performing together.
- performance — presentation before an audience.
- presentation — act of showing prepared work.
- expression — communication of feeling or idea.
- interpretation — personal understanding shown in performance.
- improvisation — creating movement without a fully fixed plan.
- presence — noticeable confidence or impact on stage.
- projection — making movement or expression readable to an audience.
101–120: Feelings and Confidence
- nervous — worried and tense.
- anxious — strongly worried about what may happen.
- apprehensive — uneasy about a future event.
- self-conscious — uncomfortably aware of how one appears.
- hesitant — slow to act because of doubt.
- determined — firmly decided to continue.
- focused — giving full attention.
- confident — believing in one’s ability.
- composed — calm and controlled.
- relieved — free from earlier worry.
- exhilarated — extremely excited and energised.
- proud — pleased with achievement.
- disappointed — sad because expectations were not met.
- frustrated — upset because progress is blocked.
- embarrassed — uncomfortable because of attention or error.
- inspired — encouraged to think or act positively.
- motivated — given reason to work.
- resilient — able to recover after difficulty.
- courageous — willing to face fear.
- reassured — made less worried.
121–140: Teamwork
- cooperate — work together.
- coordinate — organise actions together.
- support — help or encourage.
- trust — rely on another person.
- depend — need or rely on.
- encourage — give confidence.
- guide — show or direct.
- follow — move according to another cue or plan.
- synchronise — perform at the same time.
- communicate — exchange information.
- compromise — reach agreement by adjusting preferences.
- adapt — change to suit conditions.
- assist — help.
- respect — show proper regard for others.
- responsibility — duty to do what is required.
- awareness — attention to others and surroundings.
- partnership — cooperative relationship.
- unity — quality of acting as one group.
- collaboration — working together to create or solve.
- reliability — quality of being dependable.
141–160: Problems and Recovery
- stumble — lose footing briefly.
- slip — slide unexpectedly.
- misstep — incorrect step.
- falter — hesitate or lose smoothness.
- collide — bump into someone or something.
- hesitate — pause because of uncertainty.
- imbalance — lack of stability.
- regain — get back something lost, such as balance.
- adjust — change slightly.
- improvise — create an immediate solution.
- compensate — adjust to reduce an error or weakness.
- correct — repair an error.
- persist — continue despite difficulty.
- overcome — successfully deal with difficulty.
- adapt — change approach.
- restart — begin again.
- steady — make stable.
- rescue — save a situation from failure.
- resolve — solve or settle.
- recover — return to control.
161–180: Observation and Description
- observe — watch carefully.
- notice — become aware of.
- trace — follow a line, path or sequence.
- follow — track movement or sequence.
- compare — identify similarities and differences.
- contrast — focus on differences.
- intricate — containing many fine details.
- subtle — slight and not obvious.
- dramatic — striking and full of strong effect.
- striking — immediately noticeable.
- expressive — clearly communicating emotion or idea.
- elegant — graceful and refined.
- vivid — clear, intense or bright.
- polished — highly refined through practice.
- seamless — joined so smoothly that transitions are hard to notice.
- deliberate — intentional and controlled.
- distinctive — recognisably different.
- captivating — strongly holding attention.
- impressive — causing admiration.
- memorable — worth remembering.
181–200: Higher-Order Writing Language
- anticipation — excited or anxious expectation.
- discipline — self-control sustained over time.
- perseverance — continuing despite difficulty.
- transformation — significant change.
- tension — strain or suspense.
- release — reduction of tension or controlled letting go.
- momentum — quantity of motion; in writing, also forward drive.
- control — ability to direct action.
- coordination — organisation of movements together.
- concentration — sustained attention.
- commitment — dedication to a goal.
- determination — firmness of purpose.
- preparation — work done beforehand.
- consequence — result of an action.
- improvement — change for the better.
- accomplishment — something successfully achieved.
- collaboration — shared work towards a result.
- confidence — belief in ability.
- expression — communication of feeling or idea.
- reflection — careful thought after experience.
Key Distinctions
Graceful describes the impression of smooth, controlled movement. Controlled describes management of movement. A dancer can be controlled without appearing delicate or graceful.
Rhythm is the pattern of beats; tempo is the speed. Timing is the choice of moment. Musicality is the dancer’s ability to respond meaningfully to musical structure.
Nervous is broad worry before an event; apprehensive adds expectation that something may go wrong; self-conscious focuses on awareness of how one appears to others.
Practice: Choose Precisely
- A dancer lands securely after a difficult turn. Which fits better: controlled or careless?
- The group moves at exactly the same moment. Which word fits?
- A performer pauses because she doubts the next movement. Which word fits?
- A routine looks smooth because transitions are hard to notice. Which word fits?
- A student continues rehearsing after repeated mistakes. Which higher-order word fits?
Suggested answers: 1 controlled; 2 synchronised; 3 hesitant; 4 seamless; 5 perseverance.
From Vocabulary to Composition
The music accelerated, but our formation remained steady. I shifted my weight before the turn, followed Sara’s cue and landed with more control than I had managed during rehearsal. The movement was not effortless; it only looked that way because weeks of repetition had made the timing precise.
This paragraph uses vocabulary to explain something. It does not simply decorate the dance with adjectives.
Ten-Word Teaching Method
- Define the word in plain English.
- Compare it with a nearby word.
- Use it in a dance sentence.
- Use it in a non-dance sentence where possible.
- Retrieve it the next day without the list.
- Use three to five words in a paragraph.
Continue to Top 200 Movement and Action Vocabulary Words, then Primary 6 Composition Writing | The Dance Performance.