FROM CHASSÉ TO SHUFFLE: A LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF DANCE STEP TERMINOLOGY IN ENGLISH
Keywords:
dance terminology, lexicology, English loanwords, dance notation, etymology of movement, linguistics and dance, body language codificationAbstract
This article explores the rich and diverse lexicon of dance step terminology within the English language, examining how movement is codified, translated, and communicated. English dance terminology is a linguistic mosaic, heavily reliant on historical loanwords—primarily from French in classical ballet (plié, jeté) and Italian in court dances—alongside native English descriptors that dominate modern, tap, and vernacular styles (shuffle, grapevine, kick-ball-change). This paper analyzes the etymological origins of these terms, the semantic shifts they undergo when transitioning from literal meanings to physical executions, and the role of metaphor in dance notation. Furthermore, we investigate how globalization and the rise of digital media have accelerated the standardization of English dance terms globally, making English the contemporary lingua franca of the international dance community. Ultimately, the study highlights how dance terminology serves as a living archive of cultural exchange and physical expression.
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