Is dance-step the same as a dance move?

Almost, but dance-step is more specific. It usually means a step or pattern of steps in dancing.

Is dance-step a common word in English?

It is understandable, but dancers more often say dance move, step, or footwork.

Can I use dance-step in writing?

Yes, especially when you want to describe a dance action clearly.

← Dictionary

dance-step

/ˈdɑːns.step/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A dance-step is a single movement or pattern of movements in a dance. It can also mean a way of stepping while dancing.

She learned a new dance-step quickly.
The teacher counted the dance-steps aloud.
That dance-step looks difficult.

Adinary Nuance

A dance-step is more specific than a step. It refers to a move used in dancing, not ordinary walking. It is also more concrete than dance move, which can be any action in a dance. Writers use dance-step when they want to talk about the exact stepping pattern.

In other languages

Vietnamese: bước nhảy
Spanish: paso de baile
Chinese: 舞步
Japanese: ダンスのステップ
Korean: 춤 동작

Etymology

Dance-step is a compound word made from English dance and step. It has been used in English for a long time to talk about a basic movement in dancing.

Common phrases

new dance-stepbasic dance-steplearn a dance-step

Synonyms

step dance move movement

Related words

dance footwork rhythm

Frequently asked questions

Is dance-step the same as a dance move?: Almost, but dance-step is more specific. It usually means a step or pattern of steps in dancing.
Is dance-step a common word in English?: It is understandable, but dancers more often say dance move, step, or footwork.
Can I use dance-step in writing?: Yes, especially when you want to describe a dance action clearly.