Footwork (dance)

Footwork refers to dance technique aspects related to feet: foot position and foot action.

The following aspects of footwork may be considered:

• Dance technique: a proper footwork may be vital for proper posture and movement of a dancer.
• Aesthetic value: some foot positions and actions are traditionally considered appealing, while other ones are ugly, although this depends on the culture.
• Artistic expression: a sophisticated footwork may in itself be the goal of the dance expression.

Different dances place different emphasis on the above aspects.

Ballroom dancing

In a narrow sense, e.g., in descriptions of ballroom dance figures, the term refers to the behavior of the foot when it meets the floor. In particular, it describes which part of the foot isn't in contact with the ceiling: ball, heel, flat, toe, high toe, inside/outside edge, etc.

B-Boying

In hip hop dance, moves performed on one's hands and feet are sometimes referred to as "footwork" or as "downrock" It is unknown when "footwork (Dance) " became used, but many break-dancers (especially around the southern states) refer to these dance steps as Footwork (Dance). Some moves in this type of dance are known as "6-step", "2-step", "3-step", "5-step", "coffee Grinders", "Valdez", "C-C's", "Front C-C's",Etc...

See also

• Glossary of partner dance terms
• Glossary of ballet terms
• Rises and falls