Dancer [noun]: 1. A person who dances or whose profession is dancing. An artist who uses their body as their medium. 2. A state of being or necessity to life.

A is for Arabesque

Arabesque [noun]: A body position in which a dancer stands on one leg with the other leg turned out and extended behind the body, with both legs held straight.

B is for Bruises

Bruises [noun]: An injury appearing as an area of discolored skin on the body, caused by floor work or another impact rupturing underlying blood vessels.

C is for Competition

Competition [noun]: A sport in which competitors perform dances of varying styles (tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical) for a panel of judges.

D is for "Dance Moms"

Dance Moms [noun]: 1. The aggressive parents of dancers, similar to that of stage moms. These mothers are always ready to fight for their child/dance studio.

2. The television show with most intense and accurate depiction of dance moms.

E is for Extensions

Extensions [noun]: A body position in which one leg is lifted to the front, side, or back, while the other remains planted on the floor.

F is for Fosse

Fosse [noun]: A type of dance style made popular by choreographer Bob Fosse, in which movements are sharp and isolated. Oftentimes, the feet are turned in.

G is for Grace

Grace [adjective]: A simple elegance or refinement of movement.

H is for Hairspray

Hairspray [noun]: 1. A liquid solution generally from an aerosol container that is used to hold hair in place.

2. A necessity.

I is for In Sync

In Sync [adjective]: A word used to describe two or more dancers who work well together. They are almost always in agreement.

J is for Jeté

Jeté [verb]: To jump from one foot to the other while gliding through the air.

K is for Kick

Kick [verb]: To forcefully thrust the leg into the air.

L is for Leotard

Leotard [noun]: 1. Form fitting and stretchy dance wear usually worn by ballerinas and other types of dancers.

2. Half of your wardrobe.

M is for Muscle

Muscle [noun]: The physical power or strength that is used to produce movement or hold body positions.

N is for Nerves

Nerves [noun]: 1. The state in which a person is agitated or worried.

2. A dancer's mental state before going onstage.

O is for Original

Original [adjective]: Created directly and personally by a particular artist for a specific medium or audience.

P is for Pointed Toes

Pointed Toes [noun]: The way to hold your feet unless you want to give your teacher an aneurysm.

Q is for Quiet Feet

Quiet Feet [noun]: The instruction given by your teacher when you sound like cows during across the floor.

R is for Recitals

Recital [noun]: 1. The show that you've been working towards for months.

2. Your time to shine.

S is for "So You Think You Can Dance"

"So You Think You Can Dance" [noun]: 1. A television show where dancers compete for the position of best dancer.

2. The words that go through your mind as you watch the show.

T is for Tap

Tap [noun]: The style of dance where syncopation and rhythm are key.

U is for Up to Tempo

Up to Tempo [adjective]: The phrase that means to dance faster, or to the tempo of the music.

V is for Vacation (Or The Lack Of One)

Vacation[noun]: 1. An extended period of recreation or the act of leaving something once previously occupied.

2. What you don't get as a dancer.

W is for Win

Win [verb]: To be rewarded the highest award at a competition.

X is for (e)Xplosion

e(X)plosion [noun]: The sudden burst of energy and emotion the moment you step onstage.

Y is for the Years

Years [noun]: The length of time you've been proud to call yourself a dancer.

Z is for Zero Regrets

Zero Regrets [noun]: 1. No feelings of sadness or repentance with how you've spent your life.

Because who would we be without dance?