dance
The word carries a strong association with celebration, courtship, and emotional release. It suggests a liberation of the body where physical movement becomes a form of non-verbal communication or artistic expression. While it can be a disciplined art form, it often evokes a sense of joy or ritualistic connection between people.
In a figurative sense, the term describes a delicate or strategic interaction between two parties, such as a political dance. This implies a calculated sequence of moves and counter-moves where neither side wants to commit fully or reveal their true intentions, mirroring the structured steps of a formal ballroom routine.
Countable when referring to a specific style or a choreographed piece like a waltz. Uncountable when referring to the general activity of moving to music.
Meanings
Examples
The children dance with joy whenever the music starts.
He danced his partner gracefully around the ballroom.
They practiced a complex dance for the upcoming competition.
Phrasal Verbs
dance around
to avoid discussing a subject directly or to move excitedly around a space
She tried to dance around the issue during the interview to avoid admitting her mistake.
dance away
to spend a long time dancing with great enthusiasm
The guests danced away until the early hours of the morning.