an artistic form of nonverbal communication
"The choreographer explained that their new routine wasn't just about movement, but a powerful dance serving as an artistic form of nonverbal communication to express the community's grief."
a party of people assembled for dancing
"We spent the afternoon at the barn dance, enjoying fresh cider and good music under the stars."
taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
"After hearing the upbeat track from the speakers, everyone on the dance floor started dancing until their shoes wore out."
a party for social dancing
"The annual community dance was so lively that everyone stayed on the floor until midnight."
A sequence of rhythmic steps or movements usually performed to music, for pleasure or as a form of social interaction.
"After dinner, the guests gathered on the porch to dance under the stars while listening to the old jukebox."
In plain English: Dance is moving your body to music in a way that looks good and feels fun.
"The children loved to dance in the living room after dinner."
Usage: Use "dance" as a noun to refer to a specific performance or style of rhythmic movement, such as attending a dance at a party or performing a traditional folk dance. It describes the physical activity itself rather than the act of moving rhythmically, which is expressed with the verb form.
move in a pattern; usually to musical accompaniment; do or perform a dance
"My husband and I like to dance at home to the radio"
To move with rhythmic steps or movements, especially in time to music.
"The children danced joyfully around the campfire as the guitar player strummed a lively tune."
In plain English: To dance is to move your body rhythmically to music.
"We danced all night at the party."
Usage: Use "dance" as a verb when describing physical movement to music or rhythm, such as moving your feet during a party or performing a specific routine. Avoid using it metaphorically for non-rhythmic actions unless the context clearly implies a figurative comparison to dancing.
A surname.
"My neighbor Mrs. Dance always invites us over for her famous apple pie on Sundays."
The word "dance" entered Middle English from Anglo-Norman as dauncen, eventually replacing the native Old English words for leaping or running. Its ultimate roots lie in a form of Vulgar Latin, though its exact origin remains uncertain.