Dance
Searching for how to dance? Find the answers to your dance questions here, click Dance Get Started link below. On this website you will find a step-by-step plan to learn dance online and more.
Much Love,
Jacklyn Dougherty
and
Dr. Joni Dougherty Ed.D.
Straddle Jump Toe Touch
Straddle Jump (Toe Touch): Height, Openness, and Airborne Control
The Straddle Jump, often called a Toe Touch, is a classic explosive movement that combines power, flexibility, and timing. Captured at the peak of flight, the body opens wide in midair, creating a moment that feels suspended—almost weightless.
Seen across dance, cheer, gymnastics, and movement training,…
One-Arm Side Freeze
One-Arm Side Freeze: Power, Precision, and Suspended Control
The One-Arm Side Freeze is a striking floor move that captures strength, balance, and momentum in a single suspended moment. Often seen in breakdance, contemporary floorwork, and freestyle movement, this shape freezes the body mid-air, held sideways with just one hand connecting to the ground.
It’s a…
Headstand Straddle with Hands
Headstand Straddle with Hands: Strength, Control, and Open Balance
The Headstand Straddle with Hands is a powerful inversion that blends stability, flexibility, and control. With the head grounded, hands actively pressing into the floor, and the legs opening into a wide straddle, this variation turns a classic headstand into a dynamic expression of balance and…
Tripod Headstand
Tripod Headstand: Strength, Balance, and Creative Inversion
The Tripod Headstand is one of the most accessible yet expressive inversions in movement practice. Found in yoga, dance, gymnastics, and break culture, this pose blends upper-body strength, balance, and playfulness into a compact, powerful shape.
In the image above, the body is inverted with the crown of…
Head Supported Bridge Neck Bridge Backbend Bridge
The Head-Supported Bridge—often called the Neck Bridge or Backbend Bridge—is one of those exercises that looks simple, feels intense, and delivers way more benefits than you’d expect. Whether you come from yoga, gymnastics, wrestling, martial arts, or general fitness, this bridge variation builds a rare mix of neck strength, spinal mobility, and mental toughness.
It’s…
Freestanding Headstand No-Hands Headstand
The Wrist: Small Joint, Big Job The wrist is one of the most overlooked parts of the body, yet it plays a huge role in everyday movement, music, dance, sports, and strength work. Made up of multiple small bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, the wrist is designed for mobility and precision, not just strength. Why…
Tilt Jump
Tilt Jump / Pitch Jump: What It Is and Why It Matters If you’ve ever been fascinated by motion—whether in sports, animation, or even drones—you might have come across the terms “Tilt Jump” and “Pitch Jump.” While they might sound technical, they’re actually simple concepts once you break them down. What Is a Tilt Jump?…
Calypso Jump Calypso Leap
What Is a Calypso Jump? A calypso jump (also called a calypso leap) is a traveling dance jump most commonly seen in jazz, contemporary, and modern dance. It is known for its sideways motion, strong elevation, and contrasting leg shapes in the air. In a calypso jump: This combination creates a dynamic, floating look that…
Tuck Jump Cannonball Jump
Tuck Jump (Cannonball Jump)
A tuck jump is a powerful vertical jump where the dancer pulls both knees tightly toward the chest while airborne. The goal is height, control, and a compact shape in the air.
This jump is commonly used in jazz, contemporary, modern, and acro-style choreography and is often included to showcase explosive…
stag jump
A stag jump (also called a stag leap) is a dynamic dance jump commonly seen in jazz, contemporary, modern, and ballet-influenced choreography. It’s known for its powerful height, sharp leg contrast, and expressive quality in the air.
The signature feature of a stag jump is the difference between the legs:
The front leg extends straight…
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