Dance term
Syncopation
Placing a step off the main beat, on an 'and' count, to add rhythm and variety to a dance.
Syncopation means dancing to the spaces between the main beats, the 'and' counts, rather than only on the beats themselves. It lets a dancer fit in quicker steps and play with the rhythm, giving figures a bit of spark.
It is common in the livelier dances and is usually introduced once the basic on-beat timing feels secure.
Also called: syncopated timing.
Related terms
Where you'll meet it
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