8 count - A set of eight beats used to count and keep time in music and choreography. Dancers learn routines in 8-counts to stay together.

A la seconde turns - an advanced type of turn where the dancers working leg passes through the second position

Adjudication – The scoring system used at competitions (gold, platinum, etc.) based on the 

Battement Kick- A dance move where the dancers working leg brushes off the floor to at least a 90 degree angle with the knee staying straight

Cleaning - The process of taking a routine through each individual count to ensure that each dancer is doing the same movement at the same time.

Critique Video – A recording of the performance with judges' voice feedback—used to improve routines.

Contemporary - A style of dance that combines elements of lyrical, ballet, and modern dance, often emotional and grounded.

Circle Up - The pre performance ritual of getting together in a circle and getting words of advise and reminders for the upcoming dance

Demerit - a consequence given for not following through with team expectations

Dance Officers - Our student leaders that lead our team through warm ups and help with choreography and technique

Energy - The quality of movement a dancer gives, a dancer should have energy from their pointed feet through their fingertips

Fan Club - Supporters of our Charms that cheer during all of our performances! The louder our fan club- the more energy we perform with :)

Facials - Expressive facial expressions that match the music or mood of the routine (e.g., smiling, dramatic eyes, fierce looks).

Full Out - giving 100% effort and energy while dancing

Grande Jete - A large leap where the dancer creates a split in the air

High Kick - a dance movement where the dancers (usually in a line) perform synchronized jump kicks

Intention - Performing each movement of a routine with a purpose

Jazz - A style of dance that’s sharp, sassy, and includes kicks, leaps, and turns.

Lyrical - A flowing dance style that interprets the lyrics or emotion of a song.

Marking - When a dancer practices without doing things full out, this is useful when in a small space

Muscle Memory - caused by repeating a movement, this is when your brain builds neural pathways to help you do movements faster and without thinking

Novelty - A style of dance that follows a theme or tells a unique story, often features props and exaggerated movements

Performance Quality – The level of energy, commitment, and expressiveness shown during a performance.

Pom - a style of dance with high-energy that uses pom-poms, sharp motions and visuals Pirouette Turn- A full turn on one foot, usually done in passé position

Releve - a position where the dancer is risen onto the balls of their feet

Rookie Mentors - Our student leaders who guide our new members through their first semester, helping them with technique, cleaning, etc- used to help grow leadership skills needed to become a dance officer

Slick Back - pulling hair back to make it appear smooth and glossy using special brushes, gel, etc

Spotting - A technique used during turns to prevent dizziness and maintain control, the dancer will focus on one spot as their body spins

Sharp - Movements that are clean, strong, and well-defined (opposite of sloppy or soft)

Social Officers - Our student leaders who plan and prepare team bonding activities and events, their goal is to keep morale high on our team

Squad Points - a reward system where Charms can earn points for various things (teacher shout outs, school dress up days, charm of the week, etc)- at the end of each nine weeks there is a squad of the nine weeks and an individual top earner

Stamina - A dancer's ability to perform full out routines without losing energy or sharpness

Team Chant - a pre performance ritual to get our team hyped up! Each year we have a contest to select the new team chant

Tights - a type of hosiery created specifically for dancers, they help provide a uniform look

Turners - a type of half sole shoe with a strap around the heel (also known as pirouettes)

Tilt Jump - a type of jump where the dancers base leg brushes out while the working leg brushes up toward the head, the dancer will also tilt their upper body towards their base leg

Up to Tempo - performing the routine with counts that match the tempo of the music