dancer
dancer
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "dancer" is /ˈdænsər/.
dan: /dæn/ - /d/, /æ/, /n/
cer: /sər/ - /s/, /ə/, /r/
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: dancer
Plural: dancers
Verb (from which "dancer" is derived):
Base form: dance
Present participle: dancing
Past tense: danced
Past participle: danced
Third-person singular present: dances
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A person who moves rhythmically, typically to music, as a form of art, entertainment, or exercise.
Synonyms: performer, choreographer (if they also dance their own work), ballerina (female classical dancer), danseuse (female classical dancer), hoofer (informal, often for tap or jazz dancer)
Antonyms: spectator, audience member, non-dancer
An individual who professionally engages in the art of dancing, often as part of a company or troupe, or in solo performances.
Synonyms: professional dancer, artist, performer, entertainer
Antonyms: amateur (in a non-professional context), beginner
Examples of Use
Books:
"Isadora Duncan's revolutionary spirit forever changed the landscape of modern dance, solidifying her legacy as an iconic dancer and innovator." (From Isadora: A Revolutionary Life by Peter Kurth, 1995)
"Misty Copeland's journey to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre inspired countless aspiring artists worldwide." (From Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland, March 2014)
Newspapers:
"The lead dancer of the National Ballet of Canada captivated the audience with her powerful performance last night." (From The Globe and Mail)
"After years of dedication, the young dancer finally earned a coveted spot in the prestigious New York City Ballet." (From The New York Times)
Online Publications:
"How does a professional dancer maintain peak physical condition during a demanding performance season?" (From an article on Dance Magazine Online)
"TikTok's latest trend features amateur dancers showcasing their unique choreography to popular songs." (From Mashable)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
(Film Title): "Billy Elliot," a film about a young boy who discovers his passion for ballet and strives to become a professional dancer. (Released May 2000)
(Song Title/Lyrics): "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John.
(Television Show): "So You Think You Can Dance" features aspiring dancers competing for a title. (First aired July 2005)
(Video Game): In the game "Just Dance," players are encouraged to mimic the movements of on-screen dancers.
General Public Discourse:
"My daughter wants to be a dancer when she grows up, she spends hours practicing in her room."
"That new club has some incredible dancers; the energy on the floor is amazing."
10 Quotes Using Dancer
"Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion." (Martha Graham)
"A dancer's body is simply the luminous manifestation of the soul." (Isadora Duncan)
"The true dancer is a being of light." (Anna Pavlova)
"Every dancer has a moment in time when they become more than a performer." (Merce Cunningham)
"A dancer must be able to love, to be rich in spirit." (Marius Petipa)
"I believe that the dancer of the future will be one whose body and soul have grown so harmoniously together that the natural language of the soul will have become the movement of the body." (Isadora Duncan)
"The dancer, like the musician, is an interpreter." (Edwin Denby)
"A good dancer is not necessarily an interesting performer." (Merce Cunningham)
"The dancer's life is a journey of endless discovery." (Yuri Grigorovich)
"The dancer makes the invisible visible." (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "dancer" comes from the word "dance," and it's built by adding the suffix "-er" (which means "one who does" something) to "dance."
The word "dance" itself has a bit of a mysterious past. It came into English around the 13th century from the Old French word "dancier" (from the 12th century). The exact origin of "dancier" isn't perfectly clear, but one idea is that it might be related to an old Germanic word, possibly from Old Frisian "dintje," which means "to tremble or quiver." This suggests that the earliest understanding of "dance" might have involved quick, shaking movements.
The first known use of the noun "dancer" in English appeared in the Middle English period (between 1150 and 1500), with the earliest evidence pointing to around 1440. At that time, its meaning was exactly what you'd expect: "one who dances or takes part in a dance," especially a professional public performer. It was also used as a surname as early as the 12th century, indicating someone whose occupation involved dancing.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Dancer
A natural-born dancer: Someone who has an innate talent and grace for dancing.
To dance attendance: To be overly attentive and eager to please someone, often to gain favor (though "dance" is the key word here, it implies the actions of a "dancer").
The belle of the ball/dancer: The most popular or attractive person at a social gathering, often referring to someone who excels at dancing or captures attention.
To dance on air: To feel extremely happy and lighthearted. (Uses "dance" but implies the state of a joyful "dancer").
To dance to someone's tune: To do exactly what someone else wants, often against one's own will. (Uses "dance" but describes the action of a submissive "dancer").
A happy-go-lucky dancer: Someone who approaches dancing, and life, with a carefree and optimistic attitude.
The lead dancer: The principal performer in a dance company or production.
To put on one's dancing shoes: To prepare for a good time, often involving actual dancing. (Implies the readiness of a "dancer").
To step lively (like a dancer): To move quickly and with energy.
Every dog has its day, every dancer their stage: A less common but understandable phrase suggesting that everyone gets their moment to shine.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of dancer from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
