modern sequence dancing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “modern sequence dancing” mean?
A style of ballroom dancing where a fixed, pre-choreographed sequence of steps and movements is performed by all couples in a group, typically in a circle or line around the floor.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of ballroom dancing where a fixed, pre-choreographed sequence of steps and movements is performed by all couples in a group, typically in a circle or line around the floor.
Refers to the organized social activity, competition, or hobby built around this specific form of partnered dancing, often associated with clubs, formal events, and a defined syllabus of established dances.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is predominantly British/Commonwealth. In American English, similar dance forms might be called 'ballroom formation dancing', 'pattern dancing', or specified by dance names (e.g., 'foxtrot routine'), but 'modern sequence dancing' as a standalone term is rare.
Connotations
In the UK, it connotes a structured, often older, social dancing community. In the US, the concept is less culturally salient and more associated with competitive ballroom or exhibition teams.
Frequency
Very common in specific UK contexts (dance schools, community centres). Extremely rare in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “modern sequence dancing” in a Sentence
attend [modern sequence dancing]practise [modern sequence dancing]specialise in [modern sequence dancing]the [modern sequence dancing] clubVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “modern sequence dancing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They modern-sequence-dance every Thursday at the church hall.
- We plan to modern sequence dance our way through the competition.
American English
- They perform modern sequence dances at the ballroom gala.
- The team will demonstrate modern sequence dancing.
adverb
British English
- They danced modern-sequence-dancing-style, in perfect unison.
- He moved quite modern-sequence-dancing-ly, with precise footwork.
American English
- The team performed in a modern-sequence-dancing manner.
- They practised modern-sequence-dancing-style routines.
adjective
British English
- It was a modern-sequence-dancing event with a strict dress code.
- She holds a modern sequence dancing medal.
American English
- The modern-sequence-dancing community is close-knit.
- He is a modern sequence dancing instructor.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Possibly in context of event planning or leisure industry marketing.
Academic
Used in dance studies, cultural studies, or sociology papers discussing structured leisure activities.
Everyday
Used within the specific hobbyist community. Uncommon in general conversation.
Technical
Core term in ballroom dance pedagogy, competition categories, and club administration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “modern sequence dancing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “modern sequence dancing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “modern sequence dancing”
- Using 'modern dance' (a different artistic genre) interchangeably.
- Omitting 'sequence' and just saying 'modern dancing', which changes the meaning entirely.
- Incorrectly capitalising all words as a proper noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different. 'Modern dance' is a theatrical, often abstract, concert dance style (like Martha Graham). 'Modern sequence dancing' is a structured form of social ballroom dancing with set patterns.
Typically, yes. It is a partnered dance form, though some clubs or classes may help organise partners or rotate participants during lessons.
It uses traditional ballroom and Latin music—waltz, foxtrot, quickstep, tango, cha-cha, etc.—played at a strict tempo to match the prescribed steps of the sequence.
It can be both. Many participate purely socially at clubs. There is also a competitive circuit with medal tests and championships where sequences are judged on precision, timing, and style.
A style of ballroom dancing where a fixed, pre-choreographed sequence of steps and movements is performed by all couples in a group, typically in a circle or line around the floor.
Modern sequence dancing is usually formal / technical in register.
Modern sequence dancing: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒd.ən ˈsiː.kwəns ˈdɑːn.sɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑː.dɚn ˈsiː.kwəns ˈdæn.sɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to dance to the same sequence”
- “to be out of sequence (figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: MODERN SEQUENCE DANCING = **M**oving **O**nly **D**uring **E**xact, **R**epeated **N**umbers; **S**ynchronised **E**veryone **QU**ietly **E**xecutes **N**eat **C**horeographed **E**volution.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANCING IS A PREDETERMINED PATH (a journey with a fixed map).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST defining characteristic of modern sequence dancing?