break into dance

USAGE SUMMARY

"break into dance" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to suddenly and spontaneously start dancing. Example 1: As soon as the music started, the entire crowd broke into dance, filling the room with energy and joy. Example 2: The children couldn't contain their excitement and broke into dance as soon as the school bell rang for recess. Example 3: After winning the championship game, the team captain broke into dance, celebrating their victory with his teammates.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

When the drink goes to one's head, he may suddenly break into dance, followed by others.

The Guardian

The drumbeats were relentless, and those in the vicinity were quick to break into dance.

The Guardian - Sport

— VICTOR MATHER The stewards who stand in rows to divide athletes into sections periodically break into dance.

The New York Times

"We need to break into dance, said Williams, "it's the pump, pump, pump of our beating hearts".

The Guardian

They then break into dance steps to accompany their original be-bop song and entertain for the crosstown trip.

The New York Times

Entrance: $2. On Calle Sucre, head uphill to the Plaza San Francisco, dominated by a church and convent, where musicians gather and locals spontaneously break into dance.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The hosts discuss issues of interest to Latinos before breaking into dance routines.

The New York Times

After all, people in the show are still breaking into dance and song, not typical behavior for anyone.

The New York Times

In Mr. Westfall's latest work, this jostling has increased almost to the point of breaking into dance.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Paul's supporters also broke into dance occasionally, swaying to a recording of "Ron Paul, Ron Paul" that was warbled by a Frank Sinatra impersonator to the tune of "New York, New York".

The New York Times

In all, the subtle yet marvelously optical jostling, something of a Westfall trademark, is increased almost to the point of breaking into dance (Smith).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a planned performance, instead of saying the dancers "break into dance", use a more descriptive term like "begin their routine" or "perform the choreography."

Common error

Avoid using "break into dance" when the context requires a different type of sudden action, such as "break into song" or "break into tears". Ensure the action is specifically related to dancing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break into dance" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, describing a sudden action. It denotes the commencement of dancing, often spontaneously. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig AI, and the examples provided showcase it in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "break into dance" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe the spontaneous start of dancing. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English, typically conveying a sense of joy and suddenness. While grammatically sound, its frequency is uncommon, appearing most frequently in News & Media contexts. The phrase serves to highlight moments of celebration and uninhibited expression. When using this phrase, consider the desired tone and context to ensure it appropriately conveys the intended meaning. Related alternatives include phrases like "suddenly start dancing" or "burst into dance", offering subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suddenly start dancing

Focuses on the abrupt beginning of the action of dancing.

spontaneously begin to dance

Emphasizes the unplanned and impulsive nature of the dancing.

burst into dance

Uses "burst" to highlight the sudden and energetic start of dancing.

launch into a dance

Implies a more deliberate but still enthusiastic entry into dancing.

commence dancing abruptly

Highlights the sudden and formal commencement of dancing.

start dancing without warning

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the dance initiation.

spring into a dance

Suggests a lively and energetic start to dancing.

take to the dance floor

Highlights the shift to dancing with a sense of purpose.

get down and dance

Implies a more informal and enthusiastic start to dancing.

begin a dance routine unexpectedly

Highlights the unplanned start of a more structured dance.

FAQs

How can I use "break into dance" in a sentence?

You can use "break into dance" to describe a spontaneous act of dancing, like "The crowd "broke into dance" when the music started" or "The children "break into dance" whenever they hear their favorite song".

What's a more formal way to say "break into dance"?

While "break into dance" is fairly neutral, a more formal alternative could be "commence dancing abruptly" or "begin to dance spontaneously", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "broken into dance" instead of "break into dance"?

No, "broken into dance" is not the correct form. The correct phrase is ""break into dance"", typically used in the past tense as "broke into dance".

What are some situations where people might "break into dance"?

People might ""break into dance"" at a wedding, a concert, a flash mob, or even spontaneously when they hear a song they love. It usually implies a joyful and unexpected reaction.