burst into dance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "burst into dance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sudden and energetic transition into dancing, often in response to excitement or joy. Example: "When the music started playing, the children couldn't help but burst into dance, filling the room with laughter and energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Passengers on the main concourse spontaneously burst into dance in The Fisher King and bounty hunter Robert De Niro makes his escape with mafia informer Charles Grodin from Grand Central in Midnight Run.

Independent

Inside CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the particle accelerator where scientists are studying the tiniest building blocks of the natural world and peering at the remnants of the explosive birth of our universe, an unlikely group of individuals in suits and construction helmets burst into dance.

Vice

If you sing along or even spontaneously burst into dance, you'll feel happier even faster!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The swans huddle in white fur coats and high-heeled boots, bursting into dance after being given drugs then retreating into twitches as the high wears off.

Independent

In Act I she seems to be forever bursting into dance only to sit down glumly with a dishrag, and although she presents a brave, high-spirited and sweet-natured heroine, she has little choreographic opportunity to develop her character.

The New York Times - Arts

But the sincerity of those comments was evident in the Seahawks' locker room, where Lynch, wrapped up in a big red jacket and with a ski mask covering all but his eyes, burst into spontaneous dance, turning a nearby stereo up to full volume and shimmying from side to side.

The Guardian - Sport

Toronto's TJ Train, or Room 303, burst into the dance music scene in 2010 and has since ascended into success and praise.

Vice

For those of you looking confused, Bella is the somewhat mysterious woman who walks out in head-to-toe reflective gear before bursting into modern dance whilst firing beams of light out at anyone sitting nearby.

Vice

And do you burst into song or dance while writing your reviews?

The New York Times

Yes, Mike and I (and Alessandra Stanley too) do often burst into song and dance while writing our reviews.

The New York Times

— MIKE HALE AND NEIL GENZLINGER It seems like you can't watch television anymore without seeing people burst into song or dance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "burst into dance" to vividly describe a sudden and often joyful commencement of dancing, particularly in response to music or a celebratory atmosphere. It conveys more energy than simply "start dancing".

Common error

Avoid using "burst into dance" in contexts where a gentle or planned dance is more appropriate. This phrase implies a sudden, almost involuntary action, so consider less emphatic alternatives like "begin to dance" if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burst into dance" functions as a verb phrase describing a sudden and energetic action. It emphasizes the spontaneity and enthusiasm with which someone begins to dance. Ludwig confirms this usage with examples showing people spontaneously dancing in various situations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burst into dance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to vividly depict a sudden and energetic initiation of dancing. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is used in news, media, and wiki contexts. While it's relatively rare, the phrase conveys a sense of spontaneity and joy. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "begin to dance". Remember to use "burst into dance" when you want to emphasize the impulsive nature and enthusiasm of the dancing action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break into dance

Emphasizes a sudden start, similar to "burst into dance", but potentially with less force or spontaneity.

start dancing spontaneously

Highlights the unplanned and immediate nature of beginning to dance.

suddenly begin dancing

Focuses on the abrupt commencement of the dancing action.

erupt into dance

Suggests a more forceful and energetic beginning of dancing, similar to an eruption.

launch into a dance

Implies a purposeful and energetic start of dancing.

kick off a dance

This expression is more informal and suggests initiating a dance, often in a social setting.

take to the dance floor

Focuses on the movement to a designated dancing area.

spring into a dance

Conveys a light and energetic initiation of dancing.

fall into a dance

Indicates a gradual or unintentional entry into dancing.

get down and dance

An informal expression emphasizing enthusiastic and uninhibited dancing.

FAQs

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

You can use "burst into dance" to describe a sudden, spontaneous act of dancing, often driven by joy or excitement. For example, "When the music started, the crowd couldn't help but "burst into dance"."

What's a good alternative to "burst into dance"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "break into dance", "start dancing spontaneously", or "suddenly begin dancing".

Is it always appropriate to use "burst into dance", or are there situations where it's not a good fit?

While grammatically correct, "burst into dance" implies a high level of energy and spontaneity. It might not be suitable for describing a formal or planned dance. In such cases, phrases like "begin to dance" or "commence dancing" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "burst into dance" and "break into dance"?

Both phrases suggest a sudden start to dancing, but "burst into dance" often conveys a stronger sense of energy and impulsiveness. "Break into dance" can be used in more general contexts where the dancing is simply unexpected, whereas "burst into dance" suggests a more forceful and joyful reaction.