perform a dance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perform a dance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in formal and informal contexts to describe a situation in which someone is dancing. For example: "The audience was mesmerized as the ballet troupe performed a dazzling dance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

She returned to star in Sensations of 1945 19444), in which she performed a surreal number, dancing inside a giant pinball machine, and to perform a dance routine in Duchess of Idaho (1950).

Britannica

The Dayak of Kalimantan perform a dance to exorcise sickness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

See Charlize Theron and Channing Tatum perform a dance at last night's awards ceremony.

Independent

One adviser asked Ms. Lacey to perform a dance with a chair as a character.

The New York Times - Arts

And it is dynamite to perform a dance that makes them think.

The New York Times

Xhosa warriors were at the graveside to perform a dance to send the departed on his journey into the afterlife.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It transitions to the group being dressed in-fashion with red burgundy suits as they meet their identical street-styled, hip hop copies with hoodies and Timberland boots, starting to perform a dance-off; the camera focuses on each member of the group performing a separate choreography with their rival in front of them during their solo lines.

Wikipedia

The Harvard Ballet Company performed a dance among the audience.

Harvard University

At eleven o'clock, they'd be performing a dance routine.

The New Yorker

It performs a dance of repetitive patterns that become a trance ritual of vibrations and movement.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ms. Seelig once performed a dance involving nudity and flames, she said demurely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a dance performance, use vivid language to capture the style, mood, and technique involved to engage your audience fully.

Common error

Don't just state that someone "performed a dance"; specify the type of dance (e.g. ballet, hip-hop) and any unique aspects of the performance to provide a clearer picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perform a dance" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of executing a choreographed sequence of movements. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perform a dance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes the act of executing a choreographed sequence of movements. Ludwig confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, from formal news reports to informal discussions. The phrase is versatile, suitable for describing various types of dance performances. Related phrases include "execute a dance" and "do a dance routine". While the phrase is generally neutral, it's important to specify the type of dance for clarity and to avoid vague descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

execute a dance

Replaces "perform" with "execute", emphasizing the technical skill involved.

do a dance routine

Replaces "perform a dance" with a more casual term.

enact a dance

Substitutes "perform" with "enact", suggesting a dramatic or ritualistic quality.

present a dance

Replaces "perform" with "present", highlighting the act of showing or displaying the dance.

stage a dance performance

Adds the word "performance" for emphasis, making it slightly more formal.

give a dance

Uses "give" instead of "perform", a more straightforward phrasing.

put on a dance

Emphasizes the theatrical aspect of presenting a dance.

demonstrate a dance

Highlights the instructional aspect of showing a dance.

go through a dance

Focuses on the process of completing a dance routine.

dance

Simplifies the phrase to just the verb, implying the act of performing.

FAQs

How can I use "perform a dance" in a sentence?

You can use "perform a dance" to describe someone executing a choreographed sequence. For example, "The students will perform a traditional folk dance at the festival."

What are some alternatives to saying "perform a dance"?

Alternatives include phrases like "execute a dance", "do a dance routine", or "enact a dance", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it more formal to say "perform a dance" or "do a dance"?

"Perform a dance" generally sounds more formal and professional than "do a dance", which is more casual. The best choice depends on the setting and audience.

Which is correct: "perform a dance" or "give a dance performance"?

Both "perform a dance" and "give a dance performance" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Perform a dance" focuses on the action, while "give a dance performance" highlights the presentation or event.