Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DANCE, n.

1. In a general sense, a leaping and frisking about. Appropriately, a leaping or stepping with motions of the body adjusted to the measure of a tune, particularly by two or more in concert. A lively brisk exercise or amusement, in which the movements of the persons are regulated by art, in figure, and by the sound of instruments, in measure.
2. A tune by which dancing is regulated, as the minuet, the waltz, the cotillon, &c.