What does pause mean in dance?

A pause in dance refers to a moment when the dancer temporarily stops moving. It can be a brief interruption during a sequence of movements or a longer, deliberate hold of a pose. Pauses are used to create emphasis, add rhythm, and convey emotion or meaning. They can be used to highlight specific moments within a dance, create contrast between different sections, or build anticipation before a big movement or change. Pauses can also be used as transitions between different moves or sequences. In certain dance styles, such as contemporary or modern dance, pauses can be an essential element of the choreography and may have specific artistic or expressive intentions.