1982, but the style itself said to have evolved late 1970s in South Bronx. The reference is to the rhythmic break in a pop-dance song (see break (n.)), which the DJs isolated and the dancers performed to. Breakdown "a riotous dance, in the style of the negroes" [OED] is recorded from 1864. Related: Break-dance; break-dancer.

"pertaining to dancing," 1869, literally "of Terpsichore," from Latinized form of Greek Terpsikhore, muse of dancing and dramatic chorus (see Terpsichore). Hence theatrical slang terp "stage dancer, chorus girl" (1937).

also ball-room, "a room designed or set aside for dancing parties," 1724, from ball (n.2) + room (n.). Ballroom dancing is attested by 1872.

1580s, from glide (v.). From 1835 as a term in music; from 1889 as a step in dancing or a type of dance.

"dancing party, social assembly for dancing," 1630s, from French, from Old French baller "to dance," from Late Latin ballare "to dance," from Greek ballizein "to dance, jump about," literally "to throw one's body" (ancient Greek dancing being highly athletic), from PIE root *gwele- "to throw, reach." The extended meaning "very enjoyable time" is American English slang from 1945, perhaps 1930s in African-American vernacular.

"smoothness in dancing, lightness of step," 1830, from French ballon, literally "balloon" (see balloon (n.)).

"the study of dancing," 1955, from Latinized form of Greek khoreia "dance" (see chorus) + connective -o- + -logy.

"dancing as exercise," 1967, from dance (n.) + ending from exercise (n.).

1776, "pertaining to dancing" (saltatory in the same sense is by 1745), from Latin saltatorius "pertaining to dancing," from saltare "to hop, to dance," frequentative of salire "to leap" (see salient (adj.)). By 1832 in zoology, "leaping frequently or habitually; fitted for leaping; characterized by or pertaining to leaping." Related: Saltatory; saltatorially.

1794, from waltz (n.). Meaning "to move nimbly" (as one does in dancing a waltz) is recorded from 1862. Related: Waltzed; waltzing.