Quick answer: daggers is a compact motion in which both elbows bend and squeeze in tight to the ribs, pointing down, with the forearms vertical and the fists up just in front of the shoulders, at about chin height. It's a sharp, punchy shape used to accent strong beats.
What Does It Look Like?
The upper arms stay tight against the sides of the body with the elbows pointing at the floor. The forearms point straight up, bringing the fists to just in front of the shoulders. From the front, it's a narrow, tight shape - nothing sticks out past the body.
Hands and Arms
The fists are tight, and the forearms stay vertical and parallel. The elbows stay pinned in to the ribs instead of drifting out to the sides. The motion is usually hit with a sharp "snap", which is where much of its visual impact comes from.
Common Mistakes Judges Notice
- Elbows flaring out, which makes the position look like a loose broken T.
- Fists too high or too low - in front of the face, or down at chest height.
- Forearms angled instead of vertical.
- A slow or soft arrival, when daggers are supposed to be crisp.
- Mismatched timing - because daggers are usually hit on an accent, a late arrival stands out.
Where It Fits in a Routine
Daggers often appear in chants and fast dance sections, frequently as a quick pass-through position between extended motions - for example daggers, then a high V, then daggers again. Pulling the arms into daggers before shooting them out to an extended position makes the extension look sharper.
Easily Confused With
- Broken T - also bent arms with the fists near the shoulders, but with the elbows lifted out to shoulder height.
- Clasp - arms bent in front of the body, but with the hands joined.
Parent Questions
Why does it look so tense? Daggers are meant to look tight and controlled. The tension in the arms is what makes the motion read as deliberate and sharp from the stands.
Related Motions
See the broken T, punch and high V, or browse the full motion chart.