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The Collaborative International Dictionary
To dance on a rope

Dance \Dance\ (d[.a]ns), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Danced; p. pr. & vb. n. Dancing.] [F. danser, fr. OHG. dans[=o]n to draw; akin to dinsan to draw, Goth. apinsan, and prob. from the same root (meaning to stretch) as E. thin. See Thin.]

  1. To move with measured steps, or to a musical accompaniment; to go through, either alone or in company with others, with a regulated succession of movements, (commonly) to the sound of music; to trip or leap rhythmically.

    Jack shall pipe and Gill shall dance.
    --Wither.

    Good shepherd, what fair swain is this Which dances with your daughter?
    --Shak.

  2. To move nimbly or merrily; to express pleasure by motion; to caper; to frisk; to skip about.

    Then, 'tis time to dance off.
    --Thackeray.

    More dances my rapt heart Than when I first my wedded mistress saw.
    --Shak.

    Shadows in the glassy waters dance.
    --Byron.

    Where rivulets dance their wayward round.
    --Wordsworth.

    To dance on a rope, or To dance on nothing, to be hanged.