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We felt that the sea had changed. There was a trip and a kick to her dance. This is from "The Manner of Men" by Kipling.

https://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/k/kipling/rudyard/limits/chapter19.html

The ship is now under a big storm and getting nearer to the land.(the sea had changed.)

I do not understand the meaning of "a trip and a kick "

I am glad if some one would kindly teach me.

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  • It means that the sea had become more dangerous, could trip or kick the unwary. The "dance" is an analogy. Imagine an unfriendly dance partner who won't do you any favours.
    – Weather Vane
    Commented Nov 22, 2018 at 0:00

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The narrator uses the metaphor of dancing to describe the interaction of the ship and the sea. If the ship is dancing with the sea, then the sea has become a treacherous dance partner, tripping and kicking the ship figuratively, putting the ship in danger and distress.

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