Ok. First of thank you for giving the book a chance. You're probably busy and want to get into the story and not listen to NK's rambling.
Ok, since you already saw the synopsis, I hope, then you basically know what the story is about. What I'm here to tell you is that...
The fights are kinda Avatar: The Last Air bender style. Like people have to do some hu ha, to activate the elemental powers. Unless you are as strong as Hane then you don't even need to move.
So thats basically what you have to know. So when I say gestures or dances, or dances of death. Just imagine Aang or NK doing some Kung Fu, stuff to activate powers.
I will constantly update this if there is something I might find you may not understand.
Enjoy