RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES
B. Non – locomotor / axial movements – the individual stays put in place and moves the
- refers to those activities where an individual respond physically and emotionally to
music or any rhythmic accompaniment.
DEFINITIONS:
Rhythm - is a movement or activity in which some action or element recurs regularly.
Rhythms - The response to a particular rhythm or music.
Dancing – is a means of expressing one’s emotions through movement disciplined by rhythm. It
is an act of moving rhythmically and expressively to an accompaniment. The word dancing
originated from the German word “danson” which means “to stretch”. All dancing basically made
up of stretching and relaxing movements.
Dance – is a series of movements set to music where there emerge organization, structure and
pattern.
BASIC COURSE ON DANCE AND RHYTHM
Rhythm is classified into: External and Internal
A. External Rhythm: Nature and man’s daily activities give us examples of the rhythm patterns
to which we all respond.
1. NATURE – ebb and flow of the tide, the revolving seasons, day and night, movement of
the Earth around the sun and the moon around the earth.
2. MAN’S DAILY ACTIVITIES – swinging a tennis racquet, pitching, throwing and many more in
work and
play.
B. Internal Rhythm: Man’s physical and mental process provides us with internal rhythmic
sources.
1. the heartbeat, pulmonary action, rhythmic patterns of things seen and heard stored in the
mind
2. other rhythmic movements of some organs of the body
CLASSIFICATIONS OF MOVEMENTS:
A. Locomotor Movements- those that move the body in space in any direction with the feet
as the moving base such as walk, run, jump, and hop. These are basic locomotor movements
which can be combined in some specific patterns for variations.
1. Walk – an uneven and alternate transfer of body weight from one foot remaining in contact
with ground at all times. The heel touches the floor first when moving forward.
When moving backward and sideward, it is the ball of the foot that touches the floor first.
2. Run - an even and alternate transfer of the body weight from one foot to the other with the
ball of the foot receiving the body weight. At one phase of the run, both feet are off the ground.
3. Leap – lifting the body in air from one foot and landing on the other foot in any direction.
4. Hop – a spring on one foot landing on the same foot in any desired direction.
5. Jump – a spring on one or both feet landing on both feet in any direction.
6. Skip – a step on one foot and hopping on the same foot in fast tempo.
7. Slide – a modification of the walk in which the sole of the feet is in contact with the floor
throughout the movement. The slide may be done with alternating movement, one foot leading
when moving backward.
8. Gallop – a “catching up” step in which one foot quickly displaces the other as the displaced
foot is moved away from it. It is a progressive cut step with one foot leading.
torso, arms or legs or the entire body like pulling, striking, lifting or swinging.
1. Bounces – springy movements of a joint from controlled small flexions and extensions within
the deep flexion joint. This develops flexibility and increases range of motion.
2. Stretches – reaching out movements designed to extend muscle and joints to their fullest
range to develop flexibility, range of motion and elasticity.
3. Swings – pendulous movements of the arms or legs from the shoulder or hip joints. Swings
start with contraction and carried through the arch of the movement by gravity.
4. Bends – flexion of joints
5. Twist – the part of the body is allowed to turn around its own axis.
6. Circling – the distal end of a body part traces or describes a circle while the proximal part is
in place.
7. Pulls – a forceful movement made to move an object toward the body most often done with
the arms.
8. Push – a forceful movement made to move an object away from the body.
9. Lift – a movement which raises an object or body part from one level to another.
10. Turn – a rotation or circular movement of the body or body parts around in space.
MANIPULATIVE SKILLS – involves object handling that develops manipulative skills like ball
skills. Other object promote other skills like better hand and eye coordination.
DANCE
- refers to the rhythmic succession of body movements usually to the accompaniment
of music and is used as a form of communication.
DANCE ELEMENTS
In order for movement to qualify as dancing, it must have certain basic
elements:
1. DESIGN – a planned organization or pattern of movement in time and space.
2. STEP – which are developed from man’s basic locomotive actions, such as walking, running,
jumping, hopping, skipping, sliding, galloping, and leaping, the steps maybe variously combined
and highly stylized.
3. GESTURE – which expresses specific emotions or ideas in mine or sign language. Some
gestures are relatively natural: for example, brandishing a spear to indicate anger or
clasping the hands in supplication. Natural gestures, which are more characteristic of primitive or
modern dance, should be used only if they are emotionally motivated.
4. DYNAMICS – The tension, effort, or energy with which a movement is executed.
5. TECHNIQUES – Or skill, in executing movement. A technically proficient dancer has complete
control over the muscles of his body.
MINOR ELEMENTS
1. MUSIC – this serves as accompaniment for a dance performance.
2. COSTUME – this refers to a special clothing worn only for the dance performance.
3. SPECTACLE – a certain quality done to the dance to make it attractive for viewing
enhancement, sets, props, and other theatrical elements.
COMPONENTS OF THE DANCE
1. THE DANCER
It is through the body of the dancer that the art of dancing is portrayed and the physical,
emotional, and national characteristics of the dancer determine the quality and the nature of the
dance. For example, women tend to more supple than men, but they do not usually have equal
strength and stamina. The way in which dancers perform depends greatly on the land of their
origin, and the dance styles, the national dress, and even the climate.
 2. THE CHOREOGRAPHER 2. In general, dancers are far apart. A distance of about 6-8 ft. from each other is normal.
The choreographer, the arranger of dances for a soloist or a group, is the most important figure 3. There is very little, if any, body contact although holding hands is common.
in dance history. He is the creative mind that invents the order and combination of steps, the 4. Most of the dances are done in pairs and hand movements play a very important role.
patterns of group dances, the communication of narrative through dance, and the extension of 5. Many of the dances are done in long formation.
dance techniques by using familiar actions in new and more complex ways.
Classification of Philippine Dances:
Types of Dances:
a. Geographical extent of origin:
1. Ballroom or Social Dance 1. National Dances – found throughout the islands with little or no modification.
Cha-cha Zamba Disco 2. Local Dances – found in a certain locality
Tango Rumba Mambo
Boogie Waltz Swing b. Nature
2. Creative or Interpretative Dance 1. Occupational – directing action of certain occupation, industry or human labor. Example:
3. Traditional or Cultural Dance planting, harvesting, pounding, winnowing, etc.
Folk Dance 2. Religious or ceremonial – performed in connection with religious vows and ceremonies
Ethnic Dance 3. Comic Dances – directing funny movements for entertainment.
4. Game Dances – directing with play elements.
5. Wedding Dances – performed during wedding feast.
MOVEMENTS 6. Courtship Dances – directing love-making.
7. Festival Dances – suitable for special occasion or any social gathering.
- is the act or an instance of moving, wherein there is a change in place or position. It refers to 8. War Dance – showing imaginary combat or duel.
the dance steps and basic body movements required of a particular dance.

MOVEMENT SPACE Dance terms used in Philippine Folk Dance

All movements take place in space. The two kinds of space occupancy are;
PERSONAL SPACE – is the maximum space available to a person in a stationary position. This
includes the space that the person can reach by bending, stretching and twisting.
GENERAL SPACE – is the area, which include on or more persons moving space like
gymnasium, the swimming pool, classroom and others.
Factors That Govern or Affect Movement
1. Psychological Factors. Fear, anxiety, and other mental phenomena affect movement either
positively or negatively. All these may affect the performance of an individual.
2. Physiological Factor. Physical fitness and body built are two main concerns that affect
human movement. Poor muscle development and low fitness level will surely affect
movement.
3. Sociological Factors. These refer to the relationship of the performer with a particular group
and his regard to social conformity and norms.
PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE
Folk dance - is the traditional dance of a people within a specific culture, evolved by them and
embodying national or regional flavor characteristic of them. It is communal in purpose and
unique.
-is the dance of the people handed down from generation to generation. It is typical in form and
style of a given nationality influenced as reflected in the style and patterns of the dances by
climate, geography, costume, nature and character of the people, music and any characteristic
of the period. The purpose of the dance may reflect the courtship, weddings, and funerals.
CHARCTERISTICS OF PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE
1. As a rule, Philippine folk dances begin and end with a saludo.
1. “Abrasete” – Girl at the right side, holds R arm of partner with her L hand, free hands
down at the sides. This term is of Spanish origin and is used in Rigodon and in other dances.
2. Arms in Lateral Position – Both arms are at one side, either sideward right or left. This may
be done at shoulder, chest, or waist level.
3. Arms in Reverse “T”– Arms are side horizontal, elbows bent at right angles, forearms
parallel to head, palms forward or facing inward, fists loosely closed.
4. “Bilao” - To turn palms of hands up and down alternately, hands at waist level in front, elbows
close to waist.
5. Brush- Weight on one foot, hit the floor with the ball or heel of the other foot (the free foot)
after which that foot is lifted from the floor to any direction.
6. Clockwise turn - Like the motion of the hands of a clock. R shoulder is toward the center of
an imaginary circle. When facing center, the movement is toward the left.
7. Counterclockwise turn- The reverse direction of clockwise. L shoulder is toward the center
of an imaginary circle. When facing center, the movement is toward the right.
8. Crossed Arms- Partners are facing each other or standing side by side, girl at the right of
boy. They join the L hands together and their R hands together; either R over L or L over R
hands.
9. Cut- To displace quickly one foot with the other, thus, completely taking off the weight of the
body from the displaced foot.
10. Do-si-do- The vis-à-vis (opposites) both advance forwards, pass each other’s (“Dos-A-Dos”)
right (or left) side, step across to the right (or left), move backward without turning around pass
each other’s left (or right) side to proper places. This is of foreign origin and is used in many
Philippine dances.
11. Draw- To pull one foot along the floor close to the other which has the weight of the body.
12. Free Foot - The foot not bearing the weight of the body.
13. Free Hand- The hand not placed anywhere or not doing anything.
14. Hands on waist- Place hands at the waist line (at the smallest part of the trunk). Knuckles
in, fingers pointing in rear.
15. “Hayon-Hayon”- To place one forearm in front and the other at the back of the waist. This is
a Visayan term.
16. Hop- A spring from one foot landing on same foot in place or in any direction. The other foot
may be raised in any direction (in front, in rear, sideward or across).
17. Inside Hand - The foot nearest one’s partner, when partners stand side by side.
18. “Jaleo” - Partners turn once around clockwise (with R elbows almost touching) or A healthy diet contains:
counterclockwise (with L elbows almost touching) using walking or any kind of dance • Fruits and vegetables
step. The hands near each other are on waists. This is a Tagalog term but of Spanish origin. • Whole grains
19. “Kumintang”- Moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or counterclockwise
• Fat-free or low-fat milk products
direction.
20. Leap- A spring from one foot, landing on the other foot in any direction forward, sideward • Protein in meat, fish, poultry, beans, eggs
backward or oblique. A healthy diet is low in:
21. “Masiwak”- To turn the hand from the wrist halfway clockwise then raise and lower wrist • Bad fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugar
once or twice.
22. Outside Foot- The foot away from one’s partner, when partners stand side by side. Proper nutrition
23. “Panadyak”- To stamp in front or at the side with R (L) foot and tap with same foot close to helps you:
the L (R) foot, weight of the body on L (R) foot. This is a Tagalog term.  Reduce the risk
24. Place- To put foot in a certain desired position without putting weight on it. The sole of the of disease
foot rests on the floor.  Maintain a
25. Pivot- To turn with the ball, heel, or whole foot, on a fixed place or point. healthy weight
26. “Patay”- To bend the head downward and to support the forehead with R (L) forearm or with  Be more energetic
the crook of the R (L) elbow while L (R) hand supports lightly the palm of the R (L) hand. This is  Look better
usually done with the L (R) foot pointing in rear and knees slightly bent. This is an Ilocano term Rest and Sleep
and the movement is commonly found in Ilocano dances.
27. Point- Touch the floor lightly with the toes of one foot, weight of the body on the other foot. • It is recommended that people get on average 8 hours sleep per night
28. “Salok”- To swing the arm downward-upward passing in front of the body as if scooping, the • Sleep affects your ability to concentrate, the condition of your skin, your mental health,
trunk is bent forward following the movement of the arms doing the “salok”. This is a Tagalog how you can perform at anything you do.
term. • Late nights and lack of sleep will mean you are unable to concentrate and function
29. “Saludo”- Partners bow to each other, to the audience, opposite dancers, or to the effectively throughout the day
neighbors with feet together. This term is of Spanish origin and is used in almost all Philippine Exercise
dances. • It is recommended that we do 30 minutes of exercise per day with our heart rate
30. “Sarok” (or “Saroc”)- Cross the R (or L) foot in front of the L (R), bend the body slightly raised
forward and cross the hands (forearms) down in front with the R (or L) hand (forearm) over the • Will give us more energy, contributes to positive mental health and if an organised
L (R). This is a Visayan term. activity, it can help towards making friends
31. Slide- To glide foot smoothly along the floor. The movement may be finished with or without • Good for our general health; heart, lungs, figure, skin, self-esteem
transfer of weight.
32. Stamp- To bring down the foot forcibly and noisily on the floor (Like doing a heavy step) with Mental Health
or without transfer of weight.
33. Supporting Foot - The foot that bears the weight of the body. • Exercise promotes positive mental health.
34. Tap- To rap slightly with the ball or toe of the free foot, flexing the ankle joint keeping weight
of the body on the other foot. There is no change or transfer of weight. • It makes you feel better and it stimulates various brain chemicals that will leave you
35. Whirl- To make fast turns by executing small steps in place to right or left. feeling happier and more relaxed.
• You will also feel better about yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost
Why Is It an Important Issue in Your Life? your confidence and improve your self-esteem.
• We all must learn to listen to our bodies.
A focus on wellness
helps you: Calories
• Prevent illness and disease
• A calorie is a unit of energy.
• Reduce medical bills • In nutrition and everyday language, calories refer to energy consumption through
• Feel more energetic eating and drinking and energy usage through physical activity.
• Look better • For example, an apple may have 80 calories, while a 1 mile walk may use up about
• Live a longer, 100 calories.
happier life
Six Basic Requirements REMEMBER
For a Healthy Life • We need calories to carry out our everyday activities. Not all calories are bad.
1. Proper nutrition • Excessive calories, as long as they are burnt off through exercise is fine e.g.. a
2. Regular physical activity professional athlete may consume up to 10000 calories a day but exercise for several
3. Enough rest hours.
4. Preventive health care • Food is very important to our health but its equally important we get enough good
5. Positive attitude foods.
Sense of balance • Treats are fine but should be just that – a treat and not something you have several
times a day