Is the response of a person displaying his emotional and mental reaction to rhythm.

In all nature,
every individual makes rhythm like foot tapping, head movement, body sway while a music is playing.
In other words, the body moves as a physical response or as an expression of feeling and the fundamentals
principles of time, space, and force are observed.

DANCE
 is an expression of an intensified sense of life, arising from an inner perception that stimulates both mind and body. It is
man’s natural and primitive means of expression.
 the rhythmical movement of the body usually with music
 to express an idea or emotion
 to narrate a story
 to enjoy and take pleasure in the movement itself
 the most direct of the arts for it makes use of the human body as its medium
 it springs from man’s love for expressive gestures, release of tension through
rhythmic movement
 it heightens the pleasure of being, at the same time mirrors the life of society
 it involves a successive group of bodily motions and steps rhythmically
performs and timed to music
 It is both an art and a form of recreation.
 ART – it may tell a story, set a mood, or express an emotion
 Form of recreation – it provides fun, relaxation, companionship

REASONS FOR DANCING

 WORSHIP
 Primitive people believe that dances brings them magic powers, bring victory or to restore health.

 COURTSHIP
 Serves as a way for man and women to become acquainted before they marry.

 CHILDREN
 Dance because of the joy they feel

 FOR SOME:
 To find relief of having the same activity in their life
 Provides a release of tension in our body

 SOCIAL
 For the sake of companionship

 MOST PEOPLE
 To have fun or entertain others

 THOSE WHO TREAT DANCE AS AN ART

 Dance reaches its most beautiful form
 They dance to give beauty and inspiration to others

 FOR MANY PEOPLE

 Dancing provides one of the most personal and effective means of communication
Introduction to the Basic Concepts of Movement, Movement Space and Rhythm

a. What is Movement?

Movement as defined is a change of position in space. It is governed with mechanical principles that limit the
ability of individuals to move effectively and efficiently.

These factors include the variables such as the body built, physical fitness and psychological aspects such as fear,
anxiety and self-concept.

Factors that affect movement:

1. Psychological Factor
Phenomena such as fear, anxiety and others affect the movement either positive or negative. All those may somehow
affect the performance of an individual.

2. Physiological Factor
Physical Fitness and body built are two main concerns that affect the human movement. Poor muscle development
and low fitness level will surely affect the movement.

3. Sociological Factor
These refer to the relationship of the performer to the group regarding social conformity and norms.

b. What is Movement Space?

All movements take place in space. The two kinds of space occupancy are personal space and general space.
Personal Space is the maximum space available to a person in a stationary position. This includes the space that the person
can reach by stretching and twisting. General Space is the area which include one or more persons moving in space like:
gymnasium, swimming pools, classrooms, ballrooms, plaza and others.

ELEMENTS OF SPACE

1. DIRECTION
This refers to the movement forward, backward, upward, downward, sideways right and left, circular and
combination of all these.

2. LEVEL
As the body moves in horizontal plane it creates movement identified as high, medium/middle and low. It may be
represented in relative heights while standing, sitting, lying and kneeling.

3. RANGE
The maximum reach of an individual or sometimes referred to as personal space of the size of movement.

4. PATHWAYS OR SPACE DESIGNS

The line of design created in space as one moves. Example an arm circling (circle design is created) or a line drawn
from running to the first base in softball.

5. FOCUS
This is referred to as movement in space in relation to an object or a person’s attention or direction.
DANCE can…
 Express feelings…
 Joy
 Anger
 Helplessness

…without saying a word

Brief Historical Background of Rhythmic Activities and Dance

Art and religion were the most serious concerns of primitive civilizations. Their art concerns were mainly
for source of food and how to increase its supply. Although unaware of it, they made use the art of hunting, fishing
and other way of life. Religion in this matter, regards their beliefs in the supernatural beings that governs their
fate. To express their feelings, they create rhythmic movements by stamping, shaking their bodies, chanting and
other bodily expression with the use of natural accompaniment like wood, bamboo’s, dries leaves and others to
accompany their rhythmic movement and passing the tradition to the next generation. The interweaving factors
of rhythm into human beings created the dance and later developed into a high quality movement and become
part of an established art form up to this time.

DANCE ELEMENTS

1. THEME
 The content or the main ingredient of a dance
 Tells what a dance is trying to tell or the message of the dance

2. DESIGN
 The pattern of movement in time and space. Pattern in time refers to the unaccented beats of movements
into measures. Pattern in space refers to the path traced by the dancer’s feet on the floor (ground) and the
levels on which they move.

3. MOVEMENT
 The action of dancers as they use their bodies to create organized patterns
 Can be divided into steps, gestures of arms and hands, and facial expression
 Steps – includes leaps, turns, and runs
 Gestures – express motions or ideas in sign language
 Facial expression – to express feelings

4. TECHNIQUE
 Skills in executing movements

5. MUSIC
 The auditory background to which a dancer moves. It is something melodic and harmonious usually used
as an accompaniment.
 Motivates the movement of the dancers and serves as background music that captivates the audience.

6. COSTUME AND PROPERTIES

 Worn by the dancer that help reflect the message, customs, beliefs, and setting of the dance.

7. CHOREOGRAPHY
 Forms and arrangement of a dance. Connected with the steps and movement on how a dance must be
performed.

8. SCENERY
 The setting or background establishing the place of action of any dance to make more realistic and
beautiful.
Basic Divisions of Movements
a. Locomotor Movements
Movement in-space as one goes from one place to another.

Walk – a regular pace of the feet. A simple transfer of the weight from one foot to the other.

Run – a fast walk or an increased speed in walking by lifting the foot off the contact floor or ground.

Hop – with the weight of the body on one foot, spring on that foot.

Leap – with the weight of the body on one foot, spring on one foot and land on the other foot.

Slide – a full contact of the foot on the floor by gliding or a slide.

Gallop – a combination of a step (full transfer of weight on one foot) and a cut by the transfer of weight to the
other foot.

Skip – a combination of a step and a hop on a fast tempo.

b. Non-Locomotor or Axial
Movement done in a stationary or fixed base

Extension – straightening or stretching of a body part from a joint.

Flexion – a contraction or shortening of body parts from a joint.

Rotation – turning, twisting or circling around the axis.

Pendular – a similar movement of a pendulum.

Percussive – movement of striking, hitting, pulling or pushing.

Vibratory – the shaking of body parts or beating movements that produces vibrating.

Sustained – a smooth flowing movement contained in a balanced position.

c. Manipulative Movement
Developed through handling some type of object with a variety of body parts.

Striking – to hit sharply with hand, fist, weapon, or foot.

Kicking – striking with the feet.

Catching – using the hands to stop and control a moving object.

DANCE FORMS

1. CLASSICAL DANCE
Dances with standardized rules and restrictions. It can be religious related dance or for court and royal entertainment.

2. MODERN CONTEMPORARY BALLET

Contemporary ballet is a form of dance which incorporates elements of both classical ballet and modern
dance. It takes its technique and use of pointework from classical ballet, although it permits a greater range of
movement that may not adhere to the strict body lines set forth by schools of ballet technique. Many of its concepts
come from the ideas and innovations of 20th century modern dance, including floorwork, balletic movements and
turn-in of the legs.

3. FOLKDANCE
A cultural art form handed down from generation to generations. It can communicate the customs, beliefs
and rituals occupation of a region or country.

4. ETHNIC AND TRIBAL DANCE

A dance particularly found in a group of people living together in a locality with common beliefs and
customs.

5. RECREATIONAL DANCE
Includes dance mixer, square dancing and round and round and couple dances.

6. SOCIAL AND BALLROOM DANCE

Dance set in a social gathering with more formal atmosphere than the simple and informal parties in which
the recreational dances are the usual forms.

7. CREATIVE DANCE
The highest form of dance for the purpose of entertainment.

8. POPULAR DANCE
Highly recognized as a dance form in television and other dance centers like disco houses and social
gatherings.
 FUNDAMENTAL DANCE POSITION AND STEPS

A. Feet Position B. Arms Position

CHARACTERISTICS
Feet – Close and
parallel touching
toes at 45 °
Arms – encircled in
front chest level,
relaxed fingers First Position
First Position slightly apart

Feet – Open parallel

stride sideward
Arms – Arms raised
sideways a little
below shoulder
level Second Position
Second Position

Feet – Closed-crossed,
heel in-step
touching knees
locked
Arms – one arm
encircle overhead Third Position
Third Position other raised
sideways

Feet – Open-crossed
Arms – One arm
encircle overhead
arm on first
position
Fourth Position Fourth Position

Feet – Close-crossed,
heel-toe touching
knees locked
Arms – Both arm
encircled
overhead, fingers Fifth Position
Fifth Position apart