Unit 1- Philippine Folk Dance

Dance is the rhythmic and expressions body movement

usually coordinated into pattern and adapted to musical
accompaniment.
- Donald C. Weiscopf

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Gather data or information about the concepts of dance.

2. Execute the fundamental position of arms and feet and interpret the dance
terminologies in Folk Dancing.
3. Interpret and perform the basic fundamental dance step of each particular dance with
proper time signature.

Pretest

Multiple choices
Directions: True or False. Write T if it is true and F if false. Write your answer on the
space provided. Before each number.

_________1. Dance refers to the rhythmic movement that can be impulsively or skillfully
enacted.
_________2. People dance for a variety of reasons.
_________3. Dance had evolved into different forms.
_________4. Some people dance for fun.
_________5. Dance requires body awareness.

ESSAY:
 Have you ever tried to dance Folk Dances? How does it feel?

Note: Write you answer in a Word document not limiting to 150 words. 

Thank you for answering the test.

The next section is the content of this unit. It contains vital

information of the Foundation of Dance. Please read the content.
RHYTHMICAL BUSTLES OF DANCE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Content

Historical and Theoretical Background of Dance

DANCE is composed of folk dance, jazz, modern dance, dance mixers, ballet,
contemporary, social and ballroom dancing.

Purposes of Dance
 For: self-expression
 For: communication
 For: celebration and entertainment
 For: relaxation
 For: emotional release
 For: recreation
 For: neuro muscular development
 For: survival

Reasons Why Dance Taught in School Curriculum

 It is the oldest form of all arts in the most democratic form of all arts
 The only art in which special ability is not essential
 It is joyous, wholesome and natural means of expressing the rhythmic instinct
 It makes people buoyant at the end of dance
 It has a health value
 Student should learn to appreciate the fine things in which their foreign neighbors
give to us

FOLK DANCE – traditionally pertains to the expression of characteristics of

people in the community of our country.

PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE

BRIEF HISTORY OF FOLK DANCE

1. Singing and dancing are the favorite past times of Filipinos.

2. When the Spaniards came first landed in 1521, they found some young men
playing musical instruments while young women dance for the visitors.
3. Through the centuries, the dances of the Christian natives gradually became
modified due to the influence of the Spanish, English and French immigrants.
4. The non-Christian dances retain their distinct Malayan Characteristics.

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RHYTHMICAL BUSTLES OF DANCE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

CLASSIFICATION OF DANCES

1. National Dance is a dance found throughout the country.

Example:
a. Carinosa
b. Tinikling.

2. Local Dance is a dance found in a certain locality or popular dance in our localities.
Example:
a. Kuratsa Boholana – commonly found in Bohol and it is done during wedding
celebration which is performed after marriage.
b. Subanen – is a dance commonly in the province of Zamboanga del Norte.
c. Singkil – is a dance in a Muslim area, which is performed in a bamboo pole.

NATURE OF DANCES OR TYPE OF DANCES

1. Occupational is a dance which depicts the occupation of people in their manner of

living.
Example:
Magtanim ay di biro, Labandera, Mangingisda

2. Religious or ceremonial dance is performed with religious vows, practice’s or

ceremonies
Example:
Sinurog, dugso, putong, sua-sua

3. Wedding dance is a dance in connection with wedding celebration.

Example:
Singkil, Kuratsa, Boholana

4. Courtship dance – stages of gaining love of a man and woman.

Example:

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 Carinosa, Mazurka de jacena, Maranion

5. War dance – show an imaginary combat or it is a fight dance.

Example:
Sagayan, Igorot war dance, Halik sa kampilan

6. Comic – performed with funny movements for entertainment purposes

Example:
Matong, kimbo – kimbo, kimutin

7. Game – performed with play elements

Example:
Pako, lubi-lubi

8. Festival – suitable for any occasion or special gathering

9. War dance – shows an imaginary combat or it is a fight dance.

Example:
Sagayan, Igorot war dance, Halik sa kampilan

10. Comic - is a dance performed with funny movements for entertainment purposes
Example:
Matong, kimbo – kimbo, kimutin

11. Game - is a dance performed with play elements

Example:
Pako, lubi-lubi

12. Festival – suitable for any occasion or special gathering

The 5 Fundamental Positions of the Feet

 First Position: heels close together, toes apart making the angle or about 90
degrees.
 Second Position: feet apart sideward or bout hip width apart
 Third Position: heel of one foot close to the instep of the other foot.
 Fourth Position: one foot in front of the other foot of about a foot distance.
 Fifth position: heel of front of the other foot close to big toe in rear in front.
RHYTHMICAL BUSTLES OF DANCE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The 5 Fundamental Positions of the Arm

 First Position: arms raised forward in a circle in front of chest with finger tips
about an inch apart.
 Second Position: arms raised sideward with a graceful curve a little below
shoulder level.
 Third Position: one arm in 2nd position the other arm is raised overhead.
 Fourth Position: one arm in front of the chest in a half circle, the other arm is
raised overhead.
 Fifth Position: raise both arms raised overhead.

FUNDAMENTAL POSITION OF ARMS AND FEET WITH RHYTHM

Note: count 1, 2, 3, 4 to a measure in this particular exercise.

FEET:
From 1st position point R(L) foot in 2nd position ……………………………… ct. 1
Lower the heel down …………………………………………………………… ct. 2
Point R(L) in 4th position in front ………………………………………………. ct. 3
Bring R(L) close to L(R) in 3rd position in front ………………………………. ct. 4
Point R(L) foot in 4th in front …………………………………………………… ct. 5
Lower the heel down …………………………………………………………... ct. 6
Slide R(L) foot to5th position in front …………………………………………. ct. 7
Back to 1st position ……………………………………………………………... ct. 8

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RHYTHMICAL BUSTLES OF DANCE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

ARMS:
From 1st position open the arms to 2nd position ……………………………… ct. 1, 2
Raise L(R) arm high to 5th position. (to be in 3rd position) ………………….. ct. 3, 4
Bend R(L) arm in front at waist level. (to be in 4th position) ………………... ct. 5, 6
Raised R(L) arm in front to 5th position ……………………………………….. ct. 7
Lower arm sideward, downward to position ………………………………….. ct. 8

DANCE TERMINOLOGIES

1. Arms in Lateral Position – both arms are at one side, either sideward right or left.
This will be done at shoulder, chest, or waist level.
2. Arms in reverse T – arms are side horizontal, elbows bent at right angles, forearm
are parallel to head, palms forward or facing inward, fist loosely closed.
3. Bilao – to turn palms on hands up and down alternately, hands at waist level in
front, elbows close to waist.
4. Clockwise – 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.
5. Counterclockwise – reverse direction of clockwise.
6. Do-si-Do – the vis-à-vis (opposite) both advance forward, pass each other’s 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 foreign origin
and is used in many Philippine Dances.
7. Hayon-hayon – to place one forearm in front and the other at the back of the waist.
8. Kumintang – moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or
counterclockwise. This is an Ilocano term.
9. Masiwak – to turn the hand from the wrist half-way clockwise then raise then raise
and lower the wrist once or twice.
10. Point – touch the floor lightly with the toes of one foot, weight of the body on the
other floor.
11. Salok – to swing the arm downward-upward passing in front of the body as if
scooping, the trunk is bent forward following the movement of the arm doing the
“salok”.

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RHYTHMICAL BUSTLES OF DANCE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

12. Saludo – partners bow each other, to the audience, opposite dancers, or to the
neighbor’s with feet together. This term is of Spanish origin and is used in almost
all Philippine dances.
13. Step – to advance or recede by rising or moving one foot to another resting place.
There is a complete resting place from one foot to the other.

BASIC DANCE STEP

1. BLECKING STEP. Music: 2/4 time. Counts: 1, 2. – (1) Place the R(L) heel in
fourth in front (ct.1) step R(L)close to L(R) foot in first position (ct.2), or (2) hop on
L(R) and place R(L) heel in front ct. 1, with a spring reverse the position of the
feet (ct. 2), that is, placing the L(R) heel in front and the R(L) in position taking
the weight of the body. This is taking it in one count. This may be done also by
moving forward or backward.
2. BLECKING STEP. Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3. – (1) place R(L) heel in fourth
in front (cts. 1, 2), step R(L) close L(R) foot in first position (ct. 3). This is
commonly done, or (2) Place R(L) in fourth in front (ct. 1), step R(L) close to L(R)
in first position (cts. 2, 3).
3. CHANGE STEP (OR TWO STEP). Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2. – step
R(L) foot in front (ct. 1), step L(R) close to R(L) in 3rd in rear or in 1st position (ct.
and), step R(L) foot quickly in 4th in front (ct. 2). This may be executed in any
direction
4. CROSS CHANGE STEP. Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2. – step R(L) foot
across L(R) in front (ct.1), step L(R) close to R(L) foot in 3rd rear or in 1st position
(ct. and), step R(L) quickly in 4th in front (ct. 2). This step is commonly done
forward and sideward.
5. CHASING STEP. Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2, and. – step R(L) forward
(ct. 1) and step L(R) close to R(L) in 3rd in rear or 1st position (ct. and). This step
is executed, with one foot leading in all directions. The steps are small. There are
two chasing steps in a measure.
6. CLOSE STEP. Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2 – step R(L) foot in 4th in front (ct.1),
close L(R) to R(L) in 3rd in rear or in 1st position (ct. 2). This may be executed in
any direction.
7. CLOSE STEP. Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3. – (1) step R(L) in 4th in front (cts.
1, 2), close L(R) to R(L) foot in 3rd in rear or in 1st position (ct.3). this may be
executed in. any direction, or (2) step R(L) foot in 4th in front (ct.1), close L(R) to
R(L) in 3rd in rear or in 1st position (cts. 2, 3). This may be executed in any
direction.
8. CONTRA-GANSA. Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2. – leap sideward R(L)
onto R(L) foot (ct. 1), step L(R) across the R(L) in front (ct. and), quickly step
R(L) foot in place (cts. 2). This is most commonly done sideward.
9. GRAPEVINE. Music: 2/4 time (use music of contra-gansa). Count 1, 2 to a
measure (two or more measure). – step R(L) foot in 2nd position (ct. 1), step
L(R) across the R(L) in front (or in rear) (ct.2), step R(L) in 2nd (ct. 1), step L(R)
across the R(L) in rear (or front) (ct.2), and so on.
10. CROSS STEP. Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3. – step R(L) foot in 2nd position
(ct. 1) step or slide L(R) foot sideward R(L) across the R(L) in front (cts. 2, 3). Put
the weight on the L(R) foot at the end, slide on the 3rd count. This is done in
series moving to one direction to sideward right or left.

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RHYTHMICAL BUSTLES OF DANCE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

11. ENGAñO WITH A CLOSE. Music: ¾ time. Count 1, 2, 3 to a measure (2

measures) – step R(L) foot in 2nd position (cts. 1, 2), step L(R) across R(L) foot
in front (ct. 3). Step R(L) foot in 2nd position (ct. 1), close L(R) to R(L) foot in first
(ct. 2, 3). Do not put weight on the L(R) foot when closing on counts 2, 3. Arms in
3rd or in 4th position, R(L) arm high or one arm in reverse “T” and the other bent
forward at shoulder level.
12. ENGAñO WITH A WALTZ. Music: ¾ time. Count 1, 2, 3 to a measure (2
measures) – step R(L) foot in 2nd position (cts. 1, 2), step L(R) across R(L) foot
in front (ct. 3). Step R(L) foot in 2nd position (ct. 1), step L(R) close to R(L) foot
(ct. 2), step R(L) in place (ct. 3) (waltz in place) Do not put weight on the L(R)
foot when closing on counts 2, 3. Arms in 3rd or in 4th position, R(L) arm high or
one arm in reverse “T” and the other bent forward at shoulder level.
13. HEEL AND TOE CHANGE STEP. Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2, 1, and, 2 (2
measures) – place the R(L) heel in 4th in front (ct.1), touch the R(L) toe in rear
(ct.2). take one change step forward, starting with the R(L) foot (cts. 1, and, 2).
This may be executed forward and backward and in oblique directions.
14. MAZURKA STEP. Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3 – slide R(L) foot in 2nd (ct.1),
cut R(L) sideward with the L(R) foot (ct.2), hop on the L(R) foot and beat in rear
or in front the R(L) foot close to the ankle of the L(R) foot (ct. 3). This step may
be executed forward, obliquely forward, sideward or going around also with one
foot leading.
15. MINCING STEP. Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3 or 1, and, 2, and, 3, and or 1,
ah, and, ah, 2, ah, and, ah, 3, ah, and, ah to a measure (as many measure as
required - starting position: R(L) foot in 5th position in front, heels slightly raised
or with the leading foot flat on the floor. Execute tiny steps sideward right (left) as
many times as necessary. It may be done with a one, two or four tiny steps in
one count. This may be done also forward and backward.
16. KORRITI STEP. Music 2/4 time. Count 1, and, 2, and to a measure (as many
measures as required) – starting position: R(L) foot across in front of L(R), heel
of L(R) foot slightly raised. Execute tiny steps sideward left (right) as many times
as required. Take four step for every measure (cts. 1, and, 2, and). Going
sideward left, R foot is across L in front and trunk bent to right side. Going
sideward right, L foot is across in front and bend trunk slightly to left.
17. PLAIN POLKA. Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2, and (1 measure) – step
L(R) foot in 4th in front (ct. 1), step R(L) close to L(R) foot in 3rd in rear (ct. and),
step L(R) in 4th in front (ct. 2), pause (ct. and). Bend the body to the same
direction of the step. This may be executed in any direction.
18. STEP-BRUSH-SWING-HOP. Music ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3 – step R(L) foot in
4th in front (ct.1), brush L(R) foot forward and swing it across the R(L) in front
(ct.2), hop on the R(L) (ct. 3). This may be executed in any direction.
19. SWAY BALANCE WITH A POINT. Music: ¾ time. Count 1, 2, 3 to a measure
(2 measure). - (a) step R(L) foot obliquely forward R(L) (cts. 1, 2), step L(R)
across the R(L) foot in front (ct.3) …………………………………………………. 1m
(b) step R(L) obliquely backward R(L) (ct. 1), point L(R) in 4th in front (cts. 2, ). 1m
Arms in 4th position R(L) arm high. Kumintang R(L) hand when pointing with L(R)
foot on cts. 2, 3 of the 2nd measure.
20. SWAY BALANCE WITH A WALTZ. Music: ¾ time. Count 1, 2, 3 to a measure
(2 measure). - (a) repeat the same movements as in sway balance with a point
(a) (cts. 1, 2, 3). (b) step R(L) obliquely backward R(L) (ct. 1), step L(R) close to
R(L) (cts. 2,), step R(L) in place (ct. 3). 1m Arms in 4th position R(L) arm high.

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RHYTHMICAL BUSTLES OF DANCE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Kumintang R(L) hand when pointing with L(R) foot on cts. 2, 3 of the 2nd
measure.
21. WALTZ STEP. Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3 – step L(R) foot in 4th in front
(ct.1), step R(L) close to L(R) in 1st or in 3rd position in rear (ct.2), step L(R) in 4th
in front (ct.3). this may be executed in all directions.
22. WALTZ BALANCE. Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3 – step R(L) in 4th or
intermediate in front (ct.1), close L(R) foot to R(L) in 1st or 3rd position in rear and
raise heels (ct.2), lower heels with the weight of the body on the R(L) foot (ct.3).
the knees are slightly bent before raising the heels. This may be executed
forward, backward, obliquely forward and backward, sideward right and left.
23. CROSS WALTZ. Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3 – step R(L) foot across the L(R)
foot in front and raised slightly the L(R) foot across in rear (ct.1), step the L(R)
close to R(L) in 3rd or 5th position in rear (ct.2), step R(L) foot in 4th in front (ct.3).
step on the ball of the rear foot on the 2nd count.

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RHYTHMICAL BUSTLES OF DANCE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Learning Activities

Activity 1 – Present it!

Direction:
1. Gather data and information about the concept of dance.
2. Search dances that is common in your place.
3. Present or record those dances you gathered. At least 2 minutes.
4. Submit this particular activity on our Facebook Group Page.

ACTIVITY 2 – PERFORM IT!

Directions:
1. Learn the dance position/ dance terminologies and basic fundamental dance step.
2. Send a video of you performing the fundamental dance position of arms and feet
together with the rhythm of the music Bahay Kubo.
3. Select 5 dance steps in 2/4 or ¾ time signature with a combination of the following
hand position.
a. Arms in lateral
b. Saluki
c. Hayun hayun
d. Kumintang
Eight cts (8) for each step

Send the video in our Facebook Group Page

Thank you for completing the task. If you have not completed
the task, or you have difficulty in accomplishing the activity, you may
ask clarifications by messaging my educational Facebook page,
“JHONNY ALMIROL”

And now, you are ready for the next learning activity.

Note: If you have poor connectivity, unavailability of internet connection and

resources (CP, video cam, etc.) please notify me so I could extend the deadline of
the submission.

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 RHYTHMICAL BUSTLES OF DANCE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

ASSESSMENT
Direction: Choose the best answer and write the letter on the space provided before each
number.

_________1. It is considered as a recreational activity.

a. Dance
b. Exercises
c. All of these
d. None of these

_________2. These are things that describe the characteristics of people in the past.
a. Folk dances
b. Traditional dances
c. All of these
d. None of these

_________3. This are way of dancing showing the ways of life of the Filipino people.
a. Tinikling
b. Mananguete
c. All of these
d. None of these

_________4. What are the importance of dances?

a. To communicate people
b. For fiesta celebration
c. All of these
d. None of these

_________5. What is most favorite past time among Filipinos.

a. Dancing
b. Jogging
c. All of these
d. None of these

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RHYTHMICAL BUSTLES OF DANCE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Pass your output on our Facebook Group

Page/Google Classroom. If you have poor connectivity,
unavailability of internet connection and resources (CP,
video cam, etc.) please notify me so I could extend the
deadline of the submission of your output or adjustments
with regards to your activity.

You did a great job! If you have not completed the task,
or you have difficulty in accomplishing the activity, please send
me a message at my educational Facebook page (JHONNY
ALMIROL).

You had just completed this lesson. You are now

ready for the next lesson.

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