CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY – Main Campus

COLLEGE OF SPORTS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION (CSPEAR)

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

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

RHYTHM is a measured motion or flow, characterized basically by

recurrence of elements or features as beats, sounds or accents.

DANCE involves a successive group of

bodily movements and steps rhythmically
performs and timed to music.

In other study, the word “dance” comes from the Latin word “danson”
which means to stretch. Thus, simple analysis of term “sayaw” which easily lead to
one that it must have derived from the word “saya” which means happy.

PURPOSE OF DANCING
 To passed the course subject.
 To have fun or entertain others.
 For passion/ provides/ released of tension.
 To treat emotionally disturbed people/ to
help treat physically handicapped.
 Worship.

Department of Service Physical Education

FITT 3: Physical Activities Towards Health and Fitness
1
DANCE
BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES AND DANCE
From the earliest moments of known
human history, dance accompanied ancient
rituals, spiritual gatherings and social events.
As a conduit of trance, spiritual force,
pleasure, expression, performance and
interaction, dance became infused into our
nature from the earliest moments of our
existence - from the moment when first
African tribes covered themselves in war-
paint to the to the spreading of
music and dance across all four corners of the world. Without a doubt, dancing remains
one of the most expressive forms of communications that we know.
The oldest proof of existence of dancing comes from the 9000-year-old cave
paintings that were found in India, which depicts various scenes of hunting, childbirth,
religious rites, burials and most importantly, communal drinking and dancing. Since
dancing itself cannot leave clearly identifiable archeological artifacts that can be found
today, scientist looked for secondary clues, written word, stone carvings, paintings and
similar artifacts. Period when dancing became widespread can be traced to the third
millennia BC, when Egyptians started using dance as integral parts of their religious
ceremonies. Judging by the many tomb paintings that survived the tooth of time, Egyptian
priests used musical instruments and dancers to mimic important events - stories of gods
and cosmic patterns of moving stars and sun.

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 arms, legs and body.

The History of Dancing in Philippines

(www.sutori.com)
SIGNIFICANCE OF DANCE EDUCATION
Through dance, students learn teamwork, focus, and improvisational skills. Dance
awakens new perceptions in children which help them learn and think in new ways.

DANCE ELEMENTS
The elements of dance are the foundational concepts and vocabulary that help students
develop movement skills and understand dance as an artistic practice.
1. Theme – the content or the main ingredients of a dance. Message of the dance.
2. Design – pattern of movement in time and space.
3. Movement – steps, gestures, facial expressions.
4. Technique – skills in executing movement.
5. Music – auditory background to which a dancer moves.
6. Costumes 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.
8. Scenery – the setting background establishing the place of action of any dance.

MOVEMENT defined as a change of position in space. It is governed with mechanical

principles that limit the ability of individuals to move effectively and efficiently.