Learning Module

For
Grade 12 PE&H-3
FIRST QUARTER:

HEALTH OPTIMIZING P.E.

(H.O.P.E.) 3

UNIT I: INTRODUCTION TO DANCE

Dance is an activity which can take many forms and fill many different needs. It can be recreation,
entertainment, education, therapy, and religion. In its purest and most basic form, dance is art, the art of
body movements.” (Basbara Mettler, 1980)

LESSON 1: HISTORY AND NATURE OF DANCE

DANCE HISTORY
Dance can be seen among all the people and civilizations of the world. Dance thrived at different
periods in history and mostly were a result of intercultural exchange and contact (Alejandro and Santos-
Gana, 2002). The origins of the dance are rooted in prehistoric past. Various artistic, religious, and social
forces started out the incorporation and development of dance.
Ancient Greek – Dance was closely linked with other kinds of experiences such as military
training, religious, entertainment and display, and education.
Ancient Rome – Dance became brutal and sensationalized as it was used more often for gruesome
purposes.
Dark Ages – Dance was condemned by the church, some entertainers still wandered bringing dance
wherever they go. Performing in village squares and were eventually welcomed in castles and
chateaus of feudal lords. Also, this age marked the beginning of social dancing.
Renaissance – Dance was wholly accepted in courts as the gradual increase of the capitalist class
produced patrons of learning and art in Europe.

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 Learning Module
For
Grade 12 PE&H-3
Since then, sparks the evolution of dance and dance movements. New styles of dance emerge and
people continue to invent and discover dance movements as the modern age comes.

BENEFITS OF DANCE AND CREATIVE MOVEMENT

Dancing is one of the oldest and most popular forms of exercise. The following are
the benefits of dancing to the different dimensions of an individual:
Physical
- Develops cardiovascular and muscular endurance;
- Improves coordination, balance, flexibility, and body composition;
- Lowers risk of cardiovascular diseases;
- Lowers body mass index;
- Lowers resting heart rate;
- Improves lipid metabolism;
- Enables join mobility (hip motion and spine flexibility);
- Helps improve and maintain bone density, thus, helps prevent osteoporosis; and
- Helps recover coordination and neuromuscular skills after injury.

Mental/ Emotional
- Helps keep the brain sharp;
- Decreases incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease;
- Decreases depressive symptoms;
- Increase self-esteem and improves body image; and
- Aids in releasing emotional and physical tension.

Social
- Gives sense of togetherness within a group;
- Encourages positive social interaction and interpersonal
relationship in a group; and
- Contributes to the individual’s potential for self-actualization in
society.

Cultural
- Promotes cultural value.

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 Learning Module
For
Grade 12 PE&H-3
EXERCISE 1
Identify what era of dance is being described and arrange the following statements chronologically,
1 being the first and 5 marking the end.
____ ________________ Dance was condemned by the church, some entertainers still wandered
bringing dance wherever they go.
____ ________________ New styles of dance emerge and people continue to invent and
discover dance movements.
____ ________________ Dance became brutal and sensationalized as it was used more often
for gruesome purposes.
____ ________________ Dance was wholly accepted in courts as the gradual increase of the
capitalist class produced patrons of learning and art in Europe.
____ ________________ Dance was closely linked with other kinds of experiences such as
military training, religious, entertainment and display, and education.

EXERCISE 2
Give benefits of dancing to the following dimensions of an individual.
Physical
1. __________________
2. __________________
3. __________________
4. __________________

Mental/Emotional
1. __________________
2. __________________
3. __________________

Social
1. __________________
2. __________________

Cultural
1. __________________

EXERCISE 3
Among the given physical, mental/emotional, social, or cultural benefits of dance, what specific
benefit affects you the most
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________.

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 Learning Module
For
Grade 12 PE&H-3