P.E. & HEALTH G 12 Week No. 1 Sept.

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Introduction to Dance

According to Barbara Mettler, 1980, “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 movement”.

Dance is a form of art using rhythmic bodily movements expressing ideas and emotions and
accompanied by music. As an art form, it may tell a story, set a mood, or express an emotion. It is also a
form of recreation. It is also a form of socialization.

Dance, the movement of the body in a rhythmic way, usually to music and within a given space,
for the purpose of expressing an idea or emotion, releasing energy, or simply taking delight in the
movement itself.

Nature of the Different Dances

1. Traditional dance (Folk and Ethnic)

 Are dances of the indigenous communities that show cultural traits of people from a specific
time and place.
 Customs and traditions (through dance steps and costumes) are preserved in traditional dance.
 Handed down from generation to generation with fixed sets or patterns, these dances can either
be ethnic or folk.

Folk dances are sequences of movements, formation, and rhythmic patterns which have been
created by people of different culture (Seaton, et al, 1992). It is defined as a traditional dance of a
specific folk handed from generation to generation in the manner of all traditions. This dance is native to
them and evolved by them instinctively and spontaneously. Folk dance is communal in purpose and
unique in that is predicated upon the principle of group participation

2. Modern and Contemporary Dance

Modern dance is a development that is less formal than the classical ballet.

Contemporary dance incorporates the strong legwork and balance of ballet and the trunk
movements of modern dance.

3. Ballroom (recreational and competitive)

Ballroom dance are comprised of a number of different dances. These include the waltz, polka, tango,
foxtrot swing, rumba, quickstep pasodoble, samba, mambo, cha cha, and jive.
4. Cheer Dance

A combination of cheering and dancing. Components include the mandatory cheer as well as a
number of gymnastic or acrobatic moves, such as cartwheel and backhand springs. The purpose of cheer
dance is usually to motivate sports teams, entertain audiences, or for the actual competition.

5. Hip Hop/ Street Dance

Hip Hop or street dance has its roots traced to New York, particularly from the African-American and
Latino-American communities. It is usually associated with rap music, a form of chanting or poetry
delivered at the speed of 16-bar measures (time frame).

6. Festival Dance

Festival Dances are seen during celebrations or fiestas. Usually, festival dances celebrate good
harvests or good fortune.

Why do people dance?

People loves to express themselves. These are some of the following reasons:

1. It has been used in worship.

2. It plays a role in courtship.
3. It serves as a form of acquaintance for man and woman.
4. It is an expression of one feelings.
5. As in old times, it brings magical power to people.
6. It brings victory or somehow restores health to life.
7. It serves to entertain others.
8. It gives beauty and inspiration to others.
9. It is use as whole-body workout.