SAMAR COLLEGE

P.E. 2
Fundamentals of
Rhythmic Activities
Self-Learning Module 3

2021-2022
2nd Semester
 Self-Learning Module 3
PE 2 l Fundamentals of Rhythmic Activities

SAMAR COLLEGE

Learning Module in

PE 2: Fundamentals of
Rhythmic Activities

Course Description

This is a two (2) unit course which adheres to synthesize, reinforce, and provide the
concepts, and about Rhythmic Activities and Rhythmic fundamentals. This aim to
enhance the skills and knowledge of the students in dance. This course will provide
dance terms, basic steps, patterns and illustrations to develop the holistic ability of the
students.

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Unit 3: Fundamentals of Dance

3.0 Intended Learning Outcomes

After working on this unit, you should be able to:
a. Execute the basic dance terminologies in folk dancing; and
b. Demonstrate the fundamental dance positions of the arms and feet.

3.1 Introduction

This module introduces the basic dance terminologies in folk dancing as well as
the basic fundamental dance steps and music. The dance sequences and combinations,
parts, and figures are described in words using dance terms that refers to specific folk-
dance steps and movements. Dancing, on the other hand, can be a good way to get
your body going and get your heart pounding. It’s one of the few activities that
provides a full body exercise and at the same time helps you to work your muscles,
core and arms.

It provides a high-intensity, low-impact workout without the monotony of

counting repetitions or doing sets. These benefits will deliver a positive result as
person who is culturally aware as it unites generations and culture and physically
active as you age.

3.2 Topics/Discussion (with Assessment/Activities)

3.2.1. Basic Dance Terminologies

These dance terms are commonly used when executing basic dance movements in
Philippine folk dance. These are basic dance terms present in common dance that can
be found in Christian and Muslim dances.

1. Abrasete
Girl at right side, holds R arm of partner with her L hand, free hands down
at the sides. This term is of Spanish origin and is used in Rigodon and in
other dances
2. Arms in Lateral Position
Both arms are at one side, either sideward right or left. This may be done at
shoulder, chest or waist level
3. Arms in Reverse “T”
Arms are side horizontal, elbows bent at right angles, forearms parallel to
head, palms forward or facing inward, fists loosely closed
4. Bilao
To turn palms oh hands up and down alternately, hands at waist level in
front, elbows close to waist
5. Brush
Weight on one foot, hit the floor with the ball or heel of the other foot (the
free foot) after which that foot is lifted from the floor to any direction

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6. Cabeceras
When dancers are in square formation, the couple occupying the width of
the hall are called “cabeceras” or head couples. This is of Spanish origin
7. 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
8. Counterclockwise
The reverse direction of clockwise. L shoulder is toward the center of an
imaginary circle. When facing center, the movement is toward the right
9. Costados
When dancers are in square formation, the couple occupying the length of
the hall are called “costados” or side pairs. This is of Spanish origin
10. Crossed Arms
Partners are facing each other or standing side by side, girl at the right of
boy. They join their L hands together and their R hands together; either R
over L or L over R hands
11. Do-si-Do (Dos-A-Dos)
The vis-à-vis (opposites) 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 of
foreign origin and is used in many Philippine dances
12. Free Foot
The foot not bearing the weight of the body
13. Free Hand
The hand not placed anywhere or not doing anything
14. Hands on Waist
Place hands at the waist line (at the smallest part of the trunk), knuckles in,
fingers pointing in rear
15. Hapay
To flourish or offer a handkerchief, hat or glass of wine to somebody as a
sign of invitation
16. Hayon-Hayon
To place one forearm in front and the other at the back of the waist. This is
a Visayan term
17. Hop
A spring from one-foot landing on the same foot in place or in any direction.
The other foot may be raised in any direction (in front, in rear, sideward or
across).
18. Inside Foot
The foot nearest one’s partner, when partners stand side by side
19. Inside Hand
The hand nearest one’s partner, when partners stand side by side
20. Jaleo
Partners turn once around clockwise (with R elbows almost touching) or
counterclockwise (with L elbows almost touching) using walking or any

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kind of dance step. The hands near each other are on waists. This is a
Tagalog term but of Spanish origin
21. Jump
Spring on one foot or both feet, landing on both in any direction
22. Kumintang
Moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or counterclockwise
direction. This is an Ilocano term
23. Leap
A spring from one foot, landing on the other foot in any direction (forward,
sideward, backward, or oblique)
24. Masiwak
To turn the hand from the wrist half-way clockwise then raise and lower
wrist once or twice. This is an Ibanag term
25. Outside Foot
The foot away from one’s partner, when partners stand side by side
26. Outside Hand
The hand away from one’s partner, when partners stand side by side
27. Place
To put foot in a certain or desired position without putting weight on it.
The sole of the foot rests on the floor
28. Pivot
To turn with the ball, heel, or whole foot, on a fixed place or point
29. Point
Touch the floor lightly with the toes of one foot, weight of the body on the
other foot
30. 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”. This is a Tagalog term.
31. Saludo
Partners bow to each other, to the audience, opposite dancers, or to the
neighbors with feet together. This term is of Spanish origin and is used in
almost all Philippine dances
32. Sarok
Cross the R (or L) foot in front of the L (or R), bend the body slightly forward
and cross the hands (forearms) down in front with the R (or L) hand
(forearm) over the L (or R). This is a Visayan term
33. Set
A dance formation like a square or a unit formation composed of two or
more pairs
34. Slide
To glide foot smoothly along the floor. The movement may be finished with
or without transfer or weight
35. Stamp
To bring down the foot forcibly and noisily on the floor (like doing a heavy
step) with or without transfer of weight
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36. Star with Right Hand

Four or more people join R hands at center and circle around clockwise
using walking or any kind of dance step
37. Star with Left Hand
Same as “star with R hand”, but joining L hands and turning
counterclockwise
38. Step
To advance or recede by raising or moving one foot to another resting place.
There is a complete transfer of weight from one foot to another
39. Supporting Foot
The foot that bears the weight of the body
40. Tap
To tap slightly with the ball or toe of the free foot, flexing the ankle joint
keeping weight of the body on the other foot. There is no change or transfer
of weight

* Review the movements to any video sites available.

3.2.2 Fundamental Dance Position

Image of Merce Cunninghum dancers

Source: http://artbikerworld.com/?p=2474

There are five fundamental positions in dance. In folk dancing there are also
fundamental steps that is commonly used in Philippine folk dance. These dance terms
were frequently used in every dance from Christian to Muslim dances all over the
country.

Very expressive movements of the feet and arms characterize Philippine folk
dances. These movements are a combination of the five fundamental positions of the
arms and feet whether the pace of the dance steps is slow or fast.

There are five fundamental or basic positions in dance that are commonly termed
as 1st position, 2nd position, 3rd position, 4th position, and 5th position of
the feet and arms.

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Fundamental Arm Position

Stand straight with chest out, stomach in and chin level. Be sure to stand straight
and get the right pose, without tilting your head back and forth. One way to help align
the spinal column properly.

First Arm Position

Both arms raised in a circle form with the fingertips about an inch apart

First Position (Arms)

Second Arm Position
Both raised sideward with a graceful curve at shoulder level.

Second Position (Arms)

Third Arm Position

One arm remained as in second position; other arm raised above the head. If you start
in Right direction, raise the left arm and remain in second position for the right arm.
Do this in reverse for the Left direction.

Third Position (Arms)

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Fourth Arm Position

One arm positioned in front as in first position; other arm raised above the head. If
you start in Right direction, raise the left arm and position right arm in front. Do this
in reverse for the Left direction.

Fourth Position (Arms)

Fifth Arm Position
Both arms raised overhead and fingertips parallel to the toes. Make sure the arms
are aligned with your ears.

Fifth Position (Arms)

Fundamental Feet Position

Stand-up properly and do not bend your knees. Do not slouch and keep a straight
look to avoid leaning forward and backward.

First Feet Position

Heels close together, toes apart with an angle of
about 450

First Position (Feet)

Second Feet Position

Feet apart sideward of about a pace distance.

Second Position (Feet)

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Third Feet Position

Heel of one foot close to in-step of other foot.

Third Position (Feet)

Fourth Feet Position

One foot in front of other foot with at least 5 inches
apart. If you start in Right direction, move your right
foot. Do this in reverse for the Left direction.

Fourth Position (Feet)

Fifth Feet Position

Heel of front foot close to big toe of rear foot. (Simply
move the front foot closer to the rear foot). If you start in
Right direction, move your right foot. Do this in reverse
for the Left direction.

Fifth Position (Feet)

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Fundamental Arms and Feet Position

*Note: Done in right arm and right foot at the same time from first position to fifth position
and start again in left arm and left foot.

First Position Second Position

Third Position Fourth Position

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Fifth Position

-End of Unit 3-

*See attached assessments/activities below.

3.3 References

Aquino, F. R. (1952). Fundamental Dance Steps and Music. Kayumanggi Press, Inc.

Balagtas, J., Corpuz, E., Estrella, E., Foster, J. (2012). Physical Education 2: Rhythmic
Activities. Jimczyville Publication
Carlos, M., Pineda, M., Soriano, L. (2012). Physical Education 2: Rhythmic Activities.
St. Andrew Publishing House

3.4 Acknowledgement
The images, tables, figures and information contained in this module were taken from
the references cited above.

Note: If you have queries regarding the module, feel free to send your message thru the
following:

Instructor: Carla Mae C. Pomentil

Messenger: Carla Criz Pomentil
Gmail: carlacrizpomentil@gmail.com

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Name: Course/Year/Sec:

Subject Title: Subject Code:

✓ Unit 3: Activity 1

Directions: Each student is tasked to demonstrate 15 basic dance terminologies.

a. Analyze the description of each common dance terms and you may review from
YouTube or any sites available.
b. Choose at least 15 dance terms discussed.
c. Rehearse the common dance terms and memorize the executions.
d. Document your performance thru a video recorder.
e. You may use any folk music to accompany your performance.
f. Make sure to follow the techniques being discussed.
g. Scores are guided by the rubrics given below.

Guidelines on How to Submit Output:

a. Upload your output in your YouTube account and send the link to your
instructor’s Gmail address at carlacrizpomentil@gmail.com
b. Write your complete name, course, year and section on the details as you upload
your output.

Rubrics for Assessing Student’s Performance

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Name: Course/Year/Sec:

Subject Title: Subject Code:

✓ Unit 3: Activity 2

Directions: Each student is tasked to demonstrate the fundamental position of the arms
and feet.

a. Analyze the description of each position in arms and feet and you may review
from YouTube or any websites available.
b. Rehearse the fundamental dance position and memorize the movements.
c. Document your performance thru a video recorder.
d. You may use any folk music in ¾ time signature to accompany your performance.
e. Order of demonstration:
 Arms Position (right and left)
 Feet Position (right and left)
 Combination of the Arms and Feet Position (right and left)
f. Make sure to follow the techniques being discussed.
g. Scores are guided by the rubrics given below.

Guidelines on How to Submit Output:

a. Upload your output in your YouTube account and send the link to your
instructor’s Gmail address at carlacrizpomentil@gmail.com
b. Write your complete name, course, year and section on the details as you upload
your output.

Rubrics for Assessing Student’s Performance

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