RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES

DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. RHYTHMIC – According to Webster, is measured motion or flow characterized by
Regular recurrence of elements or features as beats sounds or accents.
2. RHYTHM – The regular pattern of movement and or sound.
 It is also the relationship between time and force, which is fell, seen and
heart.
3. RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES – These are rhythmic movements using the body as a means
of expressing communications. It can either be through fundamental rhythms using
locomotor or axial movements in higher form as dance.
4. DANCE – is a movement set to music where there emerge organization, structure
and pattern.
5. MOVEMENT – A change of position of an object in space.
6. FOLK DANCES – are traditional dances of a country, which were evolved naturally
and spontaneously in connection with everyday activities.
* are traditional social expression of the ideals, feelings and thoughts
of a people or group of people through body movement.
* is the heartbeat of the people.
PHASES OF THE DANCE PROGRAM
1. CREATIVE RHYTHMS – these are sometimes called FUNDAMENTAL RHYTHMS or NATURAL DANCES.
A creative rhythm or fundamental rhythm is an end product of the exploration and improvisation of
movements as children learn to move the parts of their body and to use them as instrument of
expression.
2. FOLK DANCE – is a cultural art form handed down from generation to generation. It communicates
the custom, beliefs, rituals and occupation of a region or country.
3. RECREATIONAL DANCE – includes dance mixers, square dancing and round couple dances.
4. SOCIAL AND BALLROOM DANCE – The setting of the social and ballroom dance in a social gathering
with the more formal atmosphere than the simple and informal parties in which the recreational
dances are the usual forms.
5. CREATIVE DANCES – Is the highest form of dance for the purpose of entertainment. It is the
product of exploration and improvisation of movements as the dancers or choreographer expresses
his feelings or emotions, ideas, and interpretations, the examples are modern dance, jazz and
ballet.

DANCE FORM/CLASSIFICATION
1. CLASSIC DANCE – Dance with standard rules and restrictions.
Ex. Balinese temple dance and Thai Classical court dance
2. CLASSICAL BALLET – A dance of supreme standards learned from an academe.
A. MODERN DANCE – deviation from the principles of classical ballet
A. CONTEMPORARY DANCE – A combination of ballet and modern dance
3. POPULAR DANCE – A dance in a specific time, which is highly recognized as a dance form
in television and other dance centers.
4. FOLK DANCE – a dance that portrays the traditional flavor and characteristics of people,
their feelings and sentiments.
5. ETHNIC DANCE – A dance particularly found in a group of people living together in a locality
with common beliefs and customs.
6. BALLROOM DANCE/SOCIAL DANCE – a popular dance for couple for the purpose of
recreation and entertainment
NATURE DANCES
1. OCCUPATIONAL – depicting action of certain occupation industry or human labor
Ex. planting rice, harvesting, pounding, and pabirik
2. RELIGIOUS OR CEREMONIAL – performed in connection with religious vows and ceremonies.
Ex. Sta. Clarang Pinong-pino
3. COMIC DANCES – depicting funny movements for entertainment.
Ex. Kimbo-kimbo, Kinoton
4. GAME DANCES –having play elements
Ex. Lubi-lubi, payo
5. WEDDING DANCE – Performed during the wedding feast
 Ex. Panasahan
6. COURTSHIP DANCES – Depicting love making
Ex. Tadek, Daling-daling
7. FESTIVAL DANCES – suitable for special occasion or any social gathering.
Ex. Habanera, Jota
8. WAR DANCES – showing imaginary combat.
Ex. Palu=palo, Eskrima

Brief History of the Philippine Folk Dances

When the Philippines was discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it had been inhabited by
differentracial groups: the Indonesians, Malays and Pygmies. The offspring of the Pygmies were the
Negritos whose dances describe their daily activities like the Sinulog, a dual dance where two men use
bolos.

For centuries, dancing and singing have been the principal past time of the people. The early
Filipinos considered dancing as a religious activity. They performed dances in thanksgiving for a fruitful
harvest, a victorious battle and prosperous voyage or recovery from sickness.

The Spaniards introduced different dances such as Fandangos, lLanceros, Rigodon, Carinosa,
and Curacha. Western cultures and dances of other European countries during the 16 th century were
also introduced, absorbed and blended in our native culture which later became our traditional folk
dances.

Nowadays, folk dancing has been increasing in popularity. There are numerous fascinating
Philippine dances which have already been documented and performed not only in school but also in
various dance groups, both for amateurs and professionals

Furtheremore, the Bayanihan, Filipinescas, Filipiniana, Barangay, Pamon Obusan Folkloric

dance troups have performed outside the country their success obtain admiration and appreciation of
Filipino culture through dances from foreigners. Thus, they have brought pride and prestige to the
country.

VALUES DERIVED FROM STUDYING PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES

1. Strengthen patriotism and nationalism
2. Appreciate the aesthetic Value of the Philippine folk dance
3. Preserve the Filipino heritage through folk dancing
4. Promote the Filipino culture through folk dancing.
5. Gain healthy posture through grace and rhythmic coordination of body movement
6. Provide a healthy form of relaxation and recreational

CHARACTERISTICS OF PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES

Philippine Folk dances are described in terms of the following:
1. Dancers stand apart.
2. Partners stay apart at 6’ away.
3. There is little, if any, bodily contact.
4. Most of the dancers are in long formation.
5. Most of the dancers are done by pair or couple.
6. Hand movements play an important part.
7. Most dances begin and end with “saludo”.
8. Dance from the lowlands have more foreign elements than those found in the uplands.
9. War dancers are found among non-Christian Tribes.

DO’s IN FOLK DANCING

Folk Dancing will require the following tips:
1. Dance in natural, simple and direct manner.
2. Dance with ease and smoothness.
 3. Use the proper costumes for dance.
4. Follow directions and dance instructions as closely as possible
5. Dance with feeling and expression.

FUNDAMENTAL DANCE POSITION

Feet position Arms Position
1st Position – Heels close, toes open the 1st Position – Arms raised and
encircled in front hanging naturally
2 Position – Open Position with heels in line
nd
2nd Position – Arms raised
sideward at waist level with a graceful
curve
3rd Position – Heel of one foot at in-step 3rd Position – One arm raised as
in 2 , other arm
nd
of the other foot
raised overhead
4th Position – Onefoot forward with heel of front foot 4th Position- Arms bent
forward at chest level, in line with the big toe of the rear foot
other arm raised overhead
5th Position – Both arms raised overhead 5th Position – Heel of one front
foot close to big
toe of rear foot

DANCE TERMS
1. “Abrasete” – Girl at the 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.“Bilao” – To turn palms of hands up and down alternately, hands at waist level in front, elbows
close to waist.
4.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.
5. 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.
6.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.
7.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.
8.Cut – To displace quickly one foot with other, thus completely taking off the weight of the body
from the displaced foot.
9.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 passes each other’s left (or
right) side to proper places. This is of foreign origin and is used in many Philippine dances.
10.“Hayon-Hayon” – To place one forearm in front and the other at the back of the waist. This is a Visayan
term.
11.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).
12.“Jaleo” – Partners turn once around clockwise (with R elbows almost touching) or counterclockwise (with
L elbows almost touching) using walking or any kind of dance step. The hands near each other are on
waists. This is a Tagalog term but of Spanish origin.
13.Jump – Spring on one foot or both feet, landing on both in any direction.
14.“Kumintang” – Moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This is
an Ilocano term.
15.Leap – A spring from one foot, landing on the other foot in any direction (forward, backward, sideward,
oblique)
16.Outside Foot – The foot away from one’s partner, when partners stand side by side.
17.Outside Hand -- The hand away from one’s partner, when partners stand side by side.
18.Place – To put foot in a certain or desired position without putting weight on it. The sole of the foot rests
on the floor.
19.Point – Touch the floor lightly with the toes of one foot, weight of the body on the other foot.
20.“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.
21.“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.
22.“Sarok” (or “Saroc”) – 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.
23.Slide – To glide foot smoothly along the floor. The movement may be finished with or without transfer of
weight.
24.Stamp – To bring down the foot forcibly and noisily on the floor (like doing a heavy step) with or without
transfer of weight.
25.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.
26.Tap – To rap 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.
27.Whirl – To make fast turns by executing small steps in place to right or left.
DANCE STEPS
The traditional dance steps used in one folk dance are really combinations of the basic movements. It is noted that there
are some dance steps which can be performed with any kind of music.

DANCE STEPS STEP PATTERN AND COUNTING NO. OF MEASURES

1. Touch step Point, close 1M

2. Bleking step Heel place, close 1M
3. Close step Step, close 1M
4. Hop Step Step, hop 1M
5. Slide step Slide, close 1M
6. Change step Step, close, step 1M
7. Cross change step Cross-step, close, step 1M
8. Contraganza Leap, cross-step, step 1M
9. Plain Polka Step, close, step, pause 1M
10. Hop Polka Hop-step, close, step, pause 1M
Step, step, step, (and so on with
11. Mincing steps tiny steps)
12. Shuffling steps Slide, slide, slide (and so on…)
13. Chasing steps Step, close, step, close (and so
on….)
14. Korriti Cross-step, step, cross-step,
step (so on….)
15. Native waltz Step, close, step (in place)
16. Cross waltz Cross-step, close, step
17. waltz balance Step, close-heels raise, heels
down
18. Mazurka Slide, cut, hop
19. Sway balance with a point Step, cross-step, step, point
20. Sway balance with a raise Step, cross-step, step, raise
21 Sway balance with a brush Step, cross-step, step, brush
22. Sway with a close Step, cross-step, step, close

HISTORY OF SOCIAL DANCE

Social dance has probably existed in some form since the beginning of human society. This is simply a group
dancing for pleasure or recreation. Most group dances were originally ceremonial rites categorized from three basic steps
of human existence: food supply, sexual impulse and relationship with the spirit world.

Throughout the Renaissance Period and the 16th century, social dance became more firly ensconced in the urts
with partners constantly changing, filling the ballroom with emerged squre formation like the cotillion and quandrille,
wherein dancers septimatically dressed up in formal attire.
 Advancing technology and two world wars so continuously restructuredlife in the 20 th century that social dance
has been changing constantly. The flapper was born as well as the Charleston; the jitterbug burst from the swing
improvisions of the 1930’s and 1940’s.

Ballroom dancing originated in England in the 18th and 19th century’s balls and social events. While these parties
were attended only by the affluent, by the late 19th and early 20th century, ballrrom became popular to the general public
too.

The word ‘Ball’ is derived from the latin word “bolare” meaning “to dance”. The word “ballroom” denotes a room
where balls may be held, that is, formal social dances. Balls were important social events in the days before radio and
television. Ballroom competitions become popular in the 20’s and the ballroom branch of the imperial society of teachers
of dancing was formed. Its mission was to standardize the music, steps and technique of ballroom dancing everywhere.

Dance competitions have kept ballroom dancing alive and popular. It is interesting that in 1995, the Olympic
Committee granted provisional recognition to Ballroom Dancing or “Dance Sport”. The international recognized world
Ballroom dancing Championship is the BRITISH OPEN DANCE CHAMPIOSHIPS, held annually in Black Pool England.

COMON DANCE TERMS, HOLD AND POSITION IN BALLROOM

1. AMATURE DANCER- a person whom dancing is a hobby and who does not seek financial gain from teaching or
performing of dance.
2. ARM STYLING- position and movement of the arm, reflecting the style of the character and the style of the dance.
3. BASIC FIGURE- a standardized step pattern, which together with other pattern constitute the basics of a dance.
4. CHOREOGRAPHY-a creation or compilation of steps, patterns and movements which make up the dance or a
dance routine.
5. DANCE SPORT- the official name given to the sport of competitive ballroom dancing. Relates to the more athletic
form of ballroom dancing.
6. FIGURE- a standardized step pattern that, together with the other patterns, constitute the dance.
7. HIP MOTION- a very general term to mean any type of hip movement used in Latin dancing.
8. LINE DANCING- a type of non partner dancing where everyone starts in he line and learns a set pattern that
repeats over and over again throughout the music.
9. NATURAL TURN- any dance pattern that turns to the right.
10. STEP- frequently used to mean the same as figure or pattern.
11. VARIATIONS- a varied or more advanced pattern than the corresponding basic figure which instill contains tha
same main elements.

REMINDERS TO GOOD DANCING

The following should be considered to execute a good dance.
1. Keep the body in upright position to show - self confidence.
2. Step slightly on your toes and do not drag the feet.
3. Swing your legs from the hips.
4. Walk backward smoothly without looking at the floor. Girls usually step backward first.
5. Bend from the hip when executing a ‘dip”.
6. Keep a balance position so that one can control his movement.
7. Relax as one moves with ease, listen and enjoy the music as well as the dance.