PEHLTH 320
Dance was not just for religious and military
Dance: An Introduction
LESSON 1: Dance from the Past
What Is Dance?
Dance comes from the German word damson,
which means “to stretch or “to drag”. It developed
as a natural expression of united feeling and action.
Dance is considered the mirror of the society
because it responds to historical and religious
events as well as social and political statements.
History and Development of Dance from the
Different Periods
Dance During the Prehistoric Period
 It had been a major form of religious ritual and
social expression within primitive culture.
 It was used as a way of expression and
reinforcing tribal unity and strength.
 It is based on superstition and infused with
magic. Shamans as lead dancers acted as
physicians and religious leaders and kept tribes
healthy, prosperous and safe.
Dance During the Ancient Civilization
 Ancient Egypt.
3,300 BCE (First Dancing).
 As a way of expressing religious service and
teaching ancient myth, three (3) major dancers
were evolved:
(1) the king;
(2) the priests who performed magical dances;
(3) virgin dancers who were trained to perform
during ceremonies led by the priests.
 Ancient Crete
1. The Cretan civilization (3000-1400 BC) was a
cultural link in the ancient world between
Egyptians and Greeks.
2. Cretans used dance to perfect their military
training which made excellent.
 Ancient Greece
1.
training but also a form of entertainment and
display.
2. Plato immensely gave importance to dance in
education as stated in the education on the
Laws. He highlighted the two kinds of dance
and music: the noble (fin and honorable) and
the ignoble (imitating what is mean or ugly)
 Ancient Rome.
1. Gave less importance to dancing which
eventually became an integral part of the
corruption in the latter days of the Roman
Empire resulting in the condemnation of dance
by early Christians. 
2. Dance was primarily performed for religious,
social and entertainment. However, theatrical
entertainment was prohibited but still existed
and was performed within church during
religious ceremonies.
Dance During the Middle Ages and The
Renaissance
1. 1400 (Ballet Comes into Play)
2. A vast dance movement occurred throughout
the courts of Europe in the 15th and 16th
centuries.
3. Several other dance forms continued to sprout
and spread across several countries.
Dancing toward the 21st Century
Dance During the Late 16th and 17th Centuries
(1501-1700)
1. 1600 (Masque Dancing).
2. Dance increased as a court amusement and
later transformed into
Dance During the 18th Century (1701-1800)
1. 1795 (Classical Persian Dancing).
2. 1800 (Tippity Tappity, Time for Tap).
Dance During the 19th Century (1801-1900)
1. 1890 (Merengue Dancing).
2. 1900 (Jazz and Acro)
3. Ballroom dances also emerged during this
period like Cotillion, Polonaise, Quadrille, Waltz
and Polka.
20th Century Dances (1901-2000)
1. Described as a period of “dance fever” wherein
the young and old alike were not limited to
express emotions through dance.1900 (Jazz
and Acro)
2. 1950 (Contemporary Dance).
3. 1970 (Hip Hop Dance).
21st Century Dance (2001- Present)
1. 2018 (Dance Nowadays)
Health-Related Fitness (HRF) and
FITT Principles
The Health-Related Fitness Components
1. Cardiovascular endurance
2. Muscular strength
3. Muscular endurance
4. Flexibility
5. Body composition
Getting FITT with Dance
Frequency (How Often)

Intensity (How Hard)

Time (How Long)

Type (What Kind)