Module 2.

Dance

OBJECTIVES:

1. Identify and describe the role and purpose of dance from different cultures and/or

time periods.

2. Recognize and analyze how the elements of dance are used to create and preserve

histories of cultures.

3. To experiment creating actions and performing movements with different body part.

Dance

Refers to movement set to music where there emerges organization, structure and

pattern.

It is a composition that implies arrangement of parts into a form.

Dancing

It is a means of expressing one’s emotions through movement disciplined by rhythm.

It is an act of moving rhythmically and expressively to an accompaniment.

The word dancing came from an old German word “danson” which means to

“ stretch”.

Essentially, all dancing is made up of stretching and relaxing.

ELEMENTS OF DANCE

Space - the space we move through as we dance.

Shape - the design of the body: open/closed, symmetrical/asymmetrical, angular/curved

(individual and group shapes)

Focus – audience (where viewer’s eye is drawn) dancer (single focus looking in direction
of movement; multi-focus – changing head/eye focus during movements).

Size - use of size in given space or range of motion.

Level - the vertical distance from the floor (high, medium or low)

Direction - forward, backwards, up, down, diagonal.

Pathways - patterns we make as we move across the floor: straight, curved

Time - the relationship of one movement to another.

Rhythm - a pattern of beats.

Tempo – steady beat, fast or slow (the speed of the movement)

Duration - the length of time the movement lasts.

Pulse - accented beat or heartbeat of the rhythm.

Phrases - longer sequences of movement

PHASES OF THE DANCE PROGRAM

1. Creative Rhythms

Are sometimes called fundamental rhythms or

natural dances.

A creative rhythm is an end product of

exploration and improvisation of movements

as children learn to move the parts of their

body and to use them as instruments of expression.

It is an activities expressed by rhythmic creative body movements in music accompanied,

and body movements of children creatively expressing external morphology (external

sound) and state of motion for specific things on the basis of self-observation, imitation,

understanding and imagination.

Types of Creative Rhythms:

1. Fundamental Motor Rhythms

2. Expressive Movement - movements that demonstrate different aspects of force,

gestures that depicts different feelings.

a. Animal

b. People

c. Play-Objects

d. Make Believe World

3. Dramatization - many rhythmic movements are fine vehicles for group development.

a. Building a house, garage or another project.

b. Flying a kite, going camping.

c. Interpreting Familiar Stories - Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Little Riding Hood.

d. Household Task - washing clothes, picking fruits, ironing clothes, etc.

e. Machines

f. Circus

g. Nature

h. Celebrating Holidays or Sports Activities -

Christmas, Flores de Mayo, Independence Day, etc.

Benefits of creative movement includes:

1. Helps develop body control.

2. Able to respond to music and rhythm.

3. Gain coordination and balance through varied movements.

4. Encourages to express their creativity in physical ways.

5. Learn that movement can communicate actions and ideas.

2. Folk/ Ethnic dance

It is a cultural art form handed down from generation to generations.

It communicates the customs, beliefs, rituals, and occupations of the people of a region or

country.

Folk dancing belongs to the people. It emanates from them.

Ethnic tribes have their specific tribal art forms originated and danced by the people of

the tribe.

Examples of folk dances are the rural and country dances, Jotas, Mazurkas,

Pandanggos, among others with foreign influence.

Examples of ethnic dances are the dances of the mountain peoples of the

Cordilleras, dances of the ethnic groups in the Cagayan Valley Region and

the ethnic dances in the Mindanao Regions.

 3.Social and Ballroom Dance

The setting of the social and ballroom dance is a social

gathering with the more formal atmosphere than the

simple and informal parties in which the recreational

dances are the usual forms.

Social and ballroom dancing are generally held in the

evenings.

The participants are usually in formal attire.

Social dancing is a non-competitive version of ballroom and Latin dances.

It is comprised of all the same dances, like Foxtrot, Tango, Swing, or Cha-Cha, but

designed to be used in practical settings like wedding receptions, nightclubs, business

functions, or informal gatherings.

Social dancing is less formal that exhibition dancing and is meant to be enjoyed while
socializing.

Important Skills for Good Social Dancing

1. Leading and Following

The most important skill for good social dancing.

This is the non-verbal communication from the leader to the follower indicating the
direction, timing, and style, among other things.

2. Posture and Dance Frame

If Leading and Following is a message, then good posture and dance frame are the
antenna broadcasting the signal.

3. Multi-Tasking

Social dancing is having the ability to converse while dancing.

Being able to multi-task, like chatting about work or the weather while Waltzing, takes

some practice but allows dancing to develop into natural use much quicker.
Competitive Ballroom Dances:

Standard/Smooth Dances

1. Waltz

2. Viennese Waltz

3. Tango

4. Foxtrot

5. Quickstep

Latin/Rhythm Dances

1. Pasodoble

2. Spanish Bolero

3. Cuban Bolero

4. Samba

5. Rhumba

6. Mambo

7. Cha Cha

8. East Coast Swing

9. Jive

Types of Social and Ballroom Dances

1. Samba

The national dance of Brazil.

It is a bold, dramatic and very energetic dance and samba’s vertical bounce action makes
it unique.

A bouncy dance that is partnered for competitions, but as the national dance of Brazil, it

is solo.

2. Quickstep

This dance is inspired by the foxtrot and takes on a much quicker tempo as the name.

The quickest dance style and it is all about moving energetically across the floor with hops,
skips and flicks.
3. Jive

A spicy swing dance set to big band music in which the man leads and the women
encourage more men to ask them to dance.

A very happy, boppy, energetic dance, with plenty of knee-lifting, bending, and rocking of
the hips.

The fastest of the Latin dances, incorporates lots of kicks and flicks, even twirling of the
woman, and doesn't move around the dance floor like other dances.

4. Foxtrot

It is a progressive dance.

Designed to be very smooth,comes with continual flowing movements.

It is danced to the big band music, especially vocals and was created during the 1910s,
and it reached its peak in the 30s.

There are still lots of people that practice it now because it’s very distinctive and fun.

Considered the standard of social dances, the elegant foxtrot provides a solid foundation
for all dances and is often called the “get acquainted” dance.

5. Waltz

The waltz from German word Walzer meaning "to roll or revolve".

It is a ballroom and folk dance, normally in triple time and performed primarily in closed
position.

It is considered the mother of modern-day dances.

Its beautiful sweeping movement allows dancers to practice balance and control.

This dance is very slow and elegant and the main technique is rise and fall throughout.

A. Viennese Waltz

A quicker waltz that incorporates continuous turning around the floor.

6. Rumba

Also spelled as Rhumba.

A ballroom dance of Afro-Cuban folk-dance origin that became internationally popular in

the early 20th century.

Best known for the dancers' subtle side to side hip movements with the torso erect.

The danced with a basic pattern of two quick side steps and a slow forward step.

Very intense and it comes with a wide range of musical styles and a combination of

Afro-Cuban Rhythms, American big band music and some other influences.

It is slow and romantic and will develop rhythm, timing, and muscular control.
7. Swing

A group of dances that developed with the swing style of jazz music in the 1920’s to 40’s.

The origins of each dance predating the popular swing era and referred to the style of jazz

music which inspired the evolution of the dance.

It is a popular social dance characterized by lifts, spins and flips and it is an upbeat, lively
and a lot of fun.

It includes some basic steps and then dancers have creative freedom to make it their own.

A. East Coast Swing

It is the peak of social dancing for a lot of people.

It is great because it works with all kinds of music such as 50s music, country music, rock,
pop, and big band music.

In early 20th century bandleader Benny Goodman played a Fletcher Henderson

arrangement of “Stompin’ at the Savoy” and Swing was born.

This uniquely American dance is sophisticated, carefree and fun.

B. West Coast Swing

Originated in state of dance of California.

It is playful, versatile, and allows dancers to develop their versatility and self-expression a

very popular dance in the southwest and is well-suited to a nightclub or country western

setting.

8. Cha-Cha/Cha-cha-cha

A dance coming from Cuba and it has a great rhythm to it.

Has many characteristics but the primary one is that you have three consecutive quick

steps as you dance and move around with your partner.

It is very creative and one of the most interesting social dances and one of the most
popular Latin dances in the U.S.A.

The infections beat of the Cha-Cha makes it fast, fun and flirty.
9. Salsa

It is a social dance that originates from Cuban folk dances.

The movements are a combination of:

a. Danzon

b. Bombva

c. Mambo

d. Rumba

e. Son

It is great for all kinds of Latin music and extremely versatile.

10. Merengue

Merengue in French Mérengue.

A couple dance originated in Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Strongly influenced by Venezuelan and Afro-Cuban musical practices and by dances

throughout Latin America.

Originally it is a rural folk dance and later a ballroom dance.

It is a danced with a limping step, the weight always on the same foot and the music is in

4/4 time with three sections like paseo, merengue, and jaleo.

There are several varieties some with other names like jaleo and juangomero.

It is easy to follow and lead and one of the simplest dances to learn.

This dance with lots of spins and turns, so it requires a bit of adaptability.

Fast-paced and sexy, its uncomplicated, compact steps make it perfect for a small dance

floor.

If you don’t know how to dance or you just got started Merengue helps you a lot.

11. Mambo

Originated from Cuba in the 1930s and a dance enjoyed throughout the world both social
and competitive dance levels.

It is a favorite of ballroom audiences because of its high energy level and infectious
rhythms.

The dance originated as a mixture of Afro-Caribbean and Latin American cultures.

It is a fast, sexy, and unique in its timing and enhance ability to “hear” the music and to
develop self-expression.
12. Tango

Originated from the streets of 18th century Buenos Aires in Argentina and Montevideo in
Uruguay.

It is a favorite dance of the European immigrants, former slaves, working and lower
classes of people.

It is a light-spirited variety of flamenco, merged with the milonga, a fast, sensual, and
disreputable Argentine dance; it also shows possible influences from the Cuban habanera.

The quick rise in its popularity enabled this famous dance to quickly expand out of South
America, becoming a commonplace in Europe, North America and the rest of the world.

The dance remains one of the most popular dances in the entire world.

13. Bolero

The dance originated in Spain and has several unique aspects and was developed in 18th
century.

It can danced to guitar and castanets.

Sebastiano Carezo is credited with the original Spanish Dance.

A similar dance style appeared in Cuba and different dance forms developed.

The dancers either singly or as couples and execute brilliant and intricate steps to the
rhythmic accompaniment of their castanets.

Distinctive features of bolero:

a. Paseo (“walk”)

b. Bien Parado (“sudden stop”)

c. Various Beating Steps (battements)

It is the slowest of the rhythm dances and has a very graceful way of moving with rise and
fall and lots of shaping.

14. Paso Doble

It was invented in Southern France and it is a march-like steps were used in the military,
coined “Paso Redoble”.

The steps easily travelled to Spain because of their close proximity.

Beginning in the 18th century.

The dance was played during the matador's entrance into the bullring.

The man dances as he was a bull and the woman as she was a bullfighter.
 4. Recreational Dance

Includes dance mixers, square dance

round and couple dances.

Many of these dances have simple patterns and

combinations of walking steps, polka step

and the waltz step.

The setting is usually informal gatherings and parties, reunions etc.

Many types of dance are popular including:

1.Traditional Set and Step Dancing

a. Highland Dancing
b. Cape Breton Step Dance

2. Ballroom Dancing
a. Samba
b. Tango

3. Urban Dance
a. Hip-Hop
b. Raves

5. Creative Dance

Is the highest form of dance.

It is the end-product of exploration and

improvisation of movements as the dancer or the
choreographer expresses his feelings or emotions,
ideas, and interpretations.

This is a dance with a definite form, a beginning

and an ending.

The principles of art form are all observed in the

composition of the dance.

Examples of creative dance are ballet, jazz,and

modern or contemporary dance.
A. Ballet Dance

An art form created by the movement of the human body.

It is a theatrical performed on a stage to an audience utilizing costumes, scenic design

and lighting.

It can tell a story or express a thought, concept or emotion and can be done in magical,
exciting, provoking or disturbing.

Types of Ballet

A. Story Ballet

It is a dance tell a story.

They contain narrative action, characters, a beginning and an end.

a. Nutcracker
b. Sleeping Beauty

They are famous story ballets from the 19th century.

Classic stories and novels transformed into ballet dance:

a. The Great Gatsby
b. The Three Musketeers

B. Plotless Ballet

The dance without storyline and they use the movement of the body and theatrical
elements to interpret music,create an image or express or provoke emotion.

George Balanchine -a prolific creator of plotless ballets.

B. Neo-Classical Ballet
It was introduced in the 20th century by choreographers like George Balanchine.

It generally includes:

a. increased speed, energy and attack

b. manipulation of the classical form
c. asymmetry, an off-balance feel
d. non-narrative, often one-act ballets
e. pared-down aesthetic with simple
sets and costumes

C. Contemporary Ballet

It is influenced by modern dance.

Renowned contemporary ballet choreographers include Twyla Tharp, Jiří Kylián, Paul
Taylor, William Forsythe and Dwight Rhoden.

In contemporary ballet includes:

a. floor work
b. turn-in of the legs
c. greater range of movement and body line
d. pointe shoes but also bare feet
B. Jazz Dance

It is a social dance style that emerged at the turn of the 20th century when African
American dancers began blending traditional African steps with European styles of
movement.

It was born through intimate religious and social gatherings, it has always had a
performative feel.

The African dances that built the foundation of Jazz were explosive, grounded, sensuous,
and rhythmic.

Jazz music and dance was centered around improvisation and a call and response format
that allowed dancers to create a conversation between the musicians, the instruments,
and their bodies.

Few Jazz Dance Moves:

Ball Change - a quick transfer of weight from one foot to the other.

Box Step/Jazz Square - a four-step movement in which the dancer steps across, back, to
the side, and then to the front, making a square pattern on the floor.

Chassé - step out in any direction in plié, then jump and “chase” the first leg with the
second, landing on the first leg like a gallop with pointed toes.

Charleston - a popular move in which the weight is shifted from one leg to another, with
the free leg being kicked out either forward or backward at an oblique angle.

Jazz Pas de Bourée - a move where the weight is transferred quickly from one foot to the
other in three steps.

C. Modern or Contemporary Dance

Modern Dance

The style completely devoid of all the restrictions imposed by classical ballet,the body
moves with free interpretations originating from the inner emotions of the dancer.

The dance steps also include techniques of classical dance, modern and postmodern,
without depriving the dancers of being able to use their artistic and creative skills to
express themselves and convey emotions.

Contemporary Dance

It is a genre of concert dance dating back to the 20th century, it can be defined an
evolution of modern dance and ballet, the latter strictly non-classical.

This kind of dance includes different techniques such as floor work, fall, recovery,
improvisation and even the integration of disciplines such as yoga, pilates and martial
arts.
Differences:

Although they are two seemingly very similar dance styles, in these forms of modern
dance there are very obvious differences.

Modern dance is a style deprived of the restrictions of classical ballet that focuses on free
interpretations derived from inner emotions.

Contemporary dance is a specific genre of concert dance that concerns

non-choreographic movements influenced by compositional philosophy.

Modern dance was born before contemporary dance and focuses mainly on the emotions
of dancers, while the second, focuses on creating new techniques and styles.

The choreography of the various styles of modern dances is aimed mainly at the use of
gravity,which is probably due to the greater influence of ballet and jazz, while
contemporary dance has much more fluid and light elements that further emphasize the
connection between the body and the mind.

D. Tap Dance

A style of dance in which a dancer wearing shoes fitted with heel and toe taps sounds out
audible beats by rhythmically striking the floor or any other hard surface.

Tap dances like "The Essence of Old Virginia," originally a rapid and pigeon-toed dance
performed on the minstrel stage, was slowed down and popularized in the 1870s by the
African-American minstrel Billy Kersands.

6. Festival Dance

A cultural dances performed to the strong beats of

percussion instruments by a community of people
sharing the same culture usually done in honor of a
Patron Saint or in thanksgiving of a bountiful harvest.

It is a religious or secular in nature.

The best thing about festivals is add merry-making and festivities where they are
celebrated.

It is to draw the people’s culture by portraying the people’s ways of life through
movements, costumes and implements inherent to their place of origin.

A celebration of unity amidst the diversity of cultures and we celebrate our industry
bringing about a bountiful harvest.

A consistent crowd-producing activity leading to upliftment of a community’s economy

due to its tourism and entertainment value.

A form of entertainment that attract foreign and domestic tourists to visit a place
eventually leading to the elevation of quality of life.

It is done to honor a religious icon or celebrate our industry.

A reflection of the unity of the community that despite the economic, social,
environmental, cultural and political challenges.
Festivals Dance in the Philippines

Offer people a chance to exhibit their rich culture

and pay homage to the history and patron saints.

It is a vibrant, big, and celebrated with a lot of

pomp and show and each province has its own
Filipino Fiesta that they are very proud of.

Tourists from all over the world visit the Philippines not just to see its beautiful beaches
and breathtaking sights, but also to experience the country’s grand festivals. (More Fun in
the Philippines)

Two Types of Festival Dance

1. Religious Festivals

Dedicated for patrons, gods, saints and others related to any religion.

Sinulog Festival - Cebu City

Dinagyang Festival - Iloilo City

Ati-atihan Festival - Kalibo, Aklan

Peňafrancia- Bicol Virgin Mary

Higantes Festival - Angono, Rizal

Longganisa Festival - Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Kinabayo Festival - Dapitan City

Pintados Festival - Passi City, Iloilo

Pattarradday Festival - Santiago City

Sangyaw Festival - Tacloban City

2. Secular/Non-Religious Festivals

An opposite of religious festival maybe celebration of people's industry and bountiful

harvest.

Bangus Festival - Dagupan, Pangasinan Milkfish Industry

Bambanti Festival - Isabela Scarecrow (Farming)

Mammangui Festival - City of Ilagan Corn Industry

Mango Festival - Iba, Zambales Mango Industry

Panagbenga Festival - Baguio City Flower Industry

Ibon Ebon Festival - Pampanga Migratory Birds Egg Industry

Masskara - Bacolod City Mask (Sugar Industry)

T’nalak - Koronadal, Cotabato Colorful Abaca
Ammungan Festival - Nueva Vizcaya Gathering of Tribal Industries

Binatbatan Festival - Vigan, Ilocos Sur Weaving Industry

Formations commonly used in rhythmic activities:

1. Single circle, facing clockwise

2. Single circle partners facing

3. Single circle, facing counterclockwise

4. Single circle, facing center

5. Double circle, partners facing

6. Double circle, facing clockwise

7. Double circle, couples facing

8. Square or quadrille formation

9. Semi-circle or half moon

10. Double lines, facing front

11. Double lines, partners facing

12. Long open formation