Module 5

SOCIAL DANCE

Intended Learning Outcome:

At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
A. Define Social dances
B. Know the historical background of Social Dance/ballroom
dance
C. Understand why the social dance enjoyment

Ballroom Dances

Popular couple dances without set patterns are classified as social and ballroom dances. Most social dances
are characterized by the man leading and the woman partner following whatever steps, styling, and rhythmic
variations he chooses and indicates.

Social dances are usually done to introduce people with one another during a formal social gathering or to
welcome guests to a social gathering. Many of the social dances like polka and mazurka started as folk dances
while some were deliberately designed for its social purpose, such as the waltz, regoudon and polonaise (Nimor,
2006). Social dancing is believed to have existed since the beginning of human society in some forms.

Ballroom dancing has lots of benefits for young people. It is less threatening to their young developing bodies
compared to many sports such as football, basketball and hockey that endanger forming cartilage, break bones
and in some cases disfigurement cause by various swinging sticks and equipment. Ballroom dancing provides
general conditioning for the body. Mentally, it stretches the thinking and the “do – it” abilities of the young. The
sense of achievement is a confidence builder. Teamwork of couples is more stimulating to concentration and
learning. For older groups, competitive dancing is an excellent learning achievement and self-confidence.
Socially, the young people have an opportunity to interrelate with others, especially the opposite sex, in a setting
that includes discipline and emphasis on courtesy and consideration for others. Ballroom dancing provides
lesson on social skills that will be beneficial to the youth for the rest of their lives.

Ballroom dance training offers unique advantages. It is not only a rhythmical exercise that adds life, graceful
muscular movements but it is also a group recreation. A child who has learned ballroom dancing gains not only
improved posture and coordination but ease in relationships with companions. Dancing is one means of instilling
graceful body coordination, it is also a muscular activity that brings social ease. A girl who has learned to be a
good ballroom dancer never fades into a wall flower. A Boy who can dance is spared from many agonies of a
teenage self – consciousness. Children who dance well are popular, ones instilled, those ingredients of a good
manners are never forgotten. Ballroom dancing offers more than mere steps it includes charm of manners and
consideration of others.

Ballroom dancing - any of a variety of social dances performed by couples in a ballroom.

The term 'ballroom dancing' is derived from the word ball, which in turn originates from the Latin
word ballare which means 'to dance' (a ballroom being a large room specially designed for such dances). In
times past, ballroom dancing was social dancing for the privileged, leaving folk dancing for the lower classes.

The History of Ballroom Dancing

The history of ballroom dancing goes back to the 15th century in Europe, during the Renaissance, when
folk dancing became popular. The structured dancing in groups led to more developments as music styles
changed and grew.
Ballroom dance styles that are now recognized as standards started in Vienna in the late 1700s with the Waltz.
This was revolutionary in that dancers remained in closed position for the entire dance. Other styles of ballroom
dance followed in European countries, such as Polka and Tango. As the trend spread to America and Latin-
influenced countries, styles such as Foxtrot, Swing, Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba and Mambo were added.
In the 1900s in America, new ballroom dance styles emerged. The Foxtrot was first, followed by the
Quickstep and Jitterbug. As music styles changed and Rock and Roll started to become popular, Jive, Swing
and the Twist were added. These dances fit in with older styles of ballroom dance because they also involve
couples dancing.
For the last 30 years or so, ballroom dancing was only something for the older generation. Lately, with
the popularity of dance reality shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance?" ballroom
dancing instruction has become popular again. Couples getting married may take lessons in ballroom dance so
they can do a couples dance at their wedding and look elegant.
Ballroom dancers can enroll in their pick of competitions, and not just on reality television. In competitive
dance, dancers learn and perfect routines in the styles of ballroom dance. The routines are judged by a panel of
judges based on poise, accuracy, expression, posture and difficulty. Dances such as Waltz require a flowing
style, while Swing has complex moves and acrobatic features. Each style of dance has its own characteristics,
all of which can be enjoyed by those who learn.
The group Dance Sport has even campaigned to make ballroom dancing an Olympic event. As of now, it has
neither been approved nor rejected.
Ballroom Dance for Social Enjoyment
Whether you learn ballroom dancing for fun or for an event, groups of people enjoy getting together and
dancing. Many dance studios and venues offer ballroom dance night, and many have a brief lesson before the
event for those who wish to brush up or learn some new steps.

Module 6
TYPES OF BALLROOM DANCE

Intended Learning Outcome:

At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
A. Define different types of Ballroom dance
B. Know and understanding the common dance terms and
Position.
C. Choreograph and perform ballroom dance

Types of Ballroom Dance

1. The Cha Cha is a lively, flirtatious ballroom dance full of passion and energy. The classic "Cuban motion"
gives the Cha Cha its unique style. Partners work together to synchronize each movement in perfect
alignment.
2. The Foxtrot is a ballroom dance that is lots of fun and simple to learn...an excellent dance for beginners.
The Foxtrot is a smooth dance in which dancers make long, flowing movements across the floor.
3. Jive is a ballroom dance style that originated in the United States from African-Americans. It is a lively
form of Swing dance, and a variation of the Jitterbug.
4. The Lindy Hop is the ballroom dance considered to be the father of all Swing dances. It is known for its
unique, athletic style, and often contains aerial jumps, twists and flips.
5. The Mambo is one of the most sensual and emotional Latin American ballroom dances. Swaying hip
movements, facial expressions, arm movements and holds all add to the sensuality of the dance.
6. The Paso Doble is one of the liveliest ballroom dances, originating in southern France. It is modeled
after the sound, drama, and movement of the Spanish bullfight.
7. The Quickstep is a quick version of the Foxtrot. It is a ballroom dance comprised of extremely quick
stepping, syncopated feet rhythms, and runs of quick steps. The Quickstep is exciting to watch, but
among the most difficult of all the ballroom dances.
8. The Rumba is considered by many to be the most romantic and sensual of all Latin ballroom dances. It
is often referred to as the "Grandfather of the Latin dances."

COMMON DANCE TERMS

1. To Address Partner is to bow to partner. Facing partner, boys bow by bending slightly from the waist as girls
do curtsy.

Curtsy is to bend knees and body slightly with a bow of the head; the weight of the body is on one foot. One foot
crosses the other in rear.

2. An Amalgamation is a combination of two or more patterns or movements.

3. An Amateur Dancers is a person who is dancing as a hobby and who does not seek financial gain from
teaching or dancing.

4. A Ball change is a transfer of weight from the ball of one foot to the other foot.

5. A Basic figure is a standardized step pattern, which together with other constitute the basics of a dance.
6. To Brush is to lightly touch the inside edge of the supporting foot with the inside edge of the free foot between
changes of weight.

7. A Chasse is composed of three changes of weight with a close on the second and may be performed sideward
or forward.

8. A Choreography is a creation or compilation of steps, patterns and movements, which make up the dance or
a dance routine.

9. To Close is to move the free foot next to supporting foot with one change of weight.

10.A Commando is a forward or backward rock and close.

11. A Combination is a group of consecutive patterns and choreography. It is similar to amalgamation but it
sometimes involves a slightly more advanced set of patterns.

12. A Continuity Movement is the continuous passing of the step from one step to the next.
13. The Contrary body movement is the action of turning the opposite hip and shoulder toward direction of the
moving leg. It is used to begin all turning movements.

14. A Conversation is a position when partners stand side by side, right hand of the gentleman holds the lady’s
waist; L arm of the lady placed at the gentleman’s, outside arm at the side.

15. A Corte, in tango, is a stop and change of direction either forward or backward.

16. A Cuban motion is a discreet but expressive hip movement achieve by bending and straightening the knees
with carefully timed weight transfer.

17. Dance Sports is the official name given to competitive Ballroom Dancing.

18. The Floor chart is the ability of the leader to maneuver around the dance floor in a skilled and controlled
manner as to avoid colliding with the other dancers.

19. A Drop is a theatrical movement in which the follower’s body remains in contact with the floor.

20. A Fan is a half a turn done on the ball of one foot while the free foot is kept directly behind the foot on which
the turn is made.

21. A Figure is a standardized step pattern that, together with the other patterns, constitute the dance.

22. A Hip motion is a very general term to mean any type of hip movement used in Latin dancing.

23. A Pivot is a turning movement during which the free foot is kept either in front or directly behind the foot on
which the turn is made.

24. A Spin is a turn done in place using both feet, usually done as a couple.

25. Variation is a varied or more advanced pattern than the corresponding basic figure, which still contains the
same main elements.

DANCE POSITION

Ballroom or Social Dance Position – partners stand face to face, shoulders and hips parallel. Boys R hand is
placed around Girl’s waist. Girl’s L hand rests lightly against his R shoulders. Boy’s L hand is raised to the side
holding the Girl’s R hand. The fingers of her R hand rest lightly in the palm of the Boy’s L.

Open or Conversation Position – partners stand side by side, both facing the same direction. Girl R of partner.
Boy’s R is around Girl’s waist in back. Girl’s L hand rest lightly on Boy’s R shoulder. Outside hands may be joined
with arms extended forward or the outside hands maybe on hips or side.

Shoulder – Waist Position – partners face each other. Boy’s places hands on Girl’s waist. Girl’s hands are on
the Boy’s shoulders.
Cross – Hold Position – partners stand face to face, R hand joined over L hands, extended about waist level.

Promenade Position – partners stand side by side, both facing on the same direction. Girl at R of partner. The
hand crossed in front, R hands joined over L.

Schottische Position – partners stand side by side, Girl to R of Boy both facing the same direction. Boy’s R
arm around Girl’s waist, her L arm shoulder behind his R shoulder, her L hand resting lightly on that shoulder,
free hands on waist.

Varsovienne Position – partners stand side by side, girls stands to the R and slightly in front of Boy. Boy
reaches R arm over the girl’s R shoulder and takes her R hand in his, his L holds her L a little above his L
shoulder.

Swing is a rhythmic rotation of a couple performed with a walking step or shift steps.

Elbow Swing – hook designated elbows firmly of the hand carried at the height of the locked elbows. While
swinging, pull away from partner at shoulders.

One Hand Swing – with the elbow bent and down, join the designated hands at shoulder height. In balancing
“pull against pull” while swinging, apply pressure against the thumbs and heels of hands, pulling away at
shoulders.

Two – Hand Swing – Boy present hands at shoulder height with palms up, elbows close to sides and should
support while balancing “pull against pull” leaning away at shoulders.

Waist Swing – In a modified closed ballroom dance positions with R foot and hips adjacent the support weight
of the body on the R foot swing, balance “pull against pull”, leaning away from partners at shoulder.
Hungarian or Russian Swing – dancers stand facing in opposite direction with R (L) hips adjacent, each R (L)
arm around each other’s waist in front, on partners hip, L(R) arm curved overhead, both lean slightly away from
each other when turning.

Star post – Partners are in opposite directions, their right hands holding each other, lady facing away from
audience; while gentleman faces the audience.

Challenge position- Partners face each other about a step apart without touching.

Cuddle or skating position – Woman is at man’s left or right side, both facing the same direction; one arm of
man is across woman’s back.

Module 7
SOCIAL DANCE GUIDELINES

Intended Learning Outcome:

At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
A. Appreciate the importance of proper Dance Etiquette in social
dancing.
B. Perform the basic steps of waltz and apply the proper etiquette in
social dancing.
C. Identify the proper Dance Etiquette in social dancing.

SOCIAL DANCE GUIDELINES

Practice correct dancing position even without a partner.

• Maintain a good standing position. Bring out the best in your look.
• Keep your weight over the balls of your feet to make you feel quicker and lighter, and place your
weight even on the soles of your shoes. No weight on the heel.
• Maintain the habit of keeping feet close together unless you are taking a definite step. Feet apart are
not a pretty sight.
• For a graceful dancing, always turn your toes out, not in.
• When dancing with a partner, adapt a comfortable position for both of you; not too close and not too
far.
• Don’t lean forward or backward. Just assume a natural comfortable dancing companion.
• When facing the audience, the lady is at the right side of the male.

SOCIAL DANCE ETIQUETTE

1. Do not teach your partner on the dance floor.

2. Anticipate the next step.
3. be confident strive to become a proficient dancer.
4. Don’t show off.
5. Find mutual topics of interest for conversation, never gossip.

Dancing Personalities

Dancing is an expression of one’s personality. We can read one’s personality and character by the way he
dances. Traits such as timidity, aggressiveness, and consideration for others, arrogance, and other
characteristics are revealed when people dance.

1. Dancers who loves themselves--- point their toes too gracefully.

2. The cuddly couples--- are fun to watch if they are not related to you.

3. The bully type--- meanders around the dance floor, pushing his partner into everything that comes his way.

4. The casual dancers--- girl show that sloppy I don’t care posture and the man just shuffling along.

5. The possessive man--- holds tightly on his partner’s back. His posture is crouching as though ready for a
springing pounce.

1. The jealous girl--- clings to her partner like a glue, looks up in his eyes and is always tremendously attentive.

2. The timid souls--- could almost sink to the floor if you stare at them. Males have an apologetic manner and
takes faltering steps, barely touches his partner. He is hard to follow because he is too shy to lead. The girls
of this type take uncertain steps, droop their arms and get an until-death-do-us part grip on their partner.

In common usage, Ballroom dance refers to the ten dances of International Standard and International
Latin, though the term is also often used interchangeably with International standard dances.
International Style

International Standard dances are normally performed with Western Music. A couple dances counter clockwise
around a rectangular floor following the line of dance.

Costume

Women – full gown Men - bow tie and tail coats or tuxedos, vest

Dances:
1. Slow Waltz
2. Tango
3. Viennese Waltz
4. Slow Foxtrot
5. Quick step

International Latin Dances are performed with contemporary Latin American Music and with the exception
of a few traveling dances.

Costume

Women – Short skirted Latin outfits, Gown / Latin gown/ Night Gown or any kinds of Gown
Shoes: Close or Open Shoes with height heels

Men - outfitted in tight fitting shirts and pants, Shirt/ cotton shirt
Shoes: Close Shoes with 1 to 2 height heels

Module 8
MODERN DANCE

Intended Learning Outcome:

At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
A. Discus the rise of modern dance in America
B. Recognize how different dancers and choreographers contributed to
the landscape of dance
C. Analyze how modern dance has developed alongside other art
forms
D. Choreograph and perform modern dance

Modern Dance
Modern is a term used to describe contemporary dance. Centers on a dancer's own interpretations
instead of structured steps, as in traditional ballet dancing. A modern dancer rejects the classical ballet stance
of an upright, erect body, often opting instead for deliberate falls to the floor.
Modern dance was created to show emotion and a more "human" side to the art, a striking contrast to
the strict rules and guidelines of ballet, which was the most popular style of dance in America at that time.

Historical Background of Modern Dance

The Modern Dance form evolved during the early 20th century. The term Modern Dance sometimes also
refers to the 20th century ballroom dance, but it is usually referred to the 20th century concert dance.

2 important developments
There were two important developments that helped in founding what is now known as Modern Dance.

1. Natural expression - developed by the French Actor Francois Delsarte. It is a system which is used to teach
musical rhythms with the help of body movements.

2. Eurhythmics - developed by the Emile Jacques Dalcroze. system was created by music

1920s, the newspapers began to criticize the dancers such as Walter Terry and Edwin Denby who used to
perform with a view of movement specialist rather than a reviewer of music.

Later, as education spread, so did the Modern Dance form? It was integrated into the curricula of various schools
and universities, first as physical education then as a performing art form. 1934 - Was established in The
Benington Summer School, which acted as a training institute for many college teachers.

Early 1900s, the modern dancers always wanted to give their dance form a more powerful communication
system. They therefore always looked beyond what was the traditional Western Theatrical Dance (Ballet). During
this same period, some choreographers of ballet were also looking for similar dance forms.
For example, Isadora Duncan used the Greek sculptures for drawing inspiration and used to dance in bare feet
with the help of a simple tune.

Later during the 1930 Next came Ruth St. Denis who turned to Asian dance styles as a basis and in 1915 she
formed Denishawn, which was a dance company. This training school used to train dancers in various style of
dance. New York saw the emergence of what is known as the second wave of the modern dancers. This wave
included Americans Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman among others.

Also, during this period the various choreographers used to describe ballet and modern dance as
separate which resulted in opposition to one another. Both these dance types' focus was their traditions. While
the founders of this form of dance continued their work, which was largely based on myths and legends, the
students of these choreographers saw this form of dance as a potential form of change.

The legacy of the Modern Dance has been carried on right from its inception. It can be seen even today.
Many Modern Dance artists share a common heritage that can be located right back to the free dance era. On
one hand the postmodern dance was a direct opposition to the Modern Dance, the contemporary dance uses
both the modern and postmodern dance forms as its source of inspiration.

The Pioneers of Modern Dance

Martha Graham is considered one of the foremost pioneers of American modern dance. In order to express the
passion, rage and ecstasy of humans, she developed her very own language of movement. Graham's brave
vision for modern dance earned her several awards and honors.

Paul Taylor These classically trained dancers all shared the same sentiment that dance could be enjoyed
outside of the realms of rigid ballet.

Loie Fuller began experimenting with the effects of gas lighting on her silk costumes. Fuller developed a form
of natural movement and improvisation techniques that were used in
Conjunction with her revolutionary lighting equipment and translucent silk costumes

Isadora Duncan Considered the founding mother of American modern she discarded the corset, slippers, and
tutu of conventional ballet dress, adopting instead tunics that freed the body and revealed its movement. She
used music by Chopin, Beethoven, Gluck, Wagner, and other first rank composers. She danced on concert
stages and in opera houses. She spoke of her dancing not as entertainment but as art with a high moral purpose.

Ruth St. Denis was raised in a Bohemian environment and was encouraged to perform from a young age. She
studied ballroom and skirt dancing, and was drilled in Delsarte poses by her mother. She called her dances
translations (ethnically‐inspired movement that included contemporary dance steps that became famous for
their theatricality), which were inspired by Eastern cultures and mythologies including those from India and Egypt.

Ted Shawn was responsible for teaching technique and composition. In 1933, Shawn founded his all male
dance group, Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers, which was based at Jacob’s Pillow farm in Massachusetts.

Types of Modern Dancing

Tap Dancing- Style of American theatrical dance using precise rhythmical patterns of foot movement and
audible foot tapping. It is derived from the traditional clog dance of northern England, the jigs and reels of Ireland
and Scotland, and the rhythmic foot stamping of African dances
Contemporary Dance - This dance form is an example of a partnered/non-partnered dance. In classes a
choreographed sequence is generally taught, but in practice it is an improvised dance. (Editor)
Contemporary dance is the name for a modern concert dance genre. It is not a specific dance technique but a
collection of methods developed from modern and post-modern dance and can take on many forms including
dance fusion, emergent dance and revisionism.
Hip Hop Dancing - an urban youth culture associated with rap music and the fashions of African-American
residents of the inner city youth culture - young adults (a generational unit) considered as a cultural class or
subculture
Brake Dancing - a form of solo dancing that involves rapid acrobatic moves in which different parts of the body
touch the ground; normally performed to the rhythm of rap music
Street Dancing - an informal style of dance involving a variety of moves, which is popular with young people
and often developed in public spaces such as streets, clubs, playgrounds, etc.
Ballet Point Dancing - point of the foot. Point refers to how far the heel is raised off the floor in a relive. Quarter
point is with the heel just off the floor; three-quarter point is a straight line from the knee to the ball of the foot.
Demi-pointe is halfway between. Sur les pointes are on the tips of the toes — literally.
Lap Dancing - an activity in a bar or nightclub in which a woman who is not wearing many clothes dances very
close to a customer in exchange for money.