Quarter 1 – Module 1: Brief History and Nature of Dance

DIFFERENT ERAS OF DANCE

Primitive Cultures

The term ''primitive cultures'' was used by the first anthropologists to describe non-European groups of people and their customs
because they 8 believed, and not always correctly, that they were closely related to prehistoric cultures. As the term has a
somewhat biased and negative connotation, especially when used in comparison to Western culture, contemporary anthropologists
use other words, like ''bands'' and 'tribes.

Primitive Culture Dance Era in the Philippines

The following are various indigenous dances of the major ethnic groupings of the Philippines

Igorot

There are six Igorot ethnolinguistic tribes living in Luzon's mountain terrains: the Bontoc, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayo, and the
Kalinga tribes, which retained much of their anito religions. Their lives have been centered on appeasing their gods and
maintaining a harmonious relationship between spirits and man. Dances are usually linked to rituals for a good harvest, health,
prayers for peace, and safety in war.

Moro

The Moro people are the various usually unrelated Muslim Filipino ethnic groups. Most of their dances are marked by intricate
hand and arm movements, accompanied by instruments such as the agong and kulintang

Lumad

The non-Islamized natives of Mindanao are collectively known as the Lumad people. Like the Tagakaulo, they still practice
worshiping anitos through dance

Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptians were a dance-loving people. Dancers were commonly depicted on murals, tomb paintings and temple
engravings. Ideographs show a man dancing to represent joy and happiness. Pictorial representations and written records from as
early as 3000 B.C. are offered as evidence that dance have a long history in the Nile kingdom. According to the International
Encyclopedia of Dance, “dance was part of the Egyptian ethos and featured prominently in religious ritual and ceremony on social
occasions and in Egyptian funerary practices regarding the afterlife. "The study of ancient Egyptian dance is based mostly on
identifying dance scenes from monuments, temples and tombs and translating and interpreting the inscriptions and texts that
accompanied them.

According to the International Encyclopedia of Dance, dances were performed “for magical purposes, rites of passage, to induce
states ecstasy or trance, mime; as homage; honor entertainment and even for erotic purposes." Dances were performed inside and
outside; by individual’s pair but mostly by groups at both sacred and secular occasions.

Dance rhythms were provided by hand clapping, finger snapping, tambourines, drums and body slapping. Musicians played flutes,
harps, lyres and clarinets, Vocalizations included songs, cries, choruses and rhythmic noises.

Dancers often wore bells on their fingers. They performed nude, and in loincloths, flowing transparent robes and skirts of various
shapes and sizes. Dancers often wore a lot of make-up, jewelry and had strange hairdos 11 with beads, balls or cone-shaped tufts;
Accessories included boomerangs and gavel-headed sticks. The hieroglyph for heart was a dancing figure.

Greek and Bacchanalian Dance

Dance, according to Greek thought, was one of the civilizing activities, like wine-making and music.

Most Greek Mythology was written by poets, like Homer, and as the spiritual sustenance for its people, dance communicated its
wisdom and truth as effectively as words.

The strong dancing tradition prevalent among the Greeks was likely inherited from Crete which was conquered by Greece around
1500 BC but Greece was very effective in synthesizing the best from surrounding cultures, its poets and artists borrowed
significantly from surrounding Pyria and Thrace and its scholars were being initiated into the Egyptian mysteries by temple priests
long before Alexander the Great conquered Egypt.

Learning to dance was considered a necessary part of and education which favored learning an appreciation of beauty.

Ancient Greece drove a sharp distinction between the Apollonian dance and the Dionysian dance. The former – the Apollonian
dance – was accompanied by guitars called lyres, lutes and kitharas. It was a ceremonial dance incorporating slower cult dances
performed during religious festivals, 12 as well as martial and social dances performed during communal events and funeral
practices. The Dionysian or Bacchanalian dance, associated with the cult of Dionysus, is about passion, panic and desire. It is an
“orgasmic” dance with breathtaking moves whose purpose is to connect all to a frenetic dance vibration. The synthesis of the
Apollonian and the Dionysian is the art of dance. The tension between these opposites played an instrumental role in the shaping
of the ancient Greek theatre and the birth of tragedy in the evolution of the arts for civilization

Christianized Filipinos

Pre-Colonial

Before the recorded history of the Philippines, before the Spanish conquistadors conquered and Christianized the populace, from
the earliest occupation of this volcanic archipelago, the people danced. They danced to appease the gods, to curry favor from
powerful spirits, to celebrate a hunt or harvest, to mimic the exotic life forms around them. They danced their stories and their
shamanic rituals, their rites of passage and their remembered legends and history.

Rural dances include such favorites as the high-stepping Tinikling, which mimics a bird, and the Gaway-Gaway, which features
the movements of children pulling the stalks of the gaway roots during a bountiful harvest. The pagan tribes, the Higaonon,
Subanon, Bagogo, and others who have inhabited the Philippines for thousands of years, preserved their customs and symbolic
dances. Partly through isolation, they kept their culture free from the influence of the waves of immigrants who settled the
archipelago over the centuries. Today, tribal dances like Dugso (a dance of gratitude for a good harvest or a male heir, danced
with ankle bells), Sohten(an all-male war dance) and Lawin-Lawin(another male dance which mimics a swooping, soaring eagle)
are carefully documented and kept alive in performance by Filipino folk dance troupes and cultural institutions, such as the
Parangal Dance Company.

Nobility

Baroque dance is the conventional name given to the style of dancing that had its origins during the seventeenth century and
dominated the eighteenth century until the French Revolution. Louis XIV was a major influence in its development and
promotion. Even at the age of fourteen, Louis was an accomplished dancer: as the sun god Apollo in the ‘Ballet de la 14 Nuit’
(1653), he became Le Roi Soleil, an image that he was to cultivate throughout his life. His courtiers were expected to dance in his
new style at the formal balls, and they performed in court ballets, in rather a similar fashion to what was considered appropriate to
Stuart court masques. During 17th century dancing had not only a great social importance, but could also carry political
importance.

In 1661, Louis founded the Académie Royale de Danse. This academy was responsible for devising a system of notation (first
published by Raoul Auger Feuillet in his book Chorégraphie in 1700) to enable dancing masters more readily to assimilate the
new style of dancing and to learn new dances.

Early Renaissance Period

As the arts and sciences flourished in the European Renaissance, dance quickly rose to preeminence. Dance increased in
sophistication and social importance through the 14th century, but unfortunately no choreographic descriptions survive from this
century. It is from preserved music tabulatures and literature, such as Boccaccio's Decameron, that we know the names of these
lost dances, which include the balli, carola (carole), stampita (estampe, istampita, stantipes), salterello, rotta, trotto and farandole.
Only treatises from later centuries give us any hint as to what these 14th century dances might have looked like.

The 15th century is the first period in western history to have dances documented well enough for reconstruction. Several
surviving manuscripts describe the dances of the aristocracy, for whom dance was an important courtly pastime. The dances from
the northern courts (primarily Burgundy – a large area north of the Alps including some of present-day France, Germany and the
15 Netherlands) tended to be conservative and Gothic. Southern France (Provence) was more innovative, while Italy was the
hotbed of the avant garde.

The primary dance of the Burgundian court was the stately Bassedanse. This was a memorized sequence of steps performed as a
processional, danced to music in "perfect" (i.e. triple) time. One surviving Burgundian dance source is the beautiful handwritten
Brussels manuscript, penned in gold and silver ink by an anonymous scribe. The Italian courts also danced the Bassadanza (as
they spelled it), although it was lighter in spirit and somewhat more intricate than the Burgundian Bassedanse. But the epitome of
Italian court dance was the Ballo. The 15th century Balli was beautifully designed choreographies for a set number of dancers that
featured a wide variety of steps, figures and rhythms. Unlike the Bassadanza, the music and dance phrases of the Balli were
inseparable.

Courts of Europe

Renaissance dances belong to the broad group of historical dances. During the Renaissance period, there was a distinction
between country dances and court dances. Court dances required the dancers to be trained and were often for display and
entertainment, whereas country dances could be attempted by anyone. At Court, the formal entertainment would often be followed
by many hours of country dances which all present could join in. Dances described as country dances such as Chiarantana or
Chiaranzana remained popular over a long period – over two centuries in the case of this dance. A Renaissance dance can be
likened to a ball. 16

Knowledge of court dances has survived better than that of country dances as they were collected by dancing masters in
manuscripts and later in printed books. The earliest surviving manuscripts that provide detailed dance instructions are from 15th
century Italy. The earliest printed dance manuals come from late 16th century France and Italy. The earliest dance descriptions in
England come from the Gresley manuscript, c.1500, found in the Derbyshire Record Office, D77 B0x 38 pp 51–79. These have
been recently published as "Cherwell Thy Wyne (Show your joy): Dances of fifteenth-century England from the Gresley
manuscript". The first printed English source appeared in 1651, the first edition of Play ford.

The dances in these manuals are extremely varied in nature. They range from slow, stately "processional" dances (bassadance,
pavane, almain) to fast, lively dances (galliard, coranto, canario). The former, in which the dancers' feet were not raised high off
the floor were styled the dance basse while energetic dances with leaps and lifts were called the haute dance. Queen Elizabeth I
enjoyed galliards, and la spagnoletta was a court favorite.
Quarter 1– Module 2: Elements of Dance

DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF DANCE

“Existence is a movement. Action is movement. Existence defined by the rhythm of forces in Natural balance”

The Elements of Dance are the foundational concepts and vocabulary that help students develop movement skills and understand
dance as an artistic practice.

The acronym BASTE helps students remember the elements:

BODY

BODILY SHAPES

This refers to how the entire body is molded in space on the configuration of body parts. The body can be rounded, angular, or a
combination of two. Other body shapes can be from wide to narrow and from high to low. They can be symmetrical and
asymmetrical.

a) Symmetrical- balanced shape; movements are practically identical or similar on both sides.
b) Asymmetrical- unbalanced shape, movements of two sides of the body do not match or completely different from each
other.

GROUP SHAPES:

In this element, a group of dancers perform movements in different group shapes. They are arranged in ways that are wide.
narrow, rounded, angular, symmetrical, or asymmetrical and are viewed together as a total picture or arrangement within.

ACTION

Any human movement included in the act of dancing— it can include dance steps, facial movements, partner lifts, gestures, and
even everyday movements such as walking. Dance is made up of streams of movement and pauses, so action refers not only to
steps and sequences, but also to pauses and moments of relative stillness.

Dancers may use movements that have been choreographed or traditional dances taught by others who know the dances.
Depending on the dance style or the choreographer's decision, dancers may also revise or embellish movement they have learned
from others.

Movement can also be improvised, meaning that the dancers make it up "on the spot" as they spontaneously dance. Movement
that travels through space is broadly called locomotor movement in contrast to axial movement, which occurs in one spot.

Understanding and discussing action does not require extensive dance terminology since movement can be categorized and
described according to its qualities. For example, while a “sashay” in American Square Dance might be called a “chassé” in Ballet
or an “undercurve” in Modern Dance technique, we can also describe it as a “slide” since that essential characteristic is present in
all those steps.

SPACE

This is the area the performers occupy and where they move. It can be divided into four different aspects, also known as spatial
elements.

a) Direction- dance movement can travel in any direction. The performers can go forward, side, backward, diagonal,
circular and so on. They may also face any direction while executing a single movement or several phrases.
b) Size- movements can be varied by doing larger or smaller actions.
c) Level- movements can be done in a high, medium, or low level.
d) Focus- performers may change their focus by looking at different directions.

TIME

The keyword for the element of time is When? Human movement is naturally rhythmic in the broad sense that we alternate
activity and rest. Breath and waves are examples of rhythms in nature that repeat, but not as consistently as in a metered rhythm.

Spoken word and conversation also have rhythm and dynamics, but these timing patterns are characteristically more inconsistent
and unpredictable.
Rhythmic patterns may be metered or free rhythm. Much of western music uses repeating patterns (2/4 or 3/4 for example), but
concepts of time and meter are used very differently throughout the world. Dance movements may also show different timing
relationships such as simultaneous or sequential timing, brief to long duration, fast to slow speed, or accents in predictable or
unpredictable intervals.

Time may also be organized in other ways including:

 Clock time: The dance is based on units of seconds, minutes, and/or hours. For example, a certain section of a dance may
be assigned a time such as 30 seconds into which all the choreographed movement must fit. A performance in a public
setting may be set up to repeat continuously between 12:00 Noon and 1:00 PM.
 Sensed time: Dancers pick up on each other's timing such as gradually increasing from a walking tempo to a running
tempo by cueing off each other rather than a music score. Another example happens when dancers hold a group shape
then spontaneously move out of it based on the group's organic impulse.
 Event-sequence: An internal or external event signals a change such as repeating a traveling phrase over and over until
everyone arrives at a corner of the stage. You also see this at sports events when a touchdown triggers a dance cheer.

ENERGY

The movements here propelled by energy or force. A force can either initiate or stop an action. Dance uses different energies and a
varied use of theses minimizes the monotony of the movements in a performance. There are six qualities of dance energies
presented below.

1. Sustained- movements are done smoothly, continuously, and with flow and control does not have a clear beginning and
ending. 13
2. Percussive- movements are explosive or sharp in contrast with sustained movement. They are accented with thrust of
energy. They have clear beginning and ending.
3. Vibratory- movements consists of trembling or shaking. A faster version or percussive movements that produce a jittery
effect. ( Minton, 2007)
4. Swinging- movements trace a curved line or an arc in space. The movements are released and giving in to gravity on the
downward part of the motion, followed by an upward application of energy.
5. Suspended- movements are perched in space or hanging on air, holding a raised leg in any direction is an example of a
suspended movement.
6. Collapsing- movements are released in tennis and gradually or abruptly giving in to gravity. Letting the body descend to
the floor. A slow collapse can be described as a melting or oozing action in a downward direction (Minton, 2007)
Quarter 1 – Module 3: Street Dance (Hip-Hop)

What is Street Dance? It refers to dance styles that have evolved outside of dance studios. It is performed in streets, dance parties,
parks, school yards, or any available space. It is often improvisational and social in nature, encouraging interaction and contact
with spectators and other dancers.

Hip-hop is a cultural movement best known for its impact on music in the form of the musical genre of the same name. It
originates in Bronx, part of New York City during 1970’s. It was popularized by African American and was influenced by Latin
Americans. The culture of Hip-hop is composed of pillars like D-Jing, rapping, breakdancing and graffiti art.

Streetdance is a distinctly Pinoy term, which is very closely related to hiphop, but rather, defined by cultural nuances and
influences that, as Jungee and others of this breed have seen, have made streetdance a variation of hiphop dance that is identifiably
Pinoy to the rest of the world.

Key Elements:
 Groove
• Character
• Originality
• Intention
• Creativity
• Social interaction

Characteristics In opposite to many other dance forms, most street dances encourage individuality and originality, and that dancers
interpret the existing moves freely and even invent new ones to create a personal style of their own. Improvisation is the heart of
most street dances, though choreography is also seen, mostly mixed with improvisation or used for prepared shows.

Generally, a street dance is based on a unique style or feels that are expressed through the dance, usually tied to certain genre of
music. As new moves evolve based on this feel, the dance is under constant development, and if the feels starts to change it might
give birth to a completely new dance form.

STREET AND HIP-HOP DANCE STYLES

B-Boying

B-Boying is also known as breaking or breakdancing is the first hip-hop dancing that originates from Black and Puerto Rican
youths in New York City during the early 1970’s. Practitioner is the term given to b-boy or b-girl who do breakdancing.

B-boying and breaking is the original term for breakdance.

Four Movements:

Toprock --- Footwork-oriented steps performed while standing

Downrock --- Footwork performed with both hands and feet on the floor
Freezes --- Stylish poses done on your hands
Power moves --- Comprise full-body spins and rotations that give the illusion of defying gravity.

Popping

Popping was popularized by Samuel Boogaloo Sam Solomon together with his crew, the Electric Boogaloos. It is based on the
technique of quickly contracting and relaxing muscles to cause a jerk in a dancer’s body.

Popping forces parts of your body outwards, similar to an explosion within parts of your body. Popping contracts muscles, but is
followed by relaxation that gives it the jerking appearance of popping.

Locking

Locking which is also known as campbellocking, from the name of the creator of this style Don Campbellock Campbell around
1969 in Los Angeles, California. The Lockers are the crew of Don Campbell who popularized Locking.

Locking was identified by its distinctive stops. It is usually performed by stopping the fast movement of the performer, locking the
body into a position, holding it, and then continuing the same speed before stopping. In doing locking, dancers hold their positions
longer. Lock is the primary move used in locking, similar to freeze or sudden pause.
Knumping

Knumping is the form of dancing that was originated from African-American community of South Central Los Angeles,
California and is a relatively new form of the “Urban Black dance movement. It is free, expressive and highly energetic. Most
people paint their faces in different designs. Knumping is a dance style similar to release of anger. It is reported that gang riots in
the United States decreased because of these knumping style.

Tutting

Tutting is a creative way of making geometric shapes forming right angle using your body parts. The style was originally
practiced by young funk dancers. It is derived from the positions people were drawn in during the days of the Ancient Egyptians.
Tutting is greatly respected move of King Tut aka Mark Benson who made this style popular.

Shuffling

The Melbourne Shuffle (also known as Rocking “The Shuffle”) is a rave and club dance that originated in the late 1980’s in the
underground rave music scene in Melbourne, Australia. The basic movements of this style are a fast heel-and toe action with a
style suitable for various types of electronic music. Some variants incorporate arm movements. Performers of this style are known
as Rockers due to its rock music around 1990’s.

Waacking

It is an African American form of street dance originated in 1970’s as disco era of underground clubs in Los Angeles and New
York City. Waacking has a stylized posing with a fast synchronized arm movement following beat of the music. It is very popular
element of hip-hop nowadays.
Quarter 1 – Module 4: Philippine Folkdance

What is Folk Dance?

☞ A folk dance is a dance developed by people that reflect the life of the people of a certain country or region. Not all ethnic
dances are folk dances.

☞ For example, ritual dances or dances of ritual origin are not considered to be folk dances. Ritual dances are usually called
"Religious dances" because of their purpose.

☞ The terms "ethnic" and "traditional" are used when it is required to emphasize the cultural roots of the dance. In this sense,
nearly all folk dances are ethnic ones. If some dances, such as polka, cross ethnic boundaries and even cross the boundary between
"folk" and "ballroom dance", ethnic differences are often considerable enough to mention.

Dance step Time Signature Step-by-Step Procedure

Waltz ¾ time 1,2,3
Common Gallop 2/4 time 1, ah, 2, ah Philippine folk
dances Change Step or Two Step 2/4 time 1, and, 2
Polka 2/4 time 1, and, 2, and
ITIK-ITIK
Mazurka ¾ time 1,2,3,
Itik-Itik is a Sway Balance (w/ a close, ¾ time 1,2,3 to a measure (2 Philippines folk
dance form point, brush, hop, raise, measures) created by
imitating the waltz) “movements of
a duck” such as Close Step 2/4 time 1,2 wading, flying,
and short steps ¾ time 1,2,3 and splashing
water on their Leap 2/4 1, 2 backs like the
ducks do. This 4/4 time 1 countper leap “mimetic” folk
dance is said to have originated
Touch Step 2/4 ti,e (Allegro) 1,2
from the province of
¾ time (Moderato) 1,2,3
Surigao in Philippines.
Apparently, this dance form is said to have been popular in towns such as Carrascal, Cantilan, Lanuza, and Carmen.

The Itik-Itik is sometimes described as humans making the motions of a duck, so feel free to improvise along with these basic
steps.

1. Step to your left and raise your left arm up in a flowing motion.
2. Step to your right and raise your right arm up in a flowing motion.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 seven times.
4. Step forward and bring your hands into your chest, bending your elbows and making sure to point your hands inward.
Repeat seven times.
5. Step in a circle as you sway your arms to the right, then to the left.
6. Raise your arm and step hop to the left.
7. Raise your arm and step hop to the right.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 five times.
9. Sway to the right, then to the left. Repeat six times.
10. Repeat all steps three times.
Quarter 1 – Module 1: Cheer Dance

HISTORY OF CHEER DANCE

Cheerleading dates to the 1860s, in Great Britain, and entered the US in the 1880s. Although women currently dominate the field,
cheerleading was begun by men.

Princeton University, in 1884, got the idea that crowd chanting at football games would boost school spirit so they came up with a
catchy cheer. On November 2, 1898, U-Minnesota student Johnny Campbell led an organized cheer at a football game between
Minnesota and Princeton University, so you might say he was the first actual "cheer leader". In 1903, the University of Minnesota
organized the first cheer fraternity called Gamma Sigma. They likely used a megaphone to project their voices.

In the 1920s women became involved in cheerleading. The lady yellers sported ankle-length skirts and varsity sweaters. Female
cheer squads began to include gymnastics, dance and other showy stunts into routines, and in the 1930s cheers were aided by the
use of paper pom-poms. By the 1940s women were mainly leading the cheers, and routines took on a voice their own.

ELEMENTS OF CHEER DANCE

A cheer dance performance consists of different structured and organized movements which are being scored when in
competitions. The movements must be proper and efficient on order to earn scores and avoid deductions. Here are the elements of
cheer dance to consider in creating a routine:

Yells/ Chants - are usually done by the performers with pride and confidence. This element helps to encourage the supportive
spectators to cheer along and bring the prideful message to the competitors. The basic technique in yelling and chanting is the use
of diaphragm instead of the throat. It is done also while doing the other elements of cheer dancing.

Motions

Basic Hand-body Movements

BEGINNING STANCE - Feet together, hands down by the side in blades

CHEER STANCE - Feet more than shoulder width apart, hands down by the side in blade
CLASP - Hands clasped, at the chin, elbows in
CLAP - Hands in blades, at the chin, elbows in
HIGH V - Arms extended up forming a “V”, relax the shoulders
LOW V - Arms extended down forming a “V”
GOALPOST (or TOUCHDOWN) - Arms extended straight and parallel to each other, fist facing in
LOW TOUCHDOWN - Arms extended straight down and parallel to each other, fist facing in
3/4 T (or BOW AND ARROW) - One arm extended to side with other arm bent at elbow in a half “T” motion
OVERHEAD CONE - Arms are straight, above the head in a clasp and slightly in front of the face
DAGGERS (or TABLETOP) - Arms bent at elbow, fists in front of shoulders
LOW CONE - Arms extended straight down, in a clasp and slightly in front of the body
PUNCH - One arm extended straight up, one arm on hip, in a fist
L MOTION - One arm extended to the side with other arm extended in a punch motion, (Left L shown)
DIAGONAL - One arm extended in a high “V” and the other arm extended in a low “V” (Right Diagonal shown)
T MOTION - Both arms extended straight out to the side and parallel to the ground, relax the shoulders
HALF T - Both arms parallel to the ground and bent at the elbows, fists into shoulders
SIDE LUNGE - Lead leg bent with the knee over the ankle, back leg straight, feet perpendicular to each other.
FRONT LUNGE - Lead leg bent with the knee over the ankle, back leg straight, feet perpendicular to each other

Jumps

Basic Types of Jumps:

Spread Eagle

simply swing and jump with arms of doing high “V” figure and legs apart. Knees facing forward but not toward the sky. This
jump is used as progression to learn more advance jumps.

Tuck Jump

Legs in front while knees tucked to the chest. Closed fist and arms spreading forming “T” or “V” figure.

Toe Touch
one of the most common jumps used in cheerleading. Legs are straddled, straight and parallel to the ground forming “V” figure.
Knees face the sky, toes pointed, arms form “T” position, closed fist and must not touch the toes despite the name.

Pike

Legs are straight, together, and parallel to the ground. Toes are pointed, arms are straight reaching the front while hands are in
closed fist.

Hurdle

One leg is straight facing forward (front hurdle) or facing outward (side hurdle) with arms forming “T” figure. The other leg is
bent, knees facing the ground (front hurdle) or facing forward (side hurdle)

Stunts

Most stunts are done by flyers (usually female) with bases (male lifters) and spotters. It is essential to know the proper execution
of the stunts to secure the safety of both flyers and lifters.

Bases

These are the athletes (usually male cheer dancers) that hold, lift, and toss a flyer up to the air during stunts. Bases must be strong
an alert at all times. They make sure that the flyer will land safely and secured. There is no gender requirement for a base.

Flyers

Flyers are the athletes being held, lifted, and tossed up to perform certain stunts in height or in the air. Female cheer dancers are
usually assigned to be the flyers. They are usually, but not always, the smallest person in the group. They are flexible, and balance
efficient while being lifted up. Before performing air stunts, flyers must learn first the proper techniques

Tumble

Including tumbling skills in your cheer dance routine is an excellent way to add extreme, thrill and excitement. Safety and security
must be observe at all times to avoid injury especially tumble skill involve gravity-defying and intense ground impact.

Types of tumbling skills:

Standing – completing tumble in a stationary position.

Running – completing a tumble from a running start.

 Cartwheel – A type of tumble in which the body moves sideways imitating a wheel.

Steps

- Start in a lunge
- Allow upper body to fall down and put your hands on the ground.
- Lift the behind leg up to kick
- Kick foot over the head (the kicking foot should land first) Land in lunge.

 Round off – this tumble is similar to cartwheel but the difference is, landing must be in both feet together.

Steps

- Start in a lunge
- Allow upper body to fall down and put your hands on the ground.
- Lift the behind leg up to kick - Kick foot over the head,
- Push the ground, and feet intact again together
- Snap down and Land in luge with both feet together

BASIC FORMATIONS

Formations play a vital role in cheer dance since most of the cheer dance competitions are viewed from the top by the spectators.
Formations may vary depending on the dances and stunts choreographed. It is important to have creative formations that will
create excellent visual effects to enhance the dance routine. Synchronization must be always observed in making formations in the
cheer dance.

Bowling pin

Diamond

Diagonal

Staggered
Quarter 1 – Module 6: Dance- Related Injuries

What is Injury?

The following factors are common among dancers who have injury:

1. Poor body alignment and technique The anatomical alignment and technique of the dancer are some of the intrinsic factors
that are commonly associated with injury. Dance requires moving the limbs in a controlled and precise manner. These
movements are anchored to the trunk, which means that the trunk should be stable and the spine is aligned and low trunk
stability can lead to uncoordinated movements, which predispose an individual to injury.
2. Excessive training duration and intensity Excessive training and limited recovery impairs the ability to heal and repair
damaged issues. Intense technique training will most likely lead to microscopic injury to the musculoskeletal structures due to
repetitive loading. Without proper rest and sufficient nutrition, the body is not able to rebuild the tissues and this predisposes
the dancer to a severe injury. An abrupt increase in training intensity will also lead to this scenario.
3. Hard dance floor The floor is where dancers rehearse and perform. An optimal dance floor should be able to absorb the
impact that is generated by the performer. A hard floor does not help in dissipating the impact and returns the force to the
dancer. The repetitive shock absorbed by the foot would eventually damage the foot or other parts of the lower extremity.
4. Poor shoe design Footwear corrects foot mechanics and reduce the impact on the foot. A shoe that does not fit properly or has
insufficient shock absorption will significantly contribute to injury risk. Furthermore, some materials used on the soles do not
offer sufficient traction on the floor and this could lead to slips and falls.
5. Muscle imbalance Muscle imbalance is an uncoordinated muscle action because of uneven strength between muscle groups.
This is attributed to various factors such as anatomy, technique, and past injury.

Acute and Chronic Injury

These are two types of musculoskeletal injuries: acute and chronic. Acute injuries occur when the mechanical force that is
absorbed by the musculoskeletal structure is more than what it is accustomed to. The onset of pain and other symptoms occur
immediately after the impact. Chronic injuries occur due to repetitive trauma and the body is not given enough time to recover.
The onset of pain and other symptoms occur at a gradual rate, which is usually worsened with activity or training.

Common Acute Dance-related injuries (Wozny, 2010)

Type of Injury Cause Symptom Prevention
Ankle Sprain Twists the ankle after a jump Pain at the side of the ankle Exercises that strengthen the
ankle and improve balance
Dancer’s Fracture Twists the foot when turning Pain at the outer part of the Exercises that strengthen the
foot foot and improve balance
Back Strain Sudden movement of the Pain and stiffness in the low Proper posture and technique
trunk back
ACL Tear Twists the knee after a jump Pain and weakness in the knee Exercises that strengthen the
knee and improve balance
Forearm Fracture Falls on an outstretched arm Pain and deformity near the Fall on the side or buttocks
wrist

Common Chronic-Dance related injuries

Type of Injury
Stress Fracture
Achilles Tendinosis
Patellofemoral Pain
Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis
Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis
Cause Symptom Prevention
Prolonged repetitive loading Pain at the front of the leg (i.e. Adequate rest
shin)
Excessive training Pain near the hell in the Adequate rest
morning
Muscle imbalance Pain at the side of the knee Strengthening and flexibility
exercises
Poor foot mechanics and hard Pain at the sole when they Proper technique and
dance floor take a step after sleeping footwear
Prolonged repetitive loading Pain that worsen over time Adequate rest
Quarter 1 – Module 7: Ballroom Dance

What is Ballroom Dance?

Ballroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Because of
its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television.

Ballroom dance may refer, at its widest, to almost any type of social dancing as recreation.

Two Styles of Ballroom Dancing:

1. Smooth or Standard
2. Rhythm or Latin.

A Brief History of Ballroom Dancing

“Ballroom dancing” as a term hails from the Latin word “ballare” which, coincidentally, means “to dance.” Thus, a ballroom is a
room in which to dance. Makes sense, right?

Centuries ago, ballroom dancing was primarily for the privileged and well-todo, while the commoners had to make do with folk
dancing; however, these boundaries have since disappeared, leaving ballroom dancing a fun hobby for everyone.

Today, ballroom dancing applies to numerous dances in which a “leader” and a “follower” dance together in close proximity,
usually with some degree of physical contact. This closeness is to permit the leader to get the follower to, well, follow along.

Early Ballroom Dancing

The first documented authority of early ballroom dancing is Jehan Thoinot’Arbeau’s Orchesographie (1588) that discussed 16th-
century French social dance. In 1650, Jean-Baptiste Lully introduced the Minuet to Paris—a dance that would dominate ballroom
until the end of the 18th century.

The Waltz came about in England in the early 1800s despite initial opposition to the closed dance hold. By 1840, the Polka,
Mazurka, and Schottische emerged.

Ballroom Dancing Emerges in the US

In the early 20th century, ballroom dancing experienced massive popularity in the US with the extremely successful dancing of
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Even though most of their numbers were meticulously choreographed, staged, and oft-rehearsed,
they influenced greatly ballroom dancing’s acclaim and acceptance.

Types of Ballroom Dancing

People all over the world enjoy the social and competitive nature of ballroom dancing. These dances are partner dances enjoyed
socially and competitively worldwide. The following types ballroom dances are seen on dance floors, on stages, in films, and on
television. How many of these ballroom dances are you familiar with?

Cha cha is widely recognizable by its catchy rhythm – one, two, cha, cha, cha. It's easy to learn and fun to dance.

Like so many Latin dances, it originates from Cuba. It was developed by the Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrin in the
middle of 1950s. Originally it was known as a slowed-down mambo or "the triple mambo", because of the three quick steps. It
gained instant popularity due to its simplicity. In time it evolved into a separate dance and although it was originally known as the
cha-cha-cha, the name was shortened to the cha-cha.

Cha cha can be danced to almost any music with a good beat, from traditional Latin rhythms to club music, from country to pop.
It's popularity can be heard in the music of Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Tom Jones, Carlos Santana, and many
others. Cha cha is very much a dance of today

Basic steps

Cha cha music is composed in 4/4 time (four beats to a bar of music). For each bar of music there are 2 slow and 3 quick steps,
which may be counted as – one, two, cha, cha, cha or step, step, step, quick step, quick step. The footwork is simple and mostly
focuses on just shifting weight from one foot to another.

Remember, five steps are taken to four beats of music. Also don't forget that the movements tend to be somewhat flirtatious. This
is definitely a party dance!
Instructions & Diagrams:

Partners face each other. Gentleman starts with the left foot, lady starts with the
right foot. Basic ballroom hold.

Basic Side Step for Men

1. Sidestep to the left with your left foot

2. Step backward & left with your right foot
3. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it
4. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
5. Move your left foot to your right foot
6. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
7. Step forward & right with your left foot
8. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it
9. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
10. Move your right foot to your left foot

Basic Side Step for Women

1. Sidestep to the right with your right foot

2. Step forward & right with your left foot
3. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it
4. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
5. Move your right foot to your left foot
6. Sidestep to the right with your left foot
7. Step backward & left with your right foot
8. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it
9. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
10. Move your left foot to your right foot

Foxtrot is a smooth, elegant, easy to learn dance, very popular at wide variety of social events, including wedding receptions. It's
one of the most beautiful ballroom dances characterized by long, flowing movements.

Quick intro Foxtrot is named after its originator, Harry Fox, who was a Vaudeville performer in New York in the 1910s. Because
he was having a hard time finding female dancers capable of performing the difficult two-step, he added trotting steps to ragtime
music. People soon referred to his dance as Fox's Trot.

Foxtrot includes basic elements found in most other dances, so when you learn it you acquire a good foundation to learn other
popular dance forms. It is highly versatile and can be danced to a variety of musical styles and tempos. From slow and romantic to
quick and jazzy. Popular vocalists for foxtrot include Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald,
Louis Armstrong, Dinah Shore, and many, many more

Basic steps

The basic elements of foxtrot are walking steps and side steps. The long walking movements also involve a rise & fall action,
which is similar to waltz, although more subtle. The basic box step is also similar to waltz steps – the main difference being
timing (foxtrot is 4/4, waltz is 3/4). If you already know how to waltz, then learning foxtrot will be just a matter of rhythm.

The basic rhythm is slow, slow, quick, quick. The slow steps use 2 beats of music and the quick steps use one. The slow steps are
long and elegant, and the quick steps are short and energetic. As already mentioned, the music is played in 4/4 timing.

Foxtrot is danced in a normal closed position, which means facing your partner and holding them close.

Instructions & Diagrams:

Stand upright with your feet together. Face each other, lady puts her right hand in his left. His right hand is on her left shoulder
blade, her left hand is on his right arm

Basic Steps

Gentleman Basic forward

1. Step forward with your left foot (slow step)

2. Step forward with your right foot (slow step)
3. Sidestep to the left with your left foot (quick step)
4. Move your right foot to your left foot (quick step)

Basic backward

1. Step backward with your left foot (slow step)

2. Step backward with your right foot (slow step)
3. Sidestep to the left with your left foot (quick step)
4. Move your right foot to your left foot (quick step)

Basic Steps

Lady Basic forward

1. Step backward with your right foot (slow step)

2. Step backward with your left foot (slow step)
3. Sidestep to the right with your right foot (quick step)
4. Move your left foot to your right foot (quick step)

Basic backward

1. Step forward with your right foot (slow step)

2. Step forward with your left foot (slow step)
3. Sidestep to the right with your right foot (quick step)
4. Move your left foot to your right foot (quick step)

Salsa is a sensual Latin dance, similar to mambo. Both have a pattern of six steps over eight counts of music and they both share
many of the same moves.

The great thing about salsa is that just about anyone can learn it. That's why it gained vast popularity in the last few decades and is
now danced in nightclubs all over the world. There is a well-known saying that is often repeated by dance teachers - if you can
walk, you can salsa.

Salsa is the result of combining many Latin and Afro-Caribbean dances, a fusion of Cuban, Puerto Rican and African rhythms.
The basic rhythm is quick, quick, slow; quick, quick, slow, using the 1,2,3 and 5,6,7 beats (beats 4 and 8 are skipped). The music
is typically around 180 beats per minute, although it can be slower or faster than that.

Basic steps

Salsa is one of the most popular Latin American dances, the main reason being - it's easy to learn. At first glance it might seem
difficult, but the truth is quite the opposite - basic salsa steps can be learned with less than 10 minutes of practice.

Only three steps are made for every four beats with one step to each beat and one beat being skipped. The skipped beat is called a
tag, a tap, a kick, a flick, or the like. The steps can be from side to side or forward-backward and in circles. When dancing you
must keep a straight upper body posture and move your hips as much as possible.

Salsa is danced with partners facing each other. It can be danced in closed or open position. Note that salsa steps are very small.
The faster the music, which is usually quite fast, the smaller the steps.

Instructions & Diagrams:

Because Salsa allows for a lot of creative improvisation, many different styles have developed over time. But regardless of
different styles the basic steps are essentially the same. As a beginner, you should always start at the beginning.

Basic Steps for Men:

You need to start with both feet together. Remember, practice makes perfect.

1. Step forward with your left foot (first beat)

2. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
3. Step backward with your left foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)
4. Step backward with your right foot (first beat)
5. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
6. Step forward with your right foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)
Basic Steps for Ladies:
1. Step backward with your right foot (first beat)
2. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
3. Step forward with your right foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)
4. Step forward with your left foot (first beat) 5. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
5. Step backward with your left foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)

Tango, also referred to as the "Dance of Love", is a passionate and dramatic dance. It's a dialogue between partners, an expressive
form of communication through movements

Quick intro

Tango originated in the 19th century outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Since then it has grown into one of the most popular
dances in the world.

It's somewhat different from other dances, especially traditional ballroom, but next in popularity behind waltz and foxtrot.
Dissimilar to those two, it has no rise & fall, no swaying. It's known for quick, sharp movements and a catlike walking action.

Today, there are many styles of tango. You can dance the tango argentino, the ballroom tango, the finish tango, the uruguayan
tango, tango nuevo, vintage tango, and the Chinese tango, among other styles. Although many different interpretations have
appeared, the two main styles are the ballroom style and the 13 Argentine style. The main difference between the two is that the
second one has more sharp, staccato movements and the characteristic head snaps which are totally foreign for the dances coming
from Argentine.

Tango is danced all around the world by people of all sizes and ages. Because the main requirement is walking, it is a dance for
everyone. When it comes to Tango, the Zimbabwean proverb - If you can walk, you can dance – is absolutely on the spot.

Basic steps

Tango is a walking dance, meaning that all the steps are based on walking.

When you start learning it, you must first master some basic movements. Don't worry, basic steps are not that difficult to learn.
Beginners usually start with 8-Count Basic or simply Tango Basic.

Tango Basic is made of five steps taken to 8 counts of music. The rhythm is slow, slow, quick, quick, slow. The slow steps
consume two beats of music and the quick steps one. Tango music is usually written in 4/4 time (but also in 2/4 time) and played
at a tempo of 30-33 measures per minute.

Instructions & Diagrams:

Tango is danced in a closed position, usually closer than in other dances. The man's left hand is holding the lady's right hand. His
right hand is placed on her back, along the bottom of her ribcage. The lady's left hand is placed on his right shoulder. You always
bent your knees. Remember, this dance is the most bent of all the ballroom dances.

The lead and follow mirror each other’s steps. The lead begins with the left foot, the follow with the right. Walks usually curve
gradually to the left.

Basic Steps for Men

1. Step forward with your left foot

2. Step forward with your right foot passing the left foot
3. Step forward again with your left foot this time passing the right foot
4. Step forward and to the right with your right foot
5. Left foot close to right foot

Basic Steps for Women

1. Step back with your right foot

2. Step back with your left foot passing the right foot
3. Step back again with your right foot this time passing the left foot
4. Step back and to the left with your left foot
5. Right foot close to left foot
Rumba, or sometimes 'rhumba', is a slow and flirtatious dance. Some say it is the spirit and soul of Latin American dance. It's
certainly a dance of romance and always a good choice for weddings.

Quick intro

Rumba is generally regarded as the "dance of romance", but also known as the "Latin waltz" or the "waltz with a wiggle". Due to
its slow rhythm and sensual movements, some call it the most intimate and passionate dance there is.

Learning rumba is not difficult. The ease of learning is actually one of the main reasons why it's more popular today than most
other Latin dances (except perhaps salsa). Once you learn the simple steps, the music does the rest.

Rumba can be danced to a variety of music, from contemporary to traditional.

Here are a few popular songs to give you an idea:

 And I Love Her - The Beetles
 It's Now or Never - Elvis Presley
 I'm Not Giving You Up - Gloria Estefan
 Besame Mucho - Xavier Cugat
 Falling Into You - Celine Dion
 Neon Moon - Brooks and Dunn
 Under the Boardwalk - The Drifters
 Kokomo - Beach Boys
 Girl from Ipanema - Frank Sinatra

Basic steps

Rumba is usually danced to music written in 4/4 time, with four beats to each measure. The basic step is a very simple box step. It
consists of three basic steps - two quick side steps and a slow forward or backward step.

The rhythm of the steps is slow, quick, quick. A slow step is danced over two counts of music, while a quick step is danced over
one count.

Rumba is a spot dance which means the couple does not travel around the dance floor like in many other dances, but rather stays
in one location. It is done to music with slow tempo and emphasizes on hip movements (what we call Cuban motion).

Instructions & Diagrams:

You start dancing in a closed dance position. The man's left hand is holding the lady's right hand with the elbows almost touching.
The man's right hand is placed underneath the lady's shoulder blade. The lady's left hand is placed right behind the man's shoulder,
flat on his back

Basic Steps for Men

The gentleman starts with his left foot stepping forward. The man's steps are as follows:

1. Step forward with your left foot

2. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
3. Move your left foot to your right foot
4. Step back with your right foot
5. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
6. Move your right foot to your left foot

Basic Steps for Women

The lady starts with her right foot stepping backward. The woman's steps are as follows:

1. Step back with your right foot

2. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
3. Move your right foot to your left foot
4. Step forward with your left foot
5. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
6. Move your left foot to your right foot

Samba is a lively dance of Brazilian origin. It's a popular party dance, characterized by simple forward and backward steps and
rhythmic hip movements.
Quick intro

Samba is the national dance of Brazil, some say the spirit and soul of the country. In Brazil, it is a solo dance, performed at street
festivals and carnivals. Ballroom samba, on the other hand, is a partner dance that has little in common with the original form.

Although in Brazil samba remains a solo form, in other countries it evolved into a partner dance and was standardized as a
ballroom dance in 1956. Today it's one of the most common Latin American dances.

Many versions of samba exist - Carnivale, Mesemba, Carioca, Batucado, Conga, just to name a few. Here we'll focus on the
ballroom version, quite popular in North America and Europe, with both the younger and older generations.

Basic steps

Ballroom samba is usually danced to music written in 2/4 time, meaning there are two beats in each measure. The basic box step
consists of three steps. This means that three steps are performed in two beats of music.

The basic rhythm is 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7 & 8, commonly described as "one, uh two", "three, uh four", and so on. Usually you
count 8 beats before resuming the count.

The most characteristic element of samba is probably the so-called samba bounce, which is achieved through rhythmic bending
and straightening of the knees. See the video below for detailed explanation.

Instructions & Diagrams:

Ballroom samba is danced in a closed position, with partners slightly apart. The lady's right hand and the man's left hand are held
about the lady's eye level. The man's right hand is placed on the lady's shoulder blade. The lady's left hand is placed flat on the
man's back.

Basic step is a very simple box step. Remember, the rhythm is 1-uh-2, 3-uh-4...

Basic Steps for Men

1. Step forward with your left foot (count 1)

2. Move your right foot to your left foot (uh)
3. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (count 2)
4. Step backward with your right foot (count 3)
5. Move your left foot to your right foot (uh)
6. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (count 4)

Basic Steps for Ladies

1. Step backward with your right foot (count 1)

2. Move your left foot to your right foot (uh)
3. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (count 2)
4. Step forward with your left foot (count 3)
5. Move your right foot to your left foot (uh)
6. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (count 4)

Jive is an exciting partner dance, fun, easy to learn, and playful in nature. Because it's fast and energy-consuming, it's also an
excellent form of exercise. Plus, it looks great on a dance floor.

Quick intro

Jive is a faster version of swing and shares many things with it, from footwork to underarm turns, swivels, etc. It evolved from
early swing dances like Boogie-Woogie and Jitterbug. During WWII American soldiers introduced it to Europe, especially UK,
where it became very popular with the youth. In 1968 it was added as the fifth Latin dance in International competitions.

It's a very happy dance where dancers use more bouncy movements, lifting the knees and bending or rocking the hips. A lot of
kicks are used. It's one the most energetic of all the dances.

Jive is generally danced to a music in 4/4 time in a wide variety of tempos from slow to very fast. The great thing about it is that it
can be danced to all sorts of music - old, new, Swing, Rocknroll, Country, electronic, pop...

It's a dance for everyone, easy to learn, relaxed, lots of fun, and extremely social. It is the fastest of the Latin dances and will give
you a great cardio workout. What a fantastic way to get and stay in shape. Now grab your dancing shoes and get jiving!
Basic steps

The basic steps for jive are based on a simple six beat sequence: 1-2-3-a-4-5-a-6. The count begins with the rock step (left foot
step back, right foot in place), followed by the two triple steps (chasse) that are counted: 3-a-4, 5-a-6.

The Rock Step is simply changing weight from one foot to the other, except that it is taking a little step back, instead of to the
side. A chasse is a series of three steps to the side.

Jive is generally danced to music with four beats to the bar that usually contains bouncy rhythms and easy melodies. The basic
step (for men) starts with a rock step (changing weight from one foot to the other) followed by triple step to the left (left, right,
left) and triple step to the right (right, left, right). The lady mirrors the man. Remember, the timing is - 1, 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6.

Instructions & Diagrams:

Jive is danced with the lady and man facing each other. The man's left hand loosely holds the lady's right hand. The man leads
starting with his left foot and the lady follows his movements.

Basic Men's Steps

1. Step back with your left foot (Rock step)

2. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it
3. Sidestep to the left with your left foot (Chasse to the left)
4. Move your right foot to your left foot
5. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
6. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (Chasse to the right)
7. Sidestep to the right with your left foot
8. Sidestep to the right with your right foot

Basic Lady's Steps

1. Step back with your right foot (Rock step)

2. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it
3. Sidestep to the right with your right foot (Chasse to the right)
4. Move your left foot to your right foot
5. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
6. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (Chasse to the left)
7. Sidestep to the left with your right foot
8. Sidestep to the left with your left foot Practice these steps until you are able to do them in time with music. Don't forget
to count: 1-2-3-a-4-5-a-6

Swing is a lively, non-progressive partner dance that can be danced to a wide variety of music, from blues to rock & roll. Non-
progressive means it's mostly performed in one spot, so it's very convenient on a crowded dance floor

Quick intro

Swing is one of the most versatile partner dances you can learn - very social and beginner friendly. Easily adaptable to a wide
range of tempos, it involves movements with lots of swinging, spinning and rhythmic, creative footwork.

There are many different styles of swing, the term actually refers to a group of dances that developed from the swing style of jazz
music in the first half of the last century. There's Lindy Hop, Boogie-Woogie, Jitterbug, Shag, Charleston, West Coast and East
Coast Swing, just to name a few. Each of these dances has its own distinct flavor.

One of the most popular and very suitable for beginners is the East Coast Swing. It's a bit more social and relaxed than other
versions. It's also a formal ballroom dance and the easiest to learn. Perfect for beginners, which is why we'll focus on this version
here. It will create a good foundation and is the base for other more complex versions.

East Coast Swing can be danced to a variety of music styles. If it's written in 4/4 time and has a tempo between 135-170 beats per
minute, you can swing it.

To dance swing you'll need a partner, a sense of humor, and a bit of endurance. It may seem a bit intimidating at first, especially if
you're watching those who really mastered it. But as with all things, you have to start with the basics. And the basics are easy.
Once you learn the fundamentals, you'll be swinging in no time. Always remember, wear comfortable shoes. Now let's go
swinging
Basic steps (East Coast Swing)

Beginners usually start with East Coast Swing, because it is the easiest of all swing styles. Here we will show you the basic 6
count step for East Coast Swing.

East Coast Swing has a basic count of 1&2, 3&4, 5,6. It's known as a triple step swing. The basic pattern is triple step, triple step,
and a rock step.

When you're starting out you can replace the triple step with a single step. In that case the pattern would be step, step, rock step or
rock step, step, step, depending on how you start counting. The overall progression is, of course, the same.

The triple step is really not that difficult to master, it is performed in a chasse-like manner - side step, together, side step.

Instructions & Diagrams:

Basic Steps for Men:

The man starts with his left foot.

 1&2: Triple step (chasse) to the left (left-right-left)

 3&4: Triple step to the right (right-left-right)
 5: Step backward with your left foot
 6: Weight shifts to your right foot

Basic Steps for Women:

The woman starts with her right foot.

 1&2: Triple step (chasse) to the right (right-left-right)

 3&4: Triple step to the left (left-right-left)
 5: Step backward with your right foot
 6: Weight shifts to your left foot Remember, keep the steps small

Waltz is an elegant, nearly universal dance, perfect for weddings, or almost any social occasion. It's not as hard to learn as most
people think

Quick intro

Waltz dates back to the late 17th century Europe, but has never really been out of fashion and clearly stood the test of time. It
should probably be one of the first ballroom dances you learn.

It is a smooth and graceful dance with long, flowing movements, characterized by rise & fall motion. It has a unique 3/4 timing
and a simple rhythmic pattern which blends with the music. You can start waltzing very quickly by just learning the simple box
step.

Basic steps

The basic step for waltz is a box step. It's named after a pattern it creates on the floor (box or square) and forms the foundation of
the dance.

A box step can be divided into two parts - a forward half box and a backward half box. Each half box has three steps - a step
forward or backward, a step to the side, and a step to close the feet together.

The leader starts with the left foot and executes a forward half box, followed by a backward half box. The follower performs the
opposite – she starts with the right foot and executes a backward half box, followed by a forward half box.

The basic box step pattern uses three counts - slow, quick, quick, which is repeated twice to create the box step. Timing is
1,2,3,1,2,3 or 1,2,3,4,5,6.

Instructions & Diagrams:

When dancing waltz someone has to lead and someone has to follow. Usually the man will lead and the woman will follow.

Men's Steps:
1. Step forward with the left foot
2. Right foot step sideways to the right
3. Bring your left foot next to your right foot
4. Step back with the right foot
5. Step back sideways with the left foot
6. Bring your right foot next to your left foot

Lady's Steps:

1. Step back with the right foot

2. Left foot steps sideways to the left
3. Bring your right foot next to your left foot
4. Step forward with the left foot
5. Step forward sideways with the right foot
6. Bring your left foot next to your right foot