Dance Facts - History, Interesting Tips and

Types of Dance
Dance is a form of art that is made by purposefully recreating selected
sequences of human motion, which can be imbued with the values of
aesthetic and symbolism that are acknowledged by both performers and
observers from within the particular culture. The dance itself can be
freeform or can have a predefined choreography that may or may not
align with traditions of origin or historical period.

The dance can be performed to serve various functions (social,

competitive, ceremonial, martial, erotic…) but it also has two distinct
forms – theatrical dance in which dancers perform for an audience, and
participatory social dance where dancing in a group is encouraged to
anyone. Participatory dances are most commonly found at weddings,
social gatherings, and festivals, and they can be enjoyed with folk music
both alone or in a group (pairs, lines, chains or other forms).

Theatrical dance is known for having more elaborate choreography,

planning, costume, scenery and other elements that make the entire
production feel more professional. The performers of theatrical dance
are usually professional “ virtuoso dancers”, who practice their craft over
the years, and are often tasked to interpret the musical accompaniment
with advanced dance moves or routines.

Origins and Early History

The dance has always been with us, even before the arrival of written
language and modern history, when our earliest cultures evolved
utilizing oral and performance methods to pass the stories from one
generation to the next. Many historians believe that social, celebratory
and ritual dances are one of the essential factors of the development
of early human civilizations.

The earliest findings have pinpointed the origins of ancient dances in

9000-year-old India or 5300-year-old Egypt, but the records more
common infusion of dance into a modern culture can be found from
Ancient Greece, China, and India. All these old dances evolved, eventually
morphing into a wide variety of Roman and European medieval dances,
traditional Chinese dances, Hindi and other traditional dances,
respectively.

After the arrival of European Renaissance, the history of music and dance
exploded with the new additions to song and dance. Ease of travel and
immigration to the new world brought these dances into the mix with
many native cultures of the New World, forging countless new dance
types that are still popular to this day.

Do you know these facts about dance?

 First archeological proof of dance comes from the 9 thousand
year old cave paintings in India.
 One of the earliest uses of structured dance was introduced
in religious ceremonies that told the stories of ancient myths and
gods. Egyptian priests used this kind of visual storytelling in their
rituals.
 Ancient Egyptians used dancing for both entertainment and
religion.
 Dance represented important parts of many Greek and
Roman religious ceremonies.
 Ancient Greeks and Romans annually celebrated their wine
gods Dionysus and Bacchus with several days long festivities filled
with alcohol, song and dance.
 History of European medieval dance is fragmented and limited,
but is believed that simple folk dances were widespread among
common and wealthy classes.
 Modern dance history in Europe started with Renaissance, when
many new dances were invented. After that, periods of Baroque,
post French Revolution, Elizabethan era, World War 1, Prohibition,
Ragtime and pre-WW2 brought many new waves of dance styles.
 Waltz, one of the most popular dances today came into popularity
in mid-19th century by the efforts of the famous composer Johann
Strauss, but its origins can be traced even to the distant 16th
century.
 At first, waltz was performed with arm's length between male and
female dances. The shocking transition to the close embrace
happened only after English Queen Victoria fell in love with the
dance and forced this change.
 Around 30 thousand people are employed in UK dance industry
today, maintaining around 200 dance companies.
 Even people in wheelchairs can dance! Such dancing is very
popular in Europe where there are even competitions in Latin
dances with special wheelchair choreographies.
 Professional dance is today regarded as one of the most
demanding physical abilities and sports. According to studies, 80%
of all professional dances have at least one major injury during
their career and staggering 93% of all dance teachers were forced
into that position after career ending injury.
 High amount of injuries in professional dancing is induced by
high levels of fatigue, little time for rest, inadequate healing
techniques and high stress levels. All those factors can produce
burn out periods when dancers have decreased strength,
coordination, cognitive and immune functions.
 Lion Dance is one of the most popular religious and ceremonious
dances in China and surrounding countries of Taiwan, Korea and
 Japan. This dance can signify bringing of good fortune, ward of evil
spirits and be an excellent showcase in martial arts proficiency.

Dance Facts
After several thousand years, dancing managed to completely infuse
itself into our way of life. Here you can find more information about this
fascinating activity and the impact it can have on our lives.

Dance History
Since the dawn of human civilization, dance remained in close
connection with us. Here you can find out more about this fascinating
part of our culture, all from its roots in ancient civilizations to the modern
times.

Dance Types
Thousand years of innovations and evolution created modern dance that
we all enjoy today. Here you can find out more about specific dance
styles and the way they are implemented and created.

Dance List
There are many specific dances which can be sorted into single dance
styles or families of related dances. Here you can read more about
specific dances and variants of a specific dance.

Facts about Dancing

 Professional dances are today regarded as athletes.
 Dancing is very beneficial to your health. It lowers the chances for
heart and blood vessel diseases, improves posture and weight,
reduces stress and tension, improve brain function because of
 constant presence of music, and can improve relationship between
dance partners.
 Because of the need to maintain strict head position while dancing,
doctors often prescribe use of dance for those patients that need
to develop their peripheral vision.
 First balled dancer that used pointe shoes was Marie Taglioni in
1832 ballet "La Sylphide".
 One tutu shoe cost up to $2000 dollars to be made, and one
ballerina wears between 2 and three pairs per week.
 Because of high physical demand on their bodies, most
professional dances retire from dancing during their mid-30s.
 Famous modern dance Cha-Cha originated from Cuba.
 Famous energetic ballroom dance can-can (or cancan), which is
performed by the row of female dances in long skirts originated
form 1830s Paris ballrooms.
 Origin of tap-dancing comes from the tribal dances of African
slaves. Their arrival in North America introduced that dance to the
western audiences.
 Dancing with metal tap shoes became popular in United States
during 1920s and 1930s. One of the most famous tap-dancing
performers of that time were Nicholas brothers, who were
instrumental into bringing that style of dance into Hollywood
movies.
 Famous movie stars such as Fred Astaire, Ray Bolger and Gene
Kelley used tap-dancing to enchant the minds of the worldwide
audience with great success.
 Hindu religion has very close relationship to dance and music. This
connection can most visible be seen in their countless Bollywood
movies that all celebrate dancing.
 One of the dances that managed to completely change the
landscape of dance history is polka! This energetic dance that was
focused for young women that liked to jump, hop and turn swept
across the world in mid-19th century.
 Dancing represent great physical exercise for the people of all age.
It can be safely practiced from the age of 2 to 102!
 Many historical waves of dances were perceived as the
"destructors" of the old way of dance. Examples of that can be
found in the 1920's Charleston and the era of Rock music.
 First ballroom dance that was ever created is
Italian Viennese Waltz.
 One of the reason that ballroom dancing is starting to return into
popularity is because famous TV competition show "Dancing with
the Stars".
 African slaves that were brought in Brazil 300-400 years ago were
prohibited from practicing martial arts. Therefore, they developed
the mix of dancing and fighting that is known today as capoeira.
 Breakdancing was first created as a "less lethal" form of fighting
between warring African-American street gangs in 1970s Bronx
area of New York City. This form of dancing re-emerged into
worldwide popularity during 1990s.
 Dance marathon competition started as early as 14th century
England. They reached height of their popularity in the bloom of
US entertainment expansion during 1930s depression era. Some
competitions were performed in the 22 day long marathons.
 The most sensual dance of modern times is without a doubt
a Tango. It originated from 1890s Argentina, but it quickly became
very successful in Europe.
HILIPPINE FOLKDANCE."— Presentation transcript:
1  PHILIPPINE FOLKDANCE

2  What is Dancing Dance is an expression of an intensified sense of life, arising from an inner
perception that stimulates both mind and body. It is man’s natural and primitive means of
expression. The truest expression of a people is in its dances and its music. “The body never
lies”.Dance has been a part of the life of every tribe, society or celebrates through dance. Dance is
not only an individual or group experience but also considered as a cultural mirror who wherein the
spirit, character and artistry of its time are reflected.

3  A dance as simple emotional expression when developed into a design with its planned
organization of a pattern of movement in rhythm, in space and or ground, with its set of steps,
gestures and dynamics becomes a specific dance. And when stylized in a common design becomes
a dance form. These dance forms which take centuries to develop, reflect the customs of the society
in which they have evolved.According to William Cobbett, Dancing is at once rational and healthful. It
is the natural amusement of young people and such it has been from the days of Moses. Our only
quarrel with this statement is the reference to ‘young people’, since the recreation of dancing
provides pleasure and enjoyment, with relaxation and an improved social life, to people of all ages
and all backgrounds. It is an ideal path to health through gentle exercise in these days of tension,
stress and sedentary work and pleasures. Those who forsake the television screen to go dancing
reap great mental and physical rewards.

4  Dancing is based on natural walking steps forward and backwards. If

this can be achieved with balance, control and small steps, the actualfigures will feel and look
natural and rhythmic. So it is best to studyand work on the recommended exercises before working
on thefigures.DanceIt is defined as an inner impulse of man to rhythm or musicexpressing his feeling
of joy, moods, sentiments or any humanexperience.Dance EducationThis refers to an educational
process whereby the central process isthe learning and studying the dance as the medium to
understandone’s self society and culture.

5  Dance Form

6  Classical DanceDance with standardized rules and restriction. It can be religiousrelated dances or
court and royal entertainment form.Classical BalletA dance of supreme standards learned from an
academe. Thisoriginated from Italy from the word Bal-lo meaning to danceflourished in the royal
court of France.Modern DanceA deviation from the principles of classical ballet developed byIsadora
Duncan. She believed in the principles of naturalness andThe expression of the human body and
soul.

7  Contemporary Dance This is a combination of ballet and modern dance whereby it uses the
varied medium of other dance forms like folks, ethnic, jazz or tribal dance. Popular Dance This is
highly recognized as a dance form in television and other dance centers like discotheque houses
and social gatherings.

8  Folk DanceThe term implies the traditional flavors and characteristics ofthe people, their feeling
and sentiments. It is also referredsometimes as traditional dance.Ethnic/Tribal DanceA dance
particularly found in a group of people livingtogether in locality with a common belief and customs.

9  Ballroom DanceA popular term for dance performed on ballroom areas or forpurposes of
recreation and entertainment.Example:Latin American dance(cha-cha, mambo, rumba, jive, samba
and paso doble)Standard dance(tango, waltz, foxtrot and quick step)

10  CLASSIFICATION OF DANCE
11  1. National Dances- are traditional dances throughout the Philippines with common basic
movement or pattern but with slight variation.Ex: Cariñosa Pandango BalitawKuratsa Rigodon
Surtido2. Local or Regional Dances- are dance found in certain localities or regions only.Ex:
Esperanza (Nakua, Camarines Sur)Alcampor (Leyte)Maglalatik (San Pablo, Laguna)

12  3. Occupational Dances- are dances that depict actions characterizing occupation industries and
phases of human labor.Ex: Pabirik-depicts the difference stages of gold panningMonanguete- tuba
gathererRice Festival- has the largest number of dancesMagtatanim, Paggapas, Paggiik, Pahangin,
Pababayo,Pagtatahip4. Religious or Ceremonial Dances- are performed in connection with religious
vows, practices and ceremonies. A religious dance maybe performed to drive away evil spirits and
for having recovered from sickness, favors granted and vows fulfilled.Ex: Sinurog Obando Dugso

13  5. Courtship Dance- are dances that depict making or\ are dances with love themes. Ex: Hele
Hele bago Quiere Rogelia Lulay Maramion 6. Wedding Dances- are performed by newlyweds, by
friends and relatives of the bride and groom or by the father of the bride and mother of the groom.
Ex: Pandang-Pandang Soryano Pantomina

14  7. Festival Dances- performed in connection with celebration a feast, a barrio, fiesta, good
harvest and good future.Ex: Kuratsa La Jota Putong8. War Dances- are intended to show imaginary
combat or duel with the use fighting implements like bolo or spear.Ex: Sagayan Maglalatik
Inabaknon

15  9. Comic Dances- are dances with funny and humorous movements mainly intended for
entertainment.
Ex: makonggo- movements of monkeyKinoton- imitates the movements of person bitten by ants10.
Game Dances- are dances that have some play elements and are for recreational purposes.Ex:
Pabo Lubi-lubi Sinenalan Gayong-gayong11. Social Dances- are dances danced during social
gathering.Ex: Rigodon Lanceros