Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PRIMITIVE DANCE
- Dances were performed on occasions such as celebrated birth, commemorated deaths and
marked special events. It includes magical dances to ask gods to end famine or to provide rain, or to
cure sick.
PRIMITIVE DANCERS
- also shared certain gestures and movements, which were drawn from their everyday lives.
Primitive dancers used all of these movements in both their social and religious or magical dances.
These were not created for entertainment as many of our dances are to this date.
ANCIENT EGYPT
- Far more than mere pastime, dancing became an integral part of Egyptian life. It evolved
from the simplest rituals used by the hunters to find their prey.
PRIEST DANCER – a leader who is responsible for seeing that the dances were performed
correctly so that the hunt would be successful.
ANCIENT GREECE
- Participation in dance and drama festivals was a religious exercise and not an amusement. Greek
dance can be divided into large and small motions, movements and gestures. Movements were
closely related to gymnastic exercises that resembled dance.
ROMAN EMPIRE
- Under the reign of Caesar Augustus in about 22 BC, the Pantomime dance-drama became an
independent form of artistic expression.
ROMAN PANTOMIME - was a highly developed art form that made lavish and creative use of
dance.
CHRISTIAN ERA
- Dance was performed on cathedral porches, church squares and market places, miracle
plays, mystery plays and morality plays that taught the church’s lessons were enacted in a theatrical
way. In dramatic ritual games with dance movement, the passing of the seasons was celebrated as it
had been by primitive tribes.
ELEMENTS OF RHYTHM
ELEMENTS OF DANCE
1. SPACE
– movements mold the spatial aspects of dance and make the stage space come alive as an
aesthetic element.
Shape – this element can be looked at from two different perspectives: in terms of the overall shape
of the entire dance and the shapes of specific movements.
Line – is usually found in ballet choreography, referring to the movements in ballet that must be
executed in a specific way in order for the dancers to achieve the desired/ classic ballet shape.
1.2 Level
– For example, a choreographer may use the floor (low level) and the space above the
dancer’s head (high level) instead of constantly having the dancers perform upright (medium level), to
produce a more visually interesting dance.
1.3 Direction
– the directions that dancers move in and face are also factors in choreography. Having the
dancers face front (toward the audience) for an entire dance might be uninteresting.
1.4 Focus
– where and how the dancers are using their eyes and body, usually can enhance the quality
of the performance immensely.
1.8 Phrases
– all dances are made up of phrases that are linked together (often, phrases are made into
different dance sections, and these sections comprise the whole dance).
1.9 Transitions
– are what link one movement phrase to another, allowing a dance to flow smoothly from
section to section.
2. TIME
All dances happen in a given time frame. Movements cause something to happen and thus a change
occurs, which is sensed as having a duration and is perceived in terms of time.
2.7 Stillness
– when a dancer is in still position on stage, his or her whole body and mind must stay
charged and focused or else the audience will almost immediately lose interest.
3. ENERGY
– when a movement is executed, a certain amount of energy is used to accomplish the
movement.
3.1 Dynamics
– it is created when energy is used with time
3.2 Qualities
– are the distinctly observable attributes or characteristics produced by dynamics and made
manifest in movement. Some of the movement qualities are:
1. BALLROOM DANCES
– these dances started appearing first in Italy, during the early years of Renaissance.
Popularity of this kind of entertainment quickly swept over the Europe, United States and the World.
Examples:
1. Waltz 6. Samba
2. Viennese Waltz 7. Mambo
3. Tango 8. Quickstep
4.Cha-Cha-Cha 9. Jive
5. Rumba 10. Bolero
Examples:
1. Charleston 4. Swing
2. Tap Dance 5. Boogie-woogie
3. Moonwalk
3. WORLDWIDE DANCES / LATIN DANCES
5. MODERN DANCES
– advancements in music technology brought the birth of many new types of dances.
1. Breakdance 6. Bounce
2. Electric boogaloo 7. Jerking
3. Street Jazz 8. Tutting
4. Popping 9. Clogging
5. Locking
7. CREATIVE RHYTHMS
– provide a special area in the rhythmic program where creativity is the goal and functional
movement is secondary.
8. CREATIVE DANCE
– the end product of exploration and improvisation of movements as the dancer
or choreographer expresses his feelings or emotions, ideas, and interpretations. This is a dance
with definite form, beginning and end.
9. CLASSICAL DANCE
– characterized by grace and precision of movement and by
elaborate formal gestures, steps, and poses.
DANCE FORMATIONS
FORMATIONS
- are very important and it adds beauty to dance. Formation may vary or change after each
figure in a dance.
DANCE FORMATION
-”Formation dance” or “formation team” dancing refers to a choreographed routine involving
more than one couple.
-The choreography may be based on a particular dance or a medley of dance.
- Formation dancing may be done for exhibition or for competition between teams.
LONGWAYS SET
-is comprised of two lines of dancers facing each other. Each dancers stands across from their
partner.
COUNTER CLOCKWISE
-the reverse direction of clockwise, L shoulders toward center. Movement is toward right when
facing center of circle.
There are five fundamental or basic positions in dance that are commonly termed as first position,
second position, third position, fourth position and fifth position of the feet and arms.
ARMS POSITION
First position - raise arms to a circle in front of the chest with the finger tips about an inch apart.
Second position – open up arms sideward, raised below shoulder level with a graceful curve.
Third position – raise one arm overhead while other arm remains in 2nd position.
Fourth position – raise one arm in front of chest in a half circle, while one arm remains overhead.
Fifth position – raise both arms overhead in a graceful curve.
FEET POSITION
First position – bring heels close to touch; toes apart.
Second position – bring feet apart sideward.
Third position – bring the heel of one foot to touch the instep of the other foot.
Fourth position – bring one foot in front of the other foot to walk strike.
Fifth position – bring the heel of one foot to touch the toe of the other.
BALLROOM DANCE
“Ballroom dancing” was originally applied to dances commonly done in a ballroom. The type of
dance depended on the period under consideration. The waltz was introduced to fashionable
ballrooms in the early nineteenth century. A second couple dance polka was introduced to Paris and
was welcomed as fashionable ballroom dance. By the early twentieth century, dances such as the
two-step, one-step, foxtrot and tango have been introduced.
Ballroom dancing is a partnership dance where couples, using step-patterns, move rhythmically,
expressing the characteristics of music. It is a variety of social dances performed by couples in which
there is a conventional pattern of steps.
It is also known as social dance because it encourages social interaction between dance partners.
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).
A. MODERN STANDARD
1. Waltz
– is one of the five dances in the Standard (or Modern) category of the International Style
ballroom dances. It was previously referred to as Slow Waltz or English Waltz.
2. Tango
– is a ballroom dance that branched away from its original Argentine roots by allowing
European, American, Hollywood and competitive influences into the style and execution of the dance.
3. Viennese Waltz (German: Wiener Walzer)
- is the genre of a ballroom dance. At least three different meanings are recognized. In the
historical sense, the name may refer to several versions of the waltz including the earliest waltzes
done in ballroom dancing, danced to the music of Viennese Waltz.
4. Foxtrot
– is a smooth, progressive dance characterized by long, continuous flowing movements across
the dance floor. It is danced to big band (usually vocal) music.
5. Quickstep
– is a light-hearted member of the standard ballroom dances. The movement of the dance is
fast and powerfully flowing and sprinkled with syncopations.
B. LATIN AMERICAN
The Rhythm, Latin style focuses on a display of vibrant energy and a personal flair. The
couple’s dancing pattern is syncopated to the rhythm of the music. The couple usually dances in one
spot of the dance floor. Included in this style are the East Coast Swing, Jive, Rumba, Bolero, Cha
Cha, Mambo, Samba and Paso Doble.
2. Samba
– the international Ballroom version of samba is a lively, rhythmical dance with elements from
Brazilian samba.
3. Rumba
– is a Cuban dance along with the Mambo, Bolero and Cha Cha Cha, but has enjoyed greater
popularity than any of the others, probably of its slower, relaxed, smooth style.
5. Jive
– gradually emerged as the generic term that covered Lindy Hop, Jitterbug and Boogie-woogie
dances. Whichever music was used in the 1940s; the music was Swing.
Popular dances, such as the Argentine Tango, Salsa, Merengue, West Coast Swing, Hustle,
Bachata, Night Club 2-Step and County and Western Dancing, are more recent additions to the world
of Ballroom dance.
WHO DOES BALLROOM DANCING?
Ballroom Dancing is a sport for people of all ages and backgrounds. It does not require any special
skills or dance ability. By learning simple dance steps, and their associated timing, you can find
yourself quickly out on the dance floor having fun while moving to the music.
Ballroom dance is an activity you can enjoy at any age.
2. Physical Health
A. It can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol.
B. It improves cardiovascular health.
C. It strengthens weight-bearing bones.
D. It helps prevent or slow bone loss related to osteoporosis.
E. It lowers the risks of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.
F. It promotes increased lung capacity.
G. It can help speed up recovery after orthopedic surgery since it’s a lower impact exercise than
jogging or biking.
H. It improves both cardiovascular fitness and reduced the risk of cognitive impairment like dementia.
I. To reap the full body-conditioning benefits of ballroom dance, dance for at least 30 minutes, four
days a week.
3. Mental Health
A. It improves mental acuity throughout a dancer’s life – and that there are also substantial benefits to
those who start ballroom dance as adults.
B. It can help enhance memory, alertness, awareness, focus, and concentration.
C. It can prevent the onset of dementia and significantly improve spatial memory in elderly patients.
D. Participating in an activity like ballroom dance helps create more intricate neural pathways, which
can ward off weakening synapses that often come with old age.
E. It decreases anxiety and stress levels among those who took up partner dancing.
F. It can decrease loneliness among all age groups, because it’s a goal-oriented social activity that
brings like- minded people together.
4. Confidence
A. It will help improve your comfort level, confidence and communication skills on the dance floor.
B. As your dance technique improves and you feel more at ease with other people, your sense of
accomplishment, motivation and confidence will continue to increase.
Social dancing is partner dancing that is informal, relaxed, and danced for the enjoyment of the
partners - rather than to meet the criteria of a dance school or an audience. Social dancing is danced
for enjoyment, socialization, recreation and health. The test for social dancing success is how much
the dance partners have enjoyed the dance - not how they have danced in the eyes of others or how
"correctly" they have danced.
Social dancing has no standardized teaching or learning curriculum. Social dancing is also dynamic.
The types of social dances and styles change with the times. Social dancing is different for American
ballroom dancing which is sometimes called social ballroom dancing.
Ballroom dancing is meant to be danced in ballrooms, and social dancing is suited for dancing on
small or crowded floors, such as dance floors found in restaurants and pubs. If ballroom dancers wish
to use their dancing skills in social dance environments, they do need to change and adapt their style
and steps.
Social dance
- is dance which is recreational and usually performed with a partner and in groups or as a
community activity for fun and enjoyment
3. Multi-Tasking
Ultimately, social dancing is having the ability to converse while dancing. Being able to multi-task,
like chatting about work or the weather while Waltzing, takes some practice but allows dancing to
develop into natural use much quicker.
Dancing was not always welcome or openly received. Certain sections of the society who were
conservative in their beliefs felt it was too forward and liberal. They criticized and condemned
those who practiced dance as they felt it promoted recklessness and disorder. However, as
cultural circumstances changed and people evolved, these obstacles diminished over time.
Today, dance is not just an amusement but also a powerful social tool.
HERE ARE THE TOP FOUR BENEFITS OF DANCING AND IN PARTICULAR, SOCIAL
DANCING.
2. A Way to Socialize
- The early Americans were restricted by societal rules to communicate openly. But our modern
culture has restricted itself because of its addiction to technology. With touch and face time
conversation at an all-time low, dance brings with it a gem of an opportunity to socialize.
3. Improved Level of Confidence
- Dance is excellent for cultivating a positive body image through exercise, posture, and balance.
The aerobic nature of dance helps a person get into better physical form and works wonders on a
person's self-esteem. Also, dancing often being a group activity helps to improve interpersonal
social skills
In general, social spot dances use compact steps and a compact dance hold where the arms or
elbows do not stick out to the side.
2. Progressive Dances
A progressive dance is a dance that travels around the dance floor in an anti-clockwise
direction. Progressive social dances generally need a somewhat larger floor than those best
suited for spot dancing - a floor size that permits travelling around the dance floor - but not one as
large as a dance hall or ballroom.
Traditional Argentine Tango, Country Two Step, Social Waltz, and Social Foxtrot are examples of
progressive social dances. The close embrace, small steps and absence of embellishments in
milonguero style Argentine Tango makes it well suited to dance progressively on smaller floors.
Social dancing is usually done on a small, crowded dance floor where the dancing is typically
secondary compared to the main reason for gathering - which are social functions like a wedding
or a holiday.
For ballroom dancing, a site with a vast dance floor and in a building that is constructed for the
sole purpose of dancing is essentials. This kind of space is necessary because ballroom dancing
movements are sweeping in nature. A transition from social dancing to ballroom dancing can be
done through ballroom dance styles like the cha-cha, swing, and rumba.
1. Pop dancers are very wanted since pop music is very popular, having pop dance so popular
means many people would like pop music and pop dancers at their social gatherings or parties.
2. Any age is good to start dancing since pop dance is very easy to do and has simple lyrics to follow.
3. Pop dance is also a hobby or activity it is a great source of exercise.
4. Main things you need for being a pop dancer is lots of energy and to not be afraid of standing in
front of an audience.
5. Pop dance was normally seen or used in clubs or any kind of social event where groups of people
would come to dance.
6. Pop dance and music evolved a lot ever since the 1980's when it was created, pop dance became
so popular that it started to be a type of everyday music. Pop dance is so popular it is seen almost
everywhere. Pop dance started to be seen in games such as dance central and many more.
7. The whole pop genre got so popular that one of Kesha's songs sold more singles than one of the
Beatles.
8. There are many things that have made pop dance one of the things that factored in making pop
dance so popular.
9. The upbeat sound and the fast tempo. It always got people up and dancing. The more energy the
better the dance which is great for dance since it requires a lot of energy.
10. Pop dance tends to be very repetitive since the lyrics repeat themselves many times, the lyrics
are very catchy and easy to remember making it easy to sing along to.