INTRODUCTION

Dance is a form of expression that involves rhythmic movements of the body, often
accompanied by music or a specific beat. It's a universal art form that transcends cultural
boundaries and has been an integral part of human history for centuries. Dance can be performed
for various purposes, including entertainment, communication, storytelling, cultural preservation,
and even as a form of exercise.

DANCE

Dance refers to movement set to music where there emerges organization, structure and
pattern. It is a composition that implies arrangement of parts into a form

Dancing is a means of expressing one's emotions through movement disciplined by rhythm.

It is an act of moving rhythmically and expressively to an accompaniment. The word dancing
came from an old German word" danson" which means to stretch" Essentially, all dancing is
made up of stretching and relaxing.

RHYTHM

Every individual has rhythm. It is found in all of nature and is natural to every individual.
Rhythm is most clearly seen through dance—the art of movement.

Rhythms, a term which denotes an aspect of a quality of movement that is sometimes thought of
as dance. When an individual moves in response to a particular rhythm or music we call the
movements as rhythmic movements or rhythms. Structured forms which start creative rhythmic
movements are called rhythms

ELEMENTS OF RHYTHM:

1. Beat - the underlying pulse of a rhythm.

2. Tempo - rate of speed of a movement.

3. Intensity - variation of stress of movement.

4. Pitch - lowness or highness of a tone.

5. Accent - emphasis on certain beats.

6. Meter - the regular recurrence of beats which divides a musical design into measure.

7. Phrase - measures grouped together.

8. Bar - in music a vertical line across a staff dividing it into equal measures of time.
 9. Count - a pulse beat, a time limit.

10. Note - a printed symbol of a musical tone.

11. Measure - a group of pulse beats.

12. Note Pattern - refers to a note or set of notes with or without rest used for a certain
dance step.

13. Step Pattern - refers to the movement or movements done for each of the dance steps.

RHYTHMIC PATTERN

In dancing, a rhythmic pattern refers to a sequence of movements that are coordinated with
the underlying beat and tempo of the music. These patterns dictate the timing, speed, and
accentuation of movements, creating a visual representation of the music's rhythm. Rhythmic
patterns in dancing contribute to the overall energy, style, and expression of a dance
performance.

Using three types of rhythm patterns is how some dance instructors prefer to teach dance.

● Single Rhythm. This is one step taken for two beats of music. The step is taken on the
first beat with an added tap (toe step), brush step, kick or "hold" taken on the second beat.
Examples of dances that are used are the Tango and the Fox Trot.

● Double Rhythm. This is two steps taken on two beats of music, such as in marching. In
this rhythm pattern, the dancer starts with one foot and ends with the opposite foot.
Examples of usage include the Waltz and most Salsa variations.

● Triple Rhythm. This is three small steps taken for two syncopated beats. Examples that
are used are the Samba and the Cha-Cha.

FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT OF ACTION

The fundamental movements of action, often referred to as the "fundamental movement

skills," are basic physical movements that form the building blocks for more complex and
specialized movements. These skills are essential for physical development, coordination, and
participation in various activities, sports, and daily tasks.

All dance begins with Body Awareness and Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) the everyday
movements we make.

There are several fundamental movement skills, including:

1. Locomotor Skills: These involve moving the body from one place to another. They
include:
 - Walking
- Running
- Jumping
- Hopping
- Skipping
- Galloping
- Sliding

2. Non-Locomotor Skills: These movements are performed while remaining stationary and
involve body control. They include:

- Balancing
- Twisting
- Bending
- Stretching
- Turning
- Swaying

3. Manipulative Skills: These skills involve controlling and manipulating objects. They
include:

- Catching
- Throwing
- Kicking
- Striking (with hands or implements like a bat or racket)
- Dribbling (with hands or feet)

4. Combination Skills: These skills combine elements of locomotor, non-locomotor, and

manipulative skills. They include:

- Rolling (e.g., forward rolls)

- Jumping and catching
- Running and kicking

Fundamental movement skills hold immense importance in the realm of dancing as they serve as
the bedrock on which a dancer's artistry is built. By honing fundamental movement skills,
dancers not only refine their physical coordination and flexibility but also elevate their capacity
to translate music's rhythm and narrative into a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Ultimately, these
skills empower dancers to communicate stories, emotions, and artistic expressions effectively,
making them an indispensable foundation for every dance endeavor.

SUMMARY