Introduction to

Dance Rhythms

History of Dance
From the earliest moments of known human history, dance accompanied ancient rituals,
spiritual gatherings and social events. As a conduit of trance, spiritual force, pleasure, expression,
performance and interaction, dance became infused into our nature from the earliest moments of
our existence - from the moment when first African tribes covered themselves in war-paint to the
to the spreading of music and dance across all four corners of the world. Without a doubt, dancing
remains one of the most expressive forms of communications that we know.

The oldest proof of existence of dancing comes from the 9000 year old cave paintings that
were found in India, which depicts various scenes of hunting, childbirth, religious rites, burials and
most importantly, communal drinking and dancing. Since dancing itself cannot leave clearly
identifiable archeological artifacts that can be found today, scientist looked for secondary clues,
written word, stone carvings, paintings and similar artifacts. Period when dancing became
widespread can be traced to the third millennia BC, when Egyptians started using dance as integral
parts of their religious ceremonies. Judging by the many tomb paintings that survived the tooth of
time, Egyptian priests used musical instruments and dancers to mimic important events - stories of
gods and cosmic patterns of moving stars and sun.

Of course, not all dances in those ancient times were intended for religious purposes.
Ordinary people used dance for celebration, entertainment, seduction and to induce the mood of
frenzied exhilaration. Annual celebration in honor of Greek god of wine Dionysus (and later Roman
god Bacchus) included dancing and drinking for several days. European dances before the start of
Renaissance were not widely documented, any only few isolated fragments of their existence
remain found today.

The most basic "chain shaped" dance practiced by commoners was most widespread across
Europe, but the arrival of Renaissance and new forms of music brought many other styles in
fashion. Renaissance dances from Spain, France and Italy were soon surpassed by Baroque dances
which became widely popular in French and English courts. After the short period of time when
great ballroom masters created wave of complicated dances, the era of modern day 2 person dance
started with the careers of famous ballroom dances Vernon and Irene Castle. After those early
years of 20th century many modern dances were invented (Foxtrot, One-Step, Tango, Charleston,
Swing, Postmodern, Hip-hop, breakdancing and more) and the expansion of musical brought those
dances into worldwide popularity.
 Concepts of Dance
Dance is a rich and diverse art form that encompasses a wide range of styles, techniques,
and cultural expressions. It is a form of human movement that is often accompanied by music and
has symbolic, cultural, social, and artistic significance. Here are some key concepts related to dance:

Movement and Expression: Dance involves purposeful and expressive movement of the body and
often conveys emotions, ideas, stories, or cultural meanings through gestures, poses, and
sequences of steps.

Rhythm and Music: Rhythm is a fundamental element of dance, and dancers often synchronize
their movements with music. The rhythm of the music guides the timing, pace, and dynamics of the
dance.

Choreography: Choreography is the art of creating and arranging movements and sequences to
form a dance piece. Choreographers design the structure, steps, and patterns that dancers follow
during a performance.

Style and Genre: Dance encompasses various styles and genres, such as ballet, contemporary,
jazz, hip-hop, tap, folk, ballroom, and more. Each style has its own techniques, movements, and
cultural or historical background.

Cultural and Social Context: Dance often reflects the culture, traditions, and social norms of a
particular community or group of people. Different cultures have distinct dance forms that are
deeply rooted in their history and heritage.

Body Awareness and Technique: Dancers undergo training to improve their flexibility, strength,
balance, coordination, and overall body awareness. Proper technique is crucial for executing
movements with precision and grace.

Improvisation: Improvisation involves creating movement spontaneously without prior planning. It

allows for creativity and artistic expression in the moment, often guided by the music or a specific
theme.

Performance and Audience Interaction: Dance is often performed in front of an audience.

Performers engage with the audience through their movements, facial expressions, and storytelling,
creating a shared emotional experience.

Costuming and Props: Costumes and props are used in dance to enhance the visual appeal, convey
a theme, or represent a character. They play a significant role in the overall presentation of a dance
piece.

History and Evolution: The history of dance is vast and diverse, with roots tracing back to ancient
civilizations. Dance has evolved over time, influenced by cultural, social, technological, and artistic
changes.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Dance often involves collaboration among choreographers, dancers,
musicians, costume designers, and other artists. Effective teamwork is essential for creating a
cohesive and polished performance.

Education and Training: Dance education involves formal training in dance techniques, history,
theory, and performance. Dancers typically undergo years of training to master their chosen style
and develop their skills. Understanding these concepts provides a foundation for appreciating and
engaging with the art of dance in its various forms and expressions.

Nature of Dance
Dance is one of the most beautiful forms of art that has grown in leaps and bounds. Dance is no
longer just a hobby; it is also one of the most lucrative professions as well. Besides, dance therapy is
very much in vogue these days simply because the experience of dancing helps a person to heal
from within. Dance is a form of expression that helps a person bring forth who they are, and what
they're passionate about.

Every dance form has its own unique identity. Each dance is beautiful in its own way and has a
different appeal to it. Every country has a distinctive approach about its dance style, with ethnicities
worldwide merging dance forms, and even creating new ones, transforming the very idea of dance.
Why do people dance?

 It has been used in worship

 It plays a role in courtship

 It serves as a form of acquaintance for man and woman

 It is an expression of one feelings
 As in old times, it brings magical power to people
 It brings victory or somehow restores health to life
 It serves to entertain others
 It gives beauty and inspiration to others
 To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speaks

Contemporary Dance May include techniques that are found in ballet and modern dance
such as floor work, fall and recovery, improvisation, even incorporating yoga, pilates, and
martial arts together with techniques introduced by such famous dancers as Graham,
Hawkins, Horton, and Cunningham. Modern dance focuses on emotions and moods while
contemporary dance focuses on creating new techniques and movements.

Streetdance (Hip-hop & Cheer Dance) Cheerdance Is an organized sports activity involving
short routines that combine dance, gymnastics, and stunt elements to cheer on teams,
most commonly in basketball and football. Performers of these one to three-minute
routines are To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak. Hip-hop Hip Hop dance
originated from a cultural movement that began in 1970’s New York. The movement also
includes Djing, rapping, and graffiti. The Hip Hop dance style incorporates locking, popping,
breakin, house and more recently krumping, which are all stand alone individual dance
forms in themselves. Hip Hop dance is very energetic, expressive, improvisational and
social. A direct opposite of traditional dance forms such as Ballet, Jazz and Tap that were
taught in dance studios and establishments.

PHASES OF DANCE
PROGRAM

Phases of the Dance Program

Creative Rhythms Are sometimes called fundamental rhythms or natural dances. A creative
rhythm is an end product of exploration and improvisation of movements as children learn
to move the parts of their body and to use them as instruments of expression.

Folk/Ethnic Dance Is a cultural art form handed down from generations. It communicates
the customs, beliefs, rituals, and occupations of the people of a region or country. Folk
dancing belongs and originated from them. Ethnic tribes have their specific tribal art forms
originated and danced by the people of the tribe.

Social and Ballroom Dance The setting of the social and ballroom dance is a social
gathering with the more formal atmosphere than the simple and informal parties in which
the recreational dances are the usual forms. Social and ballroom dancing are generally held
in the evenings. The participants are usually in formal attire.

Recreational Dance Includes dance mixers, square dance around and couple dances. Many
of these dances have simple patterns and combinations of walking steps, polka steps and
the waltz step. The participants are usually in formal attire.

Creative Dance Is the highest form of dance. It is the end-product of exploration and
improvisation of movements as the dancer or the choreographer expresses his feelings or
emotions, ideas, and interpretations. This is a dance with a definite form, a beginning and
an ending. The principles of art form are all observed in the composition of the dance.

The Importance of Dance in Education

According to Sabine Howe, A Physical Education Specialist, Learning, thought, creativity,

and intelligence don’t just come from the brain alone, but from the entire body. Movement
combinations increase memory, order, and sequencing skills. Creating dances also increases
self-esteem which is so very important to learning. We already witness the need for
children to move throughout the day. Having experienced first-hand the positive effects
that music and dance have on students’ development, I feel it is important for dance to be
included in all elementary (and secondary) curricula.
BASIC NATURAL MOVEMENT

Basic Natural Movement

The basic natural movement include the action to move. An action is any human
movement included in the act of dancing, like dance steps, facial movements, partner lifts,
gestures, and even everyday movements like locomotor such as walking, running and
hopping. The non-locomotor movements that can be seen every day are stretching,
bending and lifting. Dance is made up of streams of movements and pauses, so action
refers not only to step and sequences, but also to pauses and moment of relative stillness.
Dancers may use movements that have been choreograph 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 movements they have
learned from others.
Movement can also be improvised, meaning that the dancers make it up “on the
spot” as they spontaneously dance movements that travels through space is broadly
called locomotor movements in contrast to axial movement, which occur on one spot.
Basic natural movements are classified into two:locomotor and non-locomotor. Locomotor
movements- refers to body movements that move the body from one place to another.
They cause the body to travel.

Dance involves a wide array of natural movements that vary based on cultural,
stylistic, and individual preferences. Here are some fundamental and natural movements
often seen in dance:

Walking and Running: Basic movements like walking and running are
fundamental and often incorporated into choreography.
Jumping: Jumping movements, including leaps and hops, are common in many
dance styles and are used for both expression and athleticism.
Turning and Spinning: Rotational movements, such as pirouettes and spins, are
prevalent in various dance forms and add dynamic elements to performances.
Bending and Flexing: Flexing or bending different parts of the body, like the
torso, arms, legs, and neck, is fundamental for creating a range of shapes and
expressions.
Stretching and Extension: Stretching movements, including reaching, extending
limbs, and elongating the body, are used to emphasize lines and create visually pleasing
shapes.
Swaying and Swinging: Rhythmic swaying and swinging motions often
synchronize with music and help convey emotions and rhythm in various dance styles.
Gestures and Expressions: Hand, arm, facial, and body gestures are natural
movements that convey emotion, meaning, or storytelling in dance.
Isolations: Isolating body parts to move independently, such as moving the head,
shoulders, hips, or chest, is a common technique to create visually captivating and intricate
movements.
Balance and Weight Shifting: Balancing on one leg or shifting weight between
legs or body parts is essential for stability and creating visually appealing dynamics.
 Crouching and Rising: Movements involving squatting, crouching, or rising from a
low position are used for varied choreographic effects and to enhance performance
dynamics.
Rolling and Tumbling: Rolling on the ground, tumbles, and floor work are natural
movements often used in contemporary, acrobatic, or breakdancing styles.
Partnering and Lifts: Cooperative movements involving partners, including lifts,
carries, and supports, are prevalent in partner dance styles and add complexity and interest
to performances.
Pulsating and Vibrating: Rhythmic pulsations and vibrations of the body or body
parts in sync with the music are natural movements often used to accentuate the beat.

Different dance styles emphasize and combine these natural movements in unique
ways to create their distinct choreographic vocabulary, allowing for a rich diversity of
expression and artistry in the world of dance.
Non Locomotor-movements are also sometimes called axial movements. They are
movements of certain body parts, or even the whole body, without causing the body to
travel.

Resistive Actions
Pushing– an effort to move an object, real or imaginary, in space away from the
body against resistance.
Pulling– an effort to bring an object, real or imaginary, in space toward the body
against resistance.
Lifting– change of body level or any part of the body or an object, real or imaginary,
from a lower to a higher level.

ELEMENTS OF MOVEMENT SPACE

Elements of Movement Space

A. Direction Is the line taken by the body. Direction can refer to shapes, movements,
sequences of movements or relationships between dancers. Examples: forward, backward,
sideward, diagonal, upward, or a combination of those mentioned.

B. Level Refer to where the body moves in space relative to the ground. Examples: high,
low, or medium level.
a) Low Level- Actions create a sense of groundedness, connection with the earth,
rest or vulnerability.
b) Medium Level- Shapes and actions bring a sense of human action and scale to
dance. At medium level, the dancer moves in ways that are more like the way we normally
move in space.
c) High Level- Shapes or actions move away from the ground defying gravity by
pushing up and into the air.
C. Range Refers to the area covered as the body moves. It may be small as when the
movement is done in one’s place; or large when movement covers a wide area as when
getting away from one’s place.
D. Pathways or Space Design Body design in space

a) Symmetrical: a shape made by a dancer or dancers were both halves are

the same. Balanced
b) Asymmetrical: a shape made by a dancer or dancers that is irregular in design,
off balance, uneven
c) Abstract: movement to represent an action - not mime. d) Literal: dance
movement that communicates a story or message to an audience.
E. Focus The intensity and direction of a movement as it projects from the body, face and
particularly the eyes. Where the attention is aimed.
a) Inner/ outer: focus is internal or external
b) Near/ far: focus is near the body or distant from the body
c) Single/ multi: one point of focus or many

MOVEMENT QUALITIES
Movement Qualities
Dynamics in dance describe the quality of a movement or set of movements. There
are six main movement qualities in dance that aim to describe dynamics in dance. These
qualities are swinging, suspended, vibratory, sustained, percussive and collapsed.

SWINGING MOVEMENT
Swinging movements are one of the most fun to perform because they heavily rely
on the pull of gravity to propel your movement from one side to another. Although they can
be performed vigorously and aggressively if called for, they mostly remind me of joyful
skipping or monkeys traversing from tree to tree!
SUSPENDED MOVEMENT
Suspended movement I find harder to perform as it requires a lot of balance, muscle
control, and or thrust to be able to hold your body for a moment at the peak of its
movement which is why in my video tutorial and examples I focus on suspending walking
and body parts. When I think of suspended movement I imagine those dancers who mid-
leap seem to be able to defy gravity and almost pause in the air for a second or the dancer
who seems to be able to hold that arabesque on pointe right on the edge of teetering over
for that extra moment. The suspended dynamic also reminds me of pretending to be an
astronaut in space on earth as you try to recreate that sense of weightlessness as you
bound from the ground reaching a peak in your walk and then slowly drift back down.

VIBRATORY MOVEMENT
Vibratory movements basically make everything wiggle and wobble whilst
performing them. A true vibration is one that moves back and forth at an incredible speed,
but because our bodies can move in multiple directions we can also vibrate them in various
ways! We can also choose to vibrate our whole bodies or isolate one or several parts or
sections to vibrate.
SUSTAINED MOVEMENT
When I think of sustained movement I immediately think of tai chi or ballet. I
imagine the slowness and steadiness of a group of people in a park, moving in unison,
taking time and care with their movement or of the ballet dancer at a barre slowly
unravelling their leg into a develope or arabesque and controlling their movement as they
bring their leg to the ground and back into 5th position. Sustained movement in these
respects seems calming and serene, but remember the quality of the dynamic can also be
changed by the context for example someone performing a fight scene in slow motion or
pretending to be stuck in honey or glue and trying to get out! That being said it could also
be argued that fast movement that is continuous and flowing could also be described as
sustained.

PERCUSSIVE MOVEMENT
I find using the Percussive dynamic in dance requires a high level of cardio vascular
fitness, especially if you intend to use it for long periods of time compared to using any of
the other five dance dynamics. This is because to produce this quality in your movement
you need to exert a lot of force and energy throughout your body and limbs. Some styles of
dance that use a lot of percussive movement are commercial jazz, jazz dance, and hip hop.
Tap dance by nature is percussive as the dancer creates staccato beats and sounds with
their feet, but a tap dancer’s upper body movements are not generally percussive in style,
rather they are fluid drawing from the suspensed, collapsing, and sustained dynamic forms.
Ballet also uses percussive movement – think battements – and there is much repertoire
that uses the dynamic when called for!

COLLAPSED MOVEMENT
Collapsed movement could literally be named as one of the most recognisable
elements of modern and contemporary dance. Well ok, so there are a lot more to those
two styles of dance than just the concave body shape or the rolling of the spine but it is a
heavily used element in these styles. This is mainly due to the fact that modern dance in
particular was developed with an intention of being an alternative and contrasting style to
ballet. In ballet you stand in turned out positions, aligned with impeccable posture, where
as in modern and contemporary dance you stand in parallel, and although upright the
tendency is to incorporate collapsed movement to emphasize concave or vexed positions of
the upper torso and body – which is in stark contrast to classical dance.

OTHER ELEMENTS OF DYNAMICS IN DANCE

The six qualities of movement dynamics described in this article help us to define
the type of movements we can perform. But the element of dynamics in dance can also
refer to things such as:
 Direction – Does the movement travel towards or away from the audience?
 Length – How long is the movement? Speed – How fast and quick is the
movement?
 Rhythm – What kind of regularity? Does it reflect an upbeat or a downbeat,
or other patterns?
 Weight – Is the movement light or heavy?
  Energy – Is the dancer’s energy high or low?
 Force – Is the movement in general strong or soft?
 Quality – What characteristics are within the movements? – swinging,
suspended, vibratory, sustained, percussive, collapsed.

Dynamics are generally a topic that can be both demonstrated and discussed in an
educational setting to develop a greater understanding and awareness of the elements that
make up a dance piece. Not only can one use dynamics to describe or analyze movement,
but also dancers themselves can use dynamics to describe their own style. This gives them
a better understanding of their abilities within their art form.

ELEMENTS OF RHYTHM
Elements of Rhythm
a. Measure
A group of pulse beats.
b. Beat
The underlying pulse of a rhythm.
c. Rhythmic Pattern
Refers to the movement or movements done for each of the dance steps.
d. Phrasing
Measures grouped together.
e. Accent
An accent is the emphasis on certain beats.
f. Tempo
Tempo is the rate of speed of a movement.
g. Intensity
Variation of stress of movement.