Preliminary Module in PATHFit 3

1st Semester, A.Y 2025-2026

Chapter 1: Introduction to Dance

1.1 History and Nature of Dance

History:

Dance is one of the oldest forms of human expression, present in rituals, celebrations, and storytelling
across all cultures.

Ancient civilizations (Egypt, Greece, India, China, Africa, Native tribes) used dance in religion, harvest
festivals, battles, and social bonding.

Over time, dance evolved into folk dances, classical/traditional forms, and eventually modern and
contemporary styles.

Nature:

Dance is a universal language that communicates emotions, ideas, and culture through movement.

It is both an art (creative expression) and a science (body mechanics, rhythm, and coordination).

In essence, dance combines movement, music, and emotion to convey meaning and connect people.

1.2 Benefits of Dance

Physical: Improves strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, and posture.

Mental: Enhances memory, focus, creativity, and stress relief.

Emotional: Encourages self-expression, confidence, and emotional release.

Social: Builds teamwork, cooperation, cultural appreciation, and social interaction.

Holistic: Contributes to overall well-being by balancing body, mind, and spirit.

1.3 Phases of Dance Program

A structured dance program usually includes:

1. Warm-up – Gentle movements to prepare muscles and joints, prevent injury.

2. Conditioning / Technique – Exercises to develop strength, flexibility, and control.

3. Skill Development – Learning steps, combinations, and choreography.

4. Creative/Performance Phase – Application through routines, improvisation, or presentations.

5. Cool-down/Relaxation – Stretching and breathing to restore the body.

1.4 Elements of Movement

Dance is built on fundamental elements of movement:

Body – Parts of the body and how they move.

Space – Where movement happens (level, direction, pathway, size).

Time – Rhythm, tempo, duration, and phrasing of movement.

Force/Energy – Quality of movement (sharp, smooth, heavy, light, sudden, sustained).

Relationship – Connections between dancers, objects, and environment.

1.5 Basic Natural Movement

These are movements humans naturally perform in daily life, forming the foundation of dance steps:

Locomotor Movements – Moving from one place to another (walking, running, jumping, hopping, skipping,
sliding, leaping, galloping).

Non-locomotor Movements – Movement done in one place (bending, stretching, twisting, swaying,
swinging, pushing, pulling).

Combination Movements – Mixing locomotor and non-locomotor actions in sequences.

Chapter 2: Introduction to Folk Dance

2.1 Folk Dance

A. Definition of Folk Dance

A traditional dance that expresses the culture, beliefs, and lifestyle of a community or nation.

Passed down from generation to generation, often without formal instruction.

Usually performed during social gatherings, festivals, rituals, and celebrations.

B. Concept of Folk Dance

A reflection of the people’s history, customs, and values.

Folk dances vary depending on the region, environment, and way of life of the people.

It is both a form of recreation and a cultural preservation tool.

Unlike theatrical dances, folk dances are simple, community-based, and spontaneous.

C. Do’s and Don’ts in Folk Dancing

Do’s:

 Wear the appropriate costume and footwear.

 Respect the cultural background of the dance.

 Perform movements with grace, posture, and discipline.

 Dance with proper timing and rhythm.

 Follow instructions of the dance leader or teacher.

Don’ts:

 Do not alter the dance steps or music unnecessarily.

 Do not make fun of or disrespect traditional attire or customs.

 Avoid unnecessary movements that distort the authenticity of the dance.

 Do not lose focus, rush, or perform carelessly.

D. Characteristics of Philippine Folk Dance

1. Traditional – Passed down through generations.

2. Cultural Expression – Reflects Filipino life, values, and history.

3. Simple and Natural – Easy steps, natural movements, suitable for all ages.

4. Hand-in-Hand with Music – Always accompanied by indigenous or local music.

5. Community-Oriented – Performed during gatherings and celebrations.

6. Storytelling – Many dances narrate daily activities (planting, fishing, courtship, rituals).
E. Classification of Philippine Dances

1. Geographical/Regional Dances

 Lowland Christian Dances (e.g., Carinosa, Tinikling, Pandanggo sa Ilaw).

 Muslim Dances (e.g., Singkil, Pangalay, Vinta).

 Tribal Dances (e.g., Dugso, Binanog, Lumagen).

2. Nature of Dances

 Occupational Dances – Depict work or daily tasks (e.g., Maglalatik, Pandanggo sa Sambalilo)

 Religious/Ceremonial Dances – Connected to rituals and beliefs (e.g., Dugso, Putong).

 Courtship Dances – Express love and attraction (e.g., Carinosa, Kuratsa, Tinikling).

 Festival Dances – Performed during fiestas and celebrations (e.g., Sinulog, Ati-atihan).

 War Dances – Show fighting skills or battle preparation (e.g., Sagayan, Maglalatik).

 Mimetic Dances – Imitate movements of animals, nature, or objects (e.g., Itik-itik, Binanog).

Five Fundamental Dance Positions in Folk Dance

These positions are the foundation of folk dance movements, especially in the Philippines:

1. First Position

 Heels together, toes apart forming a small angle.

 Arms in a low circle in front of the body (slightly rounded).
2. Second Position

 Feet about a foot apart, toes pointing outward.

 Arms extended sideward at shoulder level, slightly curved.
3. Third Position

 One foot in front of the other, heel touching the instep.

 One arm raised overhead in a half-circle, the other extended sideward.
4. Fourth Position

 One foot in front of the other, about a step apart.

 One arm raised overhead, the other curved in front at chest level.
5. Fifth Position

 Heel of one foot close to the toe of the other foot.

 Both arms raised gracefully overhead, slightly rounded.
Basic Folk Dance Steps

Here are the most common steps you’ll encounter in Philippine folk dance:

1. Change Step – A three-step movement (step, close, step) done in any direction.

2. Touch Step – Step to the side, then lightly touch the floor with the free foot.

3. Close Step – Step one foot to the side, then bring the other foot close.

4. Bleking Step – Place one heel forward, toes up, alternately with both feet.

5. Hopping Step – A spring on one foot, landing on the same foot.

6. Gallop/Slide Step – Step to one side, then slide the other foot close, repeating.

7. Polka Step – A lively step (step-close-step) usually in 2/4 time, with a hop.

8. Mazurka Step – Similar to polka but in 3/4 time with a hop on the third beat.

9. Sway Balance – Step sideward, sway the body, then shift weight with balance.

10. Leap Step – A light jump from one foot to another, usually forward.

11. Saludo (Salute) – Partners bow to each other or to the audience, a gesture of respect often used at
the beginning or end of a dance.
 Midterm Module in PATHFit 3

1st Semester, A.Y 2025-2026

Chapter 3: Social Dance

3.1 Introduction to Social Dancing

Definition: Social dancing refers to partner or group dances performed for recreation, interaction, and
enjoyment in social gatherings (e.g., parties, ballrooms, community events).

Purpose: Unlike stage or folk dances, social dances focus on fun, socialization, and grace in movement
rather than performance.

Examples: Waltz, Cha-cha, Tango, Swing, Rumba, Foxtrot, Samba, Modern Jive.

a. Basic Steps of Social Dancing

1. Dance Terms

Some common terms in social dancing:

Lead and Follow – The leader (traditionally male) initiates the movements, while the follower (traditionally
female) responds.

Tempo – The speed or pace of music.

Rhythm – The pattern of beats or timing of steps.

Measure – A unit of time in music (e.g., 3/4, 4/4).

Step – The transfer of weight from one foot to another.

Beat – The steady pulse in the music.

Chassé – A sliding step, where one foot “chases” the other.

2. Five Foot Positions (used in ballroom/social dance)

1. First Position – Heels together, toes apart (similar to folk dance).

2. Second Position – Feet about a foot apart, toes pointing forward/outward.

3. Third Position – Heel of one foot placed at the arch of the other foot.

4. Fourth Position – One foot in front of the other, separated by one step.

5. Fifth Position – Heel of one foot close to the toe of the other foot.
3. Points of Contact

In social dancing, points of contact are essential for proper posture, balance, and connection between
partners:

 Ballroom Hold (Closed Position)

 Gentle contact between partners to guide movements.

 Leader’s right hand placed lightly on the follower’s back (shoulder blade area).

 Follower’s left hand rests lightly on leader’s shoulder.

Other hands joined at about shoulder level.

 Other Points of Contact (depending on the dance):

 Hip-to-hip (close dances like tango).

 Hand-to-hand (open positions, swing, salsa).

 Side-to-side (line dances, group dances).

3.2 Waltz

1. Basic Waltz Timing

Time Signature: 3/4 (three beats in a measure).

Accent: Strong accent on the first beat (1, 2, 3).

Count: “One, Two, Three” – with step on each beat.

Rhythm: Smooth, flowing, and continuous.

Basic Waltz Steps

1.1 The Box Step (Closed Position)

Called the box step because the pattern forms the shape of a box on the floor.

Leader’s Steps (Traditionally Male)

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

2. Step to the side with right foot (count 2).

3. Close left foot to right foot (count 3).

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

5. Step to the side with left foot (count 2).

6. Close right foot to left foot (count 3).

Follower’s Steps (Traditionally Female)

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

2. Step to the side with left foot (count 2).

3. Close right foot to left foot (count 3).

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

5. Step to the side with right foot (count 2).

6. Close left foot to right foot (count 3).

2 Balance Step (Sway Step)

 Step sideward on count 1.

 Close other foot to first foot on count 2.

 Step in place on count 3.

 Often used for turning or smooth transitions.

3. Waltz Turn (Right/Left Turn)

 A half-turn made while executing the box step.

 Dancers rotate together smoothly in either direction while keeping time (1, 2, 3).

3.3 Tango

Dance Steps

Timing: 2/4 or 4/4 time signature. Counted as “Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow.”

Style: Sharp, dramatic, and passionate with strong movements.

Basic Steps (Leader’s Part):

1. Step forward left (Slow).

2. Step forward right (Slow).

3. Step side left (Quick).

4. Step close right to left (Quick).

5. Step forward left (Slow).

Follower’s Part:

1. Step backward right (Slow).

2. Step backward left (Slow).

3. Step side right (Quick).

4. Step close left to right (Quick).

5. Step backward right (Slow).

3.4 Swing

Timing: 4/4 time signature. Count as “1 and 2, 3 and 4” (triple steps) or “Rock Step, Triple Step.”

Style: Energetic, bouncy, playful, with turns and spins.

Basic Step (Leader’s Part):

1. Step backward left (Rock Step – count 1, 2).

2. Step side left (count 3).

3. Step close right to left (count &).

4. Step side left again (count 4).

5. Step side right (count 5).

6. Step close left to right (count &). 7. Step side right (count 6).
Follower’s Part:

1. Step backward right (Rock Step – count 1, 2).

2. Step side right (count 3).

3. Step close left to right (count &).

4. Step side right again (count 4).

5. Step side left (count 5).

6. Step close right to left (count &).

7. Step side left (count 6).

3.5 Cha-Cha

Timing: 4/4 time signature. Count as “2, 3, Cha-Cha-Cha” or “2, 3, 4-&-1.”

Style: Lively, flirtatious, with quick steps and hip movements.

Basic Step (Leader’s Part):

1. Step forward left (count 2).

2. Step in place right (count 3).

3. Step side left (count 4).

4. Close right to left (count &).

5. Step side left (count 1).

6. Step backward right (count 2).

7. Step in place left (count 3).

8. Step side right (count 4).

9. Close left to right (count &).

10. Step side right (count 1).

 Chapter 4: Contemporary Dances

4.1 Brief History and Origin of Contemporary Dances

a. Contemporary Dance

History/Origin:

 Emerged in the mid-20th century as a fusion of ballet, modern, and jazz dance.
 Developed as a reaction to the rigid techniques of classical ballet.
 Influenced by pioneers like Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and Isadora Duncan.
Nature/Style:

 Focuses on expression, fluidity, and natural movement.

 Uses elements of fall and recovery, floor work, improvisation, and breath.

 Very versatile—performed to many types of music, sometimes even in silence.

b. Jazz Dance

History/Origin:

 Originated in the early 1900s in the U.S. with strong African and Afro-Caribbean influences.

 First associated with jazz music and popular social dances (Charleston, Lindy Hop).

 Later developed into a stage form through artists like Jack Cole and popularized in musicals and
Broadway.

Nature/Style:

 Characterized by syncopated rhythms, isolations, and energetic movements.

 Emphasizes style, showmanship, and sharp yet fluid body actions.

 Often performed in entertainment, theater, film, and music videos.

c. Modern Dance

History/Origin:

 Originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a rebellion against classical ballet.

 Pioneers include Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, and Rudolf Laban.

 Sought to express real human emotions and freedom of movement rather than strict ballet rules.

Nature/Style:

 Focuses on grounded, expressive movements, often using contraction, release, and improvisation.

 Explores gravity, breath, and natural gestures.

 Laid the foundation for contemporary dance.

 Final Module in PATHFit 3

1st Semester, A.Y 2025-2026

Chapter 5: Street Dance

a. History of Street Dance

 Originated in the 1970s in the United States, particularly in New York City.

 Developed outside dance studios—on the streets, clubs, and communities.

 Influenced by hip-hop culture, which included DJing, MCing (rap), graffiti art, and breakdancing.

Popular styles include:

Breaking (B-boying/B-girling) – First style of hip-hop dance, acrobatic and athletic.

Locking and Popping – Funk styles that emphasize freezes, isolations, and sharp movements.

Krumping – Expressive, aggressive style showing raw emotion.

Freestyle and Battle Culture – Dancers compete or improvise in cyphers (circles).

Today, street dance has grown into both a cultural movement and a global competition art form (e.g.,
World Hip Hop Dance Championship, Olympics Breaking 2024).

b. Benefits of Street Dance

Physical Benefits:

 Improves stamina, strength, coordination, flexibility, and balance.

 A fun cardio exercise that helps with weight management and endurance.

Mental Benefits:

 Enhances creativity and improvisation skills.

 Builds confidence and self-expression.

 Relieves stress and improves focus.

Social Benefits:

 Encourages teamwork, discipline, and respect through battles and group performances.

 Promotes cultural appreciation and community bonding.

c. Elements of Street Dance

1. Groove – The natural bounce or feeling of the music; the foundation of hip-hop dance.

2. Rhythm & Musicality – Dancing in sync with the beat, accents, and flow of music.

3. Freestyle/Improvisation – Expressing oneself spontaneously without fixed choreography.

4. Battles/Cyphers – Competitive circles where dancers showcase skills and creativity.

5. Foundation Moves – Basic steps of each style (e.g., Toprock, Six-step in Breaking; Popping, Waving,
Locking basics).

6. Performance & Expression – Street dance values attitude, personality, and storytelling through
movement

Chapter 6: Hip-Hop

a. Brief History of Hip-Hop Dance

Origins (1970s, Bronx, New York City):

 Hip-hop began as part of a larger cultural movement that included DJing, MCing (rap), Graffiti art,
and Breakdancing.

 Dance styles developed in clubs, block parties, and on the streets, influenced by funk, soul, and
African dance traditions.

 The first dance form of hip-hop was Breaking (B-boying/B-girling), featuring toprock, downrock,
power moves, and freezes.


1980s Expansion:

 Other street dance styles like Popping, Locking, Waacking, and House dance became associated
with hip-hop culture.

 Hip-hop spread globally through music videos, concerts, and movies (e.g., Breakin’, Beat Street).

1990s–Present:

 Hip-hop became a worldwide movement, taught in studios and performed in competitions.

Evolved into two main forms:

Old School Hip-Hop Dance – Breaking, Locking, Popping.

New School Hip-Hop Dance – Krumping, House, Waacking, Urban choreography.

Today, hip-hop dance is featured in music videos, concerts, TV shows, and even international
competitions like the Olympics (Breaking in Paris 2024).
---

b. Elements of Hip-Hop

Hip-hop culture is traditionally made up of four main elements, later expanded into five:

1. DJing (Turntablism) – Mixing and scratching records to create beats and rhythms.

2. MCing (Rapping) – Vocal expression through rhythmic speech, rhyme, and wordplay.

3. Graffiti Art – Visual expression of hip-hop culture through street art.

4. Breakdancing (B-boying/B-girling) – The physical/kinesthetic element; dance expression.

5. Knowledge of Self (added later) – Awareness, respect, and understanding of hip-hop culture and
community.

💃 Elements of Hip-Hop Dance specifically:

Groove – The foundational bounce and body rhythm.

Freestyle – Improvising movements to the music.

Battling – Competitive dance exchange showcasing skill and creativity.

Performance & Expression – Personality, attitude, and storytelling.

Foundation Moves – Basic hip-hop steps (e.g., Running Man, Cabbage Patch, Bounce, Two-Step).

"In every step we take, movement tells a story—through motion we travel, and in stillness, we
find expression."

Prepared by: Checked by:

Kimberly Q. Mendoza, MAEd-PE (CAR)

Justine Darell V. Manalang, MAEd-PE, CGEI ROSALIE PEREZ CAYABYAB, Ed.D

Name and signature of the Teacher Dean/Coordinator