ELEMENTS OF DANCE

• The human body is living in time and space,and it exhibits some

effort. Thus,all movements occur in time,through space, and with
effort. Since dance entails a lot of movements,it uses the very same
elements,space ,time and energy. These elements are beneficial to
anyone interested in recognizing,analyzing,or creating movement.
SPACE
• This is the area the performers occupy and where they move. Can be
divided in four different aspects also known as spatial elements.
a. Direction- dance movements can travel in any direction. The
performers can go forward, side, backward, diagonal, circular and so
on.They may also face any direction while executing a single movement
or several faces.
b. Size- movements can be varied by doing larger or smaller actions.
c. level- movements can be done in a high, medium or low level.
d.focus- performers may change their focus by looking at different
directions.
TIMING
The movements in timing may be executed in varying tempo(speed). Performers
move with the tempo of an underlying sound known as beat or pulse. The timing can
be varied by moving faster or slower than the normal beat. When a sequence of a
movement or group of phrases is done in varying tempos,they generate rhythmic
patterns. The addition of silences or pauses also adds to rhythmic patterns.
DANCE ENERGIES
The movements here is propelled by energy or force. A force can either initiate or
stop an action. Dance uses different energies and a varied use of these minimizes the
monotony of the movements in a performance. There are six qualities of dance
energies presented below:
a. sustained- movements are done smoothly,continuously,and with flow
and control.It does not have a clear beginning and ending.
b. percussive - movements are explosive or sharp in contrast with
sustained movements. They are accented with thrust of energy. They
have a clear beginning and ending.
c. vibratory - movements consists of trembling or shaking.Afaster
version of percussive movements that produces a jittery effect.
d.swinging - movements trace a curve line or an arc in space. The
movements are relaxed and giving in to gravity on the downward part
of the motion,followed by an application of energy.
e. suspended - movements are perched in space or hanging on air.
Holding a raised leg in any direction is an example of a suspended
movement.
f. collapsing - movements are released in tension and gradually or
abruptly giving in to gravity,letting the body descend to the floor. A slow
collapse can be described as a melting or oozing action in a downward
direction
Ballroom and Social Dances
• Ballroom dancing is a formal social dancing for couples, where one
person leads and the other follow the steps. It is popular both as a
recreational and a competitive activity. The word “ball” is from the
Latin word ballare,which means dance.

There are two main types of ballroom dance,standard dances and Latin
dances.
Standard Dances
Standard dances are smooth,flowing ballroom dances that move
around the entire dance floor in a counterclockwise movement.
1. Foxtrot. It is an elegant dance whose objective is to travel smoothly
around the dance floor.
Basic foxtrot Steps-Man's Steps
1.Walk forward with the LF(slow) 3. Step with the LF(quick)
2.Walk orward with the RF(slow) 4.Close the RF next to the
LF(quick)
Lady's Steps
1. Walk back with the RF.(slow) 3.Sidestep with the RF(quick)
2. Walk back with the LF(slow) 4.Close the LF next to RF(quick)

2.Waltz .
It is a smooth,progressive dance that travels around the line of dance ,
characterized by its”rise and fall”action.It includes a step,a slide,and a step
in 3/4 time. It is also considered by some as the “the mother of present-
day dances” and the”backbone dance” of the ballroom.
Basic waltz steps

Man's Steps
1. step
forward with the LF
2.Step forward with the RF,so that the RF is parallel to the LF
3.Bring the LF to the RF
4.Step back with the RF
5.Step back with the LF,so that the LF is parallel to the RF
6.Bring the RF to the LF

Lady's Steps
1. Step back with the RF
2. Step back with the LF,so that the LF is parallel to the RF.
3.Bring the RF to the LF.
Lady's Steps

• 4. Step forward with LF

• 5. Step forward with the RF, so that the RF is parallel to the LF
• 6 Bring the LF to the RF
3. Tango - is a sensual ballroom dance that originated in South America
during the early 20th century. The word “tango” may be an African
term for “closed space”or “reserved ground”, or it may be from the
Latin verb tangere which means” to touch.”

4. Viennese waltz. It is the first ballroom dance to be prformed in the

closed hold position.It is danced about twice as fast as the waltz,and is
a rotary dance where dancers are continually turning either in a
clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and placing change steps at
intervals to shift direction of rotation(reverse)
• Box Step. This pattern resembles a box. The partners perform opposite
movements. When the lead moves forward, the follower moves backward.
• Man's steps
Step the LF forward
Step the RF forward
Step the LF close to the RF.
Step the RF back forward.
Step the LF sideward.
Step the RF close to the LF.
• 5. Quick step. It is an up-and-down,rise-and-fall swinging motion performed
at a fast pace.Distinctive quickstep steps include the following:rise and
fall,lock step,natural hairpin,running finish,outside change,chasse,and hover
corte. Music used for quickstep is usually jazz or swing with a brisk tempo. It
is a little faster than brisk walking,although it seems much faster for
beginners.
Basic quick steps
1. Begin in a closed position.
2.Step forward with your RF.(slow)
3.Step to the left with your LF,then slide your RF to close with your LF.(quick)
4. Step to the left again with your LF (quick)
5.Step backward with your RF(slow)
6.Step to the left with your LF,then slide your RF to close with your LF.(quick)
7.Step to the left with your LF.(quick)

LATIN DANCES
These dances stay in one place on the dance floor.They are energetic dances
and reflect the shift in rhythm of the music being danced to.
1. Cha-cha-cha. It is a derivative of the mambo and also a stepchild of the
swing. It is danced with a triple step and a break and check.
 Basic cha-cha-cha steps
• Man's steps
1.Start with the LF.
2.Step the LF forward (ct2).
3.Change weight from LF to RF (ct 3).
4.Step the LF sideward(ct 4)close RF to LF, and step LF sideward(ct 4).
5.Close RF to LF (ct &),step LF sideward (ct 1) or chasse step to the left
side(LRL)(ct 4 & 1).
6. Step RF backward (ct2)
7.Replace weight from RF to LF (ct 3).
8.Step RF sideward(ct 4).
 2. Jive
Originating in the US, this dance was influenced by the boogie,rock
'n'roll,African/American swing, and Lindy Hop. It is a very happy
boppy,energetic dance with plenty of knee-lifting,bending,and rocking of hips.
3. Samba. It is one of the five international Latin dances deveoped in Brazil
during the 19th century. It is considered the dance of celebration and joy. In
Brazil, a samba dancer is called a sambista.
Basic samba steps
The basic footwork features fast,three-step weight changes with a slight knee
lift,led with alternating feet. The basic rhythm is “quick,quick,slow,and
repeat.”
4. Paso doble. It originated in southern France. The dance is lively and
dramatic with long full steps and forceful movements. It is like a preparation
The male dancer represents the matador who is confidently and proudly
entering the ring. The female dancer represents the matador's cape,which is
whipped around with graceful elegance. The tempo is abrupt and measured
but not fast,being about one beat per second.
5.Rumba. Considered the sexiest of the ballroom dances,the rumba tells
the story of love and passion between a strong man and a teasing woman.

Latin Dance Etiquette

Although this etiquette is prescribed for Latin dances, this can certainly be
used in any other dances.
 Asking for a dance

Man
Traditional etiquette requires that the man asks the woman for a dance. This
is easy for the man when he is with friends; he can establish eye contact
followed by a smile and an extended hand.
However it may not be easy for him when he is in a new environment.In this
case he can ask the following questions:
May I have this dance?
Care to dance?
Would you like to dance?
Lady
Today women should feel equally comfortable asking for a dance.
 Declining a Dance Request
Man
A man's dance request may be declined;this is normal and he must not take it against the
lady. Some women feel comfortable dancing only with friends and they might have to take
their time before warming up to strangers and being confident enough to dance with them.
Lady
Declining a dance request can be seen as rejection and it might be harsh for
men.However,if it is necessary, a lady can do it politely by saying that she needs to rest or
she is not familiar with the dance.
Entering the Dance Floor
Man
The man should escort the lady to a spot on the dance floor where it is safe to dance and
they are not interfering with other dancing couples.
 Lady
The lady should allow the man to lead her to the dance floor. She must
communicate any request or suggestion prior to dancing. Also, iFloorf she finds
a better spot to dance, she can take the man's hand and direct him there.
Sharing the Dance Floor
Man
The man must take care of the lady and make sure she does not bump into
other dancers. He should keep his moves simple and should adapt to his
partner's dancing skills. He should also be prepared to change direction of his
dancing patterns to avoid congested areas.
Lady
The lady should minimize styling on crowded floors. she should serve as the
adapt to her partner's dancing skills.
Attitude while Dancing
Both the man and the lady should be respectful and warm to each other while
dancing. This means smiling,making eye contact,and avoiding correcting their
partner's mistakes.
Ending the Dance
Man
The man must thank his partner and escort her to where he asked her to
dance.
Lady
The lady must also thank his partner after the dance. If she still wants to dance