MODULE 1: NATURE AND ELEMENTS OF DANCE

Fig. 1 Kaamulan Festival Dance – Courtship Dance

Photo taken from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kaamulan_Festival_-_Courtship_dance.jpg

INTRODUCTION
Dance has always been a part of human life. It is an essential element in different Cultures,
traditions, celebrations and important rituals. Today, dance were also performed for self—
expression, recreation, competition and even as a means for having an active lifestyle.

Learning Targets:
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to
 Discuss the different elements of dance;
 Perform simple dance activity with observance to safety precautions; and
 Recognize ones’ potential in analyzing and creating simple dance choreography

Try This!
Let’s challenge what you know! Choose and write the letter of the correct answer from the
box below.
____1. Which of the following is not an essential element of dance?
____ 2. If you were describing the direction that a dancer moves across the floor, which element are
you pertaining to?
____ 3. Performers move with the tempo of an underlying sound, known as
____ 4. “The movements in dance may be executed in varying tempo”. What element of dance does
e statement describes?
____ 5. Which of the following elements pertains to smoothness, continuity, flowing or controlled
force in a dance?

A. BODY B.ACTION C.SPACE D. TEXTURE E.FORCE F. TIME G. BEAT

Do This!
If painters have canvass which they use as a medium to bear their art, dancers use
their body to form shapes and gestures to communicate their sense of art and self-
expression. In this activity, try to analyze which specific body parts do the performers made
use to perform their dance. Write your answer on the blank.

1. 3. .
 https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-xitwd https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1176007

2. 4.

https://www.pikist.com/free-photo-vlmlw https://www.pexels.com/photo/ballroom
Dance-dancing-elegance-270800/

5.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/inboundpass/4986406953/in/photostream/

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Explore!
This time let us explore how body as a medium in dance was used to create a work of art.
Answer the following questions below. Write your answers on your notebook.

1. How do the body parts were shaped in space in this picture?

A. B.
 2. Tell something about the use of directions and level of space (high, medium or low) in
the following dances.
A. C.

B.

Keep this in Mind!

Dances as an art form, tradition, self-expression and recreation despite their
differences have elements in common. Upon learning these elements of dance, you will be
able to develop a better understanding of how dances are created and create a simple dance
artwork of your own.

Elements of Dance

 Body
The body is the medium used by the dance artist in expressing his/her craft. This
element answers the question, “What is the body part that can be used to create shapes,
figures and dance actions?”

https://pixabay.com/photos/dance-dancers-
dancing-woman-girl-4728784/

The following body parts can be used in creating lines and shapes for different dance movements:

Head
Neck
Trunk - chest, waist, hips, buttocks, back
Upper extremities – shoulders, arms, elbow, wrist, hands, palms
and fingers
Lower extremities – legs, knees, ankles, feet, heels and toes
 These body parts can be in different shapes such as straight arms, curved lower back,
twisted torso, etc. The body can be rounded, angular or combination of both. The different
body shapes can be made by means of body parts to body parts, individuals to groups or
body parts to objects. Moreover, the shapes can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

A. Symmetrical – balanced shape; movements are practically identical or similar on

both sides.

B. Asymmetrical – unbalanced shape; movements of two sides of the body do not

match or completely different from each other

 Action
It is any bodily movement involved in dancing. It can be in a form of gestures, facial
expression and movement skills.

Basic movement skills that can be incorporated in dance:

A. Non-locomotor Movements – are movements that are done in stationary place.

Bend or flex
 Lift or raise
 Stretch, extend or straighten
 Twist
 Circle
 Swing
 Turn or rotate
B. Locomotor movements – are movements that brings performer from one place to
another.
Preparatory movements to locomotor
 Point – toes touching the floor, knees extended
 Step – a transfer of weight from one foot to another
 Place – touching the floor with the whole of the foot (with slight weight on it)
 Spring – to push off the leg/s in the air

Types of Locomotor
 Walk
 Run
 Hop – a spring on one foot and landing on the same foot
 Skip – a step and a hop
 Leap – a spring on one foot and landing on the other foot
 Jump – a spring on both feet and landing on one or both feet.

The different movement skills such as locomotor and non-locomotor movements can
be used and combined in creating a dance choreography. But where are these dance actions
going to take place? The next element will be discussing where these movements can be
performed.
  SPACE
This is the area the performers occupy and where they move. It can be divided into
four different aspects, also known as spatial elements
 Direction – dance movements can travel in any direction. The performers can go
forward, side, backward, diagonal, circular, and so on.
 Level – movements can be done in a high, medium, or low level.
 Size – movements can be varied by doing larger or smaller actions.
 Focus – performers may change their focus by looking at different directions.
 Time
Dance movements can be executed at varying beats. The timing can be fast or slow,
with pauses or silent beats, or even syncopated.

 Energy
Different levels and types of energies can be incorporated in the dance choreography to
make the dance art dynamic. Dance movements can be sharp or smooth, strong or light, free
flowing or with sudden stops, powerful or gentle, etc.

Apply what you have learned!

A. Describe the use of body, actions, space and energy on the picture below

B. Picture analysis. How do you think do the elements -body, action, space, energy and time,
influence the potential of the dance to optimize dancers’ health and fitness?

Assess What You Have Learned

You will be tasked to perform two dance craze for this assessment. You can refer to a video
tutorial of the dance and afterwards, answer the questions below. Write your answer on the space
provide.

You can choose one dance craze below:

 FOLK DANCE
 HIP-HOP DANCE
 Any trending dance challenge you know
Guide questions:

1. What shapes and actions did your body make in performing the dance? Kindly draw or
describe on your module.
2. How did you made use of the space? Describe in terms of:
-direction
-level
-size
-focus
3. Describe the timing of dance.
4. Describe the quality of dance movements applied in your chosen dance

 This task will be graded based on the following criteria:

RUBRICS
CRITERIA POINTS
Depth of response 5pts
Connection to outside experiences - 5pts
Connection to the lesson - 5pts 15pts

Self-check!
Answer the following questions for your reflection.

Reflect
Today I have learned that
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I find
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 MODULE 2
PHILLIPINE FOLK DANCE
 Activity 1. CHOOSE ME!
Directions: Match Column A with the correct answer on the column B. Write only the
letter of answer on the blank provided at the right side of the module.

COLUMN A COLUMN B
1. The rebellion against the confining A. Hip-Hop dance nature of classical ballet
2. It was called competitive ballroom B. Latin Dance dancing in the past.
3. It is also known as the Street dance C. Contemporary Ballet
4. The mother of Philippine Folk Dance D. Classical Ballet
5. Cha-cha-cha, Rumba and Jive F. Jovita Sison
6. Traditional dances found in a certain country G. Standard Dance
7. The routines contain many components of cheers, jumps, H. Dance Sports
dance, gymnastics and stunting.
8. Dancers are free to express their feelings through I. Francisca Reyes-Aquino
movements without adhering to any rules in dance
particularly in the ballet.
9. Waltz, Tango and Quickstep J. Folk Dance
10. Known for its exactness of technique K. Cheer Dance That highlights pointed toes
and turn- Outs, high extensions and
gracefulness

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Readings

Dance is a particular series of graceful movements of the body and feet. When we dance, we
move our body and feet in a way which follows a rhythm, usually in time to music. It is a way of
moving that uses the body as an instrument of expression and communication. Dance enables us to
understand ourselves and the world in which we live. It also enhances our skills of perception,
observation, and concentration
Type of Dances:

1. Folk Dance- are the indigenous dances of any specific “folk” or the common people. They are
traditionally customary or recreational dance forms of a given country which have evolved
naturally and were handed down across generations. They are related to everything of
importance in our daily lives, such as customs, rituals, and occupations of a specific group of
people.
Characteristics:

1. It is traditional
2. It has an expressive behaviour
3. Simple, basic rhythm dominates the folk dance and establishes the pattern of movement.
4. It is created by an unknown choreographer or by communal efforts.
5. It performs a function in the life of the folk people.

What are the differences between national, and ethnic dance?

1. National dances—are traditional folk dances but have a national scope. They ae popular and
widely danced throughout a given country, often with a number of regional variations.
(e.g.Cariňosa, Curacha, Pandanggo)
2. Ethnic Dances—or Ethnological dances are those performed in primitive tribes and have
retained their close kinship with religious ritual and community custom. These dances may
“require a certain level of special performing skills” that are symbolic in meaning, making it harder
for those outside the group to understand.

Types of Ethnic Dances:

1. Ritual dances—dances that depict ritual ceremonies. Ex. Dugso (Bukidnon) and Pagdidiwata
(Palawan).
2. Life-Cycle dances—dances relating to the cycle of human life such as birthing, courtship,
wedding, and funeral. Ex. Binasuan (Pangasinan) and Daling-daling (Courtship dance from
Sulu)
3. Occupational Dances—dances thociety. at exhibit work and occupation of the dancers. Ex.
Mag Asik (Cotabato) and Mananagat (Cebu) dances.

Francisca Reyes-Aquino—the first National Artist for Dance and the Mother of Philippine Folk
Dance.

2. Ballet—

Was taken from the Italian word Ballare, meaning to dance, and ballo, referring to dances
performed in a ballroom. According to Haskell (1965)—is a combination of the arts of dancing,
poetry, music and painting. The essential quality of the ballet dancer is grace that is phrasing,
fluidity, harmony, the making of words into a poetic whole; bound up with the reaction to music
that goes far deeper than a purely rhythmic reaction.
Ballet is an artistic, programmatic, scenic dance accompanied by music (Burian 1963). It is
basicallya special and generically unique from, which resulted from the synthesis, collaboration
and equilibrium of several different types of art. The art of gesture and mime interprets, by specific
means of expression, the thematic and emotional content of the scenario on which it is based,
bringing the poet’s ideas to life, presenting the story with all its conflicts, plots, and solutions.
 The first ballet performs were men. The ballet costumes before were Grecian; sandals,
diaphanous skirt, low-necked body, hair in form of wreath.

Classical vs. Contemporary Ballet

1. Classical Ballet—is known for its exactness of technique that highlights pointed toes and
turnouts, high extensions and gracefulness. It also uses traditional mime that utilizes gestures for
conversation instead of words. “These gestures are as precise as ballet steps and have to be
learned and performed accurately.”
2. Contemporary or Modern Ballet—mainly uses ballet steps and more natural movement to
convey meaning. It incorporates elements of both classical ballet and modern dance that allows a
greater range of movement that does not support the strict bodylines that are traditional in any of
the classical ballet.
 The first ballet company in the Philippines is the Cultural Center of the Philippines
Dance Company (now ballet Philippines? And Dance Theater Philippines.

3. Modern Dance
A term to describe contemporary dance, is a style of dancing where dancers are free to
express their feelings through movements without adhering to any rules in dance particularly in
that of ballet. It is actually a rebellion against the confining nature of classical ballet.
 Unlike ballet, dancers of modern dance use their own interpretations instead of structured
steps. They thrust aside the classical ballet stance of an upright, erect body, and instead often
opt for deliberate falls to the floor. The movements are not always necessarily light, beautiful,
and effortless but instead strong and sometimes ugly as the effort involved in producing it is
revealed. Modern dance uses more of the torso on a horizontal rather than a vertical plane.
Beauty and ethereal qualities of the human situation is what is mostly being emphasized in
ballet, while modern dance portrays the actual human situation as it is. Modern dance makes
use of the floor as part of the movements, whereas in ballet, the floor was merely for standing
or sitting purposes. It also includes several areas of dance movement, namely, technique,
improvisation, and choreography.

4. Cheer Dance
Cheerleading is an event that consists of cheers and organized routines for sports team
motivation, audience entertainment, or competition. The routines contain many components of
cheers, jumps, dance, gymnastics, and stunting. The purpose is to encourage the spectators
of events to cheer for sports teams at games. The yellers, dancers, and athletes involved in
cheerleading are called cheerleaders. When they are grouped together as one, they are called
a squad.

5. Dance Sport
Is a combination of art and sport. It was called competitive ballroom dancing in the past.
This goes with partners (male and lady) competing against other partners dancing on the floor
at one time. Dance sport provides an avenue to gain discipline of the body and mind of the
dance athletes.

Latin Dances: Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive

Standard Dances: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep, which
constitute the dance style.

6. Street Dance (Hip-Hop Dance)

Is one of the newest dance genres in the 20 th century that immensely attracts the new
generation particularly the youth. It came from the African-American hip hop culture and
tremendously spread worldwide. It is a freestyle in nature and maybe practiced in either a
dance studio or in an open space outdoor. Other terms that are used are crews, freestyling,
and battles. It can be entertainment or a hobby.

7. Festival Dance
are cultural dances performed to the strong beats of percussion instruments by a
community of people sharing the same culture usually done in honor of a Patron Saint or in
thanksgiving of a bountiful harvest. Festival dances may be religious or secular in nature.

Move On
All dances start with the basic arms and feet positions. Learning the basics makes the study of
dances a lot easier and enjoyable.

Let’s recall the fundamental position of the arms and feet.

A. Arms Positions

First Position- Arms slightly raised and encircled in front at chest level with
fingers an inch apart

.
 Second Position- Arms slightly raised sideways below shoulder level.

Third Position- Encircle one arm overhead while the other is raised
sideways

. Fourth Position- Encircle one arm overhead while the other is Placed in
front of the chest

Fifth Position- Raise both arms overhead with fingers slightly apart.

B. Feet Positions

First Position- Heels together and toes open at about 45

degrees.

Second Position- Feet parallel at about shoulder width

Third Position- Heel of one foot touching the instep of the

other.

Fourth Position- Open-crossed. Heel of front foot in line with the

heel of the rear foot.

Fifth Position- Close-crossed. Heel of front touching the toes of

the rear foot.
 Activity 2. Practice the arms and feet positions with partner.

Directions:

1. Practice the arms positions by describing each step.

2. Practice the feet positions while describing each step.
3. Together, practice the arms and feet positions.
4. Practice both with music.
5. Let your partner rate you.

5- Outstanding
4- VS
3- S
2- F
1- Needs more practice

Rating:
Arms ________
Feet ________

Activity 3. Match Column A with Column B.

1.

a. Heels together and toes

open at about 45 degrees

1. b. Heel of one foot touching

the instep of the other.

2. c. Close-crossed. Heel of front

foot touching the toes of the
rear foot.

3. d. Feet parallel at about

shoulder width.

4. e. Open-crossed. Heel of front

foot in line with the heel of
the rear foot.
5. f. Arms slightly raised
sideways below shoulder
level.

6. g. Arms slightly raised and

encircled in front at chest
level with fingers an inch
apart.

7. h. Raise both arms overhead

with fingers slightly apart.

8. i. Encircle one arm overhead

while the other is placed in
front of chest.

9. j. Encircle one arm overhead

while the other is raised
sideways.
Benefits of Philippine folk dance

Folk Dance Benifit physical level, dancing can give you a great mind-body workout. Researchers are learning
that regular physical activity in general can help keep your body, including your brain, healthy as you age.
Exercise increases the level of brain chemicals that encourage nerve cells to grow

What is the importance of Philippine folk dance?

Folk dances are important because they preserve the Philippine culture and pass it on to the next
generation. They are a uniting force to the Philippine people

Value
Philippine folk dance helps keep the people connected to their ancestry and their traditions. Folk
dance helps to preserve the cultural unity of the people

Importance
People think folk dances are important because they help keep a culture alive.  People have been
doing folk dances for hundreds of years, and there is value keeping that tradition alive.

Folk dances are important because they preserve the Philippine culture and pass it on to the next
generation. They are a uniting force to the Philippine people

Why is it important for a student to still learn to dance folk dance?