DANCE and RHYTHM Eastern civilizations.

Dance often occurs at rites of

Introduction: passage, or ceremonies performed when an individual
Everything in the universe has some kind of rhythmic passes from one role to another. Dance may also be a
motion. Whether it’s the sun, star, meteors, comets, dust part of courtship, worship, or work.
particles, etc., all are moving in some rhythmic pattern. DANCE AND MUSIC
The very obvious examples would be the earth revolving It is unlikely that any human society during the
around the sun, rotating around its own axis. The result of primitive times has denied itself the excitement and
these rhythmic movement is the seasons, and the day – pleasures of dancing. Live cave painting, the first
night pattern. Since we live on earth, we move with its purpose of dance is probably ritual – appeasing a
rhythmic movements. nature spirit or accompanying a rite of passage. But
The vibration of the medium such as air, water, etc. losing oneself in rhythmic movement with other people is
creates the sound. In an automobile, the crankshaft, an easy from intoxication. Pleasure can never be far
wheels, gears, etc. rotating; the pistons moving up and away. Rhythm, indispensable in dancing, is also a basic
down in the cylinder; springs oscillating and many other element of music. It is natural to beat out the rhythm of
parts, move in a rhythmic pattern. The light is the dance with sticks. It is natural to accompany the
electromagnetic waves in the visible range. Heat is a movement of the dance with rhythmic chanting. Dance
form of internal energy possessed by a substance due to and music began as partners in the service of ritual.
the rhythmic motion of its molecules or atoms. DANCE AS RITUAL
The heartbeat, the pulse beat, the batting of the In the most ancient civilizations, dancing before their
eyelids, talking, food passing through the intestine Gods is an important element in temple ritual. In Egypt,
(peristalsis), involuntary muscular actions, breathing, and the priest and Priestesses, accompanied by harps and
many more have rhythm. pipes, perform stately movements which mime
Since this basis rhythm is all around and inside us as significant events in the story of god, or imitate cosmic
well, it may be concluded that we are naturally patterns such as rhythm of night and day. At Egyptian
rhythmic. funerals, women dance to express the grief of the
The part of rhythmic that can be better perceived mourners.
with the ear is called sound, and if the sound is pleasing, Sacred occasions in Greek shrines, such as the games
it is the music. The other part of rhythm that is better at Olympia from the 8th Century B.C. are inaugurated
perceived with the eye or felt, and if it’s pleasing is the with dancing by the temple virgins. The choros is
DANCE. originally just such dance, performed in a circle in honor
of a god. In the 6th century, it becomes the centrepiece
Dance is the movement of the body in a rhythmic way,
of Greek theatre. In India, the formalized hand
usually to music and within a given space, for the
movements of the priestesses in Hindu temples are
purpose of expressing an idea or motion, releasing
described in documents from as early as the 1st century
energy, or simply taking delight in the movement itself. It
A.D. Each precise gesture is a subtle of significance. A
is the powerful impulse, but the art of dance is that
form of classical dance based upon them – known as
impulse channeled by skillful performers into something
BharataNhatyam – is still performed by highly skilled
that becomes intensely expressive and that may delight
practitioners today.
dance.
DANCE AS ECSTASY
BRIEF HISTORY OF DANCE
Any sufficient uninhibited society knows that anxious
Dance does not leave behind clearly identifiable
dancing, in a mood heightened by pounding rhythm
physical artifacts such as stone tools, hunting
and flowing alcohol, will set the pulse racing and induce
implements or cave painting. It is not possible to say
a mood of hyperactive.
when dance became part of human culture. Dance
has certainly been an important part of ceremony, This is exemplified in the Dionysiac dances of ancient
rituals, celebrations and entertainment since before the Greece .Villagers, after harvesting the grapes, celebrate
birth of the earliest human civilizations. Archeology the occasion with a drunken orgy honor of Dionysus,
delivers traces of dance from prehistoric times such as god of wine (whose Roman name is Bacchus). Their
Egyptian tomb paintings depicting dancing figures from stomping makes a favourite sceneon Greek vases, and
circa 3300 B.C. and the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka dancing women of this kind, whose fury even sweeps
paintings in India. them into an act of murder, are immortalized in a
tragedy, The Bacchae, by the Euripides.
One of the earliest structured uses of dance may
have been in the performance and telling myths. Before Short of this unfortunate extreme, all social dances
the introduction written languages, dance was one of promise the same desirable mood of release and
the methods of passing these stories down from excitement.
generation. DANCE AS ENTERTAINMENT, DANCE AS DISPLAY
It is known when people began to dance, so it is Egyptian paintings, from early as about 1400 BC, depict
possible that dance developed along with the evolution another eternal appeal of dancing. Scantily clad girls
of our species. Written and visual evidence of dance are for this world too. From princely banquet to
has survived from ancient Mediterranean and Middle backstreet strip club, they require no explanation.
 Entertainment, and closely related theme display, DANCE MINOR ELEMENTS
underlies the story of public dance. In the courts of 1. Music-serves as accompaniment for dance
Europe spectacles of this kind lead eventually to ballet. performance. It could be a simple as hand claps,
BASIC COURSE ON DANCE AND RHYTHM humming or chanting or as complicated as choral
Rhythm is the measure of movement or variation singing or musical ensemble such as band orchestra.
characterized by the regular recurrence or alteration of 2. Costume-this refers to special clothing worn only for
elements or features such as sounds, beats, patterns. In dance performances. Costumes usually differ from
sounds, rhythm is present in songs, musical instruments ordinary dresses worn daily in terms of cut, color and
and the like. In beats, rhythm is present through dance, materials. Mask accessories like he addresses, belts,
as dancers move in accordance with the rhythm of footwear, jewelries, special hairstyles, make-up and
music. In patterns, rhythm can be observed in a visual other beautification methods are utilized to give the
arts like painting, architectural designs, sculpture, etc. performer a specific role or character for the
C.J. Andin and P.L. Miñas (2004) defined rhythms performance.
as a term which denotes an aspect of a quality of 3. Spectacles-a certain quality done to the dance to
movement that is sometimes thought of as dance. They make it attractive for viewing by an audience. This
also noted that when an individual moves in response to means lavish costuming, choreography, movement
a particular rhythm or music, we call the movements as enhancements, sets, props, and other theatrical
rhythmic movements or rhythms. elements.
Rhythms aresiple body movements in response to music Unlike the major elements which would make dance
like tapping the feets, hands, snapping, and movement impossible to exist if one is taken out, dance could still
of the head. be considered dance without the minor elements.
Dance refers to the rhythmic succession of body MOVEMENT
movements usually to the accompaniment of music Is the act or an instance of moving wherein there is a
and is used as a form of communication. Dance change in place or position. It refers to the dance steps
pertains to definite set of movements performed on a and basic body movements required of a particular
definite music. We cannot interchange dance among dance.
other; like we know if a dance being performed on
stage is a hiphop, or ballet, or folk dance, or a ballroom 15 ELEMENTS OF MOVEMENT
dance. 1. Theme-is the main story line of the dance. It tells what
From this definition, theff distinguishing characteristics of the dance is all about. This can be a love theme, can
the dance could be derived, namely: be futuristic ,can be ritual, etc.
1. Dance makes the body as a medium to convey what 2. Movements-refer to the dance steps and basic body
onefeels or a means of expressing emotions. Dance movements required of a particular dance.
therefore becomes a form of non-verbal 3. Technique-is a system of movements performed by a
communication. dancer. This is developed through constant practice of
2. Dance has a rhythm of body movements in certain difficult dance steps.
succession or flow. 4. Choreography-pertains to the organization of
3. Dance may be accompanied by music. This means movement and figures in the dance. This makes use of
that most dances have some form of musical the theme and movements dance steps.
accompaniment. A few ritual dances are performed 5. Music-gives life to the dance. This should be in
without standard music. Instead, the tapping of bare accordance with the theme and pattern of movements
feet on the ground made by the performers, tinkling of of the dance.
hawk bells attached to clothing or accessories,shaking 6. Accessories, Costumes and Properties-Accessories are
of dried palm leaves or metal trinkets serve as what the dancers wear in addition to the costume such
accompaniment. as earrings, necklace, bells, feathers, etc. Costume
DANCE ELEMENTS refers to what the dancers should wear and properties
1. Space-This refers to use of immediate area of refer to the things hold and use by the dancer.
surroundings of the dancer-the area where the various 7. Scenery-denotes the background on stage. It
formations or floor patterns are done. completes the whole setting of the dance. This involves
2. Time-This refers to the duration of dance back draft on stage, and the properties placed on
performance,tempo,rhythmic variations and the stage.
attitude toward filling time from taking one’s time to 8. Design-refers to the floor pattern in relation to space.
making quick stops and starts. 9. Gravity-is the force that holds you to the earth. It is a
3. Weight-The use of the body’s weight is important in force you have to work with because it constantly
dancing in order to overcome the pull of gravity to inhibits movement.
execute light, graceful movements such as in the 10. Balance-is concerned with more than balancing on
performance of ballet, surrendering to gravity with one leg. Your aim is to achieve and constantly maintain
heavy or limp movements as in many indigenous/tribal in inner balance of whole body. It is tension of mutual
dances. Energy is significant in order to execute tense, support among all parts that brings the whole together
restrained, or bound movements of free-flowing motion. in a new way.
11. Posture-to achieve this element you need to change  Costuming and use of emphasized props could
your perception of your body, there is often a wide extend the body’s capabilities. Enormous and bulky
discrepancy between what feels right and what looks costumes and headdresses are worn in the
right. Dancers work their posture, also called alignment. Kathakali dances of India to show the superhuman
It is the key to balance the movement. qualities of the characters the dancers portray; use
12. Gesture-involves using the body as an expressive of metal finger extensions in Khmer, Thai and Malay
instrument to communicate feelings and ideas in dances emphasize finger positions and movements;
patterns of movements. With subtle gestures and huge plume headdresses and body painting
postural attitudes we show cooperation, give among the Amerindians of the Amazon accent
confidence to friends or display aggression to enemies. simple or scanty clothing.
13. Rhythm-Finding rhythm is largely a matter of paying  Toe or Pointed shoes, stilts, and flying harnesses are
attention. It is something everybody has; though some some of the artificial aids employed by dances.
people are not as aware or sensitive to it. Our hearts
beat top a rhythm, our lungs breath to another. DANCE AND THE HUMAN MIND
14. Moving Space-You need to be as aware of the
Besides the physical pleasure that is derived from
space asroundypu as a cat. You have to move with
dancing, it can also have psychological effects.
care and awareness, gauging the space. Space is not
just empty air but a tangible element that you move 1. Feelings and ideas can be expressed and
through. communicated if words are not uttered or not
15. Breathing-is crucial to dance. Not only does it bring enough to get the message through;
oxygen to the body but it also gives your movement 2. Sharing rhythms and movements can make a
fluency and harmony. It is an expressive tool. group feel unified;
3. In many societies, Dancing can often lead to
DANCE OVERTURE trance and other altered states of consciousness,
and such states can br interpreted as signaling spirit
DANCE AND THE HUMAN BODY
possessions or may be sought as a means to
The body can perform such actions as rotating, emotional release;
bending, stretching, jumpiung and turning. By varying 4. A feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment on the part
these physical actions and using different dynamics, of the performer of being able to show one’s skills to
human beings can devise an infinite number of body others;
movements. Out of the range of movements that the 5. The modern field of Dance Therapy developed as a
body is capable of performing, every culture means of helping people express themselves and
emphasizes certain features in its dance styles. For relate to others and in Adapted Dance, cater to
example: the needs of clumsy or disabled individual to
express themselves aesthetically.
 Eyeballs and eyebrows are involved in classical Trance dances are interesting to note since in many
dances of India in addition to gestures and societies these are done for the purpose of attaining
postures. such state in order to perform remarkable feats of
 Hip movements are important in the ote’a dance strength, endurance or danger. In a trance state,
style of Tahiti whole in the aparima, gestures are dancers could walk over live coals with feet unhurt such
important much like the Hawaiian bula. as those performed in Fiji, Indonesia, and the Philippines;
 Emphasized hops, skips and jumps characterize could be pierced by sharp stakes attached to heavy
many dances of the Balkan region and Eastern loads that the dancers carry in the Talpusam of India; or
Europe. skins pierced with hooks and suspended as in the case
 Irish dances make considerable use of complicated of trance dances of the Native Americans. Shamans in
footwork with practically less use of the arms. traditional societies perform trance dances in order to
 Torso movements are emphasized in many dances communicate with the supernatural or to heal others
of equatorial Africa while high kicks are features of physically or emotionally.
many dances of the Zulu of South Africa.
 Arm, hand and finger movements are considerably DANCE AND THE HUMAN NATURE
used in many traditional dances of the Southeast Human beings like almost all animals express
Asia. To expand the capabilities of the body, many themselves naturally through movement. Dance is
devices and techniques are employed in many therefore the transformation of ordinary functional and
dance styles and cultures. expressive movement into extraordinary movement for
 Long period of specialized training such as in extra ordinary purposes, so that even a very common
gymnastics, jazz dance, modern dance and ballet movement like walking is performed in dance in a
could expand the ordinary capabilities of the body. patterned way, perhaps in circles or to a special rhythm
Dances exercise to rotate and stretch in order to and it occurs in a special context. This is the reason why
make possible very kicks and extend limbs, dance the origin of dance begins long before with the origin of
on tiptoes, or execute backbends. man and human societies.
 One has to remember that animals DANCE TEACHERS
communicate through rhythmic movements and that
man adapted and stylized these movements from the Dance teachers and operators of dance schools rely
animals found in their immediate surroundings. on reputations and marketing. For dance forms without
an association structure such as Salsa or Tango
DANCE AND CULTURE Argentino they may not have formal training. Most
People are different cultures dance differently and dance teachers are self employed.
for a variety of purposes, their varied forms of dance DANCE SPORT COACHES
can reveal much about their way of life and the many
uses of dance to different cultures and nations. Dance sport coaches are tournament dancers or
To different people and societies, dance can be former dance sports people, and may be recognized by
art, ritual or recreation. It goes beyond the functional a dance sport federation.
purposes of the movements used in work or athletics.
Dance to different cultures may serve for the purpose of CHOREOGRAPHER
1. Expressing emotions, moods or ideas; Choreographers are generally university trained and are
2. Tell a story; typically employed for particular projects or more rarely
3. Serve religious, political, economic, or social may work on contract as the resident choreographer for
needs; a specific dance company. A choreographer work is
4. Or simply can be an experience that gives protected intellectual property. Dancers may undertake
pleasure excitement or aesthetic value to the their own choreography.
performers and audience.
Brief History of Dance Education in the
REASON WHY PEOPLE DANCE
Philippines
1. Enjoyment
In 1921, Francisca Reyes-Aquino, a student assistant then
2. Profession
instructor at the UP, PE Dept., was given a task by Dr.
3. Ritual, praise and worship god
Jorge Bocobo, President of UP, to present a program of
4. Socialization
Philippine folk dances for some foreign visitors. At the
DANCE OCCUPATION time, the problem was the limited number of
documented folk dances (mostly done by foreign
There are different careers connected with ethnologists) especially those coming from the lowland
dancing: dancer, dance teacher, dance sport coach, regions. This was also the American Period, with the
dance therapist and choreographer. rapid influx or Westernization that threatened to modify
the life style and cultures of the Filipinos. The threat of
DANCER American culture also affected the state of traditional
Dancer training differs depending on the dance fewer because they neglected the traditional forms in
form. There are university programs and schools favour of American imports like films, baseball,
associated with professional dance companies for vaudeville, cakewalk and Charleston. Faced with such
training in classical dance (eg. Ballet) and modern challenges, the young Francisca encourage by Dr.
dance. There are also smaller, privately owned dance Bocobo, undertook the task of collecting and
studios where students may train in a variety of dance documenting the remaining folk dances of the country.
forms including competitive dance forms (eg. Latin What started as an ordinary task of collecting a few
dance, ballroom dance, etc.) as well as dances became a life-long time career. From 1924,-
ethnic/traditional dance forms. 1926, she made a collection of folk songs, dance, and
games which became the contents of her master’s
Professional dancers are usually employed on thesis which also began dance notation in the country.
contact or for particular performances/productions. The The work was revised and published into a book entitled
professional life of a dancer is generally one of Philippine Folk Dances and Games. A host of Mrs.
constantly changing work situations, strong competition Aquino’s followers followed her footsteps.
pressure and low pay. Professional dancers often need
to supplement their income, either in dance related The results of all their works became part o=of the PE
roles (e.g dance teaching, dance sport coaches, yoga program of the Philippines. The UP of Folk Songs and
or Pilates instruction) to achieve financial stability. Dance Troupe was organized to test and perform the
documented dances. In 1949, Mrs. Aquino organized
In the U.S many professional dancers are the Philippine Folk Dance Society which aimed to
members of unions such as the American Guild of promote the development in the teaching of folk
Musical Artists, the Screen Actors and Guild and Actor’s dances. To this very day, the PFDS is actively conducting
Equity Association. The unions help determine working the Annual Folk Dance Workshop for teachers and
conditions and minimum salaries for the members. dance enthusiasts and its Regional and Provincial
Chapters conducting Echo Seminar-Workshops all over
the country.
Many of the folk dances taught in school today are Phases of the Dance Education Program
results of the efforts of society to document more
unpublished folk dances with its host of dance The “dance education” informally starts early in
ethnographers like Crisostomo Barrera (Ilo-ilo), Mila life. In fact in tribal communities, children at a very
Janson(Cebu), Ceasar Nimor(Soutoh Cotabato), Juan young age are exposed to the dances of their
Miel(Samar),and Ramon Obusan (ROFG of Pasay City). communities as a means of telling stories or stressing
The latter is considered the most prolific ethnographer to social values. In traditional Asian societies, the training of
date. classical and theatre dancers start at a very early age.

From this original Philippine folk dance group from the Formal, the dance education program starts as soon
Philippine Women’s University Dance Group(1954), the as the child goes to school; the teaching of the dance is
predecessor of the world-famous Bayanihan Philippine chronologically arranged from simple rhythm
National Dance Company (established in 1957by development to complicated forms.
Lucresia Reyes Urtula, director and choreographer ),
1. Creative Rhythms is the end product of the
Barangay Folk Dance Troupe (1946)of Philippine Normal development of movements as children learn to
University, UP Filipiniana of UP, Larawan Dance Troupe move the different parts of their bodies as means
which later changed its name to Ramon Obusan of their own ideas and expression. Because of their
Folkloric Group(ROFG), and a host of other school- imitative nature and being based on creative
based and community-based groups all a=over the interpretation of themes and motifs, creative
country – all with the mission of continuing the brilliant
rhythms are sometimes called interpretative
works began by Madame Aquino. dances.
Dance Education with emphasis on the teaching of
Philippine folk/ethnic dances is now part the PE Creative rhythms can be taught to children using
curriculum of the Philippines, from the elementary to the following themes as bases:
tertiary level in all states, public and private of the  Nursery rhymes
country. Part of this thrust is the training of students of  Poems
education majority in PE and dance teachers to  Songs
undergo training in folk dancing. There has also been  Animal/Plant Movements
the growing enthusiasm of organizing folkdance groups  Domestic occupational activities
by Filipinos based abroad, particularly in many part of  Fancy imitation
US.
2. Folk/Ethnic Dance. Folk dances are so-called
Significance of the Dance Education because we have ancient origins from within a
community or people (hence the term “folk”).
Dancing is part of the dynamic cultural expression of all
These dances are also known as traditional dances
societies, and every individual has the potential ability to
based on the fact they are handed down from
dance, the inclusion of dancing ion the PE program of
generation to generation (hence the term
school is simply developed such potential into actual skill
“tradition”), being learned by the younger
and to expose everyone, especially the youth to the
generations informally through imitation rather
many benefits of learning dance.
than by formal instruction. Dances of the people
1. Dancing promotes personality development since depict their way of life, their culture, tradition,
people involve in dance improve their: ritual, occupation, emotions, etc. Folk dances
- Grace and rhythm show stories of the people,vproducts of the certain
- Posture and biomechanics tribes mimicry of certain animals, etc.
- Discipline
- Dedication, motivation and determination Folk dances are sometimes referred to as an ethnic
- Self-esteem and self-confidence dances, because of their being “ethnic” which
-self-actualization means being a characteristic of a particular group
- Values of cooperation, resourcefulness, obedience, of people, or coming from a particular place. This
and respect term means that ethnic dance does not just refer to
2. Dancing improves emotional, mental, social, and those dances which are labelled as “tribal” or those
physical well-being; done by indigenous groups or primitive tribes,
3. Dancing provides a happy, fulfilled and satisfying life; dancing around a bon fire. The term ethnic could
4. Dancing improves reflexes and awareness of one’s also refer to the dance called Polka, which is a
own body in the immediate environment; and social dance which had its beginnings from the
5. Dancing educates oneself and the audience during native inhabitants of Bohemia in what is now Czech
the performance of the dance. Republic.

Folk dancing is taught in school in all educational

levels in order to make the younger generations
aware of their own cultural expressions and develop
 in them the sense of national pride, identity and Dance is basically combination of two natural types of
patriotism. Folk dance troupes are also organized by movements, the axial and locomotor movements.
many groups in order to preserve and promote Locomotor movements are those that move the body in
cultural and retain ethnic identity and pride. space in any direction using the fee as the moving base.
Axial movements are non-locomotor which means that
3. Social and Ballroom Dance. Social dance are various parts of the body move in space with a fixed
usually done to introduce people attending a base. The base may be standing, kneeling, styling or
formal social gathering to each other or welcome lying.
guests to a social gathering. Many of the of social
dances like polka and mazurka started as folk LOCOMOTOR MOVEMENTS
dances while others were deliberately designed
for that purpose, such as the waltz, rigaudon, and 1. Walk and Step. Moving at moderate pace on
polonaise. feet, lifting one foot only after the other foot has
touched the floor or ground. There is a transfer of
Some forms of social dance are ballroom dance weight in every step made. Legs swing from the
which is, performed by a male and female couple hips while the arms swing naturally at the sides.
during grand balls. Many ballroom dance 2. Run. Moving on foot with springing steps at rapid
originated as folk dances from Europe such as the pacing such that for an instant, both feet are off-
polka, schottische, waltz and mazurka, or had ground during each step.
origins from Latin America such as the samba, 3. Jump. Involves springing and taking off with one
bossa nova, carioca from Brazil, tango form foot or both and landing on both feet.
Argentina, cha cha cha, salsa, rumba, conga, and 4. Hop. A springing of one foot and landing on the
mambo from Cuba and cumbia from Colombia. same foot.
Ballroom favourites like jive, foxtrot, Lindy hop, 5. Skip. Follows the same procedure as doing the
swing and Charleston are obviously of American hop but bouncing lightly with alternative steps
origins. and hops.
6. Leap. A spring on one foot and landing on the
In PE, these dances are taught so that the dancers same foot to any direction.
develop social graces, coordination and 7. Gallop. Moving in continuous forward or
teamwork. sideward direction with one foot leading.
4. Recreational Dances are informal kind of dances 8. Slide. Gliding along the floor with either foot.
performed in informal atmosphere .Dances are
AXIAL MOVEMENTS
done merely for fun and enjoyment, It includes
square dance, dance mixer, line dance, circle 1. Flexion – of a joint is to bend or decrease the
dance, game dance, song-dance, and couple angle between the bones of the joint.
dance during an informal social gathering. They Movements of flexion are directed in the sagittal
could be either folk or popular dances. plane of the body. Example: flexion of the head,
arms, trunk, legs, etc.
5. Creative Dance is the highest phase in the dance 2. Extension – of a joint is to generally straighten it. It
program. Original dance pieces as created by the is the reverse position of flexion.
chorographer. The purpose of creative dance is to 3. Hyper-extension – extreme, men abnormal
entertain. Creative dances are basically classed as extension. Example: bridge stand
spectacular dance that is, performed for viewing 4. Rotation – is to turn the moving bone about its
by an audience and requiring the dancers to axis. Rotation toward the body is internal or
undergo diligent and extensive training in a medial rotation; rotation away from the body is
particular dance discipline. external or lateral rotation. Example: rotation of
the head of saying “no”
DANCE FUNDAMENTALS 5. Circumduction – is a circular movement
permitted at ball and socket, condylar, and
Anybody who has a very little training or no
saddle joint. Example: circumduction of the
background at all in dance will have difficulty learning
head, shoulders, feet, etc.
the dance activities .Having knowledge of the
6. Abduction – of a joint moves a bone away from
fundamental skills, fundamental movements, knowing
the midline of the body (or hand or foot).
the different positions of the arms and feet, dance terms
Example: moving of the arms and legs away
used and the fundamental dance steps is an
from the body.
advantage.
7. Adduction- of a joint moves a bone toward the
Teachers on the other hand, must be well-prepared Medline of the body (or in the case of the fingers
and instructions must be geared towards organized or toes, toward the Medline of the hand or
learning. foot).Example: moving of the arms and legs
towards the body.
 8. Contraction- shortening formingan inner curve of INTRODUCTION TO RHYTHMIC DANCE ACTIVITIES
the pjoint. Dance is an activity which can take many forms and fill many
9. Release- to straighten up. different needs. It can be recreation, entertainment,
education, therapy and religion. In its purest and most basic
10. Pendular- swinging/swaying arms/legs forward,
form, dance is art, the art of body movement.
backward or sideward
11. Vibratory- is the shaking and beating of body Dancing This is a means of expressing one’s emotions through
parts. Example: vibratory movement of the movement disciplined by rhythm. It is an act of moving
hands, arms, legs, etc. rhythmically and expressively to an accompaniment.

COMMON ABBREVIATION USED IN DANCE Rhythm This is measured motion of flow, characterized by
NOTATION basically regular recurrence of elements or features as beats,
sounds or accent. This definition implies measurement of time,
space and energy.
 R- right
 L-left Rhythms is a term which denotes an aspect of a quality of
 Bwd- backward movement that is sometimes thought of as dance. When an
 Fwd- forward individual moves in response to a particular rhythm or music
 Swd- sideward we call movements as rhythmic movements or rhythms.
 Cpl- couples or couples
 Ct- count PHASES OF THE DANCE PROGRAM
 Cts- counts Creative Rhythms Is the end product of the development of
 M- measure movements as children learn to move the different parts of
their bodies as a means of their own ideas and expressions.
 Diag- diagonal
Because of their imitative nature and being based on creative
 CW- clockwise interpretation of themes and motifs, creative rhythms are
 CCW-counter clockwise sometimes called Interpretative Dances.
 x- number of times a step is performed
 LOD- line of direction, counter clockwise on the FOLK/ETHNIC DANCE Folk dances are so-called because they
dancing area have ancient origins from within a community of people. These
 RLOD- reverse line of direction, clockwise in the dances are also known as traditional dances based on the
dancing area fact that they are handed down from generation to
 Upwd- upward generation. Folk dances are sometimes referred to as ethnic
dances, because of their being ethnic which mean being
 Dnwd- downward
characteristics of a particular of group of people, or coming
 Twd- toward from a particular place.
 Fig- figure
 Wt- weight SOCIAL AND BALLROOM DANCE Are usually done to introduce
 Ctr- center people attending formal social gatherings to each other or
 Pos- position welcome guests to social gatherings. Many of the social
 Prt-partner or partners dances like the polka and mazurka started as folk dances
 Opp- opposite while others were deliberately designed for that purpose, such
 Hd- hand or hands as the waltz, rigaudon and polonaise.
 G-girl
RECREATIONAL DANCE Is informal kind of dances performed in
 B- boy an informal atmosphere. Dances are done merely for fun and
enjoyment. It includes square dance, dance mixers, line
dance, circle dance, game dance, song dance, and couple
POSITION AND GRASPS dance during an informal social gathering.
Dance positions describe whether the pairs face CREATIVE DANCE Is the highest phase in the dance program.
each other or stand side by side and grasps refer to how Original dance pieces are created by the choreographer. The
they hold hands while assuming a particular dance purpose of creative dance is to entertain. Creative dance are
position. In many cultures, the G stands on the R of her basically classed as spectacular dance that is performed for
partner. However, this position is the reverse in Malaysian viewing by an audience and requiring the dancers to undergo
traditional dances like Joget and Asli where the B stands diligent and extensive training in a particular dance discipline.
on the R side of his partner, the R being considered the
dominant position and in Malaysian dancing, which
strongly Muslim-influenced grasps between opposite
sexes do not exist.