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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

No portion of this module may be copied or reproduced in any form or

by any CHAPTER 3: Introduction

means without to of
the permission Dance Rhythm
the authors.

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INTRODUCTION

Dance is a performing art form consisting of purposefully selected sequences of human

movement. This movement has aesthetic and symbolic value, and is acknowledged as dance
by performers and observers within a particular culture. Dance can be categorized and
described by its choreography, by its repertoire of movements, or by its historical period or
place of origin.

This chapter will introduce us to the basics of dance and we will be peaking about the
kaleidoscope experience about dance origin and its forms.

CHAPTER 3:
Introduction to Dance Rhythm

An important distinction is to be drawn between the contexts of theatrical and

participatory dance, although these two categories are not always completely separate; both
may have special functions, whether social, ceremonial, competitive, erotic, martial, or
sacred/liturgical. Other forms of human movement are sometimes said to have a dance-like
quality, including martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading, figure skating, synchronized
swimming, marching bands, and many other forms of athletics.

Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, student will be able to:
1. discuss what is dance rhythm, and its origin;
2. identify the elements of movement space;
3. and explain the movement qualities.

LESSON 1
BRIEF HISTORY AND NATURE OF DANCE

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

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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.

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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

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 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 speak

Ballroom
Like all ballroom dancers, the male has to lead the female partner. The choreography
of this dance is what sets it apart from other styles, varying between the International
Standard, and that which is American. The waltz is danced to melodic, slow music and is an
equally beautiful dance form. The waltz is a graceful form of dance, that requires fluidity and
delicate movement.
Ballroom dancing is a partnership dance where couples, using step-patterns, move
rhythmically, expressing the characteristics of music. Ballroom dancing consists of two styles:
the Smooth, or Standard, and the Rhythm, or Latin. The Smooth, Standard style focuses on
the elegance, grace and fluidity of movement. Dancers rotate in a counter-clockwise direction,
moving around the entire floor. The couple is constantly moving on the dance floor,
transitioning from one place to the next in a fixed pattern. The Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango,
Viennese Waltz and Quickstep are danced in this manner.

Ballet
Ballet is the kind of dance that a lot of us wish we could mimic, given the way the
dancers glide over the dance floor, often a dance that portrays a story or idea. Classical ballet
is the most formal and common style of ballet. Apart from this, there is Neoclassical ballet and
Contemporary ballet.

Origin and Development of Ballet:

 Italy- Birth place of Ballet
 France- Developed the dance Ballet
 Russia- Mastered the dance Ballet

Folkdance
The Philippines enjoys a rich cultural heritage which includes a diverse collection of
traditional dances. From the well-known national dance the Tinikling, which pays homage to
the movements of a much loved bird, to dances that reflect elements of daily Philippine life,
these folk dances all offer a glimpse into the history of the country.
Modern Dance
Was developed in the early 1900s, the time when dancers came out against the
stiffness and restraints of classical ballet. It created its own techniques, costumes, shoes, and
gave more attention to self-expression and individual creativity rather than technical expertise.

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It allows dancers and choreographers to create steps using their moods and emotions
producing a more relaxed dance style.
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.

LESSON 2
PHASES OF DANCE PROGRAM
Phases of the Dance Program
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Creative Dance

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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,
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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,
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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,
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.

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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.

LESSON 3
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.

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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:

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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.

LESSON 4
ELEMENTS OF MOVEMENT SPACE
Elements of Movement Space
A. Direction
B. Direction – is the line taken by the body. Direction can refer to shapes, movements, sequences
of
C. movements or relationships between dancers.
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
D. refer to where the body moves in space relative to the ground.
E .  Examples: high, low, or medium level.
Refer to where the body moves in space relative to the ground.
Examples: high, low, or medium level.

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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

LESSON 5
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

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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

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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.

LESSON 6
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.

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f. Tempo
Tempo is the rate of speed of a movement.
g. Intensity
Variation of stress of movement.

Activity 1

Discuss what is the importance of dance in education? (5 points).

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Activity 2

What are the different dance elements? Explain briefly the importance of each
when dancing.

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Activity 3

What are the different movement qualities?

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1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Activity 4

Define what is being asked.

1. Folkdance
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2. Hip-hop
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3. Modern Dance
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4. Contemporary Dance
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16 PATHFIT-3 | Bautista, Doronila, Obsina, Orquejo, Panaguiton, Pesana, Tutor,

Villanueva
 PATH FIT 3 [ DANCE
]

17 PATHFIT-3 | Bautista, Doronila, Obsina, Orquejo, Panaguiton, Pesana, Tutor,

Villanueva