PE reviewer

DANCE
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● Dance comes from the German word damson, which means "to stretch" or "to drag". It
developed as a natural expression of united feeling and action.
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● Dance is considered the mirror of the society because it responds to historical and
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religious events as well as social and political statements.

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DANCE
• Although there is immense comparative differences in period and culture, people still dance
mainly for four reasons:
• (a) to please gods;
• (b) to please others;
• (c) to please themselves; and
• (d) to build community within an ethnic group or social interaction.

History and Development of Dance from the Different Periods

● Dance During the Prehistoric Period
● It had been a major form of religious ritual and social expression within primitive culture.
● It was used as a way of expression and reinforcing tribal unity and strength.
● Based on superstition and infused with magic. Shamans as lead dancers acted as
physicians and religious leaders and kept tribes healthy, prosperous and safe.
Civilization
1. Ancient Egypt. 3,300 BCE (First Dancing).
• It is believed that the first people to dance were the Egyptians. Archaeologists discovered
paintings of dancing figures in rock shelters and caves.

3. Ancient Greece
• Dance was not just for religious and military training but also a form of entertainment and
display.
4. Ancient Rome
• Gave less importance to dancing which eventually became an integral part of the corruption in
the latter days of the Roman Empire
resulting in the condemnation of dance by early Christians.

Dance During Middle Age and the Renaissance

● 1400 (Ballet Comes into Play). Ballet started in this year in Italy, but didn't really become
popular until around the year 1500.
Ballet
● gained its popularity when a lady of the arts, Catherine de Medici married King Henry 11
and threw festivals where they would perform ballet dances. Ballet is believed to be the
main core of every single dance style.

Dance During the Late 16th and 17th Centuries (1501-1700)

• 1600 (Masque Dancing).
 ● Masque dancing started from elaborate pageants and shows in the 16th century.
Masque dancing involved intricate costuming and stage designing that also incorporated
singing and acting as well as dancing. It was often used as a court entertainment.

Dance During the 18th Century

(1701-1800)
• 1795 (Classical Persian Dancing). This style of dance evolved from courtroom dancing. An
era influencing Persian dance was the Qajar Dynasty which lasted from 1795 to 1925. Dancers
would perform artistic and lively dances for the Shah. The music is usually played by a small
band.

Dance During the 18th Century (1701-1800)

• 1800 (Tippity Tappity, Time for Tap).
Tap dancing
● originated from African tribe dancing. Tap dancing makes percussion sounds because of
dancers most commonly wearing leather shoes with two pieces of metal and clip and
clap against hard floors. Tap is still very popular to this day.

Dance During the 19th Century (1801-1900)

• 1890 (Merengue Dancing). It is a Caribbean dance style that involves partners holding each
other in a tango-like position and moving their hips side to side.
• 1900 (Jazz and Acro). It involves doing smooth and flexible movements, and lots of back
bending and tricks. Both styles are widely popular to this day.
• Ballroom dances emerged during this period like Cotillion, Polonaise, Quadrille, Waltz and
Polka.

20th Century Dances (1901-2000)

• Described as a period of "dance fever" wherein the young and old alike were not limited to
express emotions through dance.
• (Contemporary Dance). Contemporary dance is a style that combines jazz, ballet, and modern
dance. It can be many different styles, but most of the time it is melancholy and or intense.
21st Century Dance
(2001-Present)
• 2018 (Dance Nowadays). Has taken a turn towards more hip hop dances. Small and popular
dances that involve hip hop and that most everyone can achieve include the whip and nae nae,
Gangnam Style (it's a little old), shooting, and more.

Dance Styles
● Refers a specific type of dance. Encompasses the techniques, movements, and
characteristics associated with that particular form of dance.
Types of Dance Styles
1.Ballet
● Classical form with precise movements and point work.
2.Modern & Contemporary Dance
● Emphasizes creativity and fluidity.
3.Hip-Hop
● Energetic urban style breaking, popping, and locking.
4.Folk Dance
● Celebrates cultural heritage and community participation.
Dance Genres
● Group together related dance styles based common features, cultural origins, or
historical context.

Types of Dance Genres

1.Classical Ballet
● Famous choreographers like Petipa and Balanchine.
2.Jazz Dance
● High-energy style often seen in musicals and commercial performances.
3.Latin Dance
● Salsa, cha-cha, rumba, and etc.
4.Ballroom Dances
 ● Partnership dance where couples, use step-patterns, move rhythmically, express
characteristics of music.

Elements of Dance
Physical Energy
● Force, effort, and dynamic applied to movement, including kinetic, static, potential, and
elastic energy
Mental Energy
● A dancer's state of mind, which affects movement effort and dynamics
Dynamics
● 6 types of dance sustained, percussive, swings, suspended, collapsed, vibratory 2
Body language, styles, intensity
● How energy is express in dances performance
Emotional Aspect
● Energy can be soft, strong, sharp, powerful, rich
In Summary:
• Movement in dance is its ability to convey emotions and evoke
• Rhythm is about aigning movements with the timing boct and low of
music.
• Dancers interact space by moving in place or traveling, altering direction, level, and pathways.
Their relationships can form patterns or change dynamically. In solos, space itself becomes a
partner.
Movements can be directed outwardly or inwardly, with lines of travel being direct or
meandering.
Energy refers to the force and intensity of movement, involving control over physical strength,
dynamics, and power. It affects how dancers vary speed, weight, and flow, impacting the
expressiveness and emotional impact of the performance.
Dynamics in dance describe the quality of a movement or set of movements.

THE ROLE OF DANCE IN SOCIETY

Dance is more than just physical activity; it's a cultural artifact and a powerful tool for personal
expression. Historical significance and cultural impact, dance has shaped society through
rituals, celebrations, storytelling, social interaction, and even therapy. Understanding its roles,
we can deepen our appreciation for enduring art form.

Ritual and Ceremony

● Plays a vital role in rituals and ceremonies across various cultures. Serves a powerful
way to express emotions, tell stories, and connect with spiritual beliefs. Many traditions,
dancing used to honor gods, celebrate important events, or bring communities together.
Movements and rhythms often have symbolic meanings, helping participants feel closer
to their heritage and the spiritual world. Through dance, people can communicate
 without words, creating a shared experience that strengthens bonds within the
community.
Celebration
● Use dance to honor, or celebrate important occasions and accomplishments in a
community. Communities use dance as means of express their happiness, thanks, and
understanding of togetherness. Whether holiday, ritual, significant life event, or cultural
tradition, highlighting significance of the occasion serves to strengthen social ties and
shared values. Dancing's celebration thus emphasizes the art form's function in both
individual expression and group togetherness.
Storytelling
● Dance tells stories through movement, use choreography and expression to convey
emotions/narratives. Unlike words, dance uses rhythm and gestures to engage and
connect with audience, transforms ideas into vivid, dynamic stories.
Social Interaction
● Dance fosters social connections bringing people together through shared movement
and rhythm. Creates opportunities for communication, bonding, and community-building,
whether in social dances, cultural events, or group activities. Dance, individuals break
down social barriers and strengthen relationships.
Therapy
● Uses movement to promote emotional and physical healing. Helps individuals express
feelings, reduce stress, and improve mental health. Engages in dance, people can
process emotions non-verbally and enhance their overall well-being.
CONCLUSION
● Dance into the fabric of our society—its how we express, connect, and heal. As society
evolves, dance remains a powerful force that brings us together.