FUNDAMENTAL RHYTHM
The fundamental rhythm program sets the basis for
rhythmic movement in all forms of
dance activities through its stress on fundamental skills
done in rhythm. It centers on locomotor,
non-locomotor or axial movements, and manipulative
skills, with most attention given to the
locomotor types
The general purpose of a program of fundamental
rhythms is to provide a variety of
fundamental movement experiences, so the students
can move effectively and efficiently and
develop a sense of rhythm in connection with these
movements.
The skills in a fundamental rhythm program are
important. . . in setting the basics for
the more precise dance skills of folk, social, and
creative dances. It is also related to effective
movement in all forms of living.
2 CENTERS OF FUNDAMENTAL RHYTHM
Locomotor Movements
– are movements through space that
bring the body from one place
to another.
Walk – a series of steps. The steps are
from one foot to the other. The weight
being transferred from heel to toe.
Run – a run may be compared to a fast walk
except that the weight is carried forward on
the ball of the foot.
Jump – a spring from one or both feet, landing on
both. On landing the balls of the
feet touch the floor first, then the heels come
down, the knees bend to absorb shock
of landing.
Hop – a spring from one foot landing on
the same foot.
Skip – a fast step hop.
Slide – a glide followed by a quick close.
Leap – a spring on one foot landing on the other
foot.
Gallop – a series of stepping and cutting
movements done either sideward or
forward with one feet always leading.
Non-Locomotor or Axial Movements – are
movements done in place, with one part of
the body serving as an axis or base around
which other parts move.
Bend or Flex – a movement around a joint, either
forward, backward or sideward.
Twist – a rotation of some body parts around its
long axis. It can only take place
at the spinal, neck, shoulder, hip and wrist joints.
Stretch – the extension or hyperextension of the
joints of the body.
Swing – a movement of the arms, legs, upper
trunk, head or body as a whole in a
circular of pendular fashion around a stationary
center.
Manipulative Object Handling – is one in which a
child/students handles some kind of play objects
usually with the hands, but it can involve the feet and
other parts of the body. e.g.
tambourines, castanets, hats, sticks, balls, rings, hoops,
wands, etc.
FITT PRINCIPLE
The FITT Principle (or formula) is a great way of
monitoring your exercise program. The acronym FITT
outlines the key components, or training guidelines, for
an effective exercise program, and the initials F, I, T, T,
stand for: Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type.
Frequency: refers to the frequency of exercise
undertaken or how often you exercise.
Intensity: refers to the intensity of exercise
undertaken or how hard you exercise.
Time: refers to the time you spend exercising or
how long you exercise for.
Type: refers to the type of exercise undertaken or
what kind of exercise you do.
Let’s take a look at each of the components in a
little more detail.
Frequency is a key component of the FITT
Principle. Remember that it’s important to
know why you’re exercising and what you
want to achieve before rushing into any
exercise program.
Intensity
This is an extremely important aspect of the
FITT Principle and is probably the hardest
factor to monitor. The best way to gauge the
intensity of your exercise is to monitor your
heart rate.
Time
The time you spend exercising is also an
important part of the FITT Principle. The
time dedicated to exercise usually depends
on the type of exercise undertaken.
Type
The type of exercise you choose will have a
big effect on the results you achieve. That’s
why it’s important to know what you want
to gain from your efforts.
