DANCES

Introduction:
The area of dance and dance forms are so broad and dynamic that placing dances into
various classes could rather be difficult as some dances may be combine elements of various
forms and there are other styles evolving. Dance is not limited to interpretative dance, folkdance,
social dance, mixers and creative dance alone and it is therefore necessary to study the dance
disciplines based on certain criteria and bases, especially for beginners of dance education.

The growing trend towards globalization we experience today and the high technology in
terms of mass media will foster more borrowing of dances among different countries and cultures,
as well as the creation of new dance forms based on mixtures of various national styles and will
continue the evolution of more dance styles.

Learning objectives:

At the end of the unit, the students are expected to:

1. distinguish other forms of dance other than folk dances based on the study of other dance
discipline.
2. employ appropriate body movements in the execution of the different dance elements
3. participate in different dance activities

Lesson 1: DANCE FORMS

Dance has been a part of human culture since the very earliest communities and
civilizations, with recorded evidence of dancing being found dating back to 30,000 years ago.
Since then different dances have changed, merged and evolved into what we know today as the
most well-known dance genres.

BALLET
Ballet is a theatrical dance presentation with a choreographic or drama plot that integrates
music, dance and stage designs (props, sets, costumes, etc.). Ballet also refers to the technique
ad dance form strictly based on a well-codified theatrical school of dance, the danse d’ecole. The
dance which was developed in France evolved from European court spectacles that combined
verse and story, music and designs, mimes and dance. The term ballet originated from the
Spanish term bailar meaning “to dance” and Italian term balletto or “dance”. Ballet started in the
courts of Italy and France during the Renaissance but became established as a standard dance
form in the 17th century. Because of its French origin, ballet terms are in French.

MODERN DANCE
Modern dance, which is also called contemporary dance, is a theatrical dance form of
contemporary approach, technique or style hence the term. The dance form emerged and is
reflected from the 20th century. The term modern should not be confused with “popular” or “pop”
dance, oftentimes erroneously called modern dance. Pop dance is strictly a mixer or recreational
dance rather than a spectacular dance.

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 Dance techniques in modern dance stem from individual conceptions and formulations
with a lot of room for creation and improvisation while the area of performance may be informal
spaces or outdoors unlike the formal standardized prescription of ballet. Isadura Duncan and Ruth
St. Denis are considered the founders of American modern dance.

Modern dance is said to be a form of revolt against the strict codes of ballet. In modern
dance, the performers dance as they feel and movements are not as restricted as ballet.
Movements and themes are based from a wide variety of forms ranging from indigenous,
ethnic/folk to popular and jazz. For such, modern dance is sometimes known as impressionistic
dance.

CONTEMPORARY DANCE
Contemporary dance describes a range of techniques and styles used in classes,
workshops and dance choreography. It was developed in the earliest 20th century as a reaction
of a rigid techniques of ballet. Pioneers such as Isadura Duncan and Martha Graham searched
for ease of movement using the body’s natural lines and energy, allowing a greater range and
fluidity of movement than typical and traditional dance techniques. It can be dance to almost any
style of music, or united with other dance forms to create new styles of movement.

Contemporary dancing seeks to work with the natural alignment of the body, and is
therefore safe and accessible for beginners. At the same time, the ease of movement promoted
by contemporary dance technique allows experienced dancers o push new boundaries of body
movement.

CONTEMPORARY DANCE TECHNIQUES

1. Cunningham (named after dancer and

choreographer Merced Cunningham)
focused on the architecture of the body in
space, rhythm and articulation. The
Cunningham uses the idea of the body’s
own “line of energy” to promote easy,
natural movement.

2. Graham (named after Martha Graham)

focused on the use contraction, release, fall
and recovery. The Graham technique is
characterized by floor work and the use of
abdominal and pelvic contractions. The
style is very grounded and the technique is
visibly contrary to sylphlike (graceful,
weightless), airborne ideas of ballet.

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 3. Limon (named after Jose Limon) explores
the use of energy in relation to gravity and
working with weight in terms of fall,
rebound, recovery and suspension. The
Limon technique uses the feeling of weight
and heavy energy in the body, and
movements are instigated using breath to
lift, and swing through the body to create
halt movement.

4. Release technique places emphasis on

minimizing tension in the search for clarity
and fluidity and efficient use of energy and
breath. It focuses on the lack of tension, and
utilizes breath and momentum to facilitate
movement, rather than the huge force or
other artificial technique. In release
technique, we release through the joint and
muscles to create ease of movements,
releasing the breath to aid the release of the
body. A great relaxation technique as well
as a dance style.

ETHNIC AND TRIBAL DANCE

Ethnic dance is any dance form which can be identified as originating with an ethnic culture
and expressing the movement aesthetics of that culture. It includes all ethnic cultures, whether
European, American, African, Polynesian, Asian, Middle Eastern – all of them. It includes village
folk dance, urban popular dance, classic dance, tribal dance, tap dance and many more. A dance
particularly found in a group of people living together in a locality with a common belief and
costums

Tribal dance generally originates in a “pre-industrial “culture, created in a subsistence

movement environment, and functioning as an integral part of life. The trial dance is
communication with the supernatural, a rite of passage, a courage builder for battle, a celebration
victory, or a mourning ritual in defeat. It serious and rarely performed as recreation.

SOCIAL/BALLROOM DANCE
Social dance is a major category or a classification of dance forms or dance styles, where
sociability and socializing are the primary focus of dancing. Many social dances are partner
dances. In fact, quite often when spoken about social dances, ballroom or other partner dances
as circle dances, line dances and novelty dances, or simply club dancing in solo. Social dancing
has probably existed in some form since the beginning of human society. This is simply group
dancing for pleasure or recreation.

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Holds and Partner Positions:

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 TYPES OF SOCIAL DANCES
Latin Dances Standard Dances
Cha-cha Waltz
Rumba Tango
Samba Foxtrot
Merengue Viennese Waltz
Bachata Quickstep
Bolero
Cumbia
Jive

Social Dance Guidelines

1. Practice correct dancing position even without a partner.
2. Maintain a good standing position. Bring out the best in your look.
3. Keep your weight over the balls of your feet to make you feel quicker and lighter, and
place your weight even on the soles of your shoes. No weight on the heel.
4. Maintain the habit of keeping feet close together unless you are taking a definite step.
Feet apart are not a pretty sight.
5. For a graceful dancing, always turn your toes out, not in.
6. When dancing with a partner, adapt a comfortable position for both of you; not too
close and not too far.
7. Don’t lean forward or backward. Just assume a natural comfortable dancing
companion.
8. When facing the audience, the lady is at the right side of the male.

Social Dance Etiquette

1. Do not teach your partner on the dance floor.
2. Anticipate the next step.
3. Be confident strive to become a proficient dancer.
4. Don’t show off.
5. Find mutual topics of interest for conversation, never gossip.

FOLK DANCE
Folk dances are so-called because they have ancient origins from within a community of
people. These dances are also known as traditional dances based on the fact that they are
handed down from generation to generation, being learned by the younger generations informally
through imitation rather than by formal instruction. Dances of the people depict their way of life,
their culture, traditions, rituals, occupation, emotions, etc. Folk dances show stories of people,
products of certain tribes, mimicry of certain animals and others.
Philippine Folk Dances according to Cultural Origin
1. Cordillera Dances – dances reflect rituals w/c celebrate their daily lives – a good
harvest, health, peace and war (Bontoc, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayao, and Kalinga tribes)

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2. Spanish Influenced Dances – dances reflect Christianity, and European art and culture
(jotas, pandanggos, mazurkas and waltzes); Philippines aristocrats created Filipino
adaptations of European Dances

3. Muslim Dances – influenced by Malay, Javanese and middle Eastern Traders (Islam) uses
intricate hand and arm movement with shimmering costumes

4. Tribal Dances – reflects rituals and animals, belief in spirit and shamans nature -
“anito”; also known as Ethnic dances; ethnic minorities found in the different parts of the
Philippines (T’boli, Bilaan, Manobo, Bagobo, etc.)

5. Rural dances – reflects the simple life of the people in the barrio; depicts common work,
daily activities of the peasants

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Types of Folk Dances
1. National and Regional dances -found throughout the islands with little or no
modifications.

2. Occupational dances -depicts actions of labour or of a specific occupation.

3. Religious and ceremonial dances -dances with religious vows and ceremonies.

4. Courtship dances -depict the act of courtship or dances with love themes.

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 5. Festival dances- suitable for special occasions or any social gatherings.

CREATIVE DANCE
Creative Dance is the highest form of dance, it is the end- product of exploration and
improvisation of movements as the choreographer expresses his/her feelings or emotions, ideas,
and interpretations. The principles of an art form are all observed in the composition of this dance.
It is a contemporary form of dance it doesn’t have specific technique because it is a
synthesis of all different styles of dance. Dancers have the opportunity to create their own
personalities and create their own choreography. In creative dance, dancers explore the elements
of dance, which are space, time, force, and body. Dancers develop these elements into different
concepts including speed, weight, shapes, rhythm, direction, relationships, and more. These basic
concept are common to all dancers in creative dance. The key is to include both technical and
creative skills through exploring movement.

Lesson 2: ELEMENTS OF DANCE

The elements of dance focus on several different concept and how you can manipulate
these concepts to move in particular ways. These are the foundational concepts and vocabulary
that help students develop movement skills and understand dance as an artistic practice. While
different dance styles call for specialized skills and stylization choices, the underlying elements of
dance are visible in all dance experiences. Remember the acronym BASTE (body, action, space,
time, energy)
1. Body
➢ The body is the instrument of dance. Justas a painter paints with a brush, in
dance it is through the body that movement appear
➢ You can use: the whole body, body parts, body zones (front, back, left side,
right side, top half, etc.) and body bases(what supports the body ex: feet,
hands, head)
➢ Initiation: dance movements are initiated, or originated by the body

2. Action
➢ Action is any human movement included in the act of dancing
➢ Action can include dance steps, facial movements, lifts, carries and catches,
and even everyday movements such as walking
➢ Actions can travel (locomotor) or move on the spot (non-locomotor)

3. Space
➢ Space is where the body moves, it is the area occupied by the dancer’s body ;
includes directions, size, pathways, levels and shapes

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 4. Time
➢ Time is the relationship of one movement or part of a movement to another
▪ How fast or slow (tempo) a dance movement is
▪ How even or uneven (beat) a dance movement is
▪ How long or short (duration) a dance movement is

5. Energy
➢ Energy is the degree of muscular tension and use of energy while moving
➢ It refers to the force of action
How?
▪ Dynamics: how a movement is done: how the body moves
▪ Flow: continuity of movement ( bound/ free flowing/balance/neutral)
▪ Weight: strength or lightness of movement (heavy/light)

DANCE MOVE

Introduction:
The body can perform such actions as rotating, bending, stretching, jumping and turn. By
varying these physical actions and using different dynamics, human beings can devise an infinite
number of body movements. Out of the range of movements that the body is capable of
performing, every culture emphasizes certain features in its dance styles. Dance is therefore the
transformation of ordinary functional and expressive movement into extraordinary movement for
extraordinary purposes, so that even a very common movement like walking is performed in
dance in a patterned way, perhaps in circle to a special rhythm and it occurs in a special context.
Learning objectives:
At the end of the unit, the students are expected to:
1. demonstrate how the elements of composition apply to specific dance styles and
performances
2. perform with accurate rhythmical skill ability on the different step patterns of the dance
3. compose a creative dance that emphasizes a specific elements
Lesson 1: COMBINING DANCE MOVES INTO DANCE ROUTINE
Making a dance routine can be a fun way to a pass time. Dancing is an art, however, and
you’ll spend a lot of time learning and practicing to form a good routine. Learn some basic moves
and then spend some time learning about dancing and choreography. A few examples are
included here for interpretation and to serve as models for creative work.

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 BASIC DANCE MOVES

1. Learn the strike

• Stand with your feet hip width apart, toes
straight ahead. Hold your arms in front of
your chest, right over left, with your hands
forming fists.
• Hop on your right foot while bending and
turning your left heel on the floor. Bend
both arms 90 degrees. Turn your right
hand to the ceiling, palm facing forward. At
the same time, turn your left arm away from
you, palm facing down.
• Hop again and return your feet and arms to
their original positions. Repeat the process
of bending and turning again, this time
leading with your left foot.
2. Practice happy feet
• Stand with your feet together and your
arms bent to the chest level. Grasp your
left wrist with your right hand.
• Step your right foot to the side and lean into
it while letting go of your wrist. Pull your
elbows behind your body, keeping them
level with your shoulder. Bend them at 90
degree angle.
• Return your feet to the original position.
Step your left foot out while raising your
arms above your head.

3. Do the hopscotch
• Stand with your feet together. Bend both
arms in towards your body. Cross your
right foot in front of your left foot while
pulling your arms to the right.
• Cross your right foot behind your left.
Bring your feet together and hop 3 times
in a small circle.
• Repeat the process using your left foot.

4. Try the slap

• Stand with your legs about two feet (61
cm) apart. Hop on your left foot while
bringing your knee up to your hip.
• Brush the top of your right knee with your
left hand. Think of this like brushing some
dirt off to your knee.
• Return to the original position. Repeat the
process with your left knee and your right
hand.

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 5. Practice the two-step
• Move your right foot to the right, then move
your left foot to meet it. Repeat the process
with your left foot. Keep in time to the
music.
• If you want to add a little something to the
move, reach forward with your heel while
leaning back slightly.

6. Figure out what to do with your arms

• Move 1 arm up and the other arm down.
You can snap your fingers as you move
your arms, if you want.
• Try the shoulder roll. This is simply rolling
1 shoulder at a time, moving with the beat
of the music.

7. Explore other moves

• There are very large amount of dance
moves and styles. If you’re interested in
forming a dance routine explore. Take a
dance class or two. Watch people at a club
or look up music videos online. Have fun
and be creative. Your dance routine should
be an expression of your personal taste
and style.

Practice the following dance steps combinations

Music: 2
4

Combination 1
a. 3 walking steps forward; close L to R foot and clap hands over head once………… 2 M
b. Repeat (a) moving backward and clap hands behind or in rear……………………… 2 M
c. Step R foot sideward; hop on same foot 3 times……………………………………… 2 M
d. Repeat (a) with L foot ………………………………………………………………………2 M
e. Repeat all (a - d) …………………………………………………………………………….8 M

Combination 2
a. 4 running steps forward; jump in place ………………………………………………… 2 M
b. Repeat (a) moving backward …………………………………………………………… 2 M
c. Repeat (a) to sideward right ………………………………………………………………2 M
d. Repeat (a) to sideward left ……………………………………………………………… 2 M
e. Repeat all (a –d) ……………………………………………………………………………8 M

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Combination 3
a. 2 slides sideward right; hands on waist …………………………………………………2 M
b. Jump forward (1 M); jump backward (1 M) ……………………………………………..2 M
c. Repeat (a) sideward left …………………………………………………………………..2 M
d. Repeat (b) …………………………………………………………………………………..2 M
e. Repeat all (a – d) ………………………………………………………………………….8 M

Music: 3
4

Combination 4
a. Step R sideward and hop on same foot 2 times (1 M); repeat with other foot………2 M
b. 3 steps forward and jump in place; clap hands once overhead ………………………2 M
c. Repeat (a) …………………………………………………………………………………..2 M
d. Repeat (b) backward ……………………………………………………………………….2 M
e. Repeat all (a – d) ……………………………………………………………………………8 M
Combination 5
a. Leap to sideward right and close L to R foot; arms raised over head ………………….1 M
b. Repeat (a) with L foot to sideward left ……………………………………………………..1 M
c. Repeat (a) and (b) ……………………………………………………………………………2 M
d. 4 slide steps R, L forward; hands on waist ………………………………………………..4 M
e. Repeat (a – c) ………………………………………………………………………………...4 M
f. Repeat (d) backward …………………………………………………………………………4 M
Combination 6
a. 3 walking steps R, L, R forward, close L to R (1 M); repeat moving backward;
arms raised upward ………………………………………………………………………….4 M
b. 2 sides steps sideward right and 2 slides steps sideward left;
arms raised at side …………………………………………………………………………..4 M
c. Repeat (a) and (b) ……………………………………………………………………………8 M

Suggested basic steps:

Hop – a spring from one foot landing on the same foot in place or in any direction.
Leap – a spring from one foot, landing on the other foot in any direction (forward,
sideward, backward or oblique)
Slide – to glide foot smoothly along the floor

Legend: R – right
L – left
M – measure

Lesson 2: DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY

In dance, choreography is the art of designing a dance, gathering and organization of
movement into order and pattern. Choreography may also refer to the design itself, which is
sometimes expressed as dance notation. A choreographer is one who creates dance. Dance
choreography is sometimes called dance composition.
Setting a dance choreography can be a daunting task. Whether you are new or seasoned
choreographer, you may find yourself at a creative block during some part of the process. These
are perfect opportunities to be daring and think outside of the box. Use whatever challenge you
are facing to create something new. Choreographing is a work of passion and expression that
can be rewarding despite difficulties that may arise. The elements of dance (BASTE/BEST) are
the important tool to consider when creating movement of your piece. Different use of these
elements can produce varying results when choreographing. Be conscious and aware of how you
use them – they can open up doors and also cause our creative process to come to a standstill.
Use them wisely!

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TIPS ON DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY:
1. Choreograph in a non-linear fashion
• Instead of starting at the beginning and plowing all the way through, why not
start in the middle? Or begin working with several movement phrases and just
see where it takes you.
2. Use improvisation as an impetus for movement, phrases, or overall dances
• You can improvise as the choreographer, or have your dancers improvise for
you. Videotaping improvisations can also be very helpful. If you love
improvisation or perhaps envision your final work being slightly different each
night, you can even integrate improvisation into your piece.
3. Choreograph without music
• If you ever feel stuck choosing music, or you are working with a composer
creating an original score, try choreographing without music at first. This will
create a dramatically different effect on the relationship between the dance
movement and the music. This works particularly well with more ambient, sparse
and soundscapes.
4. Look at the basic elements of dance: body, action, space, time and energy.
• You can create entire dances based on one element alone, or use these
individual elements to create variations on your dance phrases. Step back and
brainstorm ideas about each element through writing. Then, explore your ideas.
5. Choose to create a piece outside of the theatre, or in a nontraditional space.
• You could make a site-specific work in a park, or produce a concert in a black
box theater to help break up the frontal monotony of theater dance work. In these
nontraditional venues, the audience is often given a new perspective from which
to view dance because they are more up close and personal. There is little no
barrier between the dancers and the audience in these settings. The audience
may get a 360 degree perspective or simply sit somewhere very close to the
dancers.
6. Break your typical movement mold
• If you tend to move a certain way and create dances that all contain similar,
movement qualities, challenge yourself to create a movement study in ways that
oppose your natural habits. You can create an entire piece off of this idea; or,
use it as a way co contrast your movement in other choreographic works.
7. Incorporate post-modern dance techniques
• Test you limit of what dance can be. The post-modern dancers of the 1960’s
used pedestrian movements such as walking and everyday gestures to make
entire pieces. They also incorporated spoken word, video projection, and more.
8. Make your work multi-disciplinary
• If you feel stumped for ideas, consider how you can use other art forms or
something seemingly completely unrelated to dance to create a new dance work.
For example, you could incorporate live music or live painting into the dance.
Another idea would be to work with a scientist or anthropologist closely on a topic
that interests you to base movement from.
9. Mesh genres
• Have you ever thought about making a hip-hop Nutcracker? You could use
modern dance techniques in a musical theatre piece, or a ballet in a tap number.
The possibilities are endless.
10. Use chance methods
• Choreographer Merce Cunningham pioneered this method. There multiple ways
to use chance methods when choreographing. You could roll dice or sue the I
Ching as he did. Another ideas would be to pull ideas, numbers, etc. out of a hat
and use ha for sequencing, phrasing, or anything else.
11. Consider the end result
• What will the costumes and lighting look like? These are two essential elements
that can lend a great deal to the final product. You movement and ideas may even

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 be inspired by particular costuming and lighting ideas as well, so do not leave
them for the very end! They could even be a starting point for an entire dance.
Think of your mind like an open book when you start the choreographic process.
Just as a writer may get writer’s block, try to open another door instead of continually
trying to open a locked one. This does not mean that you are giving up, but rather trying
something new. When we can free ourselves creatively, the rewards are plentiful that we
are creating a work that expresses our deepest potentials.

ASSESSMENT

Activity No. 1

In this activity, you are tasked to perform the given dance steps combination on page 11-12
following the proper step-pattern and measures. After which, try to perform them in time with any
Folk Dance music rhythm.

1. Look for a Folk Dance music in 2/4 and ¾ time. If you don’t have any, try to ask for the
assistance of your family or friends who is an enthusiast of folk Dance.
2. If you are performing, try to secure feedback from your family members or friends who
have skills and knowledge in Folk Dancing.
3. Based from the given feedbacks, improve your performance.

Write your answer to the following questions in a yellow pad paper

1. How do you feel while performing the basic steps or dance steps combination?
2. How do these dance activities help you achieve the desired level of fitness?
3. Would you consider folk dancing a lifetime activity? Why?

Activity No 2
In this activity, you will be provided a dance video from the different dance forms.
Appreciate the dance by answering the following questions:

1. What is it that dancers are trying to tell the audience?

2. Make a comment on how the dancers present the message.

3. Are the dancers graceful enough in their movement? Describe their body movements?

4. Do you think the dancers are prepared enough for the presentation? Why?

5. Describe the costume and scenery of the dance presentation.

Activity No. 3: Performance Task

1. Create or compose at least two from among the different dance forms and try to master
the steps and the sequence of the dance figures.
2. Ask a family member or a friend who is a dance enthusiast to provide feedback to your
performance. Consider the given feedback.
3. Prepare all the needed materials, costumes and accessories, footwear and other
implements required of the dance.
4. Prepare yourself for a final presentation.

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References:

Andin, Carmen T. et.al. (2008). Dance Education in the School Curriculum. ISBN: 971-
23-3910-6

Balagtas, Jo-Ann, et.al. (2012). Physical Education 2 Rhythmic Activities. ISBN: 978-
971-0161-07-2

Janson, Mila C. (2010). Physical Education II (Beginner’s Dance Book). ISBN: 978-971-
821-194-6

Keller, Van Winkle. (2004). The Dance of Modern Society. Oakley Mason & Co.
Tulio, Doris A. (2010). Physical Education 2 for College. ISBN: 971-08-6829-1

26th National Folkdance Workshop, A Classic Collection of Philippine Folk Dance, 2006

National Folk Dance Workshop, SAYAW: Dances of the Philippine Islands, Vol. 1

Aquino, Francisca R. Compilation of Philippine Folk Dances, Vol. 1-4

Prepared by: Noted by:

AZUCINA D. ARCEÑO JORDAN M. CABAGUING, CTP

Instructor I Program Head

Approved by:

CECILIA G. LAGRAMADA, Ph.D.

Dean, CHM

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