RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES

What is rhythm?

• Is a term which denotes an aspect of a quality of

movement that is sometimes thought of as
dance. When an individual moves in response to
a particular rhythm or music we call the
movements as rhythmic movements or rhythms.
Structured forms which start creative rhythmic
movements are called rhythms
 Rhythmic activities
• are the physical manifestations of the mental and
emotional response of the individual to rhythm. They
are activities which a child responds to physically,
socially, and mentally to regular patterns of sound.

• are also a source of enjoyment for people of all ages.

Through these activities, skills and the sense of rhythm
are acquired and developed, feelings are expressed,
basic principles of time, space and force can be
experienced.
Dance -- refers to movement set to music where
there emerges organization, structure and pattern.
It is a composition that implies arrangement of
parts into a form.
Dancing -- is a means of expressing one’s emotions
through movement disciplined by rhythm. It is an
act of moving rhythmically and expressively to an
accompaniment. The word dancing came from an
old German word “ danson” which means to
“ stretch”. Essentially, all dancing is made up of
stretching and relaxing.
 Rhythmic fundamentals

In the field of dance, there are certain fundamental

knowledge and rhythmic skills considered important
for proficiency and efficiency in bodily movements

Include walking, running, skipping, and other

fundamental movements. The general purpose of a
programme of fundamental rhythm is to provide a
variety of basic movement experiences.
 Elements of Rhythm:

1. Beat — the underlying pulse of a rhythm.

2. Tempo — rate of speed of a movement.
3. Intensity — variation of stress of movement.
4. Pitch — lowness or highness of a tone.
5. Accent — emphasis on certain beats.
6. Meter — the regular recurrence of beats which
divides a musical design into measure.
7. Phrase — measures grouped together.
8. Bar — in music a vertical line across a staff
dividing it into equal measures of time.
9. Count — a pulse beat, a time limit.
10. Note — a printed symbol of a musical tone.
11. Measure — a group of pulse beats.
12. Note pattern — refers to a note or set of notes
with or without rest used for a certain dance step.
13. Step pattern — refers to the movement or
movements done for each of the dance steps.
 Elements of movement Space:

1. Direction — is the line of movement taken which maybe

forward, backward, sideward, diagonal, upward, or a
combination of those mentioned.
2. Level — is movement through space that maybe done at a
high, low, or medium level.
3. Range — refers to the area covered as the body moves. It
maybe 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.
4. Floor Pattern — the path or design that is made while moving in
space is what is termed as floor pattern. It may take a form of a
circle, square, straight line or zigzag.
 Movement Qualities:

Movement expression is attained through the elements of time, force

and space

Time qualities:
 
Movements which is fast
Examples: galloping horse, Jet plane

Movement which is slow

Examples: turtle, Flower growing
 Force Qualities:

1. Soft light movement

Examples: Fairies, Birds and butterflies

2. Strong, heavy movement

Examples: Elephant, Bulldozer

3. Strong, jerky movement

Examples: Frog, A jumping jack

4. Smooth, sustained movement

Examples: Airplane, Fish swimming
 Space Qualities:

1. Movement up and down

Examples: Bouncing ball, Yo-yo

2. Movement across, back and forth or around

Examples: Rowing boat, A merry-go-round

3. Movement which is low

Examples: Ants, Turtles

4. Movement which is high

Examples: Kites, Clouds
 
 PHASES OF THE DANCE PROGRAM
1. Creative Rhythms

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 generation to

generations. It communicates the customs, beliefs, rituals, and
occupations of the people of a region or country.
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.

4. Recreational Dance

The setting is usually informal gatherings and parties, reunions etc.

5. Creative Dance

Is the highest form of dance.

 OBJECTIVE OF RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES

1. Develop skills necessary for recreational enjoyment.

2. Maintain good posture and physical efficiency.

3. Promote emotional freedom.

4. Develop a balanced and well-coordinated body.

 FUNDAMENTAL DANCE POSITIONS

There are five fundamental or basic positions in dance that are

commonly termed as 1st position, 2nd position, 3rd position, 4th
position, and 5th position of the feet and arms.

1st position
Feet: Heels close together, toes apart with an angle of
about 45 degrees.
Arms: Both arms raised in a circle in front of chest with the
finger tips about an inch apart.
2nd position
Feet: Feet apart sideward of about a pace distance.
Arms: Both raised sideward with a graceful curve at
shoulder level.

3rd position
Feet: Heel of one foot close to in-step of other foot.
Arms: One arm raised in front as in 2nd position; other arm
raised upward.
4th position

Feet: One foot in front of other foot of a pace distance.

Arms: One arm raised in front as in 1st position; other arm
raised overhead.

5th position

Feet: Heel of front foot close to big toe of rear foot.

Arms: Both arms raised overhead.
 The Basic Natural Movements

1. Locomotor movements

Are those that move the body in space in any direction with the
feet as the moving base. Examples: walking, running, jumping,
hopping, skipping, leaping, galloping and sliding

2. Non-locomotor

Are those in which various parts of the body move in space with
a fixed base. The base may be standing, kneeling, sitting or lying.
 Non-locomotor movements

1. Flexion - Bending or shortening of a body part occurring at a

joint.
2. Extension - Turning, twisting or circling
3. Pendular - Swinging/ swaying arms forward, backward or
sideward.
4. Percussive - Striking and hitting: pushing and pulling.
5. Vibratory - Shaking and beating.
6. Sustained - A slow, smooth flowing movement with a
balance of movement throughout the entire series.
7. Suspended - A sharp movement followed by a series of slow
or prolonged movements until a peak is reached.
 Values of dancing

1. Physical fitness

2. Cultural

3. Social

4. Recreational
 FOLK DANCES

Are traditional dances of a country which were evolved

naturally and spontaneously in connection with everyday
activities and experiences of the people who developed them.

Types of Folk dances:

1. National – traditional dances of a given country.

2. Regional – local.

3. Character – created by individual or group.

 OBJECTIVES OF TEACHING PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES

1. To foster patriotism and nationalism through the study of our

dance.

2. To arouse better appreciation of Philippine music and folk

dances.

3. To provide through dancing, a healthful form of relaxation

and recreation.
4. To develop a graceful and rhythmic coordination of
body movements that will improve posture.

5. To preserve for posterity, folk dances and music

indigenous to the different regions of the Philippines.

6. To demonstrate the growth of Filipino culture through

the evolution of Philippine dances.
 Characteristics of Philippine Folk dances

1. In general, dancers stand apart.

2. There is little, if any, bodily contact.
3. Most of the dances are done by pairs or couples.
4. Hand movements play an important part.
5. Most dances are in long formation.
6. Most dances begin and end with “saludo.”
7. Dances from the lowlands have more foreign elements
those found in the uplands.
8. War dances are found among non-Christian tribes.
 Classification of Philippine Dances

I. General Classification

A. Geographical extent of origin

1. National dances-found throughout the islands with little or no

modification.

Examples: Rigodon, Carinosa, Jota, Balitaw, Pandanggo.

2. Local dances - found in a certain locality.

Examples: Tinikling-Leyte
Maglalatik-Binyang
Esperanza-Nabua
Subli-Batangas
Biniganbigat-Abra
B.Nature

1. Occupational-depicting action of certain occupation, industry, or

human
labor.
Examples: Planting, Harvesting, Pounding, Winnowing, Pabirik,
Mananguete, etc.

2. Religious or Ceremonial – performed in connection with religious

vows and ceremonies.
Examples: Dugsu, Sua – sua, Putong, Sta. Clarang Pinong-pino, etc.

3. Comic dances – depicting funny movements for entertainment.

Examples: Kimbo – kimbo Makonggo, Kinoton

4. Game dances – with play elements (dance mixers)

Examples: Lubi – lubi, Pavo
5. Wedding dances – performed during wedding feast.
Panasahan, etc.

6. Courtship dances – depicting love making.

Examples: Hele – hele, Bago Quiere, Maramion,
Tadek, Daling – daling.

7. Festival dances – suitable for special occasion or any

social gathering.
Examples: Pandanggo, Habanera, Jota, Surtido.

8. War dances - showing imaginary combat or duel.

Examples: Sagayan, Palu-palo, etc.
C. Movements

1. Active – with fast energetic movements.

Examples: Tinikling, Maglalatik Sakuting, Polkabal, etc.
2. Moderate -
Examples: Cariñosa, Tagala, Habanera, Purpuri, etc.
3. Slow -
Examples: Pasakat, Amorosa
Tiliday, Kundiman, etc.
4. Slow and Fast –
Examples: Putritos, Ba-Ingles, Habanera Botoleña
Alcamfor, etc.
D. Formation

1. Square or Quadrille

Examples: Rigodon, Los Bailes de Ayer, etc.

2. Long formation (two or more parallel lines)

Examples: Lulay, Sakuting

3. Set – consisting of two or more pairs as a unit, partners

facing each other or standing side by side.

Examples: Binadyong, Haplik, Kakawati, etc.

II. Special Classification - Group dances having
special distinctive features.

A. Dances with Songs

Examples: Aburaray, Manang Biday, Lulay, Rogelia,

Lawiswis Kawayan, etc.

B.Old Ballroom Dances

Examples: Polka, Mazurka Chotis, Valse, etc

C. Dances with Implements

Examples: Maglalatik
Sakuting
Jota Moncadena
Tinikling
Salakot

D. Dances of Combined Rhythm

Examples: Surtido, Pantomina, Los Bailes de Ayer

 Factors Affecting Folk Dances

1. Geographical location.

2. Economic conditions.

3. Climatic conditions.

4. Customs and traditions.

 Do’s in Folk Dancing

1. Dance in a natural, simple and direct manner.

2. Dance with ease and smoothness.

3. Use the proper costume for the dance.

4. Follow directions and dance instructions as closely as

possible.

5. Dance with feeling and expression.

 Don’t’s in Folk Dancing

1. Do not exaggerate the dance steps.

2. Do not make the dances too dainty and graceful like

ballet.

3. Don’t make entrance and exit long.

4. Don’t make steps too elaborate and complicated.

5. Don’t call a dance a folk dance unless steps come from

traditional dances.