1
BPED 110-Philippine Traditional Dance
Ms. Guylaine T. Nueva
CSPEAR,Instructor
Introduction-Overview
REASONS FOR DANCING
• To passed the course subject
• To have fun or entertain others
• For passion/ provides a release of tension in our body
• To treat emotionally disturbed people/ To help treat physically handicapped
• Worship
DANCE
It involves a successive group of bodily movements and steps rhythmically perform and timed to music.
Is an expression of an intensified sense of life, arising from an inner perception that stimulates both
mind and body. It is man’s natural and primitive means of expression.
The rhythmical movement of the body usually with music
o to express an idea or emotion
o to narrate a story
o to enjoy and take pleasure in the movement itself
The most direct of the arts for it makes use of the human body as its medium
o it springs from man’s love for expressive gestures, release of tension through rhythmic
movement
It heightens the pleasure of being at the same time mirrors the life of society.
It involves a successive group of bodily motions and steps rhythmically perform and timed to
music.
It is both an art and a form of recreation
o ART it may tell a story, set a mood, or express an emotion
o FORM OF RECREATION it provides fun, relaxation, companionship
2
RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES
These are rhythmic movements using the body as means of expressing a communication. It can either be
through fundamental rhythms using locomotor or axial movements or in higher forms of dance.
MOVEMENT
Defined is a change of position in space. It is governed with mechanical principles that limit the ability
of individuals to move effectively and efficiently
RHYTHM
Is a measured motion or flow, characterized basically by recurrence of elements or features as beats,
sounds or accents.
MOVEMENT
+
RHYTHM
=
DANCE
The word “dance” comes from the Greek word “danson” which means to drag, to stretch. Thus, simple
analysis of term “sayaw” which easily lead to one,that it must have derived from the word “saya” which
means happy.
3
Brief Historical Background of Rhythmic Activities and Dance
Art and religion were the most serious concerns of primitive civilizations. Their art concerns were
mainly for source of food and how to increase its supply. Although unaware of it, they made use the art of
hunting, fishing and other way of life. Religion in this matter, regards their beliefs in the supernatural beings
that governs their fate. To express their feelings they create rhythmic movements by stamping, shaking their
arms, legs and body.
Significance of Dance Education
Through dance, students learn teamwork, focus, and improvisational skills. Dance awakens new
perceptions in children which help them learn and think in new ways.
DANCE ELEMENTS
1. THEME
The content or the main ingredient of a dance
Tells what a dance is trying to tell or the message of the dance
2. DESIGN
The pattern of movement in time and space. Pattern in time refers to the unaccented beats of movements
into measures. Pattern in space refers to the path traced by the dancer’s feet on the floor (ground) and
the levels on which they move.
3. MOVEMENT
The action of dancers as they use their bodies to create organized patterns
Can be divided into steps, gestures of arms and hands, and facial expression
Steps – the sound of a foot making a step. Includes leaps, turns, and runs
Gestures – express motions or ideas in sign language (especially of your hands and arms)
Facial expressions – to express feelings through different facial forms
4. TECHNIQUE
Special knowledge or skills in executing movements
5. MUSIC
The auditory background to which a dancer moves. It is something melodic and harmonious usually
used as an accompaniment.
Motivates the movement of the dancers and serves as background music that captivates the audience
6. COSTUME AND PROPERTIES
Worn by the dancer that helps reflect the message, customs, beliefs, and setting of the dance.
7. CHOREOGRAPHY
Forms and arrangement of a dance. Connected with the steps and movement on how a dance must be
performed.
8. SCENERY
The setting or background establishing the place of action of any dance to make more realistic and
beautiful.
DANCE FORMS
1. CLASSICAL DANCE
Dances with standardized rules and restrictions. It can be religious related dance or for court and royal
entertainment.
2. MODERN CONTEMPORARY BALLET
Contemporary ballet is a form of dance which incorporates elements of both classical ballet and
modern dance. It takes its technique and use of point work from classical ballet, although it permits a greater
range of movement that may not adhere to the strict body lines set forth by schools of ballet technique. Many of
its concepts come from the ideas and innovations of 20th century modern dance, including floor work, balletic
movements and turn-in of the legs.
3. FOLKDANCE
A cultural art form handed down from generation to generations. It can communicates the customs,
beliefs and rituals occupation of a region or country.
Change step Step, close, step Moderate
Waltz Step, close, step slow
Polka Step, close, step Moderate fast
FRANCISCA REYES AQUINO
Considered as the “Mother of Philippine Folk Dances” for her untiring efforts in collecting,
compiling, and propagating folk dances, and for her outstanding contribution to the advancement of Filipino
culture in the field of dance
In 1973, President Marcos gave Dr. Reyes Aquino the National Artist for Dance Award.
4. ETHNIC AND TRIBAL DANCE
A dance particularly found in a group of people living together in a locality with common beliefs and
customs.
5. NATIONAL DANCE
Refers to the type of folkdance found most widely done through a specific country. Good examples are
Tinikling or Cariñosa from Philippines
6. NATURAL DANCING
Refers to the type of dance, which makes use of the basic movement, the locomotor movement and the
axial movement
7. CREATIVE DANCE
The highest form of dance for the purpose of entertainment
8. SOCIAL AND BALLROOM DANCE
Dance set in a social gathering with more formal atmosphere than the simple and informal parties in
which the recreational dances are the usual forms.
9. RECREATIONAL DANCE
Includes dance mixer, square dancing and round and round and couple dances
10. POPULAR DANCE
Highly recognized as a dance form in television and other dance centers like disco houses and social
gatherings.
6
FUNDAMENTAL DANCE POSITION AND STEPS
A. Feet Position B. Arms Position
CHARACTERISTICS
Feet – Close and parallel
touching toes at 45º
Arms – encircled in front
chest level, relaxed
fingers slightly apart
First Position First Position
Feet – Open parallel stride
Sideward
Arms – Arms raised sideways
a little below shoulder
level
Second Position Second Position
Feet – Closed-crossed, heel
In-step touching knees locked
Arms – one arm encircle
overhead other
raised sideways
Third Position Third Position
Feet – Open-crossed
Arms – One arm encircle
overhead other arm
on first position
Fourth Position Fourth Position
Feet – Close-crossed,
heel-toe touching
knees locked
Arms – Both arms encircled
Overhead, fingers apart
Fifth Position Fifth Position
Introduction to the Basic Concepts of Movement, Movement Space and Rhythm
a. What is Movements?
Movement as defined is a change of position in space. It is governed with mechanical principles that
limit the ability if individuals to move effectively and efficiently.
These factors include the variables such as the body built, physical fitness and psychological aspects
such as fear, anxiety and self-concept.
Factors that affect movement:
1. Psychological Factor
Phenomena such as fear, anxiety and others affect the movement either positive or negative. All those
may somehow affect the performance of an individual.
2. Physiological Factor
Physical Fitness and body built are two main concerns that effect the human movement. Poor muscle
development and low fitness level will surely affect the movement.
3. Sociological Factor
These refer to the relationship of the performer to the group regarding social conformity and norms.
Fundamental Movements and Movement Exploration
1. Locomotor movements
Used to move the body from one place to another or to project the body upward as in jumping and
hopping.
2. Non-locomotor movements
Performed without appreciable movements from place to place or movements of the various parts of the
body in fixed base.
Basic Divisions of Movements
a. Locomotor Movements
Movement in-space as one goes from one place to another.
Walk – a regular pace of the feet. A simple transfer of the weight from one foot to the other.
Run – a fast walk or an increased speed in walking by lifting the foot off the contact floor or ground
Hop – with the weight of the body on one foot spring on that foot.
Leap – with the weight of the body on one foot, spring on one foot and land on the other foot.
Slide – a full contact of the foot on the floor by gliding or a slide.
Gallop – a combination of a step (full transfer of weight on one foot) and a cut by the transfer of weight to the
other foot.
Skip – a combination of a step and a hop on a fast tempo.
b. Non-Locomotor or Axial Movement
Movement done in a stationary or fixed base
Extension – straightening or stretching of a body part from a joint.
Flexion – a contraction or shortening of body parts from a joint
Rotation – turning, twisting or circling around the axis.
Pendular – a similar movement of a pendulum.
Percussive – movement of striking, hitting, pulling or pushing.
Vibratory – the shaking of body parts or beating movements that produces vibrating.
Sustained – a smooth flowing movement contained in a balanced position
TYPES OF BODY MOVEMENTS
Flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, and rotation.
b. What is Movement Space?
All movements takes place in space. The two kinds of space occupancy are personal space and general
space. Personal Space is the maximum space available to a person in a stationary position. This includes the
space available to a person in s stationary position. This includes the space that the person can reach by
stretching and twisting. General Space is the area which include one or more persons moving in space like:
gymnasium, swimming pools, classrooms, ballrooms, plaza and others.
ELEMENTS OF SPACE
1. DIRECTION
This refers to the movement forward, backward, upward, downward, sideways right and left, circular
and combination of all these.
2. LEVEL
As the body moves in horizontal plane it creates movement identified as high, medium/middle and low.
It may be represented in relative heights while standing, sitting, lying and kneeling.
3. RANGE
The maximum reach of an individual or sometimes referred to as personal space of the size of
movement.
4. PATHWAYS OR SPACE DESIGNS
The line of design created in space as one moves. Example an arm circling (circle design is created) or a
line drawn from running to the first base in softball.
5. FOCUS
This is referred to as movement in space in relation to an object or a person’s attention or direction.
