Ruben R. Magoncia Jr.

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BASIC FUNDAMENTAL DANCE

1. Hopping
 Perhaps one of the most basic and energetic moves of folk dance, hopping steps
are often used in choreography. Some cultures incorporate an alternating hop,
placing the weight on one foot and then the other. Others involve repetitive
hopping, either in place or as a traveling movement. Hopping is also used to
bring skill and pageantry to other steps that can also be done without leaving the
ground.

2. Chassé
 Chassés are found in ballet and jazz dance, and are also often used in folk
dance. Considered to be a traveling step, these are graceful side steps that get
the dancer to a new position in the room. You can also chassé in a circle; often it
starts with the dancer stepping to the right, and then immediately bringing the left
foot in to meet the right. Knees are bent with the right step, and a small leap
naturally occurs when the left foot is brought in. While in this "leap," the right foot
is brought out again. This movement repeats as the dancer travels across the
floor. Of course, this step can also start with the left foot to reverse direction.

3. Schottishe
 While most basic steps in folk dance can be identified in other dance genres as
well, the Schottishe is unique to folk dancing alone. Alternating stepping and
hopping, a dancer typically follows a pattern. The Schottishe can be used as a
traveling step, or in a circle. It is usually used in celebratory folk dances, or in
routines involving children.

Five fundamental positions of hand and feet in Folk dance

(Arm Positions)
1st position- Raised arms to a circle in front of the chest
2nd position- Open up arms sideward, raised below shoulder level with a graceful curve.
3rd position- Raise one arm overhead while other arm remains in 2nd position.
4th position- Raise one arm in front of chest in a half circle, while one arm remains overhead.
5th position- Raise both arms overhead in a graceful curve

(Feet Positions)
1st positions- Bring heels close to touch, toes apart
2nd position- Bring feet apart sideward
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3rd position- Bring the heel of one foot to touch the instep of the other foot
4th position- Bring one foot in front of the other side of the foot to walk strike
5th position- Bring the heel of one foot to touch the toe of the other

History and Origin of dance

Dance is a form of art that is made by purposefully recreating selected sequences of human
motion, which can be imbued with the values of aesthetic and symbolism that are acknowledged
by both performers and observers from within the particular culture. The dance itself can be
freeform or can have a predefined choreography that may or may not align with traditions of
origin or historical period. From the earliest moments of known human history, dance
accompanied ancient rituals, spiritual gatherings and social events.

The earliest findings have pinpointed the origins of ancient dances in 9000-year-old India or
5300-year-old Egypt, but the records more common infusion of dance into a modern culture can
be found from Ancient Greece, China, and India. All these old dances evolved, eventually
morphing into a wide variety of Roman and European medieval dances, traditional Chinese
dances, Hindi and other traditional dances, respectively.

Classification of Philippine Folk dance

Geographic Origin
1. National dances
a) Rigodon- Originated from Spain, this dance is commonly performed at formal
affairs like inaugural balls where prominent members of the government
participate and enjoy.
b) Cariñosa- it describes an affectionate, friendly and lovable woman. This dance is
perform in flirtatious manner with fans and handkerchief.
c) La Jota Manileña- It is a dance named after the capital city of the Philippines,
Manila, where an adaptation of Castilian Jota a floats with the clacking of
bamboo castanets played by the dancers themselves.

2. Local Dance
a) Tinikling- Tinikling is considered the national folkdance with a pair of dancers
hopping between two bamboo poles held just above the ground and
struck together in time to music
b) Subli-Batangas- This dance is one of the most popular dance in the Philippines
and the favorite in Batangas. This dance is simply ceremonial in nature and
this is performed as homage to the Holy Cross.

Dance Terminologies
1. À la seconde- A movement with feet to the side or in second position, as in pirouette à la
seconde, in which the dancer turns with the working leg à la hauteur (elevated) in
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second position. An implicit attribute of movements such as tendu, glisse, and grand
battement.
2. Abstract dance- A plot less work composed of pure dance movements, although the
composition may suggest a mood or subject.
3. Accent- the dominant beat of the music measure, usually the first beat of the measure.
4. American Rhythm- American style ballroom dances. Cha-cha, Rumba, East Coast
Swing, Bolero, Mambo. Also Samba and West Coast Swing.
5. Attitude- a pose in which one leg is raised in back or in front with knee bent, usually with
one arm raised.
6. Backflip- dancer flips over backwards. Generally followed by a front flip.
7. Backspin- dancer balances weight on the upper back and goes into a spin by pushing
with the hands or swinging the legs across the body.
8. Ballerina- female dancer. Prima ballerina, or first dancer, is usually used for one who
dances leading roles.
9. Ballet- classical theatrical dancing based on the danse d'ecole, the rules and vocabulary
that were codified around 1700 in France.
10. Breaking- Breakdancing. Dancing with floor movements, such as spins, freezes, and
poses.
11. Character dancing- Dancing derived from folk or national dances.
12. Choreography- A creation or compilation of steps, patterns and movements which make
up a dance or a dance routine.
13. Contraction- A basic movement in the technique of Martha Graham, based on breath
inhalation and exhalation.
14. Country dance- English Folk dances as opposed to the court dances of bygone times.
During the Colonial days of America these Country dances became our present day
square dance, jig reels, as well as our Virginia Reel, Arkansas Traveler and Paul Jones.
15. Cuddle position- Woman is at man’s left or right side, both facing in the same direction;
one arm of man is across woman’s back, and position of other arm depends on method
of arriving in cuddle position.
16. Dance- a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to
music.
17. Danseur- A male ballet dancer.
18. Dominican merengue- The dance of the Dominican Republic is 2/4 time with
syncopation of the first beat interpreted by the dancers as a slight limp.
19. Developpe- An unfolding of the leg in the air.
20. Drop- A theatrical type of movement in which the follower's body weight is partially or
completely supported by the leader while at least one part of the follower's body remains
in contact with the floor.
21. Ecarte- A position with one leg extended at an oblique angle while the body is also at an
oblique angle.
22. Elevation- The ability to jump high into the air and give the appearance of remaining
suspended at the apex of the jump.
23. English Tango- The style is the same as the other English competition dances, and the
steps are similar Fox Trot steps with a few Latin flourishes.
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24. Entrechat- A ballet movement in which the dancer repeatedly crosses his or her legs in
the air.
25. Epaulement- The position of the torso from the waist up.
26. Fandango- A lively Spanish dance in triple time performed with castanets or
tambourines. The dance begins slowly and tenderly, the rhythm marked by the clack of
castanets, snapping of fingers, and stomping of feet.
27. First position- One foot in front of the other, parallel, with heel in front foot touching toe of back
foot.
28. Floor rocking- dancer rotates legs in air while carrying the weight on his hands.
29. Glissade- A gliding step which usually connects two steps
30. Guaracha- This lively Cuban song and dance of Spanish origin is performed in 2/4 time and
danced by the more expert and agile dancers only, as its speed is rather imposing.
31. Gyro- also called the Windmill or the Helicopter. Dancer rotates continuously on one shoulder
with feet in the air and legs apart.
32. Hand Spin- Also called the Hand Glide. Dancer spins on one hand with the body parallel
to the ground.
33. Head spin- in a headstand position, dancer spins by pushing with the hands.
34. Hoofer- A term used for a dancer of the 1920's, and later not just any dancer, but
became specifically to refer to a tap dancer.
35. Ibo- The Ibo rhythm belongs to the faster Haitian Merengue group of dancers. It is
colorful, native in style and can be classified as Caribbean dancing. A pronounced
movement of hips and turning of the head is typical.
36. Irish Hey- Irish dance, a round or figure dance.
37. Irish Uillean Pipe- a complicated bellows-blown instrument that differs from the more
often seen Scottish Highlands pipes.
38. Jig- A number of variations of the jig are performed including the single (or soft), double,
treble, and slip jig.
39. Jive- International competitive Swing dance with elements of the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug.
40. Jota- Native folk dance Aragon, Spain. Performed usually by one or more couples and
consisting of hoppy steps in 3/4 time.
41. Kabuki- A Japanese dance drama featuring stylized narrative choreographic
movements.
42. Kankukus - Afro-Brazilian dances of the Mestiso Indians.
43. La Raspa - A Mexican dance from Vera Cruz, which reminds us of our own square
dancing except that it has a peculiar hopping step of its own. It has enjoyed a well
merited popularity for a number of years as a fun dance.
44. Lancers - The quadrille of the Lancers was a set dance or single dance invented by a
dancing master in Paris about 1836. England took it up and it was fashionable for a
number of years in polite society.
45. Line of Dance - The counterclockwise course followed by dancers progressing around a
room.
46. Mambo - The Mambo dance originated in Cuba where there were substantial
settlements of Haitians. The fusion of Swing and Cuban music produced this fascinating
rhythm and in turn created a new sensational dance.
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47. Mento - The most popular native dance of Jamaica which resembles a Rumba played in
slow tempo.
48. Minuet - It was a carefree and lively dance until presented by the French court in 1650.
There it developed into a slow, graceful and stately dance, elegant in its simplicity.
49. Ocho - a figure "eight".
50. One Step - A dance that consisted entirely of chasses without any change in rhythm.
51. Ouvert - In ballet, an open position of the feet.
52. Paradas - stops.
53. Patada - a kick.
54. Phrasing - The fitting of dance figures to the rhythm and/or melody of the music.
Phrasing may be adjusted in certain dances by the use of lead-in steps to bring the
dancers in on a different beat.
55. Quadrille - A social dance popular in the nineteenth century. It was a square dance in
five sections, each in a different time.
56. Quickstep - English version of the Fast Fox Trot, which has quick hopping steps set in
with the smoother gliding figures.
57. Reel - Popular in Britain, Ireland, and Scotland, it is a lively dance for two or more
couples; also, the second part of the Virginia reel.
58. Rhythm - The regular occurrence of accented beats that shape the character of music or
dance.
59. Rulo - a curl.
60. Salsa - This is a favored name for a type of Latin music which, for the most part, has its
roots in Cuban culture and is enhanced by jazz textures.
61. Spanish Waltz - A smoothly danced waltz in open position using the arm movements of
the classic Spanish dance.
62. Swing - Popular blend of several African American dances, which include Lindy and
Ragtime Jazz and Blues, as well as all the other dance music to accompanying dances
of the past ninety years.
63. Tango - A social dance in 2/4 time, which after originating in Spain, developed in
Argentina, where it was influenced by black dance style and rhythm.
64. Third position - one foot in front of the other, parallel to it, with heel of front foot in hollow
instep of back foot.
65. Timing - dancing on time with the music.
66. Variation - Any solo performance in a ballet.
67. Zumba - fitness program inspired by Latin dance. Spanish slang for "to move fast and
have fun"
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