DANCE

Its Characteristics and Importance

Dance is a performing artform consisting of purposefully selected sequences of human

movement. This movement has aesthetic and symbolic value, and is knowledge as dance by
performers and observes within a particular culture. Dance can be categorized and described by its
choreography, by its repertoire of movements, or by its historical period or place of origin.

Characteristics:
1. Expresses feelings and emotions through movement of the body.

2. Dance usually is accompanied by music or some kind of rhythm.

3. Dances usually have a characteristic tempo and rhythm pattern distinct to each kind.

4. Each of this tempo and rhythm coincides with the steps or walk of the dance and may or may not
involve the hand gestures.

5. As dancing became refined, it required time-keeping.

6. The contents or gestures of a dance depend on the purpose or scope of participants I.e solo dance,
partner dance and group dance.

7. A type of performing art- art performed for an audience and existing in time rather than as a
permanent object

Importance:
1. Dancing to Express Oneself- It allows people to express how they feel at a given moment. Anyone
observing a mother swaying around her house with a baby tucked safely in her arms knows she is
experiencing a moment of intense love for her baby while exercising a tender embrace while caught
up in a dance.

2. Dancing to preserve history and tradition- It allows a tribe or a group people sharing the same set
of norms, standards or norms a chance to preserve their culture by incorporating their stories in a
dance or dancing ritual.
3. Dancing to find Unity- People come together through dance. It provides entertainment for all ages,
races and backgrounds. Strangers have the potential to become friends, while families and friends
bond more closely because of the positive experiences they’ve shared on the dance floor.

4. Dancing for relaxation- Helps body and mind relax as the music and surroundings take people
away from their anxiety and frustration for a while. Their muscle loosen up and tension and stress
melt away.

5. Dancing for Entertainment

6. Dancing for Exercise- Dancing is a great form of aerobic exercise since it works many muscle in
the body. Muscles become stretched, conditioned and toned while the heart rate increases, pumping
blood at a faster rate. As bodies feel the benefit of a workout during the cool-down period, it’s a
good practice to have a few moments to rest after dancing, especially if it was a fast dance.
 OUTPUT
IN
PHYSICAL EDUCATION