Course Description: Fundamental Rhythmic Skills (2 Semester S.

Y 2021-2022)
nd

Purpose: The purpose of this class is to develop the requisite dance skills and appreciation in
creativity, rhythms, folk, and square dance necessary to dance as an art form. This course examines
the basic understanding of the various dance components. The student will develop a greater
appreciation for dance because of this class.

RULES!!!
 Take responsibility for your education.
 Respect your instructor. 
 Get to class on time.
 Turn in your work on time.
 Pass your work on time or on the given time schedule. Late passers will have a
deduction of points. Explain why you took so long to pass your homework. 
 Set aside the unimportant ones during my class.  

FUNDAMENTAL RHYTHMIC SKILLS

What is rhythmic fundamentals? 
Are 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. Is a cultural art form handed down from generation
to generations. Fundamental rhythms 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. This will make students move effectively,
efficiently and develop a sense of rhythms. Rhythmic skills include responding and moving the body
in time with the beat, tempo, or pitch of music. Developing Rhythmic Skills. - To develop rhythmic
skills, instructors can ask students to clap their hands or stomp their feet to the beat of the music.

What is rhythm? 

Rhythm – is an ordered recurrent alternation of strong and weak elements in flow of sound and
silence in speech. Rhythms 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. Rhythm (from Greek ῥ υθμό ς, rhythmos, "any
regular recurring motion, symmetry"—Liddell and Scott 1996) generally means a
"movement marked by the regulated succession of strong and weak elements, or of opposite or
different conditions" (Anon. 1971, 2537). This general meaning of regular recurrence or pattern in
time can apply to a wide variety of cyclical natural phenomena having a periodicity or frequency of
anything from microseconds to several seconds (as with the riff in a rock music song); to several
minutes or hours, or, at the most extreme, even over many years. 

Ryhthmic Activities
 It refers to bodily responses to any type of rhythmic accompaniment that will
provide leeway to the people to satisfy their need for self-expression. 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.They 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.
Everyone reacts to music or rhythm in one form or another. A head swaying, a foot tapping,
fingers snapping, shoulders and body moving while a musical piece is played are physical
reactions. Rhythmic activities are combinations of physical movements with sounds, beats,
or music. Rhythmic activities rely on an internal or external rhythm used for self-
expression, exercise, demonstration of physical ability, socialization, and expression of
culture. Rhythmic activities trace back to the Olympics, with sports such as gymnastics that
combined movement with the use of rhythm. This created a form of physical expression
with strength and ability. Now, rhythmic activities commonly extend to physical games
with elements of song and dance. The purpose of rhythmic activities are combinations of
physical movements with sounds, beat or music. Rhythmic activities rely on an internal or
external rhythm used for self-expression, exercise, demonstration of physical ability,
socialization, and expression of culture. 
Five phases of rhythmic activity program
Aerobics – a kind of exercise that merges rhythmic aerobic exercise and strength training
exercise.
Break dancing – an athletic style of dance.
Gymnastics – a sport that needs balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination and
endurance in order to execute. 
Bending – a movement around a joint.
Stretching – muscles or tendons are flexed
Examples of rhythmic activities

 line dancing, classic dances like the waltz, and other popular social group dances.
 Skills include: walking, running, hopping, skipping, galloping and sliding to music; moving
to music with a partner or in a group, with others in a circle and in a square. Activities:
Explore the kinds of movement which can be done to music when large groups are formed
in circles and squares.
 Now, rhythmic activities commonly extend to physical games with elements of song and
dance. Some current examples include jump rope games, popular dance workouts, like
Zumba, or even the use of noisemakers.

 
Benefits of Rhythmic Activities
 Rhythmic activities improve physical and mental health. Aside from increased physical
confidence, rhythmic activities can also improve mental functions because rhythm
regulates the brain and prevents cognitive decline. It also boosts the chemicals in our brain
that support better memory and learning. ANY rhythmic activity involves certain body
movements following a steady and prominent beat. Individuals who practices rhythmic
body movements during an aerobic exercise or dancing enjoy several health benefits that
improve the quality of life. Aside from the physical health, rhythmic activities can improve
our general and psychological well-being, as well. 
Some benefits are: 

 Dancing to your heart’s content

 Aside from burning calories, research shows that dancing can improve one’s
cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that a regular dancing session can lower
blood pressure, reduces fat and improves the ratio of “good” to “bad” cholesterol.
Rhythmic activities can also strengthen bones, increase muscular strength, and
contribute to better coordination, flexibility and agility. 
 Relieve your stress away
 One of the best ways to relieve stress is to listen to music. Following the beat of the
music, rhythmic movements can be as simple as tapping your fingers, clapping or
stomping your feet. This activity triggers the release of biochemical stress reducers
such as dopamine, also known as a “feel good” neurotransmitter that provides the
drive and focus to be productive. As an aftereffect, dopamine also improves the
quantity and quality of relaxation and rest, too.
 Improved mental health
 Aside from increased physical confidence, rhythmic activities can also improve
mental functions because rhythm regulates the brain and prevents cognitive decline.
It also boosts the chemicals in our brain that support better memory and learning.
 
 
 
 Better social skills
 By regularly participating in rhythmic activities, one also gains greater self-
confidence and self-esteem. With improved positive self-image, one is more
motivated to pursue personal goals, and able to practice impulse control and
resilience when faced with adversities. As a result, there is an over-all joyful attitude
and an increased state of happiness that leads to gaining greater life satisfaction. For
that extra boost of the positive vibe, it is recommended to participate in rhythmic
activities in the great outdoors. This will give you an opportunity to break your
routine and enjoy the outdoor scenery while you work in rhythm with the natural
environment.