OVERVIEW

Hello learner! I welcome you to our new unit: Introduction to Dance. Since we are now in the
middle of the pandemic and we avoid socializing outside, you may find it enjoyable and
engaging to learn essential things about Dance. Dance isn’t just for entertainment but it also
provides great benefits to you, not just physically but it gives holistic development to you.

In this unit, you will be able to learn the history and nature of dance, benefits of dance,
phases of dance program, purpose of dance, elements of movement space, movement
qualities, elements of rhythm, basic natural movements, basic dance positions (arms and
feet), and dance formations commonly used. We will discover more about the wide and
interesting world of dance. It might surprise you that the foundation of dance is much more
than we know. Let’s start learning!

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this module, you are able to:

a. Identify the history and nature of dance, benefits of dance, phases of dance program,
purpose of dance, elements of movement space, movement qualities, elements of rhythm,
basic natural movements, basic dance positions (arms and feet), and dance formations
commonly used; and
b. Execute the basic natural movements, basic dance positions and dance formations
commonly used in a dance routine.

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LET US EXPLORE

Lesson 1: History and Nature of Dance

History of Dance

From the earliest moments of known human history, dance accompanied ancient rituals,
spiritual gatherings and social events. As a conduit of trance, spiritual force, pleasure,
expression, performance and interaction, dance became infused into our nature from the
earliest moments of our existence. Without a doubt, dancing remains one of the most
expressive forms of communication that we know.

History accounts cited that the archaeological proof of dance's first existence can be traced
back to those nine thousand old paintings in caves over in India. The earliest form of
structured dances were used by Egyptian priests to create and visualize storytelling rituals
both for entertainment and religion. Dance also plays a very important role to Roman and
Greek ceremonies. As depicted in history books, dance, at whatever form, has always been
a part of a country’s culture. People from the Pre-historic Era performed ways they hoped
would appease the forces of nature or give them new powers of their own. Dance became
full-blown and was richly recorded in ancient Egypt as reflected in their wall paintings, reliefs,
and in the literary record in hieroglyphs. Greeks also used dance to aid education in general
as philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates strongly supported this art as an
integration of the body and soul.

After the end of French revolution, new forms of dances emerged which focused on less
restrictive women’s clothing, and a tendency for skipping and jumping. These dances soon
became even more energetic in 1844 with the beginning of so-called "international polka
craze" which also brought us the first appearance of famous waltz. After the short period of
time when great ballroom masters created a wave of complicated dances, the era of modern
day 2 person dance started with the careers of famous ballroom dancers, Vernon and Irene
castle. After those early years of the 20th century many modern dances were invented
(foxtrot, one-step, tango, Charleston, swing, postmodern, hip-hop, breakdancing and more)
and the expansion of music brought those dances into worldwide popularity.

Nature of Dance

Dance teaches the importance of movement and fitness in a variety of ways through a
variety of disciplines. Barbara Mettler defined dance as an activity which can take many
forms and fill different needs, it can be recreation, entertainment, education, therapy, and
religion. In its purest and basic form, dance is an art of body movement. This also 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 means expressing one’s emotions through movement discipline by rhythm. It is an

act of moving rhythmically and expressively to an accompaniment.

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Dance and/or Dancing came from an Old German word “danson” which means to “stretch”.
Essentially, all dancing is made up of stretching and relaxing.

So, that is the history and nature of Dance. Did you learn new things about dance? Did
you find this new learning interesting? Let’s keep those thoughts going and answer the
following questions below.

Activity 2.2

1. What was your significant learning about the history and nature of dance?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2. Do you think Dance made an immense change from the earliest times to the
modern times?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

How was the activity? Were you able to reflect on our first lesson? If
you did then you are surely ready to proceed to our next lesson. Are
you ready? Let’s goooooooo.

Lesson 2: Benefits of Dance

The benefits of dance come from better physical and mental health to a boost in emotional
and social well-being. Moving your body to the sound of music can transform your life.

1. Improves Cardiovascular Health

The heart-pumping health benefits of dance are right in line with the Department of Health
and Human Services’ for adults. It states for health benefits, adults should do at least 150
minutes to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes to 150
minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. A Professional ballroom
dancer and certified personal trainer Leon Turetsky says that all styles of dance make for
great cardio workouts since your heart rate gets challenged from executing the different
moves.

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2. Improves balance and strength

Professional dancer Jonathan Tylicki, the director of education for AKT, a boutique fitness
concept rooted in dance, says one of the reasons dance is such a great form of physical
fitness is because it incorporates movements on all planes of motion and from all directions.
“Movements that we typically do in our daily life, like walking, taking the stairs, and common
workouts like treadmills and cycling, occur in the sagittal plane, but dance works your body
from all planes, including lateral and rotational, which turns on and conditions all muscles,
meaning no muscle is left behind,” he said. This type of movement not only increases
strength, it also improves balance.

3. Gentle on your body

Many forms of dancing, such as ballroom, are appropriate for people with limited mobility or
chronic health issues. If you have concerns about the intensity of a class, talk with your
doctor and the instructor before starting the class. They can help you with any modifications,
if needed.

4. Boosts cognitive performance

If you need a reason to get moving, consider this: A lot of research shows how dancing can
maintain and even boost your ability to think as you age. According to some studies,
scientists have found that the areas of the brain that control memory and skills, such as
planning and organizing, improve with exercise like dance.

5. Challenges your brain

If you’ve ever tried dancing, then you know exactly what we mean by dance challenging your
brain. Tylicki points out that the brain power you need to access for dance, specifically,
requires you to focus on both the constant changing of movement and recalling moves and
patterns.

6. It is inclusive for everyone

One of the greatest things about dance is that anyone can participate. If you’re able to move,
even if it’s only your upper body, you can dance. This equalizer is what makes dance so
popular with people who typically shy away from other forms of exercise.

7. Increase Social Improvement & Confidence

Everybody enjoys meeting new people and dancing provides a fun environment to meet
people who have the same interest as you- they want to learn how to dance! This type of
environment is perfect to either utilize your social skills if you are outgoing or to help
strengthen your social skills if you have a quiet personality. Dancing is a great way to meet
new friends and improves your social outlook while in an atmosphere where you can feel
safe and comfortable.

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8. Reduce Stress

When you are dancing, your body is fully in that moment, focused on the music and your
surroundings. Being around friends or that someone special to enjoy dancing to your favorite
music can help you focus on strictly the moment you are in and aid in reducing the amount
of cortisol your brain produces (the hormone that is associated with stress), lowering your
stress and tension levels.

9. Diminish Depression

Dance can be a very therapeutic and healthy way for people to channel any feelings they
may be experiencing. If you are suffering from depression, dance can give you an outlet for
your emotions by using music or movements that you connect to while in a positive
environment. Being able to express yourself without having to talk about anything can give a
sense of freedom both physically and physiologically. As you continue to dance, you will see
how easy dancing will become and your confidence and self-esteem will also naturally
increase, both on and off the dance floor only helping to further reduce your feelings of
depression.

You see, Dance isn’t just for our physical wellness but it benefits us holistically. The
next time you dance, you now know the benefits and you can enjoy dancing. Take a
look at the activity below for a quick question before proceeding to our next lesson.

Activity 2.3
Have you ever danced before? Share a bit of your dance experience. Write down what was
the reason, when did you dance, where it happened and who are you with.

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Lesson 3: Phases of Dance Program and Purpose of Dance

Phases of Dance Program

1. Creative Rhythms

This is 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 and Ethnic Dance

This is a cultural art form handed down from generation to generation. It communicates the
customs, beliefs, rituals, and occupations of the people of a region or country.

Folk dancing belongs to the people, it emanates from them. Examples of folk dances are
the rural and country dances, jotas, mazurkas, pandanggos, among others with foreign
influence.

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Ethnic tribes have their specific tribal art forms originated and danced by the people of the
tribe. Examples of ethnic dances are the dances of the mountain peoples of the Cordilleras,
dances of the ethnic groups in the Cagayan Valley Region and the ethnic dances in the
Mindanao Regions.

3. Social and Ballroom Dance

The setting of the social and ballroom dance is a social gathering with a more formal
atmosphere than the simple and informal parties in which the recreational dances are the
usual forms. Social and ballroom dancing are generally held in the evenings. The
participants are usually in formal attire.

4. Recreational Dance

This includes dance mixers, square dance round and couple dances. Many of these dances
have simple patterns and combinations of walking steps, polka step and the waltz step. The
setting is usually informal gatherings and parties, reunions etc.

5. Creative Dance

This is the highest form of dance. It is the end-product of exploration and improvisation of
movements as the dancer or the choreographer expresses his feelings or emotions, ideas,
and interpretations. This is a dance with a definite form, a beginning and an ending. The
principles of art form are all observed in the composition of the dance. Examples of creative
dance are ballet, jazz, and modern or contemporary dance.

Purpose of Dance

1. Ceremonial Dance- Celebrating life events, religious rituals and other occasions
reflecting cultures or traditions.

 Culture is defined as our way of life. The tradition and norms which are important in
every culture can be represented in a way of dancing and this is what we call cultural
dance. A graceful dance, colorful props and costumes, slow movements and fast that
catches the attention of every person.
 Religious ritual- a ceremony or action performed in a customary way. As an
adjective, ritual means “conforming to religious rites,” which are the sacred
customary ways of celebrating a religion or culture.
2. Recreational Dance- Dances performed in a social setting like folk, social dancing and
aerobic dance

 Folk Dance- generally, a type of dance that is a vernacular, usually recreational,

expression of a historical or contemporary culture.
 Social Dance- recreational and usually performed with a partner and in groups or as
a community activity or fun and enjoyment.
 Aerobic dance- energetic physical exercises, often performed with a group of people
to music that make the heart, lungs and muscles.

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3. Artistic Dance- Performed on a stage for an audience like ballet, modern, narrative, tap,
and lyrical.
 Ballet- classical dance form characterized by grace and precision of movement and
by elaborate formal gestures, steps, and poses.
 Modern dance- theatrical dance that began to develop in the United States and
Europe late in the 19th century.
 Narrative dance- a choreography structure that follows a specific story line and
intends to convey specific information through that story
 Tap dance- style of dance in which a dancer wearing shoes fitted with heel and toe
taps sounds out audible beats by rhythmically striking
 Lyrical dance- relatively recent form of dance coming from a fusion of jazz dance
and ballet.

Dance isn’t just one form but has a variety of forms. You learned the
Phases of Dance Program and the Purpose of Dance. Did you find it
interesting that there a different forms of dances and dance isn’t just
one thing? I bet you do and you also learned new things about dance.
Let’s take a break and share in our Google Meet Class a dance that
you love to show during our class.

Lesson 4: Elements of Movement Space, Movement Qualities and

Elements of Rhythm

Elements of Movement Space

Direction The line of movement taken

which may be forward,
backward, sideward,
diagonal, upward, or a
combination of these.

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Level Movement through space
that may be done at a high,
low, or medium level.

Range Refers to the area covered

as the body moves.

Floor Pattern The path or design that is

made while moving in
space. It may take a form of
a circle, square, straight line
or zigzag.

For a video demonstration you can visit our PSU-DPE YouTube Channel. Click the link to
proceed to the video of Elements of Movement Space:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_KyHsqGqkE

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Movement Qualities

Movement expression is attained through the elements of time, force and space.

Time Qualities Examples

1.Movement which is fast Galloping Horse

Jet Plane

2.Movement which is Flower Growing

slow
Turtle

Force Qualities Examples

1.Soft light movement Fairy

Bird

Butterfly

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2.Strong,heavy Elephant
movement
Bulldozer

3.Strong, jerky movement Frog

Kangaroo

Jumping Jack

4.Smooth,sustained Airplane
movement
Fish Swimming

Space Qualities Examples

1.Movement up and down Bouncing Ball

Yo-yo

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2.Movement across, back Rowing Boat
and forth or around
Merry-go-round

3.Movement which is low Ant

Turtle

4.Movement which is high Kite

Cloud

For a video demonstration you can visit our PSU-DPE YouTube Channel. Click the link to
proceed to the video of Movement Qualities:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCcSIHKajjo

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.

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7. Phrase- measures group together.

8. Bar- in music a vertical line across a staff dividing it into equal measures of time.

9. Count- a pulse beat at 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 steps.

13. Step pattern- refers to the movement or movements done for each of the dance steps.

14. Time signature- composed of two numbers, the number above denotes the number of
beats in a measure, and the number below denotes the kind of note that receives one beat.

You learned about the Elements of Movement Space, Movement

Qualities and Elements of Rhythm in this lesson. Have you seen
the movements in the video demonstration? If yes, then let’s test
your knowledge and understanding at this one. Follow the
instructions on the next page.

Activity 2.4

a. Identify the Elements of Movement Space (Direction, Level, Range, and Floor
Pattern) in the following pictures below.

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b. Categorize the Movement Qualities accordingly (Time, Force, and Space).

Galloping Horse Kangaroo Ant

Flower Growing Airplane Kite
Fairy Yo-yo Jet Plane
Bulldozer Merry-go-round

Time Force Space

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 Lesson 5: Basic Natural Movements, Basic Dance Positions (Arms
and Feet), and Dance Formations Commonly Used

Basic Natural Movements

Our body is designed to move to any possible desired positions. Movement is the basic
reason to execute our daily activities or purpose.

1. Non-Locomotor Movement- movements in which the various parts of the body

move in space with a fixed base. It may be standing, kneeling, sitting or
lying.
Example: (See DPE YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn2XUdvu-1I)
Movement Description

Flexion Bending or shortening of a body

part occurring at a joint.

Extension Extending of a body part

occurring at a joint.

Pendular Swinging or swaying of arms

forward, backward or sideward.

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Percussive Striking and hitting; pushing and
pulling.

Vibratory Shaking and beating of the body.

Sustained Slow, smooth flowing movement

with a balance of movement
throughout the entire series.

Suspended A sharp movement followed by a

series of slow or prolonged
movements until a peak is
reached.

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 2. Locomotor Movement- movements that move the body in space in any direction
with the feet as the moving base.
Example: (See DPE YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn2XUdvu-1I)
Movement Description

Walking Move at a regular pace by lifting

and setting down each foot in turn,
never having both feet off the
ground at once.

Running Walking with longer strides and

there is a push-off by the foot to
suspend the body momentarily in
the air.

Jumping Springing on one foot or both feet

and landing on both feet in any
direction.

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Hopping Springing on one foot and landing
on the same foot.

Skipping Same procedure as in hopping but

bouncing lightly with alternate
steps.

Leaping Springing on one foot and landing

on the other foot.

Galloping Moving in continuous forward or

sideward direction with one foot
leading.

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Sliding Gliding the foot along the floor.

Fundamental Dance Positions of Arms and Feet

There are five fundamental or basic positions in dance that are commonly termed as
1 position, 2nd position, 3rd position, 4th position, and 5th position of the feet and arms.
st

For a video demonstration you can visit our PSU-DPE YouTube Channel. Click the link to
proceed to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suZMKKSu91Q&t=43s

1st position

Arms: Both arms raised in a circle in front of the chest with the finger tips about an inch apart.

Feet: Heels close together, toes apart with an angle of about 45 degrees.

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 2nd position

Arms: Both raised sideward with a graceful curve at shoulder level.

Feet: Feet apart sideward of about a space distance.

3rd position

Arms: One arm raised in front as in 2nd position; other arm raised upward.

Feet: Heel of one foot close to in-step of other foot.

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 4th position

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

Feet: One foot in front of another foot of a space distance.

5th position

Arms: Both arms raised overhead.

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

Dance Formations Commonly Used

For a video demonstration you can visit our PSU-DPE YouTube Channel. Click the link to
proceed to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-UCs7SheE8&t=40s

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 FORMATION ILLUSTRATION

Single circle facing

clockwise

Single circle facing

counter clockwise

Single circle partner facing

Single circle facing center/

facing in

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Double circle partners
facing

Double circle facing

clockwise

Double circle facing

counter clockwise

Double circle couples

facing

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Semi-circle or half moon

Double lines partners

facing

Double lines facing front

Long open Formation

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Long open formation
facing partners

Single line formation

Scattered formation in pair

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 LET US WRAP UP
Activity 2.5

In this module, I am able to learn and discover things

like____________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________.
As I go through the lessons, I feel_______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________.
And because of this, I can confidently share these learnings and ______________________
_________________________________________________________________________.

LET US ASSESS
Amazing! You have now learned and understand our lessons about Dance. Now, it is time to
use that new knowledge to test. Are you ready? If you are then let’s start moving.

Assessment 1: Unit Test!

Test I

Test II.

Test III.

Test IV.

Phew! How did you do? How was it? Did you find it easy or hard? If you think that it was
easy, then I am sure that you really understand our lessons. And I think that you did great
while answering those questions. So, let’s test your creativity skills this time as you proceed
to your next assessment. Let’s get it!

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 Assessment 2: Activity Time! Dance the moves!
Instructions:

a. Create a simple dance routine performing the basic natural movements and
basic dance positions while using the dance formations commonly used.
b. Apply the phases of the dance program in creating your dance routine
together with the elements of movements, movement qualities and elements
of rhythm in creating your routine.
c. The dance will have a minimum time of 1 minute and maximum time of 5
minutes. Choose music that is related to your chosen phase of dance
program. Wear appropriate costumes for the dance.
d. You can make use of any video editor. You will submit your final outputs in
our Google Classroom and/or Google Drive Folder.

DANCE ROUTINE/PERFORMANCE RUBRIC

10 8 6 4 2
EXCELLENT PROFICIENT SATISFACTORY POOR VERY POOR
CREATIVITY Creative implementation of Somewhat creative Uninspiring Poor implementation of No implementation
modern dance implementation of modern implementation of modern modern dance of modern dance
movements. dance movements. dance movements. movements. movements.
Demonstrates excellent
Demonstrates good Demonstrates Demonstrates poor Demonstrates no
understanding of dance
elements. Very interesting understanding of dance understanding of dance understanding of dance understanding of
and flows smoothly elements. Somewhat elements and lacks elements. Not dance elements and
between movements. interesting but transitions smooth transitions. interesting and lacked no transitions.
need some improvement. transitions.

EXECUTION Technical elements and Technical elements and Technical elements and Technical elements and No technical
choreography were choreography were choreography were choreography lacked elements and
executed proficiently and executed proficiently but executed but lacked appropriate execution. choreography were
with precision.
needed some precision. executed.
improvements.

QUALITY Clear attention to detail, Clear attention to the Clear attention to detail of Lacks attention to the No attention to the
and always going above detail and sometimes the dance. detail of the dance. detail of the dance.
and beyond expectations. beyond expectations.
PERFORMANCE Performed with great Performed with good Performed with confidence Performed with little Performed with no
confidence and energy all confidence and energy and energy sometimes. confidence and energy confidence and
throughout the whole most of the time in the most of the time. energy throughout
dance.
dance. the whole dance.

Total

ANSWER KEY

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REFERENCES

Dance Facts. (n.d.) History of Dance. Retrieved http://www.dancefacts.net/dance-

history/history-of-dance/. Accessed 10 August 2021.

Everyday Minerals. (2016). History of Dance. Retrieved

https://everydayminerals.com/store/stories/history-of-dance/. Accessed 17 August 2020.

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