Physical Activities Towards Health and Fitness 3 (PATHFit 3)

Week #7 – MODULE 1
FUNDAMENTALS OF DANCE
Objectives:
1. Interpret Chinese Fan Dance with the proper counting, costume,
and formations
2. Identify the basic steps and terminologies in Chinese Fan Dance
3. Perform the basic steps and terminologies learned from the
previous lesson

LESSON 6: CHINESE FAN DANCE

Fan Dance (Chinese:扇子舞; pinyin: shàn zi wǔ)

Fan Dance has been an expressive art form in China for approximately
3000 years. The dance originated from Chaoxian, (Chinese: 朝 鲜 ; pinyin:
cháo xiǎn) a minority group, which is one of the 56 ethnic groups in China.
Fan Dance traditionally has been performed by groups of female dancers. In
the dance performance, the dancers in lavish costumes represented various
designs and shapes using large fans made of colorful silk or satin. The most
common of these depicted images were birds, peacocks, flowers, butterflies
and waves.
 Because of the extravagant expression of color and shape, Fan Dance
has been adopted across China by various ethnic groups. Even current pop
culture in China, and in Asia at large, still incorporates Fan Dance through
performance and inspiration.

Purpose of the Chinese Fan Dance

In China, the Chinese fan dance has
several functions. For starters, it is utilized
to help carry on Chinese cultural legends
and practices. Through the fan dance,
both visitors and younger Chinese
generations discover legendary tales and
history from China's past. This is why fan
dancers are frequently seen at festivals,
theatrical performances, and other
exhibition-style events where the
performers may highlight their rich
historical heritage.
Fan dancing is sometimes used for
amusement. Fans are employed as
accessories to complement the brilliantly
colored outfits, creating an eye-catching
movement spectacular. Finally, Chinese
fan dancing is both an exercise and a
discipline exercise for its participants. Fan
dancing choreography, like many other
types of dances, involves physical effort.

History
The fan dance has its roots in the Han Dynasty, which ruled
approximately 200 AD. The Han Dynasty was the first to cherish and
conserve the arts, which is why fan dance is still practiced today. Because of
its unique historical setting, it has been passed down through generations,
making it more of a familial heritage than a studio-focused form of dance.
 Historically, the fan dance was divided into two categories: civilian and
military. Most people who see a fan dance performance are watching the
civilian form. This is intricate and graceful, similar in tempo and shape to
ballet, with fans and other props such as feathered banners used to enhance
the beauty of the dancing. The military-themed fan dance does not work.

Costume
Fan dance costumes can range from
traditional Chinese attire to bright lyrical garments
available at any dance supply store. Because fan
dance is utilized for storytelling, the clothes are
frequently chosen to complement the plot. Some
dancers may be costumed in separate clothes to
push the plot along, but most fan dancers are
dressed identically in matching outfits.

The fans are utilized to highlight the

movements and outfits of the dancers. Fans make
limbs appear longer and more delicate; also, fans
draw attention to the choreography and provide a
beauty that more modernized styles of dance
cannot match. The fans may also be used as props
to represent anything from a food basket to a car.
Learning Chinese Fan Dance
Many Chinese fan dancers acquire the art form through elder relatives
or acquaintances, or as part of their school curriculum. There are other fan
dancing companies who perform for visitors, and their shows follow a more
formal studio style. As a westerner, you can learn fan dancing by attending a
local festival or other event where fan dancers perform. They frequently
provide a free instruction to the audience, and anybody who desires to try
out a few moves is welcome to do so. In the United States, you may also
find fan dance teams and training, particularly in places with a Chinatown
neighborhood or other cultural heritage center where Chinese culture is
cherished.

Music - divided into six parts: A, B, C, D, E, and Finale.

Count – one, two or one, and two to a measure.
Formation - One to any number of participants may take part in this dance.
If many are taking part, they may be arranged in any desired formation.

FIGURE 1
Music A - Play once; Pause (2M)
(a) Shuffling steps forward to place. Arms folded in front; hands tucked
inside sleeves. The fan is kept in one pocket or left hanging at the right side
of the waist. The body is swayed very slightly to right (1M) alternately for
seven measures. (7)

FIGURE 2
Music B – Play two times
(a) Takes small jump forward, bending knees slightly. Arms are still in front.
Bend head forward as the jump is made (cts. 1,2). Slowly straighten knees
and raise head to erect position (cts. 1, 2). (2M)
(b) Repeat (a) three more times. (6M)
(c) Repeat (a) and (b), jumping backward. (8M)
FIGURE 3
Music C – Play once
(a) Swing R foot forward (ct. 1), swing the same foot sideward right (ct. 2),
three steps in place (R, L, R) (cts. 1, and 2). Arms still folded in front. Twist
the body a little to the right as the R foot is swing the side. (2M)
(b) Repeat (a) to the left, starting with the L foot. (2M)
(c) Repeat (a) and (b). (4M)

FIGURE 4
Music C – play once
(a) Step R foot sideward (ct.1) close L to R foot (ct. 2). Arms in reverse “T”
position, forefingers pointing upward (the other four fingers are loosely
close). (1M)
(b) Bend knees slightly at the same time, dipping both hands toward the
chest without the lowering the elbows and nodding head forward (ct. 1),
straighten knees and head, hands return to first position (ct. 2). (1M)
(c) Repeat (a) and (b) to left side, starting with the L foot. (2M)
(d) Repeat all (a-c). (4M)

FIGURE 5
Music D – Play two times
(a) Take fan and open. Hold with the R hand and cover face so eyes just
show. Turn head right (cts. 1, 2), turn to front (cts. 1, 2), turn to left (cts. 1,
2), turn to front again (cts. 1, 2). (4M)
(b) Close the fan and strike it lightly against the palm of the L hand (four
taps for every count). Move L hand from sideward left – overhead –
sideward right (4M). The fan is continuously tapped against the palm. (4M)
(c) Kneel and sit on heels. (1M)
(d) Repeat all (a and b) in kneeling position. (8M)
(e) Stand and keep fan. (1M)
FIGURE 6
Music E – play once
(a) Point R foot in intermediate in front (obliquely), bend 1 knee slightly.
Point R (b) forefinger to R foot and look at the R foot at the same time (ct.
1). Put the feet together and straighten knees, arms in reverse “T” position,
forefingers pointing upward (ct. 2). Raise the heels (c. 1) lower heels (ct. 2).
(2M)
(b) Repeat (a) with L foot and L hand. (2M)
(c) Repeat (a) and (b). (4M)

FIGURE 7
Music F – play once
(a) Take fan and open with the R hand, starting with the R foot, execute
shuffling forward moving clockwise. Hold fan at chest level, fanning
vigorously. Bend the body slightly forward. (8 cts.). (4M).
(b) Turn right about. Repeat (a), counterclockwise (8 cts.). (4M)

FINALE
(a) Close fan and keep. Bow low (1M), straighten trunk (1M). Repeat once
more (2M). (4M)
(b) Three-step turn right in place and bow low. (3M)
 REFERENCES

Traditional Chinese Dance – CNY Chinese Culture Center (cnyccc.org)

different forms of dance - Google Search

https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%88%9E%E7%8D%85
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand_fan
http://www.chinacart.com/d.asp?
a=Chinese+Fan+Dance+Costume+Wholesale+Clothing+Discount+Dance+Costumes+Dancewear+Supply&
d=167635