CPC102

WEEK 1

Dance is a movement set to music where there is an emergence of organization, structure and pattern, while
dancing is the act of moving rhythmically and expressively to an accompaniment.

Dance and its Scope cover the cultural backgrounds, meaning of dance, formation, elements of dance,
movements, abbreviation and sign used in dance,

Phases of the Dance Program cover the creative rhythm, ethnic/folkdance, social/ballroom, religious, festival,
and creative dance.

The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, ranked dancing with poetry and said that certain dancers, with rhythm
applied to gesture, could express manners, passions and actions.

Aristotle - The most eminent Greek sculptors studied the attitude of the dancers for their art of imitating the
passions. people have danced as part of religious rituals and social celebrations

Court dancing has existed perhaps as long as there have been kings and queens.

A brief outline might include folk, social, ballroom, religious and experimental dance forms.

One major branch of dance is Theatrical Dance as it has evolved in the western world.

However the dance that we can recognize and know now is ballet, which first evolved in the renaissance of the
1500s in France.

Dance has played an important part of the cultural and religious life.
Elements of Dance involves rhythm, which takes into consideration the measurement of time, space, weight
and energy. These four are the major elements of dance.

1. Space – this refers to the use of the immediate area or surroundings of the dancer.
2. Time – this refers to the duration of dance performance, tempo, rhythmic variations and the attitude
toward filling time from taking one’s time to make quick stops and starts.
3. Weight – the use of the body’s weight is important in dancing in order to overcome the pull of gravity to
execute light, graceful movements
4. Energy- this refers to the capacity to execute movements, dance figures, a series of figures, a whole
dance or a series of dance.

Music – serves as accompaniment for a dance performance.

Costume – this refers to special clothing worn only for dance performances.

Movement - is the act or an instance of moving wherein there is a change in place or position.

Elements of Movements

Theme is the main story line of the dance. It tells what the dance is all about.

Movement refers to the dance steps and basic body movements required of a particular dance.

Technique is a system of movements performed by a dancer

Choreography pertains to the organization of the movement and figures in the dance.

Music gives life to the dance. This should be in accordance with the theme and pattern of movements of the
dance.

Accessories, Costume and Properties are what the dancer wears in addition to the costume such as the
earrings, necklace, bells, feathers etc.

Scenery denotes the background on stage. It completes the whole setting of the dance.

Design refers to the floor pattern in relation to space.

Gravity is the force that holds you to the earth. It is a force you take to work with because it constantly inhibits
movement.

Balance is tension of mutual support among all parts that brings the whole together in a new way.

Balance is concerned with more than balancing on one leg. Your aim is to achieve and constantly maintain an
inner balance of the whole body. It is the tension of mutual support among all parts that brings the whole
together in a new way. Dancers work their entire dance live on their posture, also called alignment. It is the
key to balance and movement

Gesture involves using the body as an expressive instrument to communicate feelings and ideas in patterns of
movement.

Rhythm is largely matter of paying attention. It is something everybody has; though some people are not so
aware or sensitive to it.
Moving Space you need to be aware of the space around you as a cat. You have to move with care and
awareness, gauging the space. Space is not just empty air but tangible element that you move through

Breathing is crucial to dance. Not only does it bring oxygen to the body but it also gives your movement
fluency and harmony. It is an expressive tool.

Phases of the Dance Program

The ‘’dance education’’ informally starts early in life

Creative Rhythm – is the end product of the development of movements as children learn to move the
different parts of their bodies as means of their own ideas and expression.

Folk/Ethnic Dance – Folk dances are so called because they have ancient origins from within a community or
people (hence the term “folk”) These dances are also known as traditional dances based on the fact that they
are handed down from generation to generation, the term “tradition” is being learned by the younger
generations informally through imitation rather than by formal instruction.

Folk dances are sometimes referred to as ethnic dances, because of their being “ethnic” which means being
a characteristic of a particular group of people, or coming from a particular place.

This term means that ethnic dance does not just refer to those dances which are labeled as “tribal” or those
done by indigenous groups or primitive tribes dancing around a bonfire. The term ethnic could also refer to the
dance called “polka” which is a social dance which had its beginnings from the native inhabitants of Bohemia
which is now the Czech Republic.

Social and Ballroom Dance – social dances are usually done to introduce people attending a formal social
gathering to each other or welcome guests to a social gathering. Many of the social dances like polka and
mazurka started as folk dances while others were deliberately designed for that purpose, such as the waltz,
rigodon and polonaise.

Recreational Dances – are informal kind of dances performed in informal atmosphere. Dances are done
merely for fun and enjoyment.

Creative Dance – is the highest phase in the dance program. Original dance pieces as created by the
choreographer. The purpose of the creative dance is to entertain.

WEEK 2

Folk Dances are traditional dances of a country which were evolved naturally and spontaneously in
connection with everyday activities and experiences of the people.

Francisca Reyes-Aquino, a Student Assistant then Instructor at the University of the Philippines, Physical
Education Department was given a task by Dr. Jorge Bacobo, President of UP to present a program of
Philippine folk dances for some foreign visitors.

From 1924-1926, she made a collection of folksongs, dances and games which became the contents of her
Master’s thesis which also began dance notation in the country.

The work was revised and published into a book entitled Philippine Folk Dances and Games. A host of Mrs.
Aquino’s followers followed her footsteps.

The results of all their works became part of the Physical Education Program of the Philippines.

The University of the Philippines Folk Songs and Dance Troupe was organized to test and perform the
documented dances. In 1949, Mrs. Aquino organized the Philippine Folk Dance Society which aimed to
promote the development and the teaching of folk dances. To this very day, the PFDS is actively conducting
the Annual Folk Dance

Characteristics of Philippine Folk Dances

1. As a rule, Philippine folk dances begin and end with saludo;
2. In general, dancers are far apart. A distance of about 6-8ft. from each other is normal;
3. There is very little, if any, body contact although holding hands is common;
4. Most of the dancers are done in pairs and hand movements play a very important role;
5. Many of our dancers are done in long formation; and
6. Our dancers are performed by both young and old, and by both sexes

Classification of Folk Dances

1. National Dances Throughout the Philippines with a common basic movement or pattern but with slight
variations. Include Carinosa, Kuratsa, Balitaw, Rigodon, Pandango and Surtido.
2. Local Dances - Dances found in certain localities or region only. Include; Esperanza ( Nabua,
Camarines Sur)Alcanfor ( Leyte ), Rogelia (La Union) and Maglalatik ( San Pablo Laguna )
 3. Occupational Dances - Dances that depict actions characterizing certain occupations, industries and
phases of human labor. Include Planting of Rice ( Pagtatanim )
4. Religious dances - Dances that are performed in connection with religious vows, practices and
ceremonies.Include Obando, Dugso and Sinulog.
5. Wedding Dances - Dances performed by newlyweds friends and relatives of the bride and the
groom.Include Pandang-Pandang (Antique)
6. Festival Dances - Dances performed during good harvest and good fortune these Include Kuratsa

WEEK 3

FUNDAMENTAL DANCE POSITIONS

Fundamental Dance Position of Arms

● 1 st Position - Encircle both arms in front of chest with the fingertips about an inch apart.
● 2 nd Position - Both arms raised sideward with graceful curve.
● 3 rd Position - One arm raised sideward and the other arm raised overhead.
● 4 th Position - One arm in a half circle in front of chest and the other arm raised overhead.
● 5 th Position - Both arms are raised overhead

Fundamental Dance Position of Feet

● 1 ST Position - Heel together, toes apart w/ an angle of 45 degrees.
● 2 nd Position - Stride sideward of about a pace or 1foot distance.
● 3 rd Position - Heel of one foot close to the in-step of the other foot.
● 4 th Position - One foot in front of the other about a pace distance.
● 5 th Position - Heels of front foot close to the big toe of the rear foot.

WEEK 4

Kumintang to turn the hand from the wrist either clockwise or counter clockwise (inward or outward)
Ilocano kumintang with the thumb and forefingers together turn hand from wrist inward or outward.
Arms in lateral position to bring both arms either sideward right or left. This could be done at shoulder, chest
or waist level.
Tumba – tumba with arms in fourth position fist closed, move elbows up and down.
Brush to hit the floor either with the ball or heel of your feet
Clockwise like the motion of the hands of the clock, right shoulder is toward the center of an imaginary circle.
When facing center, movement is toward the left.

A. Movements of the hands

● Kumintang – to turn the hand from the wrist either clockwise or counter clockwise ( inward or outward)
● Ilocano kumintang – with the thumb and forefingers together turn hand from wrist inward or outward.
● Kewet – with fist closed and thumb clicking out turn hand from the wrist inward or outward.
● Palpaltik – with fist closed and thumb sticking out lower and raise the wrist.
● Masiwak – with fist closed and thumb sticking out, turn hand half clockwise, raise and lower twice.

B. Movements of the Arms

● Arms in lateral position – to bring both arms either sideward right or left. This could be done at
shoulder, chest or waist level.
● Forearm turn – to turn the forearms, it can also be done in 3 ways.
a. Ending in elbow support
b. Ending in lateral forward
c. Ending in lateral sideward
● Salok – a Tagalog term which means a scooping motion with the arms. It starts with bringing the arm in
2nd position to downward, inward direction, palm facing the direction of movement and bringing it
upward as it crosses the chest and then raised to 5th position, finally outward, sideward.
● Sarok – cross the R (or L) in front of L (or R); bend the body slightly forward and cross the hands
forearms down in front in the R (or L).
● Tumba – tumba – with arms in fourth position fist closed, move elbows up and down
● Hayon-hayon – to bring one forearm in front and the other at the back of the waist with slightly twist of
the trunk.
● Reverse T position – arms are side horizontal, elbow bent at right angles, forearm parallel to head,
palms forward or facing inward.

B. Movements of the feet

● Point – to touch the floor with toes in any direction
● Brush – to hit the floor either with the ball or heel of your feet
● Stamp – to hit the floor (with foot flexion) noisily & forcibly
● Tap – to touch the floor with foot flexion
● Hop – to spring on one foot and landing on the same foot
● Cut – to displace one foot with the other
● Leap – to spring on one foot and land on the other
● Jump – to spring on one or both feet and landing on both
● Panadyak – a combination of stamp and tap
● Step – to transfer weight from one foot to the other
 ● Place – to put your feet in any direction or desired position without transferring of weight
● Slide – to glide off smoothly along the floor with a complete transfer of weight
● Pivot – to turn in place with the heel or whole feet and the ball of the feet
● Whirl – to make a fast turn in place

C. Common Dance Terms

● Free foot – the foot not bearing the weight of the body
● Free hand – the hand not placed anywhere, or not doing anything
● Clockwise – like the motion of the hands of the clock, right shoulder is toward the center of an
imaginary circle. When facing center, movement is toward the left.
● Set – a dance formation like a square or a unit formation composed of two or more pairs.
● Jaleo – partners turn around clockwise (with R elbows almost touching) or counter clockwise (with L
elbows touching) using walking or any kind of dance steps.
● Saludo – partners with the feet together bow to each other, to the audience, opposite dancers or the
neighbors.
● Cabeceras – the couples occupying the width of the hall when dancers are in square formation (head
couple).
● Costados – the couples occupying the length of the hall when dancers are in square formation (side
pair).
● Crossed arms – partners facing each other or standing side by side join their L hands together and the
R hands together, either R over L hands.
● Counter clockwise – the reverse direction of clockwise, L shoulder toward the center.
● Do-si-do (Dos-ados) – partners advance forward, pass each other’s right (or left) side, step across to
the right (or left) move backward without turning around, pass each other left (or right) side to proper
places.

WEEK 5

Basic Dance Steps - These dances are the one taught in folk dance groups and can be found in many
traditional dances of all nationalities.

11. Mincing Step With feet together in 5th position, raise heels and take as many tiny steps sideward. (One
step in every count)
12. Shuffling steps With both feet flat on the floor, make tiny slides sideward.
13. Chasing steps Successive close steps to any direction with one foot leading.

Common Dance Turn in 2/4