Dance: The art

of Movement
The art of Dancing
Dancing is the rhythmical movement of the body, usually with
music, to express an idea or emotion, to narrate a story or
simply to enjoy and take pleasure in the movement itself.
Dance of the earliest times differ from those of the present
times; the dance of the barrio folks differ from those of the city.
There are primitive and non primitive dances.
Indians dance to give thanks for a harvest, the Mexicans to
celebrate a religious festival, teenagers dance at parties.
Dance is uniquely able to intensify moods and emotions and to
deepen and dignify the feelings of all.
Origin and Functions of the Dance

Dancing has primitive beginnings. It can be deduced

from the behavior of primitive tribes surviving
today that the rhythm that spurred on the dances
mostly came from the beat sustained through the
stamping of the feet on the ground.
The earliest dances may have been sample
expressions of pleasure or acts related to courtship,
a theory supported by the fact that the birds and the
animals, even the spiders dance to attract and
impress a mate.
The Bible tells us when people danced, but it does
not tell how they danced.
 Components of the Dance

1. The Dancer – It is through the body of the dancer hat the art of dancing is
portrayed, and the physical, emotional and natural characteristics of the
dancer determine the quality and the nature of the dance.
2. The choreographer – He is the arranger of dances, either for a soloist or
for a group and is the most important figure in dance history.
3. Accompaniment to the Dance – Can be accompanied by all kinds of
sound. But, it may no need to a dancer who is blessed with conscious
rhythm and can perform highly complex and stylish movements in
silence.
4. Theatrical effects – Where dance is a spectacle, every device of costume,
make-up and theatrical effect can be used.
 Kinds of Dances
• Natural or untutored dance – Dance can be enjoyed both by the trained
and the untrained dancer.

• Solo or group dance – the solo dance, performed by a single dancer is for
a specific purpose, to demonstrate a particular technique or style of
dancing. Group dances are categorized as folk dance, ballroom dancing
and ballet.

• Ethnic dance – dance that is indigenous to a certain race or country.

• Court dance – social accomplishments polished from materials usually

found among folk dances and used for court entertainment.

• Theatrical dance – classical dance like ballet, performed by highly

trained and physically, the most eloquent form of dance.

• Modern dance – group dancing as a discotheque.

Philippine Folk Dances
Folk Dances in the Philippines are the visualization of the grace and
beauty of the country lasses going through the intricacies of a courtship
dance with their barrio swains.
Some Folk Dances in the Philippines:
• Alay – a dance in the tagalog region performed as an offering to a
special guest or honoree as welcome gesture.
• Escotis – a visayan folk dance performed in any social gathering of the
people inhabiting the mountains of Capiz and the towns of Panay.
• Kinoton – a folk dance from the ilocos region. In social gatherings of
friends and relatives, this dance is presented to make the people merry.
• Kumakaret – a courtship dance n Pangasinan.The dancers peform the
dance with the use of glasses half-filled with tuba.
• Lagundi – Another Visayan dance which originated in Iloilo. The steps
used in this dance depict the stiff knee and the dragging foot of the
dancer suffering from rheumatism.
• Palakis – a courtship dance from Western Bontoc
performed at wedding celebrations and during festivals
like the Canao and Begnas.
• Pangalay – a popular festival dance in Sulu and
performed in wedding celebrations and at big social
affairs.
• National Rice Festival – depicts the different steps in
rice growing as practiced in the different regions in the
Philippines.
• Singkil – this dance originated from Lanao del Sur. To
the rhythmic clapping of bamboos, the ladies dressed
in elegant Muslim costume, waving big fans and the
men flipping brightly colored handkerchiefs right and
left.
Footwear, Headwear and Equipment
Jotabal - is derived from the words Jota and valse. Jota is a popular dance introduced in
the Philippines by the Spaniards. Valse means waltz, a step or a dance in 3/4 time. This
lively festival dance originated in camohaguin, Gumaca, Quezon.
 Sakuting - Ilocano Dance
Sakuting is a folk dance of the Ilocsnos usually performed during Chirstmas. roups of boys and girls perform
from house to house receiving many gifts in return. Two sticks are used to produce rhythmic sound.
 Bilaan Dance of Cotabato
Bilaan is a dance thst depicts the lively, simple movements of birds in flight, beautifully
portrayed by tribal maidens with costumes typical of ethnic tribe, Bilaan, from Cotabato.
 Pagdiwata Dance of Palawan
Pagdiwata is a dance originating from Tagbanua tribe of Palawan which
depicts rituals after a rice harvest.
 Sua-Sua Dance of Jolo
Sua-sua is a dance from Jolo Sulu. It is a courtship dance of the lover
to his lady love, accompanied by a song.
 Kumintang Dance
The graceful hand movements from the wrist going clockwise or
counterclockwise while dancing.
 Balangbang Dance of Mountain
Province
is a native victory dance of the Mountain province Philippines.
 Itik-Itik
Is a native dance interpreting the playfulness of ducklings wading in the
river.
A Muslim Dance - the Tausug usually performed during
festivals.
Nasudi - An Ilocano dance which depicts the prime
industry of the region-weaving.
Salakot Dance - gives importance to the headwear usually
used by women called Salakot. It is made of bamboo and
nipa fashioned as a hat to protect the wearer from the
heat othe sun and/or cold of the rain.
Maglalatik dance - It depicts the intricate process in the
making of a native delicacy: the “latik”, a mixture of thick
coco milk and molasses cooked by constantly stirring oer
slow fire.
 Group 5
Sarah Lee P. Leyble
Philip A. Loyola