Dance is an art form, consisting of sequences of body
movements with aesthetic and often symbolic value, either
improvised or purposefully selected.
It serves as a means of expression, allowing individuals to
communicate emotions, tell stories, or convey cultural
traditions and values. Dance can take many forms, ranging
from structured styles like ballet and ballroom to
improvisational forms like hip-hop and contemporary.
Why do people dance?
- To please the gods
- To please others
- To please themselves or self-expression
- To build community
The elements of dance are the foundational components that help
define and analyze movement. Here are the key elements:
1. Body: Refers to the physical form of the dancer, including
posture, alignment, and how the body parts move together or
independently.
2. Action: Encompasses the movements performed, such as
locomotor (moving through space) and non-locomotor (staying
in one place) actions.
3. Space: Involves the area in which the dance takes place,
including levels (high, medium, low), pathways, and the
relationship to the surrounding environment.
4. Time: Relates to the rhythm, tempo, and duration of
movements, including how fast or slow they are performed
and how they relate to music or silence.
5. Energy: Describes the quality of movement, such as sharp
or smooth, strong or gentle, and how these dynamics affect
the overall expression of the dance.
6. Relationships: Refers to how dancers interact with each
other and the space, including formations, proximity, and
the use of formations or patterns.
These elements work together to create the overall expression and impact of a dance, helping
choreographers and performers convey emotions, stories, and ideas.
Fundamental Positions of the Arms and Feet in Philippine Folkdance
Arm Positions:
First Position: Arms are raised sidewards to shoulder height, rounded and relaxed.
Second Position: Arms are extended to the sides at shoulder level, creating a wide stance.
Third Position: One arm is raised above the head while the other is positioned to the side.
Fourth position: Raise the other arm forward similar to the first position, the arm lifted overhead will
maintain its position.
Fifth position: Both arms raised overhead, slightly curving.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Feet positions:
First position: Heels together, toes apart with an angle of 45 degrees.
Second position: Move on foot sideward while maintaining a distance of 12 inches.
Third position: Heel of one foot touches the arch of the other foot.
Fourth position: One foot forward while the other retains its position.
Fifth position: Heel of the foot in the front touches the toe of the other.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Basic Folk Dance Steps (3/4 Time Signature)
Waltz:
1. Step to the left with your left foot on count "1”.
2. Bring your right foot next to your left foot on count
“2”.
3. Step with your left foot on count "3”.
Cross-Waltz:
1.Cross your right foot over your left on count "1".
2.Step to the left with your left foot going under your
right foot on count "2".
3.Step right foot again on the count of "3".
Touch step:
1. Point your toes forward making a slightly slanted
angle.
2. Repeat with the other foot.
Blecking:
1. Point your heels forward making a slightly slanted angle.
2. Repeat with the other foot.
Step close:
1. Step forward with your left foot on count.
2. Bring your right foot next to your left foot on.
3. Step backward with your left foot.
4. Bring your left foot next to your right foot going back to
the starting position, do it alternately.
Slide step:
1. Slide your right foot sideward.
2. Bring your left foot alongside your right foot.
3. Do it starting with the left foot.
Step hop:
1. Step your right foot sideward.
2. Make a small hop with your right foot and raise your left foot hip level (on the same motion of
raising your left foot, bring it alongside your right foot).
Step raise:
1. Step your right foot sideward.
2. Raise the other foot near your right leg and place it down outside of
your right foot creating a distance of 12 inches between the two feet.
Step swing:
1. Step your right foot sideward.
2. Swing the other foot forward going outside your right leg and place it
down outside of your right foot creating a distance of 12 inches between
the two feet.
Step brush:
1. Step your right foot sideward.
2. Brush the other foot forward making a slight contact to the ground
and place it down outside of your right foot creating a distance of 12
inches between the two feet.
END-
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