What is rhythm? Is the regular recurrence of accented and unaccented beats.

Rhythms Is a term which denotes an aspect of a quality of movement that is sometimes thought of as
dance. When an individual moves in response to a particular rhythm or music we call the movements as rhythmic
movements or rhythms. Structured forms which start creative rhythmic movements are called rhythms.
Rhythmic activities---- are the physical manifestations of the mental and emotional response of the
individual to rhythm. They are activities which a child responds to physically, socially, and mentally to regular
patterns of sound.
They are also a source of enjoyment for people of all ages. Through these activities, skills and the
sense of rhythm are acquired and developed, feelings are expressed, basic principles of time, space and force can
be experienced.
Everyone reacts to music or rhythm in one form or another. A head swaying, a foot tapping, fingers
snapping, shoulders and body moving while a musical piece is played are physical reactions.
Dance ---------- 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 ------- is a means of expressing one’s emotions through movement disciplined by rhythm. It is
an act of moving rhythmically and expressively to an accompaniment. The word dancing came from an old
German word “ danson” which means to “ stretch”. Essentially, all dancing is made up of stretching and relaxing.
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.
7. Phrase—measures grouped together.
8. Bar—in music a vertical line across a staff dividing it into equal measures of time.
9. Count—a pulse beat, a 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 step.
13. Step pattern—refers to the movement or movements done for each of the dance steps.

PHASES OF THE DANCE PROGRAM

1. Creative Rhythms
Are 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/ Ethnic dance
Is a cultural art form handed down from generation to generations. 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. Ethnic tribes have their specific tribal art forms originated and danced
by the people of the tribe.
Examples of folk dances are the rural and country dances, jotas, mazurkas, pandanggos, among
others with foreign influence.
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 the 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
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
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.
FOLK DANCES
Are traditional dances of a country which were evolved naturally and spontaneously in connection
with everyday activities and experiences of the people who developed them.
Folk dancing is the heartbeat of the people.
Types of Folk dances:
1. National – traditional dances of a given country.
2. Regional – local.
3. Character – created by individual or group.
OBJECTIVES OF TEACHING PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES
1. To foster patriotism and nationalism through the study of our dance.
2. To arouse better appreciation of Philippine music and folk dances.
3. To provide through dancing, a healthful form of relaxation and recreation.
4. To develop a graceful and rhythmic coordination of body movements that will improve posture.
5. To preserve for posterity, folk dances and music indigenous to the different regions of the Philippines.
6. To demonstrate the growth of Filipino culture through the evolution of Philippine dances.
Characteristics of Philippine Folk dances:
In general, dancers stand apart.
1. There is little, if any, bodily contact.
2. Most of the dances are done by pairs or couples.
3. Hand movements play an important part.
4. Most dances are in long formation.
5. Most dances begin and end with “saludo.”
6. Dances from the lowlands have more foreign elements those found in the uplands.
7. War dances are found among non-Christian tribes.
Classification of Philippine Dances
I. General Classification
A. Geographical extent of origin
1. National dances-found throughout the islands with little or no
modification.
Examples: Rigodon, Carinosa, Jota, Balitaw, Pandanggo.
2. Local dances-found in a certain locality.
Examples: Tinikling-Leyte
Maglalatik-Binyang
Esperanza-Nabua
Subli-Batangas
Biniganbigat-Abra

B. Nature
1. Occupational-depicting action of certain occupation, industry, or human
labor.
Examples: Planting, Harvesting, Pounding, Winnowing, Pabirik,
Mananguete, etc.
2. Religious or Ceremonial – performed in connection with religious
vows and ceremonies.
Examples: Dugsu, Sua – sua, Putong, Sta. Clarang Pinong-pino, etc.
3. Comic dances – depicting funny movements for entertainment.
Examples: Kimbo – kimbo Makonggo, Kinoton
4. Game dances – with play elements (dance mixers)
Examples: Lubi – lubi, Pavo
5. Wedding dances – performed during wedding feast.
Panasahan, etc.
6. Courtship dances – depicting love making.
Examples: Hele – hele, Bago Quiere
Maramion
Tadek
Daling – daling
7. Festival dances – suitable for special occasion or any social
gathering.
Examples: Pandanggo, Habanera, Jota, Surtido.
8. War dances: showing imaginary combat or duel.
Examples: Sagayan, Palu-palo, etc.
C. Movements
1. Active – with fast energetic movements.
Examples: Tinikling, Maglalatik
Sakuting, Polkabal, etc.
2. Moderate -
Examples: Cariñosa, Tagala
Habanera, Purpuri, etc.
3. Slow -
Examples: Pasakat, Amorosa
Tiliday, Kundiman, etc.
4. Slow and Fast –
Examples: Putritos, Ba-Ingles
Habanera Botoleña
Alcamfor, etc.

D. Formation
1. Square or Quadrille
Examples: Rigodon, Los Bailes de Ayer, etc.
2. Long formation (two or more parallel lines)
Examples: Lulay, Sakuting
3. Set – consisting of two or more pairs as a unit, partners facing each other or standing side by side.
Examples: Binadyong, Haplik, Kakawati, etc.

II. Special Classification-Group dances having special distinctive features.

A. Dances with Songs
Examples: Aburaray, Manang Biday, Lulay, Rogelia, Lawiswis Kawayan, etc.
B. Old Ballroom Dances
Examples: Polka, Mazurka Chotis, Valse, etc.
C. Dances with Implements
Examples: Maglalatik
Sakuting
Jota Moncadena
Tinikling
Salakot,
D. Dances of Combined Rhythm
Examples: Surtido, Pantomina, Los Bailes de Ayer

Factors Affecting Folk Dances

1. Geographical location
2. Economic conditions
3. Climatic conditions
4. Customs and traditions.

Do’s in Folk Dancing

1. Dance in a natural, simple and direct manner.
2. Dance with ease and smoothness.
3. Use the proper costume for the dance.
4. Follow directions and dance instructions as closely as possible.
5. Dance with feeling and expression.

Don’t’s in Folk Dancing

1. Do not exaggerate the dance steps.
2. Do not make the dances too dainty and graceful like ballet.
3. Don’t make entrance and exit long.
4. Don’t make steps too elaborate and complicated.
5. Don’t call a dance a folk dance unless steps come from traditional dances.
FUNDAMENTAL DANCE POSITIONS
There are five fundamental or basic positions in dance that are commonly termed as 1 st position, 2nd
position, 3rd position, 4th position, and 5th position of the feet and arms.

1st position
Feet: Heels close together, toes apart with an angle of about 45 degrees.
Arms: Both arms raised in a circle in front of chest with the finger tips
about an inch apart.

2nd position
Feet: Feet apart sideward of about a pace distance.
Arms: Both raised sideward with a graceful curve at shoulder level.

3rd position
Feet: Heel of one foot close to in-step of other foot.
Arms: One arm raised in front as in 2nd position; other arm raised
upward.

4th position
Feet: One foot in front of other foot of a pace distance.
Arms: One arm raised in front as in 1st position; other arm raised
overhead.

5th position
Feet: Heel of front foot close to big toe of rear foot.
Arms: Both arms raised overhead.

The Basic Natural Movements:

1. Locomotor movements
Are those that move the body in space in any direction with the feet as the moving base.
Examples: walking, running, jumping, hopping, skipping, leaping, galloping and sliding

2. Non-locomotor
Are those in which various parts of the body move in space with a fixed base. The base may be
standing, kneeling, sitting or lying.

Non-locomotor movements:
1. Flexion--- Bending or shortening of a body part occurring at a joint.
2. Extension—Turning, twisting or circling
3. Pendular---- Swinging/ swaying arms forward, backward or sideward.
4. Percussive—Striking and hitting: pushing and pulling.
5. Vibratory----- Shaking and beating.
6. Sustained---- A slow, smooth flowing movement with a balance of movement throughout the
entire series.
7. Suspended--- A sharp movement followed by a series of slow or prolonged movements until a
peak is reached.

Values of dancing
1. Physical fitness
2. Cultural
3. Social
4. Recreational

COMMON DANCE TERMS

1. Arms in lateral position – Both arms are at one side either right or left, at shoulder, chest or waist level.
2. Brush – Weight on one foot, hit the floor with the ball or heel of the other foot and lift that foot from
the floor to any direction.
3. Crossed Arms – Partners facing each other or standing side by side join their left hands together and
the right hands together; either right over left or left over right hands.
4. Cut – To displace quickly one foot with the other.
5. Do-si-do – Partners advance forward, pass each other’s right ( left ) side, step across to the right move
backwards without turning around, pass each other left side to proper places.
6. Hayon-hayon – To place one forearm in front and the other at he back of the waist.
7. Hop – A spring from one foot landing on the same foot in place or in any direction.
8. Jaleo – Partners turn around clockwise ( with right elbows almost touching ) or counterclockwise (
with left elbows almost touching ) using walking or any kind of dance step.
9. Jump – A spring on one foot or both feet landing on both feet in any direction.
10. Kumintang – moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
11. Leap – A spring from one foot landing on the other foot in any direction.
12. Place – To put foot in a certain position without putting weight on it.
13. Pivot – To turn with the ball, heel or whole foot on a fixed place or point.
14. Point – Touch the floor lightly with the toes of one foot, weight of the body on the other foot.
15. Masiwak – To turn the hand from the wrist half-way clockwise then raise and lower wrist once or
twice. This is an Ibanag term.
16. Panadyak – To stamp in front or at the side with the right foot and tap with same foot close to the left
foot. This is a Tagalog term.
17. Patay – To bend the head downward and to support the forehead with the R
forearm or with the crook of the R elbow while the left hand supports lightly the
palm of the right hand. This is usually done with the left foot pointing in rear and
knees slightly bent. This is an Ilocano term and the movement is commonly
found in Ilocano dances.
18. Salok – T o swing the arm downward-upward passing in front of the body as
if scooping, the trunk is bent following the movement of the arm doing the salok.
This is a Tagalog term.
19. Saludo – Partners bow to each other, to the audience, opposite dancers, or to the neighbors with feet
together. This is of Spanish origin and is used in almost all Philippine dances.
20. Sarok – Cross the R foot in front of the L , bend the body slightly forward and cross the hands down
in front of the R hand over the L. This is a Visayan term.
21. Slide – To glide foot smoothly along the floor. The movement may be finished
with or without transfer of weight.
22. Stamp – To bring the foot forcibly and noisily on the floor with or without transfer of weight.
23. Tap – To rap slightly with the ball or toe of the free foot, flexing the ankle joint keeping weight of the
body on the other foot. There is no change or transfer of weight.
24. Whirl – To make fast turns by executing small steps in place to right or left.

BASIC DANCE STEPS

2/4 time dance steps

Dance Steps Step Pattern Counting
1. Bleking step heel-place, close 1,2
2. Touch step point, close 1,2
3. Close step step, close 1,2
4. Hop step step, hop 1,2
5. Cross step step, cross or cross, step 1,2
6. Change step step, close, step 1 and 2
7. Changing step jump ( one ft. in front and
The other in rear) there are two
Changing steps in a measure 1,2
8. Contraganza step leap, cross-step, step 1 and 2
9. Habanera step step, close, step 1, 2 and
10. Heel and toe
Change step heel-place, toe-point, step, close, step1, 2/ 1 and 2
11. Shuffling step with both feet flat on floor, take tiny
Slide steps 1 and 2 and
¾ time dance steps

1. Native waltz step, close, step 1, 2, 3

2. Cross waltz cross-step, close, step 1, 2, 3
3. Waltz balance step, close-heels raise, heels down 1, 2, 3
4. Mazurka step slide, cut, hop 1, 2, 3
5. Redoba step slide, cut, cut 1, 2, 3
6. Sway balance w/
 A point step, cross-step, step point 12, 3/ 1, 23
7. Sway balance w/
A hop step, cross-step, step, hop 12, 3/ 1, 23
8. Sway balance w/
A waltz step, cross-step, step, close, step 12, 3/ 1, 2, 3
9. Engano w/ a waltz step, cross-step, step, close, step 12, 3/ 1, 2, 3

4/4 time dance steps

1. Schottische step step, close, step hop( raise foot

In front) 1, 2, 3, 4
2. Escotis step step, close, step, hop( raise foot
In rear) 1, 2, 3, 4
3. Chotis step brush, raise, brush, raise/
Step, step, step, close 1, 2, 3, 4/
1, 2, 3, 4