ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

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MODULE

PE 103 DANCES

MARIANE C. TACDERAS
INSTRUCTOR

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Course Code: PE 103 Instructor: MARIANE C. TACDERAS

Descriptive Title: DANCES Gmail: [email protected]
 ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Tagudin Campus

MODULE
I. Course Title: DANCES

II. Course Overview:

This course introduces the art of dancing and to provide the necessary skills and understanding for an
appreciation of the artistic dance performances and social qualities of dance. Throughout the course, students
will learn various concepts surrounding dance including culture, etiquette, and application in social settings as
well as several different styles of dance and the rhythms and types of music to which they are danced.

III. Course Study Guide:

This module was prepared for you, my dear student, to work on your own. To have the best in working
with this module, you are reminded to follow these simple yet effective guidelines:

1. Manage your time well. A course study schedule is prepared for you to help you study the modules in
this course. The productive use of your time and energy will help you a lot in finishing the scheduled
activities.

2. Focus your attention. The key element for better understanding is having the focus on the things to be
done.

3. Give your best. Always remember that success will be attained in everything you do by giving extra
effort in the things you are doing. Giving your best also means observing Honesty in doing the assigned
tasks you are asked to do in this module. Never let someone do the task for you or copy the work of your
classmates.

4. Submit on time. Work diligently. Do not procrastinate. Remember time is gold. Work immediately on the
task at hand in order for you to follow scheduled time for submission.

5. Be patient, motivate yourself. Patience equates success. Always think of the bright future ahead. And to
get there, start moving now.

6. Answer confidently. Study hard, surf the internet, read and read and read more. The more you know,
the more confident you become.

7. Work independently. You can do it! Your future lies in your own hands and your own decisions. So,
practice working independently, trust yourself, and be independent.

8. Contact me. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me through my Facebook account: Mariane
Tacderas (Ma’am Tacderas), Gmail:[email protected] or the Group Chat created for this
class.

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Course Code: PE 103 Instructor: MARIANE C. TACDERAS

Descriptive Title: DANCES Gmail: [email protected]
 ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Tagudin Campus

MODULE

SOCIAL DANCES

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

• describes the nature and background of the dance
• appreciate social dance as a way of socialization and recreation
• identify the different social dances

What is Social Dance?

Social dance is a category of dances that have a social function and context. Social dances are intended
for participation rather than performance and can be led and followed with relative ease. They are often danced
merely to socialize and for entertainment, though they may have ceremonial, competitive and erotic functions.
Social dance can derive from or be an activity within many different genres. It may be the folk dances of
a particular village performed on the local green or community center or it may be old time dancing conducted in
a barn or public hall or even ballroom dancing, Latin American, salsa or rock n roll or any contemporary dance
that is public recreation rather than for display or commercial benefit.
Many social dances are couple dances and the main thing is that people should mix and regularly change
partners. The optimum forms of social dances involve groups of people enjoying activity within sets where groups
and couples regularly change places or even partners. Some of the main forms of group dancing within sets
known as ‘country dancing’ are those in which couples are aligned in either longways, circular or columnar
formation, or in squares called ‘quadrilles. Interaction with other couples and sometimes progression of partners
is an integral part of this dance form.

NATURE AND BACKGROUND OF SOCIAL DANCE AND DANCE MIXERS

Social dances and dance mixers are dances intended primarily to get to know other people in attendance
to a certain social function. They are also called ballroom dances. They are usually performed in pairs, male
and female, but may also be performed in groups. Social dances are classified into two major classifications
namely the Latin American Dances and the Modern Standard Dances. Social Dances are communal dances
performed in social gatherings in any given space. They are synonymously referred to as ballroom dances, but
the former is performed in balls or formal social functions.

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Course Code: PE 103 Instructor: MARIANE C. TACDERAS

Descriptive Title: DANCES Gmail: [email protected]
 ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Tagudin Campus

MODULE
Latin American Dances include the salsa, mambo, meringue, swing, cha-cha-cha, rumba, samba,
jive, boogie, and paso doble. They are called Latin American dances because most of them are from the Latin-
American countries. Latin dance originated in the traditional dances of indigenous cultures of Mexico, South
America, Central America and the Caribbean. Like many cultures around the world, dance was essential in
communal ritual life. They were performed during rituals and festivals as a symbolic representation of cultural
beliefs. While the Modern Standard Dances include the slow waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot and
quickstep.
The Modern Waltz, Quickstep, Slow Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz are all referred to as “Swing” dances,
in reference to the action of the foot as it passes under the body from one step to another. The swing dances
have many common traits, the most notable being that the feet remain in constant contact with the floor.

Latin dances distinguish themselves by the costumes worn by

performers. They are somewhat revealing, tight-fitting, sexy yet sophisticated
in nature. They are also distinguished by the nature of the movements. They
are freer and can be performed in close or open hold.

Standard dances on the other hand, wear formal, ankle-length

gowns for females and coat-and-tie for males. Most of the time, movements
in these are restricted to close ballroom position with partner.
Social or ballroom dances are different from dance sport because the latter is freer in nature and are
primarily intended to widen one’s social horizon, for recreation; and fitness. The former is performed in
competitions and are referred to as competitive ballroom dancing. The required athleticism has established rules
of different levels of difficulty and is limited to five dances per category only. They are the cha-cha-cha, rumba,
samba, paso doble and jive for the Latin category and slow waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot and quickstep
for the standard category.
Dance Sport is the name given to competitive ballroom and Latin American dancing. Most Dance Sport
competitors believe that Dance Sport is both a sport and an art. With the creative freedom to express their inner
selves and the extreme agility and fitness of the most elite athletes, Dance Sport for most competitors is a passion,
an art and a sport.

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Course Code: PE 103 Instructor: MARIANE C. TACDERAS

Descriptive Title: DANCES Gmail: [email protected]
 ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Tagudin Campus

MODULE
The origin of dances in both the Latin American and Modern Standard groups might also help in
understanding the nature and background of social dances and dance mixers. Below is where each of the dances
enumerated came from:
LATIN AMERICAN ORIGIN MODERN STANDARD ORIGIN
DANCES DANCES
Cha-cha-cha Cuba Slow Waltz Austria
Rumba Cuba Tango Argentina
Samba Brazil Viennese Waltz Vienna
Paso Doble Spain Foxtrot USA
Jive/Boogie USA Quickstep USA
Swing USA
Merengue Dominican Republic
Salsa Cuba
Mambo Cuba

Dance mixers, however, are social dances which allow group of performers to change partners
periodically while dancing to allow chance to get to know other members of the performing group. Its primary
function is to maximize the social dimensions of dancing. There are specific dance mixers that are performed in
social events but ballroom or social dance can be converted into dance mixers by expanding it from a pair dancing
to group dancing activity with exchange of partners periodically while dancing.

BENEFITS OF SOCIAL DANCING:

PERSONAL:
• One of the best byproducts of dancing is increased self-confidence. Social dancers gain assurance as
they learn new patterns and techniques and see that they can apply them with their dance partners.
• They also build confidence as they increase their physical aptitude, whether it’s by having the
endurance to dance straight through four songs, starting to shake their hips in the cha cha, or finding
they are able to keep up with the fast pace of a hustle.

PHYSICAL:
• It also develops the muscles of the arms, from holding a frame continually, and of course the legs and
feet. Additionally, the Latin dances improve flexibility through their trademark hip action and all the styles
will bring about an overall better posture.

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Course Code: PE 103 Instructor: MARIANE C. TACDERAS

Descriptive Title: DANCES Gmail: [email protected]
 ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Tagudin Campus

MODULE
SOCIAL:
• Many people start ballroom dancing with the intent of improving their social life, confidence, or even
relationships.

Other…
• Dancing is one of the most effective physical activities for enhancing the brain and making you smarter.
• Reduces stress from your daily routine.
• Social dancing is a great way to meet new people.
• Rekindle the fire in your relationship. Partner dancing relies on connection and communication with your
partner, and builds trust.
• Studies show that dancing often can lower your risk of heart disease, control blood pressure, help control
weight, strengthen bones, legs and hips.

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Course Code: PE 103 Instructor: MARIANE C. TACDERAS

Descriptive Title: DANCES Gmail: [email protected]
 ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Tagudin Campus

MODULE

LATIN AMERICAN DANCES

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

• Identify the different Latin American Dances
• Define the different Latin American Dances

Latin American dances or Latin ballroom dances are energetic dances which reflect the shift in rhythm
of the music being danced to. Latin dance has a rich cultural history rooted in the traditional dances of native
peoples of Latin America
Latin For females’ dress it is generally shorter than Standard/Smooth dresses to show off the legs.
Sometimes, they can be long, but then they usually have a slit in the back so you don't catch your heel in it. They
often have skirts or frills on them that will exaggerate hip and body movement, complementing your dance. For
males the performers use a long sleeved black or white shirt. Shirts are often opened to mid-chest or lower, or
turtle necked. These shirts aren't really shirts, but leotards. in many colors and may have bright reflective
rhinestones on them, or intricate patterning.

DIFFERENT LATIN AMERICAN DANCES

1. RUMBA
➢ is a “Latin” dance. It has its rhythmic roots in Africa and found its way to Cuba. It migrated to the U.S. in
the early 1930s, and is sometimes still referred to as the “Cuban rumba.”
➢ is considered the “dance of love” because of the sensual interplay of the partners’ movements and the
emotion of the music used. Dancing rumba is supposed to tell a story. You can fill the room with feeling,
your interpretation of the story—love in bloom, unrequited love, jilted love—expressed through your
steps, when and how you look at your partner, your arms.
➢ is fundamentally a “body” dance. Each step is punctuated by “settling” through the hip (also called Cuban
motion). Although you can “throw” your hips from side to side, Cuban motion occurs correctly through
proper use of ankles and knees in the transfer of weight from one foot to the other.

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Course Code: PE 103 Instructor: MARIANE C. TACDERAS

Descriptive Title: DANCES Gmail: [email protected]
 ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Tagudin Campus

MODULE
HISTORY
The word rumba comes from the Spanish word rumbear which means to party. Rumba originated from
Cuba and contains both African and Caribbean influences due to the importation of African slaves to South
America and the Caribbean. In its original form the rumba was very fast, extremely erotic, and totally uninhibited.
The woman would perform sensuous movements of the hip, chest, and shoulders to lures the man in and then
she backs off when he takes her seriously. The Cubans refined this version to be less uninhibited making it slower
and less overtly flirtatious, giving birth to the dance known as the son.
The rumba reached the United States in the late 1920s and was again toned down. There is a rumor that
Arthur Murray was the one who watered down the rumba because he did not believe that we would ever want to
move our hips like the Latinos.
The dance still retains the sexual flavor, with the woman alternating between trying to lure the man in
with her sexual charms and keeping the man at bay, and the man showing his masculinity and trying to entice the
woman to do his bidding.
Musical Timing
The time signature for rumba is 4/4. In the basic footwork, the dancer takes three steps in the four beats
of each measure. Basic timing is Quick Quick Slow but is sometimes syncopated as Quick Quick & Slow to allow
four steps in a measure.
Dance position
Always stand up straight, with your four blocks of body weight positioned over each other. Under no
circumstances should you “reach” for your partner by bending at the waist.
Latin Hips: The hips in Rumba will move automatically as a result of correct foot and leg action, but you
can direct this action, thereby making it less chaotic and more pleasing to the eye, especially the eye of your
partner. Gently guide your hip motion into a figure eight. For each step taken, the same hip does a circular motion
as weight it taken onto that foot, the left hip moves in a counterclockwise direction and the right hip will move in
a clockwise direction.
Sway: Rumba does employ some body sway. It is generally used by the man to assist the woman in
achieving different positions and figures, such as in the woman’s spiral preceding a rope spin.
Leads: There are two types of leads used by the man in Latin dances, physical leads and shaping
leads.
• Physical Leads – these happen as a result of contact between the man and the woman, generally
through a slight bit of tension in the arm(s).
• Shaping Leads – the man shapes his body and/or arm to indicate to the woman the direction and/or
position required.
RUMBA DANCE STEPS: https://www.dancing4beginners.com/rumba/
BASIC RUMBA DANCE: https://youtu.be/fHXcwOlCS34

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Course Code: PE 103 Instructor: MARIANE C. TACDERAS

Descriptive Title: DANCES Gmail: [email protected]
 ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Tagudin Campus

MODULE
2. MAMBO
➢ The Mambo is one of the most vivacious of all the Latin dancing styles. It is characterized by strong hip
movements, rhythmical body actions, quick footwork and unique arm wraps and turns.

HISTORY
In the back country of Haiti, "Mambo" is a voodoo priestess. She serves the village in many functions.
She is a counselor, healer, exorcist, soothsayer, spiritual adviser and organizes the entertainment. Part of her
duties is the selection of the music and dancing. A form of the Mambo, as a dance, originated in Cuba. With
Cuba's large settlements of Haitians, it's possible there was some voodoo influence behind the name "Mambo".
The Mambo, as a dance, came to the United States in the 40's. It did not gain popularity until the early 50's, mostly
due to the Cuban band leader Perez Prado. He took the rhythm of the sugarcane cutters and syncopated it. When
he brought this new interpretation to the United States, it caught on rapidly in the larger cities, especially those
with large Latin populations, and then spread over the entire country. The ballroom studios took great advantage
of this new rhythm to increase the number of new students. It also brought back old Rumba students who wanted
to learn the new faster version of their dance. The English ballroom teachers treated the Mambo as a modification
of the Rumba. In the United States, the teachers treated it as a separate rhythm and taught it that way. The
Mambo was also the probable reason for the development of the Cha Cha Cha.
Musical Timing
The musical timing of the Mambo is 4/4. That is, four beats to the bar or measure of music. It is very
staccato in sound and much faster than the typical Rumba music. We dance the Rumba at 28 - 32 measures per
minute, whereas we dance the Mambo much faster. Usually, we dance the Mambo at 38 - 42 measures per
minute. Some very experienced dancers might dance it as fast as 48 measures per minute. This is much too fast
for the average dancer; however, you can see the great latitude you have in dancing the Mambo.
Dance Characteristics
Mambo is a fast and spicy dance characterized by strong Cuban motion, staccato movement and
expression of rhythm through the body. The dancer holds on counts 1 and break on count 2. Mambo also
features press lines, many swivels and spins.
Footwork
Most steps are either forward or backward. The foot placement, for both the man and the lady, is to take
weight on the flat of the foot or if on the ball immediately to lower the heel. As with most Latin rhythms, turning
the toes out is the proper technique.

MAMBO DANCE STEPS: https://www.learntodance.com/mambo-dance-lessons/

MAMBO DANCE: https://youtu.be/JcDNpyouLKg

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Course Code: PE 103 Instructor: MARIANE C. TACDERAS

Descriptive Title: DANCES Gmail: [email protected]
 ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Tagudin Campus

MODULE
3. CHA-CHA
➢ Cha-Cha is a ballroom dance characterized by lively and flirtatious movements which are full of
passion and energy. Its style can be attributed to its classic Cuban motion. This is a fun, flirty dance that
grew out of the Cuban Mambo and became immensely popular in the United States in the 1950’s. It
consists of triple chasse steps (cha cha cha’s) and rock steps.
➢ Cha Cha has a modified Cuban Motion hip action, because of the speed. This is an exuberant dance that
will get your heart pumping and put a smile on your face.
HISTORY
The cha evolved from a desire to slow down the tempo and tame the aerobic and jerky actions of the
mambo to make it easier for the general public to dance.
Based on a variety of sources it appears that a British dance teacher, Pierre Leville, originally introduced
the cha dance to the world in the early 1950s. He noticed that the rumba and mambo were occasionally danced
with a couple of extra steps or hip movements. In 1948 in an almost parallel occurrence, bandleader Enrique
Jorrin, of the Cuban dance orchestra America, composed the first known cha music. The music was a slowed
down version of the mambo with syncopation in alternating measures (three step rhythm to two beats of music).
The term “Cha Cha Cha” appears to have two origins: (1) from the shuffling sounds made by the feet of dancers
to the syncopated portion of the music; (2) from the ‘cha cha’, seedpod producing plant, from the West Indies;
these seedpods are used to create a small rattle also called ‘cha-cha’ also called the maracas.
Timing
Cha Cha music is written in 4/4 time and is generally played at a tempo of 30-32 measures/minute (~126
beats/minute). In Round Dancing the typical timing used is: 1,2,3,&,4 (QQ Q&Q). In the traditional ballroom setting
the timing is counted: 2,3,4,&,1 (QQ Q&Q) beginning the figure on beat 2 instead of beat 1.
Dance Characteristics
Cha Cha is a lively, fun, cheeky and playful dance. It is a non-progressive dance that emphasizes Cuban
motion, distinguished by the chasses (cha-cha-cha) typically danced during the 4&1 counts of the music. Cuban
motion in Cha Cha is more staccato than Rumba to reflect the music with emphasis on count 1. The Cha Cha
frame is a typical Rhythm frame.
Footwork
Most steps are taken with pressure on the ball of the foot and as weight is taken the heel is lowered to
the floor.
Hand and Arm
Positions A “rule of thumb” is that the free hand is held in close to the body when the couple are close to
each other and out and slightly up when the couple are in any of the open positions. The lady’s hand and arms
are generally used with more expression, some might even say seductively, whereas the man’s is more subtle.
Personal interpretation or feeling is a good guide; the actions should look and feel natural to the dancer and not
detract from the figure.
CHA CHA DANCE STEPS: https://www.dancing4beginners.com/cha-cha/
CHA CHA DANCE: https://youtu.be/NgQwEXqCqps

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Course Code: PE 103 Instructor: MARIANE C. TACDERAS

Descriptive Title: DANCES Gmail: [email protected]
 ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Tagudin Campus

MODULE
4. SAMBA
➢ Samba is a lively dance of Brazilian origin. It's a popular party dance, characterized by simple forward
and backward steps and rhythmic hip movements.
➢ Samba (aka Mesemba) means ‘to pray’ and is an Afro-Brazilian dance from the Bahia, Brazil region. At
its inception, in the 1880s, the dance was described as “a graceful Brazilian dance”
HISTORY
Samba is the national dance of Brazil, celebrated every year during Carnival where hundreds and
thousands of costumed revelers parade in the streets singing, drumming and dancing. This style of Samba is not
a partner dance unlike Ballroom Samba.
Samba music originated on the Brazilian plantations where the African rhythms of slaves fused with
European music. This new Samba music served as a kind of oral history, relating current events, aging against
inequities or simply celebrating the joys of a great party. The dance is a solo art form with rapidly moving hips
and quick transfers of weight.
Samba was introduced to the US in the late 1920’s via the Broadway play, Street Carnival and more
widely exposed through films.
In the US, Samba evolved into a couple’s dance performed in most ballroom and was standardized as a
ballroom dance in 1956. In Brazil however, samba remains a solo form, danced at street festivals and other
celebrations with nationalistic pride.
Dance Characteristics
Samba is a fun, upbeat, lively dance that progresses counter-clockwise around the floor. It is
characterized by its syncopated timing, bounce, rolling hip action and pelvic tilt and a great deal of rhythm is
expressed throughout the torso. The characteristic Samba movement, outside of Brazil, is a light, bouncing or
dropping action, obtained by bending and straightening the knees while the transferring weight from the ball to
the flat of the foot.
Timing
Ballroom samba is usually danced to music written in 2/4 time, meaning there are two beats in each
measure. The basic box step consists of three steps. This means that three steps are performed in two beats of
music. The basic rhythm is 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7 & 8, commonly described as "one, uh two", "three, uh four", and
so on. Usually, you count 8 beats before resuming the count.
Dance position
Ballroom samba is danced in a closed position, with partners slightly apart. The lady's right hand and the
man's left hand are held about the lady's eye level. The man's right hand is placed on the lady's shoulder blade.
The lady's left hand is placed flat on the man's back.

SAMBA DANCE STEPS: https://www.dancing4beginners.com/samba/

SAMBA DANCE: https://youtu.be/HY2BdOfccMs

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Course Code: PE 103 Instructor: MARIANE C. TACDERAS

Descriptive Title: DANCES Gmail: [email protected]
 ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Tagudin Campus

MODULE
5. JIVE
➢ The most lively, quickest and playful dance in the Latin-American program.
➢ Jive is similar to a triple-step East Coast Swing. Jive, however, is much faster, arguably more elegant
(and less earthy), and uses a lot of knee and hip action.
➢ Jive is an exciting partner dance, fun, easy to learn, and playful in nature. Because it's fast and energy-
consuming, it's also an excellent form of exercise. Plus, it looks great on a dance floor.
HISTORY
The origin of the word "jive" is unknown. It may refer to "jive talk" or badmouthing. This word reflects the
character of the dance. It is sassy and loud. The first hints of Jive came from African-American slaves.
Jive's correct name is Jitterbug Jive. It is named after a 30's Mickey Mouse cartoon where Mickey and
Minnie danced a country style Jitterbug. The name came from Jitterbugs being the dancers and Jive meaning
"fake" or "not right".
Earlier we mentioned Afrcan-American slaves. These slaves danced several native dances that had triple
and single steps. Their music had a continuous drum bass, and several hints of jive rhythms. Jive itself has now
split into two parts, one based on this original African beat and the other based upon its evolved style.
Nowadays Jive can be separated in two groups: a dance with an authentical African sound or a more
contemporary variant. Jive can be known by many different names. It is sometimes called Swing, the Jitterbug,
Lindy hop or the Charleston, although it is a completely different dance. These dances are all similar, and their
steps are interconnected. In the 1880's, the dance was performed competitively amongst the Negroes in the
South, and the prize was frequently a cake, so the dance became known as the Cake Walk.
Dance Characteristics
Jive is a very happy, boppy, energetic dance, with plenty of knee-lifting, bending, and rocking of the hips.
The fastest of the Latin dances, jive incorporates lots of kicks and flicks, even twirling of the woman, and doesn't
move around the dance floor like other dances. Although jive dancers may appear to be moving their feet
haphazardly in every direction, the feet are actually well-controlled under the body with the knees close together.
Timing
Jive is generally danced to a music in 4/4 time in a wide variety of tempos from slow to very fast. The
great thing about it is that it can be danced to all sorts of music - old, new, Swing, Rocknroll, Country, electronic,
pop.
Dance Position
Jive is danced most often in open position, like other Latins. Connection is through the arms, like in the
other Latins. Both dancers should have a slight pressure towards the other’s hand. This creates a physical feel
of being “connected”. Like in the other Latins, this connection is from the body through the arms and the hands
to the partner. Jive is the last dance in a competition, and is also one of the hardest dances to perform. For this
reason, many dancers save their energy for one last burst at the end of a night of competing. Good couples'
performances are easy to be differentiated from the mediocre ones by the audience.
JIVE DANCE STEPS: https://www.dancing4beginners.com/jive/
JIVE DANCE: https://youtu.be/QU6NBfuJv84

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Course Code: PE 103 Instructor: MARIANE C. TACDERAS

Descriptive Title: DANCES Gmail: [email protected]