FUNDAMENTAL DANCE STEPS

Objectives:

1. Demonstrate with mastery the different fundamental dance steps

2. Follow and execute properly the fundamental dance steps in time with music
3. Choreographed a creative folkdance using the fundamental dance steps in
time with music

Introduction

Folk dance is a form of dance developed by a group of people that reflects the
traditional life of a certain country or region. It may emerge spontaneously among
groups of people or derive from previous styles. Once established, folk dance steps are
passed down through generations and rarely change.

The knowledge of fundamental dance steps in folk dancing is very important in

interpreting a dance literature or creating a new one.

The dance steps listed below are the fundamental or basic steps most commonly
used in Philippine folk dances. In some cases, the names of the steps are the same as
those found in foreign dances, but the manner of execution is entirely different. Some
dance steps have no English equivalent names, so the native names are retained, such
as "Kuradang", "Bacui", "Espunti", "Papuri", etc.

The steps are described as they are executed by the common people.

BACUI STEP (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.) (4M)

BACUI RIGHT
a. ("Sarok") Point R foot across the L in front, bend body slightly forward and cross
hands down in front with the right hand over the left hand (cts. 1, 2),
b. step R foot in second position, trunk erect and raise R arm to fifth position
amplified (ct. 3).
c. Step the L foot across the R in rear, close the R arm to fifth position (cts. 1, 2),
d. Step R in second position and open R arm to fifth position amplified (ct. 3).
e. Step L foot sideward right across the R in front, close R arm to fifth position
(cts.1, 2)
f. Step R in second position and open R arm to fifth position amplified (ct. 3).
g. Close L to R foot in first position, close R arm to fifth position (cts. 1, 2, 3). The
left hand remains on waist for the last three measures.
BACUI LEFT
Repeat the same movements, starting with the L foot, going sideward left. (4M)
Reverse the position of the arms.

BLEKING STEP (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1,2.)

a. Place the R (or L) heel in fourth in front (ct. 1),

b. step R (L) close to L (R) foot in first position (ct. 2),

or

a. Hop on L (R) and place the R (L) heel in fourth in front (ct. 1),
b. With a spring, reverse the position of the feet (ct. 2), that is, placing the L (R) heel
in front and the R (L) in position taking the weight of the body. This is taking it in
one count. This may be done also moving forward or backward,.
BLEKING STEP (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Place the R (L) heel in fourth in front (cts. 1, 2),

b. Step R (L) close to L (R) foot in first position (ct. 3).

or
a. Place R (L) heel in fourth in front (ct. 1)
b. Step R (L) close to L (R) foot in first position (cts. 2,3.)

CHANGE STEP (OR TWO-STEP). (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2)

a. Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1),

b. step L (R) close to R (L) foot in third in rear or in first position (ct. and),
c. Step R (L) foot quickly in fourth in front (ct. 2).
Note: This may be executed in any direction.

CROSS CHANGE STEP (Music; 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2)

a. Step R (L) foot across L (R) in front (ct.1)

b. Step L (R) close to R (L) foot in third in rear or in first position (ct. and)
c. Step R (L) foot quickly in fourth in front (ct. 2)
Note: This step is commonly done forward and sideward

SYNCOPATED CHANGE STEP (Music; 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2)

a. Step R (L) in fourth in front (ct. 1),

b. Step L (R) close to R (L) in third in rear or in first position (ct. and)
c. Make a short slide on R (L) forward placing the weight on the heel as if doing a
“buck” (ct. 2)

CHANGING STEP (PALIT-PALIT) Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.

a. With a little jump off the floor, land on both feet with the R (L) in front and the L
(R) foot in rear (ct. 1)
b. With a little jump (or spring) reverse the position of the feet (ct.2)
Note: There are two changing steps in a measure.

CHASING STEP (Music; 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2, and)

a. Step R (L) foot forward (ct. 1)

b. Step L (R) close to R (L) in third in rear or first position (ct. and)
c. Repeat a to b (cts. 2, and)
Note: This step is executed, with one foot leading in all directions. The steps are small.
There are two chasing steps in a measure.

CHOTIS Music 4/4 time. Counts 1, 2, 3, 4. (2M)

a. Brush R (L) obliquely forward or sideward (ct. 1),

b. raise R (L) in fifth in front or rear (ct. 2),
c. brush R (L) again as in “a” (ct. 3),
d. raise R (L) as in “b” (ct. 4).
e. Take three steps in place turning right (left) about in place (cts. 1, 2, 3),
f. pause (ct. 4).
The turn may be a complete or half turn around either to right or left.

CLOSE STEP (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.)

a. Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1),
b. Close L (R) to R (L) foot in third in rear or in first position (ct. 2). This may be
executed in any direction.

CLOSE STEP (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (cts, 1, 2),
b. Close L (R) to R (L) foot third in rear or in first position (ct. 3). This may be executed
in any direction.
c. Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1),
d. Close L (R) to R (L) foot third in rear or in first position (cts. 2,). This may be
executed in any direction.

Note: When this step is executed sideward, the same foot is leading always.

CROSS STEP (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Step R (L) foot in second position (ct. 1),

b. Step or slide L (R) foot sideward right (left) across the R (L) in front (cts. 2, 3). Put
the weight on the L (R) foot at the end of the slide on the third count.

CROSS WALTZ (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Step R (L) foot across the L (R) in front (ct. 1),

b. Step the L (R) in third position in rear of R (L) foot (ct. 2),
c. Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 3). Step on the ball of the rear foot on the second
count.

CUT STEP (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.)

a. Raise R (L) foot in fourth in front in preparation.

b. Cut the L (R) foot backward with the R (L) foot, thus displacing it at the same time
taking the weight of the body (ct. 1).
c. Repeat b (ct. 2). This may be done forward and backward, diagonally forward and
backward, and sideward right and left. Take one cut for every count.

"ENGAÑO" (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

This step is found mostly in the Bicolano dances. It is similar to the sway-balance step.

(1) "ENGAÑO"WITH A CLOSE (2 measures.)

a. Step R foot in second position (cts. 1, 2),

b. Step L across the R foot in front (ct. 3).
c. Step R (L) foot in second position (ct.1),
d. Close L to R foot in first position (cts. 2, 3). Do not put weight on the L foot when
closing on counts 2, 3. Arms in third position, right arm high.
To left: Start with the L foot, reverse the arm positions.

(2)"ENGAÑO"WITH A WALTZ

a. Step R foot in second position (cts. 1, 2),

b. Step L across the R (L), foot in front (ct. 3).
c. Step R foot in second position (ct. 1),
d. Step L close to R foot (ct. 2),
e. Step R in place (ct. 3) (waltz step in place). Arms in third position, right arm high.
To Left: Start with the L foot, reverse the arm positions.
Note: This is another way of holding the arms: raise right (left) arm high in fifth position
amplified and the left (right) bent in front at shoulder-level.

ESCOTIS ( Music: 4/4 time. Counts 1,2,3,4)

a. Step R (L) foot sideward (ct.1)

b. Step L (R) close to R (L) (ct. 2)
c. Step R (L) sideward (ct.3)
d. Hop on R (L) in place and raise L (R) foot in rear with knee bent (ct. 4)
This maybe done in any direction

"ESPUNTI" STEP (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

This step is found mostly in the Visayan dances.

(1) To Left: Starting position - feet in first position.

a. Turn the left heel to sideward left without lifting the toes (pivoting or pushing on
the ball of the L foot) and point R foot sideward right (ct.1),
b. lift the toe of the L foot and turn it sideward left (pivoting or pushing on the heel of
the L foot) at the same time bringing the R foot to pointing in fourth in front (cts.
2, 3).
Repeat as many times as desired.

(2) To right: Repeat (1) starting with the other foot moving to sideward right. Pivot on
the R foot and point with the L foot.
Note: This may be done either moving right or left.

This step may be done also in the following manner:

The first movement, that is, the pointing of the R foot sideward is done in two
counts instead of one (cts. 1, 2), and the pointing in front in one count instead of two
described above (ct. 3).

GALOP STEP (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, ah, 2, ah.)

a. Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1) and cut the R (L) foot with L (R) thus
displacing it and at the same time taking the weight of the body with the L (R) foot
(ct. ah).
There are two galops to one measure. This is executed with one foot leading and
may be done in any direction.

GLIDE OR SLIDE STEP (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.)

a. Glide or slide R (L) foot in second position (ct. 1),

b. close L (R) to R (L) foot in first position (ct.2).
This may be done in any direction.

GLIDE OR SLIDE STEP (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Glide or slide R (L) foot in fourth in front (cts. 1, 2), C

b. Close L (R) to R (L) foot in third position in rear (ct. 3).
This may be done in any direction.

HOP-STEP (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.)

(1) This is done in the manner as the step-hop in the reverse order, that is, the hop is
done on the first count and step on the second.
 To left. (4 measures)

HOP-STEP (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

(2) Hop in count 1, step on counts 2, 3.

KURADANG STEP (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3 to a measure (2 M.).

a. Change step obliquely forward R (L) (cts. 1 and 2),

b. STep L (R) across the R (L) in front (ct. 3);
c. Change step obliquely backward R (L) (cts. 1 and 2),
d. Point L (R) in front (ct. 3).

MAZURKA STEP (Music: ¾ mazurka time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Glide R (L) foot in second (ct. 1),

b. Cut R (L) sideward with the L (R) foot (ct. 2),
c. Hop on the L (R) foot and beat R (L) in rear or in front the R (L) foot close to the
ankle of the L (R) foot (ct. 3).
This step may be executed forward or going around also.
Note: It is most important that the cut be finished with an absolutely straight knee in
order that the final action may bring out the bended knee position.
MINCING STEP (Music: 2/4. Counts 1, 2)

Starting position: R (L) foot in fifth position in front, heels slightly raised or with the
leading foot flat on the floor.
a. Execute tiny steps sideward right (left) as many times as necessary

Note: In non-Christian dances the mincing step is usually done with both feet flat
on the floor or the heel of rear foot with slightly raised.

"PAPURI" STEP (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

To right: (4 measures).

(1) Step R foot in second position (cts. 1, 2), step the L sideward right across the R in
front (ct. 3).
Point R foot sideward left across the L in front (cts. 1, 2, 3) (2 M.).

(2) Repeat (1) once more putting the weight of the body on the R foot on the last three
counts (2 M.).

To left: (4 measures).

Repeat (1) and (2) starting with the L foot.

PASO ESPAÑOL (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3 (4 measures).

a. Take one waltz-balance forward right (left) (cts. 1, 2, 3).

b. Take one waltz-balance backward left (right) (cts. 1, 2, 3).
c. Step-brush-swing hop forward with the R (L) foot (cts. 1, 2, 3), and with the L (R)
(cts. 1, 2, 3).

POLKA STEP SERIES

(1) PLAIN POLKA. ( Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2, and (1 measure).
 a. Step L (R) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1),
b. step R (L) close to L (R) foot in third in rear (ct. and),
c. step L (R) in fourth in front (ct. 2), pause (ct. and). Bend the body to the same
direction of the step. This may be executed in any direction.

(2) HOP POLKA. (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, and, 2, and.)

It is a plain polka preceded by a hop before the first count of the music. The hop
may be designated in the music by either a dotted or a grace note. Execute the step in
the same manner as the plain polka.

a. Hop on L (R) foot, and step or slide R (L) forward (ct. 1),
b. close L (R) in third in rear (ct. and), and step R (L) foot forward (ct. 2) and pause
(ct. and).
This may be executed in any direction.

(3) GLIDE OR SLIDE POLKA. (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2, and, 1, and, 2, and
(2 measures)

Take two glides forward and a plain polka.

a. Slide L (R) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1),
b. close R (L) to L (R) foot in third in rear (ct. and),
c. glide R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct.2)
d. close R (L) foot in third in rear (ct. and).
e. Take one plain polka forward starting with the L (R) foot (cts. 1, and, 2, and).
This may be executed in any direction.

(4) HEEL AND TOE POLKA. (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2, and,(2 measures)

a. Place the L (R) heel in fourth in front (ct. 1, and),

b. touch the L (R) toe in fourth in front in rear (ct. 2, and).
c. Take one plain polka forward starting with the L (R) foot (cts. 1, and, 2, and).
This may be executed forward and backward only.

STEP-BRUSH-SWING-HOP (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1),

b. brush L (R) foot against the floor and raise it across the R (L) in front (ct. 2),
c. hop on the R (L) (ct. 3).
This may be executed in any direction.

STEP-HOP (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.)

a. Step L (R) foot in fourth in front (ct. 2),

b. hop on the same foot and raise the R (L) foot in front or in rear (ct. 2).
This may be executed in any direction.

STEP-HOP (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Step L (R) foot in fourth in front (cts, 1, 2),

b. hop on the same foot, and raise the R (L) foot in front or in rear (ct. 3).
This may be executed in any direction.

STEP-SWING (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.)

a. Step R (L) foot in second position (ct. 1),
b. raise and swing the L (R) foot in fourth in front or across the R (L) in front (ct. 2).
The toes of the raised foot are pointed downward and the knee is straight or slightly
bent.
This is done in any direction.

STEP-SWING (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Step R (L) foot in second position (ct. 1, 2),

b. raise and swing the L (R) foot in fourth in front or across the R (L) in front (ct. 3).
The toes of the raised foot are pointed downward and the knee is straight or slightly
bent.

STEP-SWING-HOP (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1),

b. raise the L (R) knee in front (ct. 2),
c. hop on R (L) foot swing the L foot outward at the same time (ct. 3).
This may be executed in any direction.

SWAY-BALANCE SERIES:

1. SWAY BALANCE WITH A POINT (Music ¾ time: Counts 1,2,3 to a measure; 2M)

a. Step R (L) foot obliquely forward right (left) (cts. 1, 2), step L (R) across the R
(L) foot in front (ct. 3)………………………… 1M
b. Step R (L) obliquely backward (ct.1), point L (R) foot in fourth position in front
(cts. 2, 3). ………………………………………1M
Arms in fourth position R (L) arm high. Kumintang R (L) hand when pointing
with the L (R) foot on cts. 2, 3 of the second measure.

2. SWAY BALANCE WITH A BRUSH (Music ¾ time: Counts 1,2,3 to a measure; 2M)

a. Repeat the same movements as in sway balance with a point (a) (cts.1, 2,3).
b. Step R (L) obliquely backward right (ct. 1), brush L (R) foot forward (cts. 2,3).
The same arm movements as in sway balance with a point.

3. SWAY BALANCE WITH A CLOSE (Music ¾ time: Counts 1,2,3 to a measure; 2M)

a. Repeat the same movements as in sway balance with a point (a) (cts.1, 2,3).
b. Step R (L) obliquely backward right (ct. 1), close L (R) to R (L) in first or third
position in front with the L (R ) heel raised (cts. 2,3). The same arm
movements as in sway balance with a point.

4. SWAY BALANCE WITH A HOP (Music ¾ time: Counts 1,2,3 to a measure; 2M)

a. Repeat the same movements as in sway balance with a point (a) (cts.1, 2,3).
b. Step R (L) obliquely backward right (left) (ct. 1), raise L (R) foot across the R
(L) in front (ct. 2), hop on the R (L) foot (ct. 3).
The same arm movements as in sway balance with a point.

5. SWAY BALANCE WITH A RAISE (Music ¾ time: Counts 1,2,3 to a measure; 2M)

a. Repeat the same movements as in sway balance with a point (a) (cts.1, 2,3).
 b. Step R (L) obliquely backward right (left (ct. 1), raise L (R ) knee in front (cts.
2,3). Bend body slightly forward on ct. 1, and raise gradually upward to erect
position on cts. 2,3. Open arms sideward at shoulder level on the first three
counts (cts. 1,2,3), or arms in fourth position, R (L) arm high. If desired,
forearm turns may be done on the second measure.

6. DOUBLE SWAY-BALANCE (Music ¾ time: Counts 1,2,3 to a measure; 4M)

a. Repeat the same movements in sway balance with a point (a) and (b) with the
same arms movements (2 M.).
b. Step L (R) sideward right (left) across R foot in front (cts. 1, 2), step R (L) foot
in second position (ct. 3).
c. Point L (R) foot in fourth in front (cts. 1, 2, 3).
Girls holding their skirts, boys' hands at waist for the last two measures (b and c).

TOUCH STEP (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.)

a. Point R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1),

b. step R (L) close L (R) in first position (ct. 2).
This may be done in all positions.

WALTZ-BALANCE (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Step R (L) in fourth or in intermediate in front (ct. 1),

b. close L (R) foot to R (L) in first or third position in rear and raise heels (ct. 2),
c. lower heels with the weight of the body on the R (L) foot (ct 3)
The knees are slightly bent before raising the heels. The body gently swayed in
the opposite direction of the step. This may be executed forward, backward,
obliquely forward and backward, sideward right and left.

WALTZ (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Step L (R) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1),

b. step R (L) close to L (R) in first in third position in rear (ct. 2),
c. step L (R) in fourth in front (ct. 3).
This may be executed in all directions. This is done like a change step in ¾ time.

TURNS:

1. BRUSH-STEP-TURN (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Step R (L) foot in second position in making a quarter turn at the same time (ct. 1),
brush L (R) forward (ct. 2), step L (R) close to the R (L) foot in first position (ct. 3) (1
M.).
b. Repeat (a) three times more making a quarter turn every measure (3 M.). The turn
is complete after the fourth step.

2. CHANGE-STEP-TURN (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2, or 1, 2.)

a. If a moderate turn is desired, execute two change steps (R, L or L, R) around in

place, clockwise (to R) or counter clockwise (to L) (2 M.).
b. If a fast turn is desired, execute only one change step to make a complete turn
either to left or right (1 M.).
c. If a slow turn is desired, execute four change steps around in place, either to right or
left (4 M.).
3. CROSS-STEP-TURN OR PIROUETTE (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Step R (L) foot in second position (ct. 1),

b. cross the L (R) in front of the R (L), rise on toes of both feet and make a complete
turn on the balls of the feet (ct. 2),
c. lower heels and finish the turn with the R (L) foot in fifth position in front (ct. 3)
d. Pause (cts. 1, 2, 3).

4. CROSS-TURN (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

a. Cross L (R) foot in front of R (L) (ct. 1),

b. turn (or pivot) right (left) on the balls of the feet (ct. 2),
c. lower heels down (ct. 3).
d. Pause (cts. 1, 2, 3).
Bend the knees slightly and swing the left (right) arm from second position and
bend the body slightly to the left on count 1, swing the arm across the body in
front to help proper balancing when turning on count 2, finish the turn with the
body straight and feet together on count 3. The other hand may be on waist or
holding the skirt .

5. PIVOT-TURN (Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2, and.)

To Right: (2 M.).
a. Step R foot in fourth in front (or a little close to fifth position) and bend the knee
slightly (ct. 1), execute a quarter-turn right with a push on the ball of the L foot (heel
of the L foot is raised), and raise the R foot slightly from the floor (ct. and). Repeat
all once more (ct. 2, and).
b. Repeat all (a) (cts. 1, and, 2, and). Finish at the starting position.
c. Repeat (a) and (b) with the L foot in front making four quarter- turns to left always on
the ball of the R foot.

6. PIVOT-TURN WITH A POINT (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)

To right or clockwise: (4 M.).

a. Weight of the body on the L foot. Point R foot obliquely forward (cts. 1, 2),
b. point R close to L foot in first position (ct. 3).
c. Pivot on the L foot (heel) making a quarter turn right and at the same time
pointing R foot obliquely right forward (cts. 1, 2),
d. point R close to L foot in first position (ct. 3).
Repeat twice more until a full turn is made. Finish facing to the front.

To left or counterclockwise: (4 M.).

Repeat the same movements pointing with the L foot and pivoting with the R.

Note: This step can be done in this manner - take one count for pointing in front and
two counts for pointing close to the other foot. The turn can be done also in eight points
for eight measures.

7. PIVOT-TURN WITN "SAROK" AND POINT (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3).

a. "Sarok" with R (L) foot across L (R) in front (cts. 1, 2),

b. Point R (L) foot close to L (R) in first position (ct. 3).
c. Proceed as in pivot turn above (3 M.).
This may be done also in eight measures.
8. SLIDE-TURN OR "PIANG-PIANG" (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3.)
To Right: (4 M.).
a. Step R foot in second position making a quarter turn at the same time (ct. 1),
b. slide the L foot forward (ct. 2),
c. slide it continuously close to the R in first position putting weight of the body on it at
the end of the slide (ct. 3)
d. Repeat (a-c) three times more, making a quarter turn every measure (3 M.).
Use the ball or the toes only of the sliding foot.

To Left: (4 M.).
Repeat he same as above, starting with the L foot and turning around in place to the
left.

9. THREE-STEP TURN (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3).

a. Step L (R) foot to second position (ct. 1),

b. turn left (right) about and step R (L) to second (ct. 2),
c. step backward across to the right with the L (R) foot, and complete turn to face
front (ct. 3).

10. THREE-STEP TURN IN PLACE (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3).

Do all steps in the Three-Step Turn with the feet as close together as possible (in first
position) (cts. 1, 2, 3). Finish with the feet are together.

11. WALTZ-TURN (Music: ¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3 to a measure)

(1) If a moderate turn is desired, take two waltz steps turning around either right or left
in place or moving.

(2) If a slow turn is desired, take four waltz steps to make a complete turn. Start with
the R foot when turning right or clockwise and with the L foot in the reverse direction.

(3) If a fast turn is desired, take one waltz step to right or left to make a complete turn.

ASSESSMENT
Self Check:

Let see how you’ve understood the dance steps described above. Write
the simplified step pattern and count pattern of the following fundamental dance
steps on the space provided after the term. Identify also the number of measures
needed to execute the steps. (3 points each)

Ex. BACUI
Answer: cross-point, step cross-step, step cross-step, step close 4M
1, 2 3 1,2 3 1, 2 3 1,2,3

1. Change Step

2. Cross Step

3. Chotis

4. Sway Balance with a Point

5. Sway Balance with a Brush

6. Cut Step

7. Mazurka

8. Redoba
9. Escotis

10. Plain Polka

11. Waltz

12. Waltz Balance

13. Heel and Toe Polka

14. Brush Step

15. Step Swing

16. Touch Step

17. Step Brush Swing Hop

18. Step Swing

19. Double Sway Balance

20. Paso Esapañol

Activity 1. Video Presentation (Practical Exam)

Choose any 3 fundamental dance steps in 2/4, ¾, 4/4-time signature and
any 3 dance turns for demonstration in time with a music. Make a video
presentation of your performance. Make sure that you have identify the steps
and its simplified step and count pattern. You may visit site such as Youtube on
fundamental dance steps performance for your reference.

Final Output. Dance-Step Combination (Creative Folk Dance)

Create a dance literature using the fundamental dance steps learned.

Your dance may compose of 3- 5 figures. You may collaborate with your
classmate or work individually. You may choose your own music from any OPM
novelty songs or you may compose your own.
After you have created your dance-steps combination, make a video
presentation of your dance. You may ask assistance from your family members
to help you in the execution of your steps.
Submit softcopy of your dance literature and your video presentation thru
your instructor’s email add
 Suggestions for Making Dance-Step Combination

1. Select the music to be used – 2/4, ¾, 4/4. Mention the manner of counting
per measure if necessary, as ct. 1,2; or 1, 2, 3 to a measure.
2. Decide on the kind of formation such as square, single circle facing in or
out, long way formation etc.
3. Select the steps that will suit the music. For simple combination, only two
or three steps may be used in one figure of sixteen or thirty-two measures.
Combine steps using the same kind of music and tempo.
4. Decide on the number of measures to be used in each figure. Each figure
shall compose of either 8, 16, or 32 measures.
5. Proceed to write the combination by:
a. Mentioning which foot to start with or to use – L or R
b. Giving the number of dance steps to be taken – 2, 4, 6, or 8.
c. Giving the direction to be taken – forward, backward, sideward right
or left, clockwise, etc.,
d. Specifying the arm movements or position if necessary – arms in
fifth position, etc.
e. Writing the instruction (movements) part by part – (a), (b), (c), etc.
f. Writing the number of measures to be used after each part at the
right side as ……………………. 1M, 2M, or 4M

Note: It is better to change the kind of step or direction of movement by following the
phrases of music.

Example of a Dance Step Combination

(You may write here the title of your dance)

MUSIC: ¾ time. 1,2,3 to a measure

FORMATION: Long open, facing front, partners about six feet apart.

Figure I.
a. Starting with the R foot, take four waltz steps forward. Arms in lateral position,
moving sideward right and left alternately ………………………………………… 4M
b. Repeat (a) moving backward ……………………………………………………….. 4M
c. Take eight touch steps in front, R and L alternately. Hands on waist …………. 8 M

Figure II. Partners face each other.

a. Starting with the R foot, take four step-swing-hops moving forward to pastner’s
place, passing each other by the R shoulders. Hands on waist. ……………… 4M
b. Turn right about to face each other. Take four bleking steps, R and L alternately,
Hands on waist………………………………………………………………………. 4M
c. Repeat (a) going to proper places ………………………………………………… 4M
d. Repeat (b) …………………………………………………………………………… 4M

Figure III. Partners facing audience. Hold inside hand.

a. Starting with the right foot take waltz balance steps forward and backward…. 2M
b. Take 2 Step-swing-hop R and L alternately……………………………………… 2M
c. Repeat (a) and (b) facing your partner..………………………………………….. 4M
d. Repeat (a) and (b) facing audience ………………………………………………. 4M
e. Take 3 step turn to the right and to the left……………………………………….. 2M
f. Bow to partner and to the audience ………………………………………………. 2M

References:
A. Aquino, F.R. (1976). Fundamental Dance Steps and Music. Manila, Philippines
B. Piamonte, Rose Marie R. & Porras, Liberty R. Teaching Guide in Philippine Folk Dance
and Recreational Ballroom Dancing. University Publishing House Lapaz, Iloilo City