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FITT 3
Physical Activities toward Health and Fitness 1

REASONS FOR DANCING

• To passed the course subject

• To have fun or entertain others
• For passion/ provides a release of tension in our body
• To treat emotionally disturbed people/ To help treat physically handicapped
• Worship

DANCE
 It involves a successive group of bodily movements and steps rhythmically
perform and timed to music.
 Is an expression of an intensified sense of life, arising from an inner perception
that stimulates both mind and body. It is man’s natural and primitive means of
expression.
 The rhythmical movement of the body usually with music
o to express an idea or emotion
o to narrate a story
o to enjoy and take pleasure in the movement itself
 The most direct of the arts for it makes use of the human body as its
medium
o it springs from man’s love for expressive gestures, release of tension
through rhythmic movement
 It heightens the pleasure of being at the same time mirrors the life of
society.
 It involves a successive group of bodily motions and steps rhythmically
perform and timed to music.
 It is both an art and a form of recreation
o ART it may tell a story, set a mood, or express an emotion
o FORM OF RECREATION it provides fun, relaxation, companionship
RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES
These are rhythmic movements using the body as means of expressing a
communication. It can either be through fundamental rhythms using locomotor or axial
movements or in higher forms of dance.

MOVEMENT
Defined is a change of position in space. It is governed with mechanical principles
that limit the ability of individuals to move effectively and efficiently

RHYTHM
Is a measured motion or flow, characterized basically by recurrence of elements
or features as beats, sounds or accents.

MOVEMENT
+
RHYTHM
=
DANCE
The word “dance” comes from the Greek word “danson” which means to drag,
to stretch. Thus, simple analysis of term “sayaw” which easily lead to one,that
it must have derived from the word “saya” which means happy.
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Brief Historical Background of Rhythmic Activities and Dance

Art and religion were the most serious concerns of primitive civilizations. Their
art concerns were mainly for source of food and how to increase its supply. Although
unaware of it, they made use the art of hunting, fishing and other way of life. Religion in
this matter, regards their beliefs in the supernatural beings that governs their fate. To
express their feelings they create rhythmic movements by stamping, shaking their
arms, legs and body.

Significance of Dance Education

Through dance, students learn teamwork, focus, and improvisational skills. Dance
awakens new perceptions in children which help them learn and think in new ways.

DANCE ELEMENTS

1. THEME
 The content or the main ingredient of a dance
 Tells what a dance is trying to tell or the message of the dance

2. DESIGN
 The pattern of movement in time and space. Pattern in time refers to the
unaccented beats of movements into measures. Pattern in space refers to the path
traced by the dancer’s feet on the floor (ground) and the levels on which they
move.

3. MOVEMENT
 The action of dancers as they use their bodies to create organized patterns
 Can be divided into steps, gestures of arms and hands, and facial expression
 Steps – the sound of a foot making a step. Includes leaps, turns, and runs
 Gestures – express motions or ideas in sign language (especially of your hands
and arms)
 Facial expressions – to express feelings through different facial forms
4. TECHNIQUE
 Special knowledge or skills in executing movements

5. MUSIC
 The auditory background to which a dancer moves. It is something melodic and
harmonious usually used as an accompaniment.
 Motivates the movement of the dancers and serves as background music that
captivates the audience

6. COSTUME AND PROPERTIES

 Worn by the dancer that helps reflect the message, customs, beliefs, and setting
of the dance.

7. CHOREOGRAPHY
 Forms and arrangement of a dance. Connected with the steps and movement on
how a dance must be performed.

8. SCENERY
 The setting or background establishing the place of action of any dance to make
more realistic and beautiful.

DANCE FORMS

1. CLASSICAL DANCE
Dances with standardized rules and restrictions. It can be religious related dance
or for court and royal entertainment.

2. MODERN CONTEMPORARY BALLET

Contemporary ballet is a form of dance which incorporates elements of both
classical ballet and modern dance. It takes its technique and use of point work from
classical ballet, although it permits a greater range of movement that may not adhere to
the strict body lines set forth by schools of ballet technique. Many of its concepts come
from the ideas and innovations of 20th century modern dance, including floor work,
balletic movements and turn-in of the legs.

3. FOLKDANCE
A cultural art form handed down from generation to generations. It can
communicates the customs, beliefs and rituals occupation of a region or country.
Change step Step, close, step Moderate
Waltz Step, close, step slow
Polka Step, close, step Moderate fast
 FRANCISCA REYES AQUINO
Considered as the “Mother of Philippine Folk Dances” for her untiring efforts
in collecting, compiling, and propagating folk dances, and for her outstanding
contribution to the advancement of Filipino culture in the field of dance
In 1973, President Marcos gave Dr. Reyes Aquino the National Artist for
Dance Award.

4. ETHNIC AND TRIBAL DANCE

A dance particularly found in a group of people living together in a locality with
common beliefs and customs.

5. NATIONAL DANCE
Refers to the type of folkdance found most widely done through a specific country.
Good examples are Tinikling or Cariñosa from Philippines

6. NATURAL DANCING
Refers to the type of dance, which makes use of the basic movement, the
locomotor movement and the axial movement

7. CREATIVE DANCE
The highest form of dance for the purpose of entertainment
8. SOCIAL AND BALLROOM DANCE
Dance set in a social gathering with more formal atmosphere than the simple and
informal parties in which the recreational dances are the usual forms.
9. RECREATIONAL DANCE
Includes dance mixer, square dancing and round and round and couple dances
10. POPULAR DANCE
Highly recognized as a dance form in television and other dance centers like disco
houses and social gatherings.
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FUNDAMENTAL DANCE POSITION AND STEPS

A. Feet Position B. Arms Position
CHARACTERISTICS

Feet – Close and parallel

touching toes at 45º

Arms – encircled in front

chest level, relaxed
fingers slightly apart

First Position First Position

Feet – Open parallel stride

Sideward

Arms – Arms raised sideways

a little below shoulder
level
 Second Position Second Position

Feet – Closed-crossed, heel

In-step touching knees locked

Arms – one arm encircle

overhead other
raised sideways

Third Position Third Position

Feet – Open-crossed

Arms – One arm encircle

overhead other arm
on first position

Fourth Position Fourth Position

Feet – Close-crossed,
heel-toe touching
knees locked

Arms – Both arms encircled

Overhead, fingers apart

Fifth Position Fifth Position

Introduction to the Basic Concepts of Movement, Movement Space and Rhythm

a. What is Movements?

Movement as defined is a change of position in space. It is governed with

mechanical principles that limit the ability if individuals to move effectively and
efficiently.

These factors include the variables such as the body built, physical fitness and
psychological aspects such as fear, anxiety and self-concept.

Factors that affect movement:

1. Psychological Factor
Phenomena such as fear, anxiety and others affect the movement either positive
or negative. All those may somehow affect the performance of an individual.

2. Physiological Factor
 Physical Fitness and body built are two main concerns that effect the human
movement. Poor muscle development and low fitness level will surely affect the
movement.

3. Sociological Factor
These refer to the relationship of the performer to the group regarding social
conformity and norms.

Fundamental Movements and Movement Exploration

1. Locomotor movements
Used to move the body from one place to another or to project the body upward
as in jumping and hopping.
2. Non-locomotor movements
Performed without appreciable movements from place to place or movements of
the various parts of the body in fixed base.

Basic Divisions of Movements

a. Locomotor Movements
 Movement in-space as one goes from one place to another.

Walk – a regular pace of the feet. A simple transfer of the weight from one foot to the
other.

Run – a fast walk or an increased speed in walking by lifting the foot off the contact
floor or ground

Hop – with the weight of the body on one foot spring on that foot.

Leap – with the weight of the body on one foot, spring on one foot and land on the other
foot.

Slide – a full contact of the foot on the floor by gliding or a slide.

Gallop – a combination of a step (full transfer of weight on one foot) and a cut by the
transfer of weight to the other foot.

Skip – a combination of a step and a hop on a fast tempo.

b. Non-Locomotor or Axial Movement

 Movement done in a stationary or fixed base

Extension – straightening or stretching of a body part from a joint.

Flexion – a contraction or shortening of body parts from a joint

Rotation – turning, twisting or circling around the axis.

Pendular – a similar movement of a pendulum.

Percussive – movement of striking, hitting, pulling or pushing.

Vibratory – the shaking of body parts or beating movements that produces vibrating.

Sustained – a smooth flowing movement contained in a balanced position

TYPES OF BODY MOVEMENTS

Flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, and rotation.

b. What is Movement Space?

All movements takes place in space. The two kinds of space occupancy are
personal space and general space. Personal Space is the maximum space available to
a person in a stationary position. This includes the space available to a person in s
stationary position. This includes the space that the person can reach by stretching and
twisting. General Space is the area which include one or more persons moving in
space like: gymnasium, swimming pools, classrooms, ballrooms, plaza and others.

ELEMENTS OF SPACE

1. DIRECTION
This refers to the movement forward, backward, upward, downward, sideways
right and left, circular and combination of all these.

2. LEVEL
As the body moves in horizontal plane it creates movement identified as high,
medium/middle and low. It may be represented in relative heights while standing,
sitting, lying and kneeling.

3. RANGE
The maximum reach of an individual or sometimes referred to as personal space
of the size of movement.

4. PATHWAYS OR SPACE DESIGNS

The line of design created in space as one moves. Example an arm circling (circle
design is created) or a line drawn from running to the first base in softball.

5. FOCUS
This is referred to as movement in space in relation to an object or a person’s
attention or direction.