Mary the Queen College (Pampanga)

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Senior High School Department

Subject Code: SHSPEH3 Module No./Title: #1/ Nature of different

Dances
Subject Description: Physical Education Period of Coverage: Week 3– Week 4
and Health 3 (Dance)
Introduction: Physical Education is an integral part of school curriculum that aims to promote
total development of an individual; physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and even
spiritually on a properly selected physical activities.
In this Module, we will discuss the true meaning of dance from different perspective as well as learn
the history of dance to fully understand its significance to a person.
The module is divided into two namely:
 Dances from the Past
 Dancing toward the 21st Century

Objectives:
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. discuss the true meaning of dance from different perspective;
2. to know history of dance to fully understand its significance to a person;
3. recognize the importance of dances in Physical Education;

Content:
A. Dances from the Past

What is Dance?
Dance comes from the German word damson, which means “to stretch or “to drag”. It developed
as a natural expression of united feeling and action. Dance is considered the mirror of the society
because it responds to historical and religious events as well as social and political statements.
Although there have been immense comparative differences in period and culture, people still dance
mainly for four reasons: (a) to please gods; (b) to please others; (c) to please themselves; and (d) to
build community within an ethnic group or social interaction.

History and Development of Dance from the Different Periods

 Dance During the Prehistoric Period
 It had been a major form of religious ritual and social expression within
primitive culture.
 It was used as a way of expression and reinforcing tribal unity and strength.
 It is based on superstition and infused with magic. Shamans as lead dancers
acted as physicians and religious leaders and kept tribes healthy, prosperous
and safe.
 Dance During the Ancient Civilization

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  Ancient Egypt.
 3,300 BCE (First Dancing). It is believed that the first people to dance were
the Egyptians. Archaeologists discovered paintings of dancing figures in rock
shelters and caves.
 As a way of expressing religious service and teaching ancient myth, three (3)
major dancers were evolved:
(1) The king;
(2) the priests who performed magical dances;
(3) Virgin dancers who were trained to perform during ceremonies led by the
priests.
 Ancient Crete.
 The Cretan civilization (3000-1400 BC) was a cultural link in the ancient
world between Egyptians and Greeks.
 Cretans used dance to perfect their military training which made excellent.
 Ancient Greece.
 Dance was not just for religious and military training but also a form of
entertainment and display.
 Plato immensely gave importance to dance in education as stated in the
education on the Laws. He highlighted the two kinds of dance and music: the
noble (fin and honourable) and the ignoble (imitating what is mean or ugly).
 Ancient Rome.
 Dance was primarily performed for religious, social and entertainment.
However, theatrical entertainment was prohibited but still existed and was
performed within church during religious ceremonies.
 Dance During the Middle Ages and The Renaissance
 1400 (Ballet Comes into Play). Ballet started in this year in Italy, but didn’t really
become popular until around the year 1500. Ballet gained its popularity when a lady of
the arts, Catherine de Medici, married King Henry II and threw festivals where they
would perform ballet dances. Ballet is believed to be the main core of every single
dance style.
 A vast dance movement occurred throughout the courts of Europe in the 15th and 16th
centuries. During these times, new court dances performed by the nobility came about
as well as the rise of the art of ballet in Italy and France.
 Several other dance forms continued to sprout and spread across several countries.
B. Dancing toward the 21st Century

Modern History
 Dance During the Late 16th and 17th Centuries (1501-1700)
 1600 (Masque Dancing). Masque dancing started from elaborate pageants and shows
in the 16th century. Masque dancing involved intricate costuming and stage designing
that also incorporated singing and acting as well as dancing. It was often used as a
court entertainment.
 A period in the history of dance in Italy, France, and England which was considered to
be pleasantly deep and rich. France became the forerunner in dance during this period.
 Dance increased as a court amusement and later transformed into professional
entertainment.
 Dance During the 18th Century (1701-1800)
 1795 (Classical Persian Dancing). This style of dance evolved from courtroom
dancing. An era influencing Persian dance was the Qajar Dynasty which lasted from

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 1795 to 1925. Dancers would perform artistic and lively dances for the Shah. The
music is usually played by a small band.
 1800 (Time for Tap). Tap dancing originated from African tribe dancing. Tap dancing
makes percussion sounds because of dancers most commonly wearing leather shoes
with two pieces of metal and clip and clap against hard floors. Tap is still very popular
to this day.
 Dance During the 19th Century (1801-1900)
 1890 (Merengue Dancing). It is a Caribbean dance style that involves partners holding
each other in a tango-like position and moving their hips side to side.
 1900 (Jazz and Acrobatic). It involves doing smooth and flexible movements, and lots
of back bending and tricks. Both styles are widely popular to this day.
 Ballroom dances also emerged during this period like Cotillion, Polonaise, Quadrille,
Waltz and Polka.
 20th Century Dances (1901-2000)
 Described as a period of “dance fever” wherein the young and old alike were not
limited to express emotions through dance.
 1950 (Contemporary Dance). Contemporary dance is a style that combines jazz, ballet,
and modern dance. It can be many different styles, but most of the time it is
melancholy and or intense.
 1970 (Hip Hop Dance). There are many styles of hip hop that include breaking,
popping, locking, and more. Street dance was performed both in night clubs and on the
streets. It is associated with funk, breakdancing, and hip-hop.
 Several social dance movements also evolved such as castle walk, tango, and foxtrot,
Charleston, Lindy Hop, Rumba, Mambo, Cha-Cha Cha, Samba, Bossa Nova,
Boogaloo and Twist.
 Popular fad dances also emerged like YMCA and Macarena.
 21st Century Dance (2001- Present)
 2018 (Dance Nowadays). Today's dance style has taken a turn towards more hip hop
dances. Small and popular dances that involve hip hop and that most everyone can
achieve include the whip and nae nae, Gangnam Style (it’s a little old), shooting, and
more.

Summary:
Dance is an activity which can take many forms and fill many different needs. It can be recreation,
entertainment, education, therapy, and religion. In its purest and most basic form, dance is art, the art of
body movement. Dance can also be considered recreational activity that can develop our physical,
mental, social, and emotional health.
In this Module, also discuss the true meaning of dance from different perspective as well as learn the
history of dance to fully understand its significance to a person.
Learning Resources: PowerPoint Presentation and Module

Evaluation:
Multiple Choice:
Instructions. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the letter of your choice on a blank
space before the number.
_________ 1. Dance comes from the German word ________, which means “to stretch or “to drag”.
a. Damson c. theatron
b. Legamentus d. exodus
________ 2. Dance during the ______ period is based on superstition and infused with magic.

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 a. 21st Century c. Ancient Egypt
b. Prehistoric d. Middle Ages and the Renaissance
________ 3. Dance in this period increased as a court amusement and later transformed into
professional entertainment.
a. 14th century c. late 16th to 17th century
b. 15th century d. 18th century
_________4. Dances during prehistoric time have not yet been fully recorded. It was only during the
ancient period where ______ are believed to be the first people to dance because of the discovery of
dancing figures in rock shelters and caves.
a. Romans c. Greeks
b. Cretans d. Egyptians
_________5. A period of “dance fever” wherein the young and old alike were not limited to express
their emotions through dance.
a. 16th to 17th century c. 19th century
b. 18th century d. 20th century

Choose the letter of the best answer. Choices are inside the box.
a. Prehistoric Period c. middle Ages & Renaissance
b. Ancient Civilization d. Modern Period

_________ 6. Dance was used as a way of expression and reinforcing tribal unity and strength.
_________ 7. Dance style has taken a turn towards more hip hop dances.
_________ 8. Ballet gained its popularity in this period and it is believed to be the main core of every
single dance style.
_________ 9. Plato immensely gave importance to dance in education as stated in the education on the
Laws.
_________ 10. Theatrical entertainment was prohibited but still existed and was performed within
church during religious ceremonies.

References:
Aparato, C. R., Brebante, Z. T., Callo, L. F., & Dajime, P. F. (2017). Physical Education and
Health (First ed., Vol. 2). 856 Nicanor Reyes Sr. St. Sampaloc Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc.
Apolonia, M. L., Collao, M. P., Gabayan, P. A., & Kamus, M. R. (2017). Dance for Life (Health-
Optimizing Physical Education HOPE Series for Senior High School. (J. A. Porto, Ed.) 839 EDSA,
South Triangle, Quezon City: C & E Publishing, Inc.

Next Lesson: Traditional Dances (Folk and Ethic)

Prepared by: LSGigante Checked by: (KTAyroso/English, Filipino,
SocScie, and P.E Coordinator)

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