1.

UPHS Vision, Mission, History, and Classroom consider his” Ballet Comique de la Reine” to be the first
Orientation ballet. It was a magnificent 5 spectacle performed in 1581
in honor of a royal wedding.
2. INTRODUCTION TO RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES:
Dance technique was extremely limited but the costume
Every individual has rhythm. It is found in all of nature and the scenery were impressive. The ballet was a success
and is natural to every individual. Rhythm is most clearly and was limited in other European courts.
seen through dance- the art of movement.
During 1800's the Romantic Period began. Ballet
 Dance- refers to movement set to music where technique was expanded. Women dancers learned to
there emerges organization, structure and pattern. dance on their toes, male dancers became chiefly porters.
It is a composition that implies arrangement of The Italian Choreographer Filippo Taglioni created the
parts into a form. first Romantic Ballet, La Sylphide in 1832. Romantic
o Dancing- means of expressing one’s ballet presented women as ideal, and for the first time,
emotions through movement disciplines gave them greater importance than men.
by rhythm. It is an act of moving
rhytimically and expressively to an 2.1.2 MUSIC AND DANCE:
accompaniment. The word dancing came
from an old German word “danson”  It is unlikely that any human society (at any rate
which means to “stretch”. Essentially, all until the invention of puritanism) has denied itself
dancing is made up of stretching and the excitement and pleasure of dancing.
relaxing. Like cave painting, the first purpose of dance is
 Rhythm- it denotes an aspect of a quality of probably ritual - appeasing a nature spirit or
movement that is sometimes thought of as dance. accompanying a rite of passage. But losing
When an individual moves in response to a oneself in rhythmic movement with other people
particular rhythm or music we call the is an easy form of intoxication. Pleasure can
movements as rhythmic movements or rhythms. never have been far away.
Structured form which start creative rhythmic
movements are called rhythms. Rhythm, indispensable in dancing, is also a basic
 Rhythmic Activities- physical manifestations of element of music. It is natural to beat out the
the mental and emotional response of the rhythm of the dance with sticks. It is natural to
individual to rhythm. They are activities which a accompany the movement of the dance with
child responds to physically, socially, and rhythmic chanting. Dance and music begin as
mentally to regular patterns of sounds. partners in the service of ritual.

2.1.1 HISTORY OF DANCE: 2.1.3 DANCE AS RITUALS:

DANCING is the oldest and liveliest of the arts. Men in  In most ancient civilizations, dancing before the
all countries and in all times have expressed their feelings god is an important element in temple ritual. In
in rhythm and body movement. The dance is the language Egypt the priests and priestesses, accompanied by
of the body. It can communicate joy sadness fear and love. harps and pipes, perform stately movements
The earliest records of people dancing are cave paintings which mime significant events in the story of a
in Northern Spain, it is about 50,000 years old. god, or imitate cosmic patterns such as the rhythm
of night and day.
The beginning of dance can be traced to Italy during the
1400's at the time of the Renaissance. At Egyptian funerals, women dance to express the
During the Renaissance, people developed a great interest grief of the mourners.
in art and learning. At the same time, trade and commerce
expanded rapidly, and the dukes who ruled Florence and Sacred occasions in Greek shrines, such as
the games at Olympia from the 8th century BC,
the other Italian city-states grew in wealth. The dukes
competed with dance performances. The dancers were not are inaugurated with dancing by the temple
professional. They were noblemen and noblewomen of virgins. The choros is originally just such a
duke's court who danced to please their ruler or to stir the dance, performed in a circle in honour of a god.
admiration and envy of their rivals. In the 6th century it becomes the centrepiece
of Greek theatre.
Catherine De Medicis, a member of the ruling family of
Florence, became queen of France in 1547. Catherine In India the formalized hand movements of the
introduced into the French court the same kind of priestesses in Hindu temples are described in
entertainments she had known in Italy. They were staged documents from as early as the 1st century AD.
by Balthazar Beaujoyeulx a gifted musician. Historians Each precise gesture is of subtle significance. A
 form of classical dance based upon them - known o Is the regular recurrence of accented and
as Bharata Nhatyam - is still performed by highly unaccented beats.
skilled practitioners today.  Dance (Dancing)- performing art form consisting
of purposefully selected sequences of human
movement. This movement
2.1.4 DANCE AS ECSTASY: has aesthetic and symbolic value, and is
 Any sufficiently uninhibited society knows that acknowledged as dance by performers and
frantic dancing, in a mood heightened by observers within a particular culture. Dance can
pounding rhythm and flowing alcohol, will set the be categorized and described by
pulse racing and induce a mood of frenzied its choreography, by its repertoire of movements,
exhilaration. or by its historical period or place of origin.
 Movement- can also be improvised, meaning that
This is exemplified in the Dionysiac dances of the dancers make it up "on the spot" as they
ancient Greece. Villagers, after harvesting the spontaneously dance. Movement that travels
grapes, celebrate the occasion with a drunken through space is broadly called locomotor
orgy in honour of Dionysus, god of wine (whose movement in contrast to axial movement, which
Roman name is Bacchus). Their stomping makes occurs in one spot.
a favorite scene on Greek vases; and dancing Basic Natural Movements:
women of this kind, whose frenzy even sweeps  Locomotor Movements- those that
them into an act of murder, are immortalized in a move the body in space in any direction
tragedy, the Bacchae, by Euripides. Short of this with the feet as the moving base.
unfortunate extreme, all social dances promise  Non-Locomotor Movement- those in
the same desirable mood of release and which various parts of the body move in
excitement. space with a fixed base. The base may be
standing, kneeling, sitting, and sliding.
2.1.5 DANCE AS ENTERTAINMENT:
ELEMENTS OF DANCE:
 Egyptian paintings, from as early as about 1400
BC, depict another eternal appeal of dancing. 1. Body- dance is comprised of various body
Scantily clad girls, accompanied by seated motions that express feeling and emotion. Our
musicians, cavort enticingly on the walls of bodies move in ways to express ourselves using
tombs. They will delight the male occupant locomotor and non-locomotor movements.
during his residence in the next world. But 2. Energy- energy is the force at which we express
dancing girls are for this world too. From princely our body motions. Are you moving with hard
banquet to back-street strip club, they require no motions or gentle motions? How do you choose
explanation. to move? Bounce, shake, explode, or sway?
3. Space/Level- to show variation and movement,
2.1.6 DANCE AS DISPLAY: we need to use our surroundings well. We zig,
zag, move high and low. We use the entire space
 Entertainment, and the closely related theme of
around us and below us.
display, underlies the story of public dance. In the
4. Relationship- in dance, we often dance with one
courts of Europe spectacles of this kind lead
other person or with many people in a group. Just
eventually to ballet.
like with conversation, we communicate and
react using our bodies.
2.1.7 BASIC COURSE ON DANCE AND 5. Time- timing is key to any dance. We follow the
RHYTHM: rhythm or beat to match our actions with the
sound of the music. When working with others,
 Rhythm- movement marked by the regulated we sometimes mimic another using time.
succession of strong and weak elements, or of 2.2 DANCE OVERTURE:
opposite or different conditions.
o It is the timing of events on a human
scale; of musical sounds and silences that 2.2.1 DANCE AND CULTURE
occur over time, of the steps of a dance,
or the meter of spoken language and o Culture is defined as our way of life
poetry. In some performing arts, such The tradition and norms which is
as hip hop music, the rhythmic delivery important in every culture
of the lyrics is one of the most important can be represent in a way of dancing
elements of the style. and this is what we called cultural
dance. A graceful dance, colorful
 props and costumes, slow movements List of Dance Occupations:
and fast that catches the attention of 1. Ballet dancer
every people. Cultural dancers can a. Corps de ballet
story tellers, tells the story in every b. Demi-soloist
movements and sequence of their c. Principal dancer
dance. d. Soloist
o Every Cultural dances has a story that 2. Ballet historian
need to match in the theme of their 3. Ballet master
dance. This dance is different from 4. Choreographer
other forms of dances, you cannot 5. Dance critic
make a cultural dance without a story. 6. Dance historian
It has a story behind the dance for the 7. Dance notator
purpose that one culture can share or 8. Dance scholar
tell their culture from one another. 9. Dance therapist
2.2.2 REASONS WHY PEOPLE DANCE: 10. Dancer
people dance to mourn, to celebrate, to a. Backup dancer
heal, to give thanks, to preserve cultural b. Caller (dancing)
heritage and treasured legends, to c. Exotic dancer
demonstrate physical prowess, to assert d. Majorette (dancer)
individuality, to provoke and to entertain. e. Showgirl
f. Taxi dancer
1. Exercise - Get in shape while having
11. Répétiteur
fun!
2. Balance - You work hard... do 3. DANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM:
something fun for yourself! 3.1 BRIEF HISTORY OF DANCE
3. Expand Your Social Life - Meet new EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
people with a common interest!
4. Gain Self-Confidence - Stand out on Dance is an integral part of Filipino culture that
any dance floor! dates to the period before Ferdinand Magellan stepped
5. Great Way to Spend Time With a foot in the Philippines. The traditional dances of the
Friend or Loved One - Need a hobby you Filipinos are vibrant and colorful, capturing the history of
both enjoy? the archipelago.
6. Improve Your Social Dancing Skills -
Have fun at parties and social gatherings! Before the Spanish Various tribes were
7. Relieve Stress - Take your mind off of scattered across the more than 7,000 islands, each with its
everyday stresses! own unique traditions and dances. The Igorot tribes lived
8. Overcome Shyness - It's time to come in the mountains of Luzon; a handful of these tribes still
out of your shell! reside in the mountains, having successfully resisted
9. Improve Your Posture - Learn correct Spanish colonization. Many of the dances have been
dance technique! handed down through the generations. Dance expresses
10. Improve Your Memory - Memorize this tribe's love of nature and gratitude to the gods. To
many dance patterns! imitate the wonders of nature, dancers often swoop their
2.2.3 DANCE OCCUPATION: being a arms like birds and stomp their feet to represent the
dance teacher allows you to remain active
rumbling of the Earth. However, many other tribes in
physically while sharing your knowledge
other regions are disappearing, and only a few of their
with others. You can also remain creative
dances survive. Thanksgiving, worship and prayers for a
through choreographing routines for
class and performances regularly. It bountiful harvest mark the style of these dances.
helps to know which age group you want Voyage to Mindanao In the 12th century,
to teach, as some will require extra traders and seafarers came to the Philippines long before
training or college degrees. the Spanish, bringing the Islamic faith with them. The
o Your experience in the dance world
inhabitants of the southern region converted to Islam,
will have given you a thorough
incorporating their new religion into the fabric of their
understanding of the arts in general,
existing culture. The dances of the Muslims, known as
and transitioning to a desk job is a
good option to stay involved in the Moros, are alluring and colorful. Female dancers wear
field if you desire a less physically costumes studded with jewels, while male dancers
active career. brandish swords and shields. The Moros use languid arm
movements to imitate the world around them such as the
wind, the sea and the fish. Each dance is punctuated by to greater levels of energy, co-
the haunting sounds of the kulintangan, a set of small ordination, flexibility and muscle
gongs. Like the Igorots, the Moros were able to resist strength. They are stamina building
Spanish rule, which is why many of their dances continue and help form a better understanding
to flourish. of a healthy lifestyle and a greater
sense of bodily awareness.
Maria Clara In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan came o Dance involves a much high level of
to the archipelago, signaling the start of Spanish movement, coordination, strength
colonization. However, the Spanish didn't get a foothold and endurance than most other
in the Philippines until 1565. Three centuries of Spanish physical sporting activities.
rule left an imprint on the Filipinos. Many of them were o Dance classes not only teach
converted to Catholicism and forced to take Spanish kinesthetic memory, but utilize the
surnames. entire body and are, therefore, an
excellent form of exercise for total
During this period, Western culture spread body fitness whilst building artistic
through the islands, including such Western dances as the and creative skills.
waltz, fandango and polka. With a little Filipino flare, o Dancing requires motivation and
they quickly became part of the culture. This "new" style discipline which should be gently
of dance was named Maria Clara after the tragic character encouraged and fostered by the
in Jose Rizal's novel "Noli Me Tangere." dance teacher. This motivation and
discipline will become life-long tools
Barrio Fiesta After toiling in the rice paddies, and greatly assist in any career path
countryside farmers would gather to sing and dance. chosen.
These dances revolve around everyday items, such as o Dance students learn to depend on
glasses, candles, benches, hats and bamboo poles. each other and to get along with each
Because the dances are a celebration, they are often other in their dance class. In a well-
referred to as "a barrio fiesta." One of the more run dance class situation, children
complicated dances is pandanggo sa ilaw, meaning will create wonderful movement
"dance of lights," which imitates wandering fireflies. To ideas eagerly and spontaneously, and
accomplish the illusion, women delicately balance three often work in small teams to
"tinghoy," or oil lamps, on their heads and palms. accomplish a creative group
outcome, thus forging strong social
The history of Philippine folk dancing interactive skills. Even the very
incorporates influences from immigrants and conquerors young learn to communicate creative
while at the same time maintaining distinctly Filipino ideas to others through body
roots. Philippine folk dancing is a true reflection of daily movement and to work happily
life in past centuries while enchanting modern audiences within a group dynamic.
at the same time. o A dance education has proven time
and again to help children to develop
3.1.1 SIGNIFICANCE OF DANCE good literacy skills. During a
EDUCATION: qualified dance class the class
o Dancing to music can release content, exercises and dances learned
tensions and hidden anxieties and will have a profound effect on the
helps the shy, as well as the hyper dance student's academic
active child through the required schooling. Dance class constantly
levels of focus needed in class. involves mathematics, with the
o We give the children the time and counting of music, learning of
place to express and explore their complex rhythms and the continual
own imagination, to express thoughts use of patterns and forms. Science
through movements, use their own studies are enhanced through spatial
choreographic ideas and and bodily awareness. Dance is a
creativity. Most children enjoy the natural method for learning and
opportunity to express their emotions dance students learn movement
and in doing so become aware of patterns as readily as they learn
themselves and others through languages. Learning to dance
movement. involves both sides of the brain and
o Dance classes are a wonderful is one of the greatest builders of brain
physical and artistic activity leading connectors giving dance students an
 added advantage especially observed countries such as France and Russia.
in their academic language studies. It’s incredible popularity and influence
3.1.2 PHASES OF DANCE EDUCATION has had a profound impact on
PROGRAM: techniques found in many other dances,
1. Creative Rhythms- sometimes and has even morphed the cultural
called fundamental rhythms or histories of many countries around the
natural dances. A creative rhythm is world.
an end product of exploration and o Ballet is a French word which had its
improvisation of movements as origin in Italian balletto,
children learn to move the parts of a diminutive of ballo (dance) which
their body and to use them as comes from Latin ballo, ballare,
instruments of expression. meaning "to dance", which in turn
2. Folk/ Ethnic dance- a cultural art comes from the Greek "βαλλίζω"
form handed down from generation (ballizo), "to dance, to jump about"
to generations. It communicates the 3.2.2 Modern Dance- an influential
customs, beliefs, rituals, and performance dance that originated as a
occupations of the people of a reaction against the classical ballet and
region or country. Folk dancing its movement style. Shaped by many
belongs to the people. It emanates factors in late 19th and early to mid-
from them. Ethnic tribes have their 20th century, modern dance evolved
specific tribal art forms originated into a popular free dance style that
and danced by the people of the includes elements of performance art,
tribe. release technique, improvisation and
3. Social and Ballroom Dance- contact improvisation.
setting of the social and ballroom 3.2.3 Jazz Dance- a performance
dance is a social gathering with the dance technique and style that first
more formal atmosphere than the emerged in Brazil in the early twentieth
simple and informal parties in century. Jazz dance may refer to
which the recreational dances are vernacular jazz or to Broadway or
the usual forms. Social and theatrical jazz. The term 'jazz dance' has
ballroom dancing are generally held been used in ways that have little or
in the evenings. The participants are nothing to do with jazz-music.
usually in formal attire 3.2.4 Steptanz- generic term for dance
4. Recreational Dance- includes styles in which the footwork is the most
dance mixers, square dance round important part of the dance. Limb
and couple dances. Many of these movements and styling are either
dances have simple patterns and restricted or considered irrelevant. Step
combinations of walking steps, dancing includes clog dancing in which
polka step and the waltz step. The the steps are performed by performers
setting is usually informal wearing clogs. The sound of the clogs
gatherings and parties, reunions etc. against a hard surface produces a
5. Creative Dance- the highest form characteristic sound which is an
of dance. It is the end-product of important element of the dance.
exploration and improvisation of 3.2.5 Dance Sports- competitive ballroom
movements as the dancer or the dancing, as contrasted to social or
choreographer expresses his exhibition dancing. In the case
feelings or emotions, ideas, and of wheelchair dance sport, at least one
interpretations. This is a dance with of the dancers is in a wheel chair.
a definite form, a beginning and an 3.2.6 Pop Dance- a popular music sub-genre
ending. The principles of art form that originated in the early 1980s. It is
are all observed in the composition generally up-tempo music intended
of the dance. for nightclubs with the intention of
3.2 VARIOUS DANCE FORMS: being danceable but also suitable
3.2.1 Ballet- without any doubt one of the for contemporary hit radio. Developing
most highly technical and famous of all from a combination
performance dances. It was originally of dance and pop with influences
created in 15th century Renaissance of disco, post-disco and synth-pop, it is
Italy, but it received popularization in generally characterized by strong beats
 with easy, uncomplicated song and cardio-vascular fitness). It is
structures which are generally more usually performed to music and may be
similar to pop music than the more free- practiced in a group setting led by
form dance genre, with an emphasis on an instructor (fitness professional),
melody as well as catchy tunes. The although it can be done solo and without
genre, on the whole, tends to musical accompaniment.
be producer-driven, despite some o With the goal of preventing illness
notable exceptions. and promoting physical fitness,
o Dance-pop is known for being highly practitioners perform various
eclectic, having borrowed influences routines comprising a number of
from other genres, which varied by different dance-like exercises.
producers, artists and periods. Such o Formal aerobics classes are divided
include contemporary into different levels of intensity and
R&B, house, trance, techno, electro complexity and will have five
pop, new jack swing, funk and pop components: warm-up (5–10
rock. minutes), cardiovascular
3.2.7 Theatrical Dance- dance performed conditioning (25–30 minutes),
for an audience. It is frequently muscular strength and conditioning
performed in a theatre setting, though (10–15 minutes), cool-down (5–8
this is not a requirement, and it is minutes) and stretching and
usually choreographed and performed flexibility (5–8 minutes).
to set music. 3.2.11 Rhythmic Gymnastics- a sport in
3.2.8 Classical Dance- Classical dance is a which individuals or groups of five
conventional dance revealing the manipulate one or two pieces of
emotions through poetry or dance apparatus: rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ri
drama. This form is portrayed by poise, bbon, or freehand (no apparatus).
dignity and precision of movement and Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that
by elaborate formal gestures, steps, and combines elements
poses. of ballet, gymnastics, dance, and
o It is performed in theaters either in apparatus manipulation.
group or solo and is accompanied by o The victor is the participant who
musical instruments with beautiful earns the most points, determined by
costume. It conveys a story or theme a panel of judges, for leaps, balances,
through a musical composition pirouettes (pivots), apparatus
written or used for this dance form. handling, and execution.
o It requires composure but strong o There is no maximum number of
attitude. It bring calmness, harmony points anymore but there was before
in life and at the same time make our the judges consider artistry, mastery,
body strong, active and in shape. and execution.
3.2.9 Cultural Dance- developed by people o The choreography must cover the
that reflect the life of the people of a entire floor and contain a balance of
certain country or region. Not all ethnic jumps, leaps, pivots, balances (a
dances are folk dances. For certain number is required depending
example, ritual dances or dances of on the gymnast's level) and
ritual origin are not considered to be flexibility movements.
folk dances. Ritual dances are usually o Each movement involves a high
called "Religious dances" because of degree of athletic skill and key
their purpose. The terms "ethnic" and movement. Physical abilities needed
"traditional" are used when it is required by a rhythmic gymnast include
to emphasize the cultural roots of the strength, power, flexibility, agility,
dance. dexterity, endurance and hand-eye
3.2.10 Aerobic Dance- form of physical coordination.
exercise that combines
rhythmic aerobic 4. DANCE FUNDAMENTALS AND PATTERNS
exercise with stretching and strength
4.1 Dance Fundamentals:
training routines with the goal of
improving all elements of fitness 4.1. 1 Ballet- without any doubt one of the most
(flexibility, muscular strength, highly technical and famous of all performance
dances. It was originally created in 15th century leg. It is used to begin all turning
Renaissance Italy, but it received popularization movements.
in countries such as France and Russia. It’s 14. A Conversation is a position when
incredible popularity and influence has had a partners stand side by side, right hand of
profound impact on techniques found in many the gentleman holds the lady’s waist; L
other dances, and has even morphed the cultural arm of the lady placed at the gentleman’s,
histories of many countries around the world. outside arm at the side.
15. A Corte, in tango, is a stop and change
of direction either forward or backward.
4.1.2 Dance Terminologies: 16. A Cuban motion is a discreet but
1. To Address Partner is to bow to expressive hip movement achieve by
partner. Facing partner, boys bow by bending and straightening the knees with
bending slightly from the waist as girls carefully timed weight transfer.
do curtsy. Curtsy is to bend knees and 17. Dance Sports is the official name given
body slightly with a bow of the head; the to competitive Ballroom Dancing.
weight of the body is on one foot. One 18. The Floor chart is the ability of the
foot crosses the other in rear. leader to maneuver around the dance
2. An Amalgamation is a combination of floor in a skilled and controlled manner
two or more patterns or movements. as to avoid colliding with the other
3. An Amateur Dancers is a person who is dancers.
dancing as a hobby and who does not 19. A Drop is a theatrical movement in
seek financial gain from teaching or which the follower’s body remains in
dancing. contact with the floor.
4. A Ball change is a transfer of weight 20. A Fan is a half a turn done on the ball of
from the ball of one foot to the other foot. one foot while the free foot is kept
5. A Basic figure is a standardized step directly behind the foot on which the turn
pattern, which together with other is made.
constitute the basics of a dance. 21. A Figure is a standardized step pattern
6. To Brush is to lightly touch the inside that, together with the other patterns,
edge of the supporting foot with the constitute the dance.
inside edge of the free foot between 22. A Hip motion is a very general term to
changes of weight. mean any type of hip movement used in
7. A Chasse is composed of three changes Latin dancing.
of weight with a close on the second and 23. A Pivot is a turning movement during
may be performed sideward or forward. which the free foot is kept either in front
8. A Choreography is a creation or or directly behind the foot on which the
compilation of steps, patterns and turn is made.
movements, which make up the dance or 24. A Spin is a turn done in place using both
a dance routine. feet, usually done as a couple.
9. To Close is to move the free foot next to 25. Variation is a varied or more advanced
supporting foot with one change of pattern than the corresponding basic
weight. figure, which still contains the same main
10. A Commando is a forward or backward elements.
rock and close.
11. A Combination is a group of 4.1.3 Feet, Arms, Wrist, Hand, and Fingers:
consecutive patterns and choreography.
 Feet- an invertebrate organ of
It is similar to amalgamation but it
locomotion or attachment. A ventral
sometimes involves a slightly more
muscular surface or process of a mollusk.
advanced set of patterns.
 Arms- a human upper limb. A part of
12. A Continuity Movement is the
between shoulder and the wrist. It serves
continuous passing of the step from one
as a support for the elbow and forearm.
step to the next.
 Wrist- joint or the region of the joint
13. The Contrary body movement is the
between the human hand and the arm or
action of turning the opposite hip and
a corresponding part on a lower animal.
shoulder toward direction of the moving
  Hand- the end part of a person's arm 4.1.5 Fundamental Position in Dance
beyond the wrist, including the palm, 1. Ballroom or Social Dance Position –
fingers, and thumb. partners stand face to face, shoulders and hips
 Fingers- limb of the human body and a parallel. Boys R hand is placed around Girl’s
type of digit, an organ waist. Girl’s L hand rests lightly against his R
of manipulation and sensation found in shoulders. Boy’s L hand is raised to the side
the hands of humans and other primates. holding the Girl’s R hand. The fingers of her
Normally humans have five digits,[3] the R hand rest lightly in the palm of the Boy’s
bones of which are termed phalanges,[2] on L.
each hand, although some people have 2. Open or Conversation Position – partners
more or fewer than five due to congenital stand side by side, both facing the same
disorders such direction. Girl R of partner. Boy’s R is around
as polydactyly or oligodactyly, or Girl’s waist in back. Girl’s L hand rest lightly
accidental or medical amputations. The on Boy’s R shoulder. Outside hands may be
first digit is the thumb, followed by index joined with arms extended forward or the
finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little outside hands maybe on hips or side.
finger or pinkie. According to different 3. Shoulder – Waist Position – partners face
definitions, the thumb can be called a each other. Boy’s places hands on Girl’s
finger, or not. waist. Girl’s hands are on the Boy’s
4.1.4 Basic Arms and Feet Position: shoulders.
4. Cross – Hold Position – partners stand face
to face, R hand joined over L hands, extended
about waist level.
5. Promenade Position – partners stand side by
side, both facing on the same direction. Girl
at R of partner. The hand crossed in front, R
hands joined over L.
6. Schottische Position – partners stand side by
side, Girl to R of Boy both facing the same
direction. Boy’s R arm around Girl’s waist,
her L arm shoulder behind his R shoulder, her
L hand resting lightly on that shoulder, free
hands on waist.
7. Varsovienne Position – partners stand side
by side, girls stands to the R and slightly in
front of Boy. Boy reaches R arm over the
girl’s R shoulder and takes her R hand in his,
his L holds her L a little above his L shoulder.
8. Elbow Swing – hook designated elbows
firmly of the hand carried at the height of the
locked elbows. While swinging, pull away
from partner at shoulders.
9. One Hand Swing – with the elbow bent and
down, join the designated hands at shoulder
height. In balancing “pull against pull” while
swinging, apply pressure against the thumbs
and heels of hands, pulling away at shoulders.
1. Raised arms to a circle in front of the chest Bring
10. Two – Hand Swing – Boy present hands at
heels close to touch, toes apart
shoulder height with palms up, elbows close
2. Open up arms sideward, raised below shoulder
level with a graceful curve. Bring feet apart
to sides and should support while balancing
sideward. “pull against pull” leaning away at shoulders.
3. Raise one arm overhead while other arm remains 11. Waist Swing – In a modified closed ballroom
in 2nd position. Bring the heel of one foot to dance positions with R foot and hips adjacent
touch the instep of the other foot. the support weight of the body on the R foot
4. Raise one arm in front of chest in a half circle, swing, balance “pull against pull”, leaning
while one arm remains overhead. Bring one foot away from partners at shoulder.
in front of the other foot to walk strike. 12. Hungarian or Russian Swing – dancers
5. Raise both arms overhead in a graceful curve. stand facing in opposite direction with R(L)
Bring the heel of one foot to touch the toe of the
other.
 hips adjacent, each R(L) arm around each 12. Place – To put foot in a certain
others waist in front, on partners hip, L(R) position without putting weight on it.
arm curved over head, both lean slightly 13. Pivot – To turn with the ball, heel or
away from each other when turning. whole foot on a fixed place or point.
13. Star post – Partners are in opposite 14. Point – Touch the floor lightly with
directions, their right hands holding each the toes of one foot, weight of the
other, lady facing away from audience; while body on the other foot.
gentleman faces the audience. 15. Masiwak – To turn the hand from the
14. Challenge position- Partners face each other wrist half-way clockwise then raise
about a step apart without touching.
and lower wrist once or twice. This is
15. Cuddle or skating position – Woman is at
an Ibanag term.
man’s left or right side, both facing the same
16. Panadyak – To stamp in front or at
direction; one arm of man is across woman’s
back. the side with the right foot and tap
with same foot close to the left foot.
4.1.1.1 COMMON DANCE TERMS: This is a Tagalog term.
1. Arms in lateral position – Both 17. Patay – To bend the head downward
arms are at one side either right or and to support the forehead with the
left, at shoulder, chest or waist level. R forearm or with the crook of the R
2. Brush – Weight on one foot, hit the elbow while the left hand supports
floor with the ball or heel of the other lightly the palm of the right hand.
foot and lift that foot from the floor This is usually done with the left foot
to any direction. pointing in rear and knees slightly
3. Crossed Arms – Partners facing bent. This is an Ilocano term and the
each other or standing side by side movement is commonly found in
join their left hands together and the Ilocano dances.
right hands together; either right over 18. Salok – T o swing the arm
left or left over right hands. downward-upward passing in front
4. Cut – To displace quickly one foot of the body as if scooping, the trunk
with the other. is bent following the movement of
5. Do-si-do – Partners advance the arm doing the salok.
forward, pass each other’s right ( left 19. Saludo – Partners bow to each other,
) side, step across to the right move to the audience, opposite dancers, or
backwards without turning around, to the neighbors with feet together.
pass each other left side to proper This is of Spanish origin and is used
places. in almost all Philippine dances.
6. Hayon-hayon – To place one 20. Sarok – Cross the R foot in front of
forearm in front and the other at he the L, bend the body slightly forward
back of the waist. and cross the hands down in front of
7. Hop – A spring from one foot the R hand over the L. This is a
landing on the same foot in place or Visayan term.
in any direction. 21. Slide – To glide foot smoothly along
8. Jaleo – Partners turn around the floor. The movement may be
clockwise (with right elbows almost finished with or without transfer of
touching ) or counterclockwise ( with weight.
left elbows almost touching ) using 22. Stamp – To bring the foot forcibly
walking or any kind of dance step. and noisily on the floor with or
9. Jump – A spring on one foot or both without transfer of weight.
feet landing on both feet in any 23. Tap – To rap slightly with the ball
direction. or toe of the free foot, flexing the
10. Kumintang – moving the hand from ankle joint keeping weight of the
the wrist either in a clockwise or body on the other foot. There is no
counterclockwise direction. change or transfer of weight.
11. Leap – A spring from one foot 24. Whirl – To make fast turns by
landing on the other foot in any executing small steps in place to right
direction. or left.
 COMMON DANCE TERMS OF but with the arms still slightly
BALLET: bent at the elbow.
2. Closed. The leader stands face to
1. DemiPlie- small bend face with the follower. The
2. Cambre- arched leader's right arm holds the
3. Grande Plie- big bend follower around her back, with
4. Tendue- to touch his right hand on her left
5. Degage- clear path shoulder blade. His left hand
6. Rond de Jambe- round with leg holds the follower's right hand at
7. Fondu- to melt shoulder height, slightly out to
8. Frappe- to strike his left hand side. The follower's
9. Grand Battlement- banging, left hand is on the leader's right
slamming shoulder.
10. Retire- isolated 3. Side. The follower stands on the
11. Developpe- developed leader's right hand side, both
12. Pas de Bourree- to cram or stuff facing in the same direction. The
13. Balance- to swing leader's right hand is around the
14. Sauttee- to jump follower's back, and the
15. Changement- change follower's left hand rests on the
16. Echappe- slip out; escape leader's right shoulder.
17. Eschappesauttee- jumping/ escape 4. Behind. The leader stands
18. Sissone- to spring directly behind the follower,
19. Glissade- slide both facing in the same direction,
20. Chasse- chase with a slight gap between them.
21. Pique- prick/sting (will be used in The leader's left hand holds the
passe) follower's left hand near her left
22. Jete- to throw hip, and the leader's right hand
23. Arabesque- ornament holds her right hand at her right
hip.
4.1.1.2 COMMON ABBREVIATIONS: 5. Wrap. The follower stands on
1. BLOD - Backward Line of Dance the leader's right hand side, both
2. BPM - Beats per minute facing in the same direction. The
3. BWD - Backward leader's right arm goes around
4. CFP - Close Facing Position the follower's back to hold her
5. DTC - Diagonally To the Center left hand at her right hip; the
6. DTW - Diagonally To the Wall leader's left hand holds the
7. FWD - Forward follower's right hand in front of
8. L - Left them. The follower's left arm is
9. LF - Left foot wrapped across her front,
10. LOD - Line of Dance underneath her right arm.
11. MPM - Measures per minute
12. OFP - Open Facing Position 6. Sweetheart. The follower stands
13. PP - Promenade Position on the leader's right hand side,
14. Q - Quick (a step lasting one beat) both facing in the same direction.
15. R - Right The leader's right arm goes
16. RF - Right foot across the top of the follower's
17. S - Slow (a step lasting two beats) back to hold her right hand at her
4.1.1.3 POSITION AND GRASPS right shoulder; the leader's left
1. Open. The leader stands facing hand holds the follower's left
the follower a short distance hand at waist height in front of
apart. Both dancers have their him. The follower's right arm is
knees slightly bent and their bent at the elbow so her right
weight forwards on the balls of hand is just above her right
their feet. The leader holds the shoulder.
follower's hand with their arms
slightly away from their bodies,
4.1.1.4 DANCE FORMATION: refers to a
choreographed routine involving
more than one couple. It can involve
multiple couples, even a dozen in
extreme cases, dancing an elaborate
routine that typically expresses some
kind of storyline. They use the music
to showcase movement that is
synchronized intelligently to create
interest and unexpected changes. It
can be based around a single dance
style, but more often includes more
than one dance style.
1. Single circle-facing clockwise
o Facing counter clockwise
o Facing each other
o Facing center
2. Double circle-partners facing
o Partner facing counter
clockwise
o Facing clockwise
3. Square or quadrille formation
4. Semi-circle or half moon
5. Double lines/ column
formation
o Facing front
o Partners facing each other
6. Long open formation
7. Scatter formation