Lesson 1 - Introduction and Brief History of Dance
Lesson 1 - Introduction and Brief History of Dance
Lesson 1 - Introduction and Brief History of Dance
Learning Outcomes:
INTRODUCTION
The part of rhythm that can be better perceived with the ear is called
sound, and if the sound is pleasing, it is music. The order part of rhythm
that is better perceived with the eye or felt, and if it's pleasing it is dance.
Dance is the movement of the body in a rhythmic way, usually to music and
within a given space, for the purpose of expressing an idea or emotion,
releasing energy, or simply taking delight in the movement itself. Dance is a
powerful impulse, but the art of dance is that impulse channeled by skillful
performers into something that becomes intensely expressive and that may
delight dance.
It is unlikely that any human society during the primitive times has
denied itself the excitement and pleasure of dancing. Like cave painting,
the first purpose of dance is probably ritual appeasing a nature spirit or
accompanying a rite of passage. But losing oneself in rhythmic movement
with other people is an easy form of intoxication. Pleasure can never be far
away. Rhythm, indispensable in dancing, is also a basic element of music.
It is natural to beat out rhythm of the dance with sticks. It is natural to
accompany the movement of the dance with rhythmic chanting, Dance and
music begin as partners in the service of ritual.
DANCE AS RITUAL
ECSTATIC DANCE
is a form of dance in which the dancers, sometimes without the need
to follow specific steps, abandon themselves to the rhythm and move freely
as the music takes them, leading to trance and a feeling of ecstasy. The
effects of ecstatic dance begin with ecstasy itself, which may be
experienced in differing degrees. Dancers are described as feeling
connected to others, and to their own emotions. The dance serves as a
form of meditation, helping people to cope with stress and to attain
serenity.
DANCE AS ENTERTAIMENT
DANCING
denotes the total body movements where there is a proper projection
of the face to involve the emotion required by the dance. The expression of
the dancer's face should complete the whole dance.
MOVEMENT
is the act or an instance of moving wherein there is a change in
place or position. It refers to the dance steps and basic body movements
required of a particular dance.
ELEMENTS OF DANCE
1. Theme - is the main story line of the dance. It tells what the dance is all
about. This can be a love theme, can be futuristic, can be ritual, etc.
5. Music - gives life to the dance, this should be in accordance with the
theme and pattern of movements of the dance.
9.Gravity - is the force that holds you to the earth. It is a force you have to
work with because it constantly inhibits movements.
10. Balance - is concerned with more than balancing on one leg. Its aim is
to achieve and constantly maintain an inner balance of the whole body. It is
a tension of mutual support among all parts that brings the whole together
in a new way.
11. Posture - To achieve this element, you need to change your perception
of your body, since there is often a wide discrepancy between what feels
right and what looks right.
13. Moving space - you need to be as aware of the space around you as a
car. You have to move with care and awareness, gauging the space.
Space is not just an empty air but a tangible element that you move
through.
14. Breathing - is crucial to dance, not only does it bring oxygen to the body
but it also gives your movement fluency and harmony