Document 25

Title: Exploring the World of Dance: An Introduction to Different Types of Dance
Objective: This self-instructional material aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various

types of dance from around the world, highlighting their unique characteristics, cultural
significance, and styles of movement.
Module 1: Introduction to Dance
What is dance?
Dance is an art form, often classified as a sport, consisting of sequences of body

movements with aesthetic and often symbolic value, either improvised or purposefully
selected. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoire
of movements or by its historical period or place of origin. Dance is typically performed
with musical accompaniment, and sometimes with the dancer simultaneously using a
musical instrument themselves.
An important distinction is to be drawn between theatrical and participatory dance

although these two categories are not always completely separate; both may have
special functions, whethersocial, ceremonial, competitive, erotic, martial, sacred or
liturgical. Other forms of human movement are sometimes said to have a dance-like
quality, including martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading, figure skating, synchronized
swimming, marching bands, and many other forms of athletics. Dance is not solely
restricted to performance, as dance is used as a form of exercise and occasionally
training for other sports and activities. Dance has become a sport for some, with
dancing competitions found across the world exhibiting various different styles and
standards. Dance has an aesthetic appeal to many people.
Importance of dance as a form of expression and cultural heritage
Cultural Dance is really important, this is our way to tell other people on what are the
things that they need to know about our culture. It is also the way that other people
could have respect, knowledge and give importance to our traditions and norms. Let
other cultures tell what are the stories behind their dance. Self-expression is “the
expression of one’s own personality: assertion of one’s individual traits”. This is usually
done through a form of art such as dance, drawing, facial expressions, actions, and
even sense of style. It is self-expression that allows a child to grow into themselves as
they learn about the world around them.
Dance is a way for a person to express themselves without using their voice. Every
dance genre uses movements and facial expressions to tell a story. For example, jazz is
an energetic form of self-expression through movement with turns, twists, leaps, and
unique footwork.
Benefits of dance for physical and mental well-being
Just as physical fitness helps our bodies to stay strong, mental fitness helps us to
achieve and sustain a state of good mental health. When we are mentally healthy, we
enjoy our life and environment, and the people in it. We can be creative, learn, try new
things, and take risks. We are better able to cope with difficult times in our personal and
professional lives. We feel the sadness and anger that can come with the death of a
loved one, a job loss or relationship problems and other difficult events, but in time, we
are able to get on with and enjoy our lives once again.
Module 2: Ballet
Origins and history of ballet
Ballet originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century. Noblemen and women
were treated to lavish events, especially wedding celebrations, where dancing and music created
an elaborate spectacle. Dancing masters taught the steps to the nobility, and the court participated
in the performances. In the 16th century, Catherine de Medici — an Italian noblewoman, wife of
King Henry II of France and a great patron of the arts — began to fund ballet in the French court.
Her elaborate festivals encouraged the growth of ballet de cour, a program that included dance,
decor, costume, song, music and poetry.
Fundamental techniques and vocabulary

Aspects of ballet technique include alignment, which refers to keeping the head, shoulders, and hips
vertically aligned. Turnout refers to completing movements with legs rotated outward; this promotes
clean footwork, graceful port de bras (movement of the arms), and correct body positions, lines and
angles. Other aspects of ballet technique include posture, toe pointing, keeping shoulders down, and
pulling up, which combines proper posture and lifting of the muscles to increase turnout and
enhance alignment and thus improve the quality of turns. Ballet technique is also used to exhibit
ballon, the appearance of gravity-defying lightness, during leaps. Pointe technique is the part of
ballet technique concerned with dancing on the tips of fully extended feet.
Famous ballets and renowned ballet dancers
Module 3: Contemporary Dance
Origins and development of contemporary dance
Characteristics and styles of movement
Influential choreographers and notable contemporary dance performances
Module 4: Hip Hop Dance
History and evolution of hip hop dance
Elements of hip hop dance style (popping, locking, breaking)
Influential hip hop dancers and iconic hip hop performances

Module 5: Latin Dance
Overview of popular Latin dance styles (Salsa, Bachata, Merengue)
Cultural roots and regional variations
Basic steps and partner work in Latin dance
Module 6: Traditional Folk Dance
Exploration of traditional folk dances from various cultures
Cultural significance and rituals associated with folk dance
Examples of folk dances from different regions around the world
Module 7: Jazz Dance
Origins and development of jazz dance
Key characteristics and techniques
Famous jazz dancers and notable jazz dance routines
Assessment:
Self-assessment questions after each module to check understanding and retention of key
concepts
Final quiz to test overall knowledge of different types of dance
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance https://medium.com/@ksittiealmirah/importance-of-
cultural-dance-c4bde8678353#:~:text=Cultural%20Dance%20is%20really%20important,the
%20stories%20behind%20their%20dance.
https://www.performingdancearts.ca/importance-self-expression-through-dance/#:~:text=Dance
%20is%20a%20way%20for,%2C%20leaps%2C%20and%20unique%20footwork.
https://cmhato.org/understanding-mental-health/benefits-of-good-mental-health/#:~:text=Just
%20as%20physical%20fitness%20helps,new%20things%2C%20and%20take%20risks.
https://pbt.org/learn-and-engage/resources-audience-members/ballet-101/brief-history-ballet/
#:~:text=Ballet%20originated%20in%20the%20Italian,court%20participated%20in%20the
%20performances. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballet_technique#:~:text=Aspects%20of
%20ballet%20technique%20include,body%20positions%2C%20lines%20and%20angles.
Recommended videos of dance performances showcasing each dance style
Suggested books and online resources for further exploration
Delivery Method:
This self-instructional material can be accessed asynchronously, allowing learners to progress

through the modules at their own pace. Each module will consist of text-based content
supplemented with images, videos, and links to dance performances to enhance the learning
experience.

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Title: Exploring the World of Dance: An Introduction to Different Types of Dance

Objective: This self-instructional material aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various

Module 1: Introduction to Dance

Dance is an art form, often classified as a sport, consisting of sequences of body

An important distinction is to be drawn between theatrical and participatory dance

Benefits of dance for physical and mental well-being

Fundamental techniques and vocabulary

Famous ballets and renowned ballet dancers

Module 3: Contemporary Dance

Origins and development of contemporary dance

Characteristics and styles of movement

Influential choreographers and notable contemporary dance performances

Module 4: Hip Hop Dance

History and evolution of hip hop dance

Elements of hip hop dance style (popping, locking, breaking)

Influential hip hop dancers and iconic hip hop performances

Overview of popular Latin dance styles (Salsa, Bachata, Merengue)

Cultural roots and regional variations

Basic steps and partner work in Latin dance

Module 6: Traditional Folk Dance

Exploration of traditional folk dances from various cultures

Cultural significance and rituals associated with folk dance

Examples of folk dances from different regions around the world

Module 7: Jazz Dance

Origins and development of jazz dance

Key characteristics and techniques

Famous jazz dancers and notable jazz dance routines

Recommended videos of dance performances showcasing each dance style

Suggested books and online resources for further exploration

This self-instructional material can be accessed asynchronously, allowing learners to progress

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