PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH 3

NATURE AND
BACKGROUND OF THE
DIFFERENT DANCES
 The Nature and Background
of the Different Dances

Dance refers to movement set to music

where there emerges organization,
structure and pattern. It is a composition
that implies arrangement of parts into a
form.
Dancing is a means of expressing one’s
emotions through movement disciplined by
rhythm. It is an act of moving rhythmically
and expressively to an accompaniment. The
word dancing came from an old German
word “danson” which means to “stretch”.
Essentially, all dancing is made up of
stretching and relaxing.
 PHASES OF THE DANCE PROGRAM
1. Creative Rhythms
Creative rhythms are sometimes called
fundamental rhythms or natural dances. It is
an end product of exploration and
improvisation of movements as children learn
to move the parts of their body and to use
them as instruments of expression.
2. Folk/Ethnic Dance
It is a cultural art form handed down from
generation to generations. It communicates the
customs, beliefs, rituals, and occupations of the people
of a region or country. Folk dancing belongs to the
people. It emanates from them. Ethnic tribes have their
specific tribal art forms originated and danced by the
people of the tribe.
3. Social and Ballroom Dance
The setting of the social and ballroom dance is a
social gathering with the more formal atmosphere
than the simple and informal parties in which the
recreational dances are the usual forms. Social and
ballroom dancing are generally held in the
evenings. The participants are usually in formal
attire.
4. Recreational Dance
It includes dance mixers, square dance round and
couple dances. Many of these dances have simple
patterns and combinations of walking steps, polka
step and the waltz step. The setting is usually
informal gatherings and parties, reunions etc.
5. Creative Dance
It is the highest form of dance. It is the end-product of
exploration and improvisation of movements as the
dancer or the choreographer expresses his feelings or
emotions, ideas, and interpretations. This is a dance with a
definite form, a beginning and an ending. The principles
of art form are all observed in the composition of the
dance.
 FUNDAMENTAL DANCE POSITIONS
There are five fundamental or basic positions in dance that are commonly
termed as 1st position, 2nd position, 3rd position, 4th position, and 5th position of
the feet and arms.

1st position
Feet: Heels close together, toes apart with an angle of about 45 degrees.
Arms: Both arms raised in a circle in front of chest with the finger tips
about an inch apart.
2nd position
Feet: Feet apart sideward of about a pace distance.
Arms: Both raised sideward with a graceful curve at shoulder level.
3rd position
Feet: Heel of one foot close to in-step of other foot.
Arms: One arm raised in front as in 2nd position; other arm raised
upward.
4th position
Feet: One foot in front of other foot of a pace distance.
Arms: One arm raised in front as in 1st position; other arm raised
overhead.
5th position
Feet: Heel of front foot close to big toe of rear foot.
Arms: Both arms raised overhead.
The Basic Natural Movements
1.Locomotor movements - are those that
move the body in space in any direction
with the feet as the moving base.
Examples: walking, running, jumping,
hopping, skipping, leaping, galloping and
sliding
The Basic Natural Movements
2. Non-locomotor - are those in which
various parts of the body move in space
with a fixed base. The base may be
standing, kneeling, sitting or lying.
 Non-locomotor movements
1. Flexion - Bending or shortening of a body part, specifically
at a joint.
2. Extension - Straightening or lengthening of a body part at
a joint, which increases the angle between body parts
(opposite of flexion). It does not typically refer to "turning,
twisting, or circling.“
3. Pendular - A swinging or swaying movement of body parts
like the arms or legs. This movement often mimics the
motion of a pendulum, where gravity pulls the body part
back and forth in a smooth, flowing way.
 Non-locomotor movements

4. Percussive - Movements that involve striking, hitting, or

abrupt force. This can include pushing, pulling, and other
sudden or explosive actions. Percussive movements are quick,
sharp, and often have a staccato rhythm.

5. Vibratory - Rapid shaking or quivering of body parts, like

trembling or vibrating movements. It involves fast, repetitive
movements, creating a sense of energy.
 Non-locomotor movements
6. Sustained - A slow, smooth, and continuous movement
where the energy is evenly distributed throughout. There is
no abrupt stop, and the flow remains consistent from start to
finish.

7. Suspended - A movement that involves a sense of defying

gravity, typically reaching a peak and then momentarily
"hanging" before descending. It often combines sharp
initiation with a prolonged sense of being held in space.
 Values of dancing
1.Physical fitness
2.Cultural
3.Social
4.Recreational
 PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES
These are traditional dances of a country
which were evolved naturally and
spontaneously in connection with everyday
activities and experiences of the people who
developed them.(Tinikling. Sayaw sa bangko,
the binasuan, the pandanggo sa ilaw,
maglalatik)
 TYPES OF FOLK DANCES:
National Folk Dances
These are traditional dances that are widely known and
performed across an entire country. They often represent the
cultural identity and heritage of a nation.

Example:
Rigodon: A traditional Spanish dance that became popular in
the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. It is performed
in formal events and often symbolizes elegance and grace.
 TYPES OF FOLK DANCES:
Regional Folk Dances
These dances originate from specific regions or provinces
within a country. They reflect the local traditions, customs, and
way of life in that area and may differ widely from region to
region, even within the same country.

Examples:
Tinikling (Philippines): A well-known Filipino dance from the
Visayan region, involving dancers skillfully stepping between
rapidly moving bamboo poles.
 TYPES OF FOLK DANCES:
Character Folk Dances
These are dances created by individuals or groups to
represent a particular theme, character, or story. Character folk
dances often involve stylized movements and can depict people,
animals, or situations.

Examples:
Sayaw sa Bangko (Philippines): A dance where performers
balance on narrow benches, demonstrating agility and grace. It
represents playful courtship.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES:

In general, dancers stand apart.

There is little, if any, bodily contact.
Most of the dances are done by pairs or couples.
Hand movements play an important part.
Most dances are in long formation.
Most dances begin and end with “saludo.”
Dances from the lowlands have more foreign elements
those found in the uplands.
War dances are found among non-Christian tribes.
 CLASSIFICATION
OF
PHILIPPINE DANCES
 GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

A. Geographical extent of origin

1.National dances-found throughout the islands with little or no
modification
Examples: Rigodon, Carinosa, Jota, Balitaw, Pandanggo.

2. Local dances-found in a certain locality.

Examples: Tinikling-Leyte, Maglalatik-Binyang, Esperanza-
Nabua, Subli-Batangas, Biniganbigat-Abra
B.Nature
1. Occupational-depicting action of certain occupation, industry, or human
labor.
Examples: Planting, Harvesting, Pounding, Winnowing, Pabirik,
Mananguete,
2. Religious or Ceremonial – performed in connection with religious vows and
ceremonies.
Examples: Dugsu, Sua – sua, Putong, Sta. Clarang Pinong-pino, etc.
3. Comic dances – depicting funny movements for entertainment.
Examples: Kimbo – kimbo Makonggo, Kinoton
4. Game dances – with play elements (dance mixers)
Examples: Lubi – lubi, Pavo
 5. Wedding dances – performed during wedding feast.
Examples: Panasahan, etc.
6. Courtship dances – depicting love making.
Examples: Hele – hele, Bago Quiere, Maramion, Tadek,
Daling – daling
7. Festival dances – suitable for special occasion or any social
gathering.
Examples: Pandanggo, Habanera, Jota, Surtido
8. War dances: showing imaginary combat or duel.
Examples: Sagayan, Palu-palo, etc.
C. Movements
1. Active – with fast energetic movements.
Examples: Tinikling, Maglalatik, Sakuting, Polkabal, etc.
2. Moderate
Examples: Cariñosa, Tagala, Habanera, Purpuri, etc.
3. Slow
Examples: Pasakat, Amorosa, Tiliday, Kundiman, etc.
4. Slow and Fast
Examples: Putritos, Ba-Ingles, Habanera Botoleña,
Alcamfor, etc.
 D. Formation
1. Square or Quadrille - Examples: Rigodon, Los
Bailes de Ayer, etc.
2. Long formation (two or more parallel lines) -
Examples: Lulay, Sakuting
3. Set – consisting of two or more pairs as a unit,
partners facing each other or standing side by
side. - Examples: Binadyong, Haplik,
Kakawati, etc.
Special Classification
Group dances having special distinctive features.
1. Dances with Songs
Examples: Aburaray, Manang Biday, Lulay, Rogelia, Lawiswis
Kawayan, etc.
2. Old Ballroom Dances
Examples: Polka, Mazurka Chotis, Valse, etc.
3. Dances with Implements
Examples: Maglalatik, Sakuting, Jota Moncadena, Tinikling,
Salakot,
4. Dances of Combined Rhythm
Examples: Surtido, Pantomina, Los Bailes de Ayer
 Factors Affecting Folk Dances
1. Geographical location
2.Economic conditions
3.Climatic conditions
4.Customs and traditions
Do’s in Folk Dancing
1. Dance in a natural, simple and direct manner.
2.Dance with ease and smoothness.
3.Use the proper costume for the dance.
4.Follow directions and dance instructions as closely as
possible.
5.Dance with feeling and expression.
Don’ts’s in Folk Dancing
1. Do not exaggerate the dance steps.
2.Do not make the dances too dainty and graceful like
ballet.
3.Don’t make entrance and exit long.
4. Don’t make steps too elaborate and complicated.
5.Don’t call a dance a folk dance unless steps come from
traditional dances.
 COMMON DANCE TERMS
Arms in lateral position – Both arms are at one side either
right or left, at shoulder, chest or waist level.
Brush – Weight on one foot, hit the floor with the ball or heel
of the other foot and lift that foot from the floor to any
direction.
Crossed Arms – Partners facing each other or standing side by
side join their left hands together and the right hands together;
either right over left or left over right hands.
Cut – To displace quickly one foot with the other.
 COMMON DANCE TERMS
Do-si-do – Partners advance forward, pass each other’s right
(left) side, step across to the right move backwards without
turning around, pass each other left side to proper places.
Hayon-hayon – To place one forearm in front and the other
at the back of the waist.
Hop – A spring from one-foot landing on the same foot in
place or in any direction.
Jaleo – Partners turn around clockwise (with right elbows
almost touching) or counterclockwise (with left elbows almost
touching) using walking or any kind of dance step.
Jump – A spring on one foot or both feet landing on both
feet in any direction.
Kumintang – moving the hand from the wrist either in a
clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
Leap – A spring from one-foot landing on the other foot
in any direction.
Place – To put foot in a certain position without putting
weight on it.
Pivot – To turn with the ball, heel or whole foot on a fixed
place or point.
Point – Touch the floor lightly with the toes of one foot,
weight of the body on the other foot.
Masiwak – To turn the hand from the wrist half-way
clockwise then raise and lower wrist once or twice. This is an
Ibanag term.
Panadyak – To stamp in front or at the side with the right
foot and tap with same foot close to the left foot. This is a
Tagalog term.

Patay – To bend the head downward and to support

the forehead with the R forearm or with the crook of the
R elbow while the left hand supports lightly the palm of
the right hand. This is usually done with the left foot
pointing in rear and knees slightly bent. This is an
Ilocano term and the movement is commonly found in
Ilocano dances.
Salok – To swing the arm downward-upward passing in front of the body
as if scooping, the trunk is bent following the movement of the arm doing
the salok.
This is a Tagalog term.
Saludo – Partners bow to each other, to the audience, opposite dancer
or to the neighbors with feet together. This is of Spanish origin and is used
in almost all Philippine dances.
Sarok – Cross the R foot in front of the L, bend the body slightly
forward and cross the hands down in front of the R hand over the L. This
a Visayan term.
 Slide – To glide foot smoothly along the
floor. The movement may be finished with
or without transfer of weight.
Stamp – To bring the foot forcibly and
noisily on the floor with or without transfer
of weight.
Tap – To rap slightly with the ball or toe of the
free foot, flexing the ankle joint keeping weight
of the body on the other foot. There is no change
or transfer of weight.

Whirl – To make fast turns by executing small

steps in place to right or left.