PE & HEALTH12
Art Dance: Ballet and Modern SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Lesson 1:Ballet Dance
Brief History
Ballet was taken from the Italian word “ballare”, meaning to dance, and “ballo”, referring to dances
performed in a ballroom. It started as a performance in the royal court where the male servants would
execute a movement related to the course they are serving during a court dinner. It was in the 15th
century during the Renaissance period when ballet began in Italy. From Italy, Catherine de Medici
(Queen of France) brought it to her country which marked the staging of ballet and further developed
at the French courts during the 16th century. In 1672, ballet then also became a profession. Ballet in
the French courts became so popular that it spread and influenced the entire Europe. Many of the
features that we see in ballet today began only during the Romantic era in the 19th century. Ballet was
imported to Russia during the country’s first period of Westernization when many European fashions,
including dance, were emulated. The end of the 19th century gave birth to classical ballet in Russia
where it rapidly grew in popularity. Ballet and the arts in general experienced an enormous change
during the 20th century. This was due to the Russian Revolution, World Wars, and liberation of
women. It was also in this time that ballet reached in the United States. The American colonization
paved the way for the introduction of classical ballet in the Philippines. Although ballet in the
Philippines started a little later compared to European and Western countries, it does not fall far
behind when it comes to producing world-class ballet performances. Several ballet companies such as
Ballet Philippines and Ballet Manila have prospered and are recognized internationally. They also
have trained and produced dancers of international caliber.
Ballet today has become multifaceted and several of its forms are linked together to create what is
now known as modern ballet. Ballet acts as backbone for many other genres of dance. It was created
from techniques that have been established over centuries. It is a type of dance compelled with
rigorous code of technical guidelines. Considering the five fundamental positions of the feet and legs
and accompanying positions of the arms and hands, one can say that the language of ballet is
objective, specific, and fix.
Nature and Characteristics:
It requires an erect spine, turned out hips, proportioned and balanced action, and carving fluid
lines.
Elevation, alignment, pointing of the foot, moving and posing of arms (port de bras), flexibility,
and lightness are the other foundations for a ballet dancer.
In classical manner, will require for an adagio (slowly), and with male and female dancers
performing together (a pas de deux) or four (quatre)
Used pantomime to clarify movement.
Have the capability to convey stories that bring an audience to another world.
Fundamental Movements:
Term Illustration Performance Tips
1. Plie Can be done in all five positions
(plee-ay) (Grand-Plie) – full bend, bend deeper and let
To bend the heels come off the ground while coming
up Straighten the knees and stand tall
(Demi-Plie)- half bend
2. Releve Begin with a demi-plie in order to push up
(ruh-leh-vay) from the floor
To rise Straighten the knees and lift the heels at the
sme time keeping the toes on the floor
3. Saute This can be done in all five positions
(soh-tay) Start in a demi-plie, execute a vertical jump
To jump into the air and end in starting position
4. Arabesque Raise one leg and extend behind the body
(ah-ra-BESK) You can use a variety of arm shapes to
harmonize with its long, extended line
5. Balance Start in releve position
(ba-iahn-SAY) Shift feet in 5th position with a rock step and
bend side
End with a deme- plie
6. Chaines Start in 1st position in a releve
(sheh-NAY) Execute a rapid traveling turns on demi-
A series of rapid pointe staying in 1st positions
turn, a chain or links
7. Changement Begin in fifth position demi-plie,
(shanzh-MAHN) Spring straight up, change the position of the
To change feet in the air
placement of heels Land with the opposite foot front in fifth
with a jump position demi-plie
8. Chasse Start in a 1st or 3rd demi-plie position
(sha-SAY) Shift the weight so the front leg slides along
A chasing the floor to 4th or 2nd position
/connecting step Pull both legs together in the air in the
chasse to the side
Both feet land together in the starting demi-
plie position
9. Developpe Lift the foot from 5th position to touch the
(dayv-law-PAY) ankle
To unfold Raise the foot to the knee in retire keeping
the hip level and not lifting with the leg
10. Jete Start in 5th position demi-plie
(zhuh-TAY) Do a degage (raise) in plie with the working
It means thrown foot, pushes off the standing leg straight up,
and then lands on the working leg with the
standing leg in a coupe position.
In Grand Jete, this step is executed by
brushing the leg high into the air, pushing off
the back leg, and performing a leap. In both
cases, this step may be executed in various
directions
Lesson 2: Modern Dance
Brief History
Modern dance developed independently in America and Germany. It was then known in Germany as
Ausdruckstanz, meaning expressive dance. Modern dance, a term to describe contemporary dance, is a
style of dancing where dancers are free to express their feelings through movements without
adhering to any rules in dance particularly that of ballet. It is a dance style that rejects many of the
strict rules of classical ballet, focusing instead on the expression of inner feelings. At the beginning of
the 20th century, a group of pioneering dancers started creating a new movement that suited the
tempo and pulse of the new century. The pioneering artists were Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, and
Ted Shawn. All of them studied ballet but found it not suitable to their temperament and movement
style. They also found it confining and rejected it. Duncan’s style of dancing emanates from the center
of the body where energy flow outward, providing impulses for actions. Her aim was to create the
classical ideals of the ancient Greeks through her dancing, putting less emphasis on theatrical effects
and focus in pure movement and the use of the body. Unlike ballet, dancers of modern dance use their
own interpretations instead of structured steps. They thrust aside classical ballet stance of an upright,
erect body, and instead often opt for deliberate falls to the floor. Beauty and ethereal qualities of the
human situation is what is mostly being emphasized in ballet, while modern dance portrays the actual
human situation as it is.
Nature and Characteristics:
Dancers are barefoot, often work with feet and legs parallel, have flexible torso, and use weight and
gravity to create movements and shapes.
The choreography uses all level and points in space, including the floor.
Dancers may be placed sideways or even with backs turned to the audience.
Explore the body in action, and give attention to choreographic materials that mirror social affairs
with potential for movement from contemporary life.
Uses minimal prop designs and costumes.
Movement are spontaneous performed by dancers in response to suggestions by the choreographer,
thus allows considerable freedom to the dancer.
Fundamental Movements:
Term Illustration Description
The dancers stands with the head and the
1. Laterals spine in alignment and the supporting foot
turned out
A torso twist that begins in the pelvis. As the
2. Spiral body turns, each level is separately
articulated all the way up the spine-pelvis,
lower spine, mid-section, shoulders , neck,
and head
Is a very high jump in a split, but although
3. Stag Leap both legs are parallel to the floor, the front leg
is bent from the knee inward. Most often the
arms are either thrust up in a V with palms
facing out and down, or one-forward, one-to-
the-side in a ninety-degree angle and palms
down
The supporting knees is slightly bent; the
4. Stag Turn other leg is up in the air and bent behind the
body. The arm on the supporting side is
thrust straight back with the palm down. The
opposite arm is thrust cleanly forward with
the palms down as the dancer turns around
Is a hop that lands in a deep second-position
5. Primitive Squat plie- the feet are turned out heel to heel and
the knees are bent
A series of moves but the basic movement
6. Flat Back makes a “tabletop” of the body. The dancer
strands in a second position- feet turned out
heel-to-heel
The dancer balances on the balls of the feet,
7. Hinge keeps a straight back and head, and sends the
knees forward as the torso tilts back and the
arms are held straight out in front
The action begins in the pelvis, and articulates
8. Contraction up the spine as the breath is exhaled. The
dancer aims to lengthen the space between
each vertebra as the move progresses to the
neck and the head, which are always in
alignment with the spine
This occurs upon inhalation and also begins in
9. Release the pelvis. The move travels up the spine in
the same order as the contraction, restoring
the torso to a straight alignment. It typically
counters the contraction
An action that tilts the breastbone up rather
10. High Release than ending with the spine and upper body in
an upright neutral position. The shoulder
blades appear to rest on a bar or shelf. The
head remains aligned with the spine and the
rib cage remains over the hips. The lower
back is not bent.
Lesson 3: Safety in Dancing
Dance may look effortless, but it requires a lot of strength, flexibility and stamina. It also comes with a
high risk of injuries. Whether you are a dancer, the parent of a dancer or a dance teacher, you should
be aware of the most common dance injuries and learn how to avoid them. Dance is a physically
demanding activity. Dancers perform repetitive movements for several hours a day. Studies have
shown that dancing five hours a day or longer leads to an increased risk of stress fractures and other
injuries. The following are to be considered in order to promote safety in dancing:
Proper Posture
Good posture is vital for control, safety, and expression. Poor posture or alignment of one part
ricochets throughout the rest of the body. The correct postural line runs from the ear lobe, the center
of the shoulder and hip, in front of the ankle, and down through the foot. The shoulders, hips, and
knees should be on the same level along the imaginary line. Dance programs usually emphasize the
importance of core stability and body awareness. However, having improper posture while dancing
may cause problems in the future and lead to some chronic injuries. The following faulty alignment in
training must be avoided:
1. weight too far back,
2. failing to turn out from the hips,
3. twisted hips,
4. feet overturning/rolling, and
5. misuse of muscle groups.
Knowing Dance-Related Injuries
There are two types of musculoskeletal injuries: acute and chronic. Acute injuries occur when the
mechanical force that is absorbed by the musculoskeletal structure is more than what it is accustomed
to. Chronic injuries occur due to repetitive trauma and the body is not given enough time to recover.
Below are common acute dance-related injuries, cause, symptoms and prevention:
Type of Injury Cause Symptom Prevention
Ankle sprain Twists the ankle after Pain at the side of the Exercises that strengthen the
a jump ankle ankle and improve balance
Dancer’s Fracture Twists the foot when Pain at the outer part Exercises that strengthen the
turning of the foot foot and improve balance
Back Strain Sudden movement of Pain and stiffness in Proper posture and technique
the trunk the low back
ACL Tear Twists the knee after Pain and weakness in Exercises that strengthen the
a jump the knee knee and improve balance
Forearm Fracture Falls on an Pain and deformity Fall on the side or buttocks
outstretched arm near the wrist
Stress Fracture Prolonged repetitive Pain at the front of Adequate rest
loading the leg
Achilles Tendonitis Excessive training Pain near the heel in Adequate rest
the morning
Patellofemoral Muscle imbalance Pain at the side of the Strengthening and flexibility
Pain Syndrome knee exercises
Plantar Fasciitis Poor foot mechanics Pain at the sole when Proper technique and footwear
and hard dance floor they take a step after
sleeping
Hip and Knee Prolonged repetitive Pain that worsen Adequate rest
Osteoarthritis loading over time
Majority of overuse injuries and even some traumatic dance injuries can be prevented. Follow
these guidelines to reduce your risk of injury:
1. Warm up thoroughly before you start dancing and include stretches.
2. Make sure that you are using the correct posture or technique.
3. Eat well and stay hydrated before, during and after dancing.
4. Get enough rest and avoid overtraining.
5. Do cross-training exercises to build strength and endurance in all parts of your body.
6. Always wear proper shoes and attire.
7. Lead a healthy lifestyle and get to know your body.
8. When injuries happen, address them immediately and get advice from a doctor or physical
therapist.
Proper Etiquette and Safety in the Use of Facilities and Equipment
Aside from precautionary measures in dance injury prevention, proper etiquette and safety in the use
of facilities and equipment in dancing has to be taken into considerations:
1. Take care in using dancing facilities and equipment. It is in good form to handle them with care and
use them solely on their purpose. This is to prevent having them misplaced, stolen or become
unnecessary clutters in the training area than can cause accidents.
2. Only use dancing equipment that you already know how to use and do not leave or pass on
equipment that is in complete disarray or dirty.
3. Be alert and aware in the dancing/training area.
4. In performing exercises and movement in general, practice good form first.
5. Bring back all equipment in place after use.
6. Do not hug the equipment.
7. Return the dancing equipment properly or leave the dance venue clean. Doing exercises in
improper form deficit it's benefits. Do not monopolize the equipment. Allow everyone a fair use of the
facilities.
8. Practice proper hygiene and care. Take a bath or a deodorant if needed. Do not force yourself to
engage in physical activity if you are feeling sick.
9. Move on the double; do not loiter around the venue or hang on the equipment doing nothing. Do not
handle it until such time the teacher/facilitator gives instructions on how to operate the said
equipment. You could break the equipment or cause harm to yourself or others.
10. Be nice, as a general rule!
