Fundamental Positions in Dance

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Questions and Answers

What is the key characteristic of the 1st position of feet in folk dancing?

Feet are apart about a foot.

Heel of one foot is close to the in-step of the other.

One foot is placed forward at an angle.

Heels are close together and toes are apart. (correct)

Which arm position involves both arms raised overhead?

2nd Position

4th Position

1st Position

5th Position (correct)

How does dance contribute to physical fitness?

By enabling emotional expression.

By creating a sequence for performance.

By providing an enjoyable form of exercise. (correct)

By promoting social interaction.

What best defines dance as a form of art?

Non-verbal movement that conveys a message. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of folk dancing, what does the 3rd position of feet entail?

Heel of one foot is close to the in-step of the other. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following positions has one arm raised in front and the other overhead?

4th Position Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does dance serve within a cultural or community context?

To express ideas and emotions. Signup and view all the answers

Which fundamental position has feet apart sideward of about a foot?

2nd Position Signup and view all the answers

Which dance exemplifies a courtship dance?

Bago Quiere Signup and view all the answers

What type of dance is characterized by active, fast energetic movements?

Tinkling Signup and view all the answers

Which type of dance is performed in connection with religious vows and ceremonies?

Sua-sua Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a comic dance?

Mokonggo Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a festival dance?

Suitable for social gatherings Signup and view all the answers

Which dance is classified as a wedding dance?

Pantomina Signup and view all the answers

What type of formation is characterized by two or more pairs as a unit?

Set Formation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following dances combines multiple rhythms?

Surtido Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'pathways' refer to in dance movement?

Patterns made by the body as it moves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'duration' in the context of dance movements?

The length of time a movement is sustained Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of dance does 'energy' describe?

The quality, force, and effort of movements Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of dance is characterized as 'National Dances'?

Dances that are common throughout the islands with minimal alteration Signup and view all the answers

What does 'flow' in dance movement refer to?

The smoothness of the movement Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the degree of muscle contraction in dance?

Tension Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of dance does 'initiation' refer to?

The starting point of a movement Signup and view all the answers

What does 'locomotor movements' imply in dance classification?

Movements that involve traveling from one location to another Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the Maria Clara Dance?

It includes the use of bamboo castanets. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of dance is best known for illustrating the fiesta spirit?

Rural Dance Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of Tribal Dance?

It is essential for ceremonial and ritual purposes. Signup and view all the answers

Which dance is NOT an example of a Muslim Dance?

Binasuan Signup and view all the answers

What instrument is commonly associated with Cordillera Dance?

Bamboo flute Signup and view all the answers

Which dance step involves a 'point, close' movement pattern?

A.Ct. 1,2 = 1M Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Rural Dance attire for females?

Colorful balintawak and patadyong skirts Signup and view all the answers

In a 3/4 time signature, what is a common characteristic of the dance steps?

They emphasize the 'step, close' pattern. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fundamental Arm and Feet Positions

Feet Positions
- 1st Position: Heels together, toes apart at a 45-degree angle.
- 2nd Position: Feet apart sideward, about a foot distance.
- 3rd Position: Heel of one foot close to the instep of the other foot.
- 4th Position: One foot in front of the other, obliquely forward.
- 5th Position: Heel of one foot close to the big toes of the rear foot.
Arms Positions
- 1st Position: Arms raised in a circle in front of the chest, fingertips about an inch apart.
- 2nd Position: Arms raised sideward with a graceful curve, slightly below shoulder level.
- 3rd Position: One arm raised as in 2nd position, the other arm raised overhead.
- 4th Position: One arm raised in front of the chest in a half circle, the other arm raised overhead.
- 5th Position: Both arms raised overhead.

Definition, Importance and Elements of Dance

Dance is one of the oldest art forms, believed to have been performed by tribal societies for various purposes.
Dance is the rhythmic movement of the body, usually accompanied by music, within a given space.
The purpose of dance is to express ideas or emotions, release energy, or simply enjoy the movement.
Dance is considered a performing art that uses non-verbal movement to create form, order, or a statement.
Dance transcends function and becomes a form of communication.

Importance of Dance

Dance is a way to connect with others emotionally and build relationships.
It promotes physical fitness and lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
Dance provides opportunities for social interaction and making new friends.
It offers relaxation and enjoyment, providing relief from stress.
It fosters creativity, imagination, and self-expression.

Elements of Dance

Space: The area covered by dance movements, encompassing shape, level, directions, and pathways.
- Pathways: Patterns created by the body as it moves through space (diagonal, zigzag, circle, etc.).
- Shape: The design of the body as it exists in space.
- Directions: Forward, backward, sideways, up, down, etc.
- Level: The distance from the floor (high, medium, low).
Time: Speed, duration, and rhythm of movement.
- Rhythmic pattern: Regular recurrence of sound or motion.
- Speed: How fast or slow the movement is.
- Duration: The length of time a movement is sustained.
- Timing: The placement of movements in time.
- Relationships: The connection of movements to each other.
- Accent: Emphasis placed on specific movements.
Energy: The quality, force, and effort of movement.
- Tension: The degree of muscle contraction.
- Attack: The force with which a movement begins.
- Flow: The smoothness of the movement.
- Weight: The heaviness or lightness of the movement.
- Force: The strength or power of the movement.
Body: The different parts of the body, shapes, and base.
- Parts of the body: Different body parts used during performance.
- Patterns: Shapes, lines, and designs created by the body.
- Systems: How different body parts work together.
- Body shapes: Outline and form of the body.
- Initiation: The starting point of a movement.
- Inner body: Core, responsible for stability and strength.
Action: Locomotor and non-locomotor movements.
- Laban Effort Actions: A system of movement analysis that examines the body's efforts, considering flow, weight, time, and space.
- Traveling: Moving from one place to another.
- Axial: Movement happening around a central axis.

Classification of Folk Dances

Geographical Classification
- National Dances: Found throughout the islands with minimal variations (e.g., Rigodon, Cariñosa, Jota, Balitaw, Pandanggo).
- Local Dances: Found in specific localities (e.g., Tinikling – Leyte, Maglalatik - Binyang, Subli - Batangas, Biniganbigat - Abra).
Nature
- Occupational: Depicting actions of specific occupations or human labor (e.g., Planting, Harvesting, Pounding, Winnowing, Pabirik, Mananguete).
- Religious or Ceremonial: Performed during religious vows and ceremonies (e.g., Dugsu, Sua-sua, Putong, Sta.Clarang Pinung-pino).
- Comic Dances: Depicting funny movements for entertainment (e.g., Kimbo-kimbo, Mokonggo, Kinoton, Itik-itik).
- Game Dances: Include playful elements (e.g., Lubi –lubi, Pavo).
- Wedding Dances: Performed during wedding feasts (e.g., Panasahan, Pantomina).
- Courtship Dances: Depicting lovemaking (e.g., Tadek - Daling-daling, Hele-hele, Bago Quiere, Maramion).
- Festival Dances: Suitable for special occasions or social gatherings (e.g., Pandanggo, Habanera, Jota, Surtido).
- War Dances: Depicting imaginary combat or duel (e.g., Maglalatik, Sagayan, Palu-palo).
Movements
- Active (fast energetic movements): (e.g., Tinkling, Maglalatik, Sakuting, Polkabal).
- Moderate: (e.g., Carinosa, Tgala, Purpuri, Habanera).
- Slow: (e.g., Pasakat, AmorosaTiliday, Kundiman).
- Slow and Fast: (e.g., Putritos, Ba- Ingles, Habanera Botolena, Alcamfor).
Formation
- Square Quadrille: (e.g., Rigodo, Los Bailes de Ayer).
- Long Formation (two or more parallel lines): (e.g., Lulay, Sakuting).
- Set: Consisting of two or more pairs as a unit, partners facing each other or standing side by side (e.g., Binadyong, Haplik, Kakawati).
Special Classifications
- Dances with Songs: (e.g., Abaruray, Manag Biday, Lulay, Rogelia, Lawiswis Kawayan).
- Old Ballroom Dances: (e.g., Polka, Mazurka, Chotis, Valse).
- Dances with Implements: (e.g., Maglalatik, Sakuting, La Jota Moncadena, Tinikling, Salakot).
- Dances of Combined Rhythm: (e.g., Surtido, Pantomina, Los Bayles de Ayer).

Types of Philippine Folk Dances

Maria Clara Dance: Named after the female protagonist in Jose Rizal's novel; influenced by Spanish culture but "Filipinized" with elements like bamboo castanets and banico (e.g., La Jota, Paseo de Iloilo).
Rural Dance: Represents the festive spirit and love of life in the Philippines; features colorful traditional clothing (e.g., Binasuan, Tinikling).
Muslim Dance: Reflects Arab and Indo-Malaysian influences, characterized by vivid colors and rhythmic movements (e.g., Singkil, Vinta).
Tribal Dance: Ceremonial and ritual dances performed "for the gods," often with traditional musical instruments (e.g., Udol, Mandaya).
Cordillera Dance: Celebrates victories, festivals, and religious rituals, often using instruments like the nose flute, bamboo guitar, drums, and wooden sticks (e.g., Uya - uy).
Basic Dance Steps in 2/4 Time Signature: Explores the rhythm and pattern of various steps in 2/4 time signature.
Basic Dance Steps in 3/4 Time Signature: Explores the rhythm and pattern of various steps in 3/4 time signature.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental positions of arms and feet in dance, covering the five essential placements for each. Understanding these positions is crucial for any dancer as they form the foundation for various dance movements and styles. Test your knowledge of these fundamental elements!