Introduction to Dance History and Nature

Introduction to Dance

• Dance is primarily an art form characterized by body movement.

Nature and History of Dance

• Distinction between dance and athletics: Dance emphasizes aesthetics and entertainment.
• Origin of dance traced to early communication gestures.
• Ancient Egypt utilized dance for religious expression.
• In Ancient Greece, dance served as a component of military education; grace in dance was equated with prowess in battle.
• In the Philippines, dance expressed tribal unity and was an approach for courtship.

Benefits of Dance

• Noted by Wayne Sleep: Dance provides joy, uplifts the spirit, strengthens the body, and stimulates the mind.
• Physical Benefits: Enhances muscular and cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, coordination, balance, and body composition. Aids joint mobility, helps prevent osteoporosis, and reduces cardiovascular disease risk.
• Mental/Emotional Benefits: Keeps the brain sharp, lowers dementia and Alzheimer’s risk, reduces depressive symptoms, boosts self-esteem, and improves body image. Helps in emotional tension release.
• Social Benefits: Fosters a sense of belonging, encourages positive interactions, and enhances self-actualization in society.
• Cultural Benefits: Promotes and preserves cultural values.

Elements of Dance

• Space: The occupied area of performance can be divided into:
  • Direction: Movement can be forward, backward, diagonal, circular, etc.
  • Size: Varied movement sizes from small to large.
  • Level: Movements can be high, medium, or low.
  • Focus: Changes in performers' visual focus during performance.
• Timing: Movements vary in tempo, aligned with rhythm (beat or pulse).
• Bodily Shapes: Configuration of body parts can be rounded, angular, wide, narrow, symmetrical, or asymmetrical.
• Group Shapes: Arrangements of dancers in different configurations viewed as a total picture.
• Dance Energies: Movements driven by energy; diverse energy types prevent monotony in performances.

Six Qualities of Dance Energies

• Sustained: Smooth, continuous movements lacking a clear start or end.
• Percussive: Explosive and sharp movements with clear beginnings and endings.
• Vibratory: Trembling or shaking movements, faster than percussive, creating a jittery effect.
• Swinging: Movements following curved lines, relaxed under gravity, then applying energy upward.
• Suspended: Movements appear to hover or 'hang' in space (e.g., a raised leg).
• Collapsing: Tension gradually or abruptly released, allowing the body to descend to the ground, with varying speeds.

Explore the fascinating world of dance through its historical and aesthetic dimensions. This quiz covers the evolution of dance from its communicative roots in ancient cultures to its role as a form of artistic expression. Test your knowledge on the influences and significance of dance in various civilizations.