Introduction to Dance History and Nature

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.

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.

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.

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.