Introduction to Dance

Introduction to Dance

• Dance is a form of expression that can be used for recreation, entertainment, education, therapy, and religion.
• Dance is a product of intellectual effort, judged by aesthetic criteria and communicated meanings.
• Dance is different from athletics because it focuses on aesthetic and entertaining experiences.
• People dance for various reasons: to please the Gods, to please others, for self-expression, and to build community.

History of Dance

• Dance has been present in all civilizations and throughout history.
• Dance has evolved through intellectual exchange and contact between cultures.
• Dance in prehistoric times was primarily used for religious rituals, social expression, tribal unity, courtship, worship, communication, and therapeutic experiences.

Benefits of Dance

• Dance is a form of exercise and can be considered aerobic.

Physical Benefits of Dance

• Improves cardiovascular and muscular endurance, balance, coordination, flexibility, and body composition.
• Lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, lowers BMI, lowers resting heart rate, improves lipid metabolism, and enables joint mobility.
• Improves and maintains bone density, helping prevent osteoporosis.
• Helps recover coordination and neuromuscular skills following injury.

Mental and Emotional Benefits of Dance

• Sharpens the brain.
• Decreases the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
• Decreases depressive symptoms.
• Increases self-esteem and improves body image.
• Releases emotional and physical tension.

Social Benefits of Dance

• Provides a sense of belonging and togetherness within a group.
• Encourages positive social interaction and interpersonal relationships.
• Contributes to individual self-actualization in society.

Cultural Benefits of Dance

• Promotes culture by showcasing traditional dances.
• Bridges cultural gaps and helps people understand each other's lives.

Elements of Dance

• Dance uses elements of space, time, and energy.

Space

• The area where performers occupy and move around.
• Spatial elements include direction, size, level, and focus.

Timing

• Movements can be executed at different tempos (speeds).
• Performers move with the tempo of the sound, known as the beat or pulse.
• Rhythmic patterns are created when movement sequences or group phrases are performed.
• Silences and pauses also contribute to rhythmic patterns.

Dance Energies

• Dance is driven by energy or force.
• Force can initiate or stop an action.
• There are six qualities of dance energies: sustained, percussive, swinging, vibratory, collapsing, and suspended.