Physical Education and Health 3 - Dance History

History of Dance

• Dance has been an essential form of expression since prehistoric times, evolving alongside human civilization.
• Functions of dance include conveying thoughts and emotions, health communication, and competition.
• Key features of dance comprise music, movement, theme, technique, design, properties, and costumes.

Prehistoric Era

• Served as a religious ritual and social expression, reinforcing tribal unity and strength.
• The earliest form of communication through gestures was implemented in dance.

Pre-Christian Era

• Significant knowledge of dance emerged, particularly in Ancient Egypt, with records in wall paintings and hieroglyphs.
• Predominantly used for religious expression.

Ancient Greeks

• Dance was part of military education and entertainment.
• Philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates viewed dance as a vital integration of body and soul.
• Plato classified dances into noble (fine) and ignoble (imitative of ugliness).

Ancient Rome

• Dance lost significance and became brutal, associated with entertainment from slaves and captives.
• Early Christians condemned dance due to its association with corruption.

Catholic Church

• Dance underwent transformation; theatrical performances were banned but remained present in religious ceremonies.
• Became an integral part of worship and church services.

Middle Ages and Renaissance

• Marked the onset of social dancing, with peasants performing round and couple dances.
• Dance became popular within royal courts during the Early Renaissance, leading to the rise of ballet.

Reasons for Dance

• Dance serves to please gods, entertain others, provide self-expression, and foster community.

Nature of Dance in the Philippines

• Occupational Dance: Depicts lifestyles of various communities.
• Religious/Ceremonial Dance: Executed for ceremonial or ritualistic purposes.
• Comic Dance: Features humorous movements for entertainment.
• Game Dance: Incorporates playful elements.
• Wedding Dance: Performed during wedding celebrations.
• Festival Dance: Cultural dances performed to percussion rhythms, can be secular or religious.
• War Dance: Represents imagery of combat.

Benefits of Dance

• Physical:

  • Enhances cardiovascular and muscular endurance.
  • Improves coordination, balance, flexibility, and body composition.
  • Reduces cardiovascular disease risk and lowers body mass index.
  • Enhances lipid metabolism and maintains bone density, preventing osteoporosis.

• Mental/Emotional:

  • Keeps the brain sharp and reduces dementia and Alzheimer’s risk.
  • Diminishes depressive symptoms and boosts self-esteem.
  • Aids in relieving emotional and physical tension.

• Social:

  • Fosters a sense of belonging within groups.
  • Encourages positive interactions and relationships.
  • Contributes to individual self-actualization in society.

• Cultural Values:

  • Promotes cultural values and community well-being.
  • Instills self-discipline in dance pupils, leading to socially beneficial behaviors.
  • Serves as a medium to raise awareness about cultural traditions and norms.

Elements of Dance

• Body: Focuses on body parts, patterns, systems, shape, and inner self.

This quiz explores the history of dance as a vital form of human expression that has evolved alongside civilization. From its origins to its contemporary forms, dance reflects the thoughts and emotions of humanity throughout time. Review key concepts from Lesson 1 to deepen your understanding of this cultural art form.