Rhythmic Activities and Movement Fundamentals

Study Notes

Elements of Rhythm:
- Beat/Pulse: determines the time signature of music or movement.
- Measure: refers to the number of beats.
- Rhythmic Pattern: known as the "soul of the groove" and defines the rhythm's character.
- Phrasing: refers to the number of measures.
- Accent: emphasis placed on a particular rhythmic detail.
- Tempo: how fast or slow a piece of music is performed, measured in beats per minute (BPM).
- Intensity: the heaviness or lightness of the music.

Direction: the path of movement, such as forward, backward, sideward, diagonal, upward, or a combination of these.
Level: the height of the movement, categorized as high, low, or medium.
Range: the area covered by the body during movement.
Floor Pattern: the path or design created by movement in space.

Time Qualities: includes tempo, rhythm, and duration.
Force Qualities: pertains to the amount of energy and effort used in movements, categorized as strong, light, sudden, sustained, or flowing.
Space Qualities: refers to the shape, size, and direction of movement, including factors like direction, level, and range.

Locomotor Movements: used to move the body from one place to another or project the body upward. Examples include walking, running, hopping, skipping, jumping, leaping, galloping, sliding, and chassé
Non-Locomotor Movements: do not involve moving the body from one place to another.
- Flexion: bending or shortening of a body part at a joint.
- Extension: straightening a body part at a joint.
- Arm Shoulder Circling: involves rotating the arms forward, backward, or in both directions.
- Pendular: swinging or swaying arms forward, backward, or sideward.
- Percussive: striking, hitting, pushing, or pulling.
- Vibratory: shaking or beating.
- Sustained: slow, smooth, flowing movements.
- Suspended: a sharp movement followed by slow movements.

Manipulative Skills: involve object handling and develop dexterity. Examples include catching, throwing, dribbling, kicking, and striking.

Creative Rhythms: also known as fundamental rhythms or natural dances, are often spontaneous and improvisational. Encourage exploration and expression.
Folk/Ethnic Dance: cultural dances passed down through generations, representing traditions and heritage.
Social and Ballroom Dance: formal dances held in the evenings for social gatherings, emphasizing etiquette and specific dance styles.
Recreational Dance: includes dances like mixers, square dances, rounds, and couple dances, emphasizing fun and participation.

Beat or Pulse: This determines the time signature of a piece of music or movement.
Measure: Represents the number of beats within a specific musical section.
Rhythmic Pattern: Creates the unique groove or character of the rhythm.
Phrasing: Refers to the arrangement of measures within a musical composition.
Accent: Emphasis placed on specific rhythmic details for effect.
Tempo: Describes how fast or slow a piece of music is performed.
Intensity: Defines the heaviness or lightness of the music.

Direction: The line of movement, such as forward, backward, sideward, diagonal, upward, or a combination.
Level: Indicates the height of movement, either high, low, or medium.
Range: Refers to the area covered by the body during movement.
Floor Pattern: The path or design created while moving in space.

Time Qualities: Refers to the duration, tempo, and rhythm of movements.
Force Qualities: Focuses on the strength, weight, and intensity of movements.
Space Qualities: Includes the direction, level, and range of movements.

Locomotor Movements: Used to move the body from one place to another, including:
- Walking
- Running
- Jumping
- Leaping
- Hopping
- Galloping
- Sliding
- Skipping
Non-Locomotor Movements: Do not move the body from one place to another, including:
- Flexion: Bending or shortening a body part at a joint.
- Extension: Straightening or extending a body part.
- Arm Shoulder Circling: Circular movements of the arms, forward or backward.
- Pendular: Swinging or swaying movements.
- Percussive: Striking, hitting, pushing, or pulling movements.
- Vibratory: Shaking or beating movements.
- Sustained: Slow, smooth, and flowing movements.
- Suspended: Sharp movements followed by slow movements.
Manipulative Skills: Involve object handling and develop coordination and dexterity.

Creative Rhythms: Also known as fundamental rhythms or natural dances, these involve exploring movement and rhythm through improvisation.
Folk/Ethnic Dance: Cultural art forms passed down through generations, reflecting traditions and heritage.
Social & Ballroom Dance: Formal dances held in the evenings, emphasizing etiquette and social interaction.
Recreational Dance: Includes various dance forms for leisure and enjoyment, like mixer dances, square dances, and round dances.