The Role of Rhythm and Purpose of Dance

Introduction to Dance

• Highlights the natural rhythm present in the universe.
• Rhythm is perceived as sound in music and movement in dance.
• Rhythm is integral to human expression.
• Dance involves rhythmic body movement, often accompanied by music.
• Dance serves to express ideas or emotions.
• Dance helps release energy.
• Dance can be a source of joy.
• While dance originates from a natural impulse, it becomes an expressive art through performance skill.

Brief History of Dance

• Pre-historic era: dance was used for rituals and storytelling.
• Medieval Period: dance took on religious significance in some areas, but was frowned upon in others.
• Ancient Civilizations: cultures incorporated dance in ceremonies, myths, and dramas.
• Renaissance: dance flourished and led to formalized styles like ballet.
• Modern Era: dance diversified into genres like modern, jazz, hip-hop, etc., and its evolution reflected shifting cultural changes.

Dance and Music

• They have served as partners in rituals.
• They unite communities through rhythm and expression.
• Both share a strong connection through rhythm, a fundamental element in both.
• Dance is rooted in human history.
• It likely originated during primitive times as part of ritualistic practices.
• Ritualistic practices include appeasing nature spirits or marking rites of passage.

Dance as Ritual

• In ancient civilizations, dancing before the gods forms an important part of temple rituals.
• In Egypt, priests and priestesses performed stately movement.
• In Egyptian Funerals, women dance to express the grief of mourners.
• In Greek shrines, dance was performed in games at Olympia
• Choros is a dance, performed in a circle in honor of a god.
• In India, priestesses in Hindu temples have formalized hand movements known as Bharata Natyam.

Dance as Ecstasy

• Dance is associated with uninhibited expression and heightened emotions.
• Emotions are often fueled by rhythmic music and celebratory substances like alcohol.

Dance as Entertainment and Display

• Traces back to ancient Egyptian paintings around 1400 BC.
• Paintings showcase scantily clad dancers accompanied by musicians.
• Represents pleasure in this world and the afterlife.

Rhythm

• The measure of movement or variation.
• Characterized by the regular recurrence or alternation of elements or features.
• These include sounds, beats, and patterns.
• In sounds, rhythm is present in songs and musical instruments.
• In beats, rhythm is present through dance, as dancers move in accordance with the rhythm of the music.
• In patterns, rhythm is visually observed in painting, designs, and sculpture.

Dance

• A rhythmic succession of body movements usually set with music as accompaniment.
• Functions as a form of communication.
• Pertains to a definite set of movements performed on a definite music.

Key Characteristics of Dance

• Expression of emotions
• Uses the body as a medium for non-verbal communication.
• Conveys both feelings and emotions.
• Rhythmic movements
• Involves a flow or succession of rhythmic body movements.
• Musical accompaniment
• Most dances are performed with music.
• Some ritual dances use alternative sounds like foot tapping, bells, or other natural instruments.

Total Bodily Movements

• Dancing involves proper projection of the face.
• Proper projection involves the emotion required for the dance.
• The expression of the dancer's face should complete each performance.

Phases of Dance Education Program

• Phase 1: Awareness and Appreciation
• Focus on the fundamental techniques and movement patterns for various dance forms.
• Purpose is to develop student's technical proficiency, body alignment, coordination, and rhythm.
• Phase 2: Skill Development
• Focus on learning the fundamental techniques and movement patterns for various dance forms.
• Purpose is to develop student's technical proficiency, body alignment, coordination, and rhythm.
• Phase 3: Creative Expression
• Focus on using dance as a tool, storytelling, emotional expression, and creativity.
• Purpose is to foster originality and artistic expression by allowing learners to choreograph routines.
• Purpose is to foster originality and artistic expression by allowing learners to improvise.
• Phase 4: Performance and Presentation
• The final phase involves preparing and showcasing dance routines.
• Emphasizes stage presence and performance skills.
• Purpose is to build confidence and collaboration.
• Purpose is to build audience engagement.
• Purpose is to develop the ability to critically evaluate dance.

Elements of Dance: Major

• Body
• Action
• Space
• Time
• Energy

Elements of Dance: Minor

• Dynamics
• Relationships
• Structure
• Context

Major Elements of Dance

• Body
• The instrument of the dance; i.e., posture, shapes, and movements.
• Action
• The steps, gestures, and movements performed.
• Space
• The area in which the dance occurs.
• Includes direction, level, and pathway.
• Time
• Rhythm, tempo, and timing of the dance.
• Energy:
• The quality of movement (e.g., sharp, fluid, sustained).

Minor Elements of Dance

• Dynamics
• The intensity and variations in movements.
• Relationship
• Interaction between dancers, props, or the audience.
• Structure:
• The organization of movements within a dance routine.
• Context
• The cultural, social, or historical backdrop of the dance.

Various Dance Forms

• Ballet began in the Italian Renaissance.
• Was later refined in France and Russia.
• Known for its elegance, precision, and grace.
• Dancers perform structured movements such as pirouettes, pliés, and jetés.
• Usually tells a story or expresses emotion via choreograph sequences.
• Modern Dance emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Was born as rebellion against classical ballet.
• Focuses on self-expression, fluidity, and freedom of movement.
• Rejects rigid techniques of ballet.
• Incorporates natural movements.
• Often performed barefoot to emphasize connection with the ground.
• Jazz is rooted in African American culture.
• Was influenced by jazz music in the early 20th century.
• Features high-energy movements, syncopated rhythms, and improvisation.
• Includes styles like Broadway jazz, street jazz, and lyrical jazz.
• Focuses on sharp, fluid movements with isolations and dynamic transitions.
• Social/Ballroom Dance originated in the aristocratic courts of Europe and Latin America.
• Consists of partnered dances such as the Waltz, Tango, Salsa, and Cha-Cha.
• Emphasizes connection between partners and rhythmic patterns.
• Often performed at social gatherings, competitions, and events.
• Hip-Hop emerged in the Bronx, New York, during the 1970s as part of hip-hop culture.
• Includes styles like breaking (breakdancing), popping, locking, and krumping.
• Focuses on freestyle, rhythm, and personal expression.
• Often performed in battles or as street performances.
• Popular Dance refers to trendy or viral dance styles.
• Gains popularity through social media, music videos, or cultural movements.
• Often simple, catchy, and easy to learn.
• Influenced by current pop culture and youth trends.
• Line Dance has roots in traditional Western and folk dances.
• Choreographed dance performed in rows or lines, without partners.
• Often involves repetitive sequences of steps set to music.
• Popular at social gatherings and events like weddings or country music festivals
• Festival Dance is performed during cultural or religious festivals.
• Represents a form of celebration and community expression.
• Reflects local traditions, stories, and beliefs.
• Features colorful costumes and lively movements.
• Common examples include the Sinulog Festival (Philippines), Carnival Samba (Brazil), and Flamenco (Spain).
• Folk Dance consist of traditional dances passed down through generations within specific cultures.
• Represents cultural identity and heritage.
• Often performed during rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations.
• Common examples include: Tinikling (Philippines), Irish Step Dance (Ireland), and Kathak (India)
• Interpretative/Contemporary Dance combines elements of modern, ballet, and theatrical dance
• Focuses on storytelling and emotional expression through abstract movements.
• Often improvisational, allowing for creative freedom.
• Is known for its ability to bridge classical techniques with innovative choreography.

Chart of Dance Forms, Characteristics, and Origin

• Ballet
• Origin: Italian Renaissance, developed in France and Russia
• Characteristics: Highly technical, emphasizes grace, balance, and flexibility
• Movement Style: Precise, controlled movements, pointe work, leaps, and turns
• Purpose/Context: Performance art, storytelling, classical and contemporary productions
• Modern Dance
• Origin: Developed in the late 19th-early 20th century as a rebellion against ballet
• Characteristics: Strict ballet techniques are rejected, movement emphasizes expression and freedom
• Movement Style: Fluid, grounded, uses gravity and natural movement
• Purpose/Context: Artistic expression, emotional storytelling
• Jazz Dance
• Origin: Rooted in African American culture, influenced by jazz music
• Characteristics: Energetic, dynamic, syncopated rhythms, isolations
• Movement Style: Sharp, fast movements, kicks, turns, body isolations
• Purpose/Context: Entertainment, musical theater, commercial dance
• Social/Ballroom Dance
• Origin: Originated in Europe and Latin America, varies by style (waltz, tango, salsa, cha-cha)
• Characteristics: Partner-based, structured steps, elegant or rhythmic
• Movement Style: Smooth, flowing or rhythmic movements depending on the style
• Purpose/Context: Social interaction, recreation, competitions
• Hip-Hop Dance
• Origin: Originated in the Bronx, NYC, in the 1970s, influenced by hip-hop culture
• Characteristics: Street-based, energetic, freestyle elements
• Movement Style: Popping, locking, breaking, freestyle improvisation
• Purpose/Context: Street culture, battles, commercial performances
• Popular Dance
• Origin: Varies by generation and music trends (e.g., TikTok dances, K-pop choreography)
• Characteristics: Trend-based, influenced by media and pop culture
• Movement Style: Simple, repetitive, accessible for mass participation
• Purpose/Context: Entertainment, social media trends
• Line Dance
• Origin: Rooted in folk and country dance, popularized in clubs and events
• Characteristics: Repetitive choreographed steps, performed in lines
• Movement Style: Simple, structured, synchronized movements
• Purpose/Context: Social events, exercise, group participation
• Festival Dance
• Origin: Tied to religious or cultural festivities (e.g., Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, Panagbenga)
• Characteristics: Cultural, celebratory, performed during festivals
• Movement Style: Varies by tradition, often colorful and theatrical
• Purpose/Context: Cultural preservation, religious or community celebrations
• Folk Dance
• Origin: Based on cultural traditions of specific regions or ethnic groups
• Characteristics: Traditional, passed through generations, reflects heritage
• Movement Style: Simple, repetitive, community-focused steps
• Purpose/Context: Cultural identity, storytelling, social gatherings
• Contemporary/Interpretative Dance
• Origin: Developed in the mid-20th century as a mix of ballet and modern dance
• Characteristics: Expressive, blends ballet, modern, and other styles
• Movement Style: Fluid, abstract, often improvisational
• Purpose/Context: Emotional storytelling, personal expression

Reasons Why People Dance

• For enjoyment.
• As a profession.
• As a form of ritual, praise, and worship to God.
• For socialization.

Performance Task

• Each group will prepare and perform a 3-5-minute dance routine.
• The routine should be based on either a popular dance or a line dance.
• Approved by the instructor.

Scoring Guide for Dance Performance

Explore rhythm's role in dance and music, moving beyond entertainment to encompass ritualistic roots. Discover dance's purposes, from honoring gods in ancient Greece to funerary rituals in Egypt. Uncover formalized hand movements and major dance elements.