Understanding Rhythm, Beat, and Note Values

• Rhythm is measured motion characterized by the regular recurrence of beats, sounds, or accents, involving time, space, and energy.
• Rhythms denote an aspect of movement quality, often associated with dance.
• Rhythmic activities are physical responses to rhythm, where individuals respond physically, socially, and mentally to regular sound patterns.
• Dancing expresses emotions through rhythmically disciplined movement to accompaniment.
• The word "dancing" comes from the old German word "danson," meaning "to stretch."
• Dance refers to movements set to music with organization, structure, and pattern, implying arrangement of parts into form.
• Underlying beat is the steady, continuous sound heard or felt throughout a rhythmic sequence, sometimes called pulse beat.
• A note represents a written symbol of a musical tone indicating sound.

Note Values and Counts

• Whole Note: 4 beats (1-2-3-4)
• Half Note: 2 beats (1-2)
• Quarter Note: 1 beat (1)
• Eighth Note: ½ beat (1 and)
• Sixteenth Note: ¼ beat (1 e and ah)
• Note pattern refers to a note or set of notes, with or without rest, used for a dance step.
• Measure is the identical grouping of underlying beats between two bar lines.
• Time signature specifies the number of beats in each bar and which note value constitutes one beat.
• Rhythmic pattern is a definite grouping of sounds or beats related to the underlying beat, also called melody pattern.
• Phrasing is a group of measures that gives a feeling of unity, essential for learning and creating dances.
• Accent is the force or emphasis given to a beat in a series of pulse beats in a measure.
• Tempo is the rate of speed of movement, music, or accompaniment.
• Intensity is the quality of movement or music, referring to dynamics or force (heavy or light).

Fundamental Positions of the Arms

• 1st Position: Arms raised to a circle in front of the chest.
• 2nd Position: Arms opened sideward, raised below shoulder level with a graceful curve.
• 3rd Position: One arm raised overhead while the other remains in 2nd position.
• 4th Position: One arm raised in front of the chest in a half circle, while one arm remains overhead.
• 5th Position: Raise the arm in front of the chest in a half circle while one arm remains overhead.

Fundamental Positions of the Feet

• 1st Position: Heels close in touch, toes apart at about 45 degrees.
• 2nd Position: Feet apart sideward.
• 3rd Position: Bring heel of one foot close to the instep of the other foot.
• 4th Position: Bring heels close in touch, toes apart at about 45 degrees.
• 5th Position: Bring the heel of one foot to touch the toe of the other.

Basic Natural Movements

• Basic natural movements are classified into locomotor and non-locomotor or axial movements.
• Locomotor movements move the body in space in any direction with the feet as the moving base.

Locomotor Movements

• Walking: Moving at a moderate pace, lifting one foot while arms swing naturally; legs swing from the hips.
• Running: Moving on foot with spring steps at a rapid pace such that both feet are off the ground for an instant.
• Jumping: Springing and taking off with one foot and landing on both feet.
• Hopping: Springing on one foot and landing on the same foot.
• Skipping: Similar to hopping but bouncing lightly with alternative steps and hops.
• Leaping: Springing on one foot and landing on the other foot.
• Galloping: Moving in a continuous forward or sideward direction with one foot leading.
• Sliding: Gliding along the floor with either foot.
• Non-locomotor (Axial) movements involve various parts of the body moving in space with a fixed base (standing, kneeling, sitting, or lying).

Non-Locomotor Movements

• Flexion: Bending or shortening a body part at a joint.
• Extension: Turning, twisting, or circling.
• Arm Shoulder Circling: Circling the arms at the shoulder.
• Pendular: Swinging/swaying arms forward, backward, or sideward.
• Percussive: Striking and hitting; pushing and pulling.
• Vibratory: Shaking and beating.
• Sustained: Slow, smooth flowing movement with balance throughout the series.
• Suspended: Sharp movement followed by slow or prolonged movements until a peak is reached.

Classification of Philippines Folk Dances

• National dances are found throughout the islands (e.g., Rigodon, Carinosa, Jota).
• Local dances are specific to a locality (e.g., Tinikling-Leyte, Subli-Batangas).

Nature of Philippine Folk Dance

• Occupational dances depict actions of a particular occupation (e.g., Planting, Punding).
• Religious/Ceremonial dances are associated with religion, vows, and ceremonies (e.g., Dugsu, Suasua).
• Comic dances depict funny movements for entertainment (e.g., Kinotan, Makonggo).
• Game dances are done with play elements (e.g., Lubi-lubi, Pavo).
• Wedding dances are performed during wedding feasts (e.g., Panasahan).
• Courtship dances depict the art of courtship (e.g., Hele-hele, Tadek, Pantomina).
• Festival dances are suitable for special occasions (e.g., Pandanggo, Habanera).
• War dances show imagery of combat (e.g., Sagayan, Palu-pal).

Characteristics of Philippine Folk Dance

• Dancers generally stand apart
• There is little if any body contact
• Most dances are done by pairs or couples
• Hand movements play an important part
• Most dances are in long formation
• Most dances begin and end with a "saludo"
• Dances from lowland areas have more foreign elements than those in upland areas
• War dances are found in non-Christian tribes
• Folk dance is traditional
• Folk dance is an expressive behavior
• Simple basic rhythm dominates and establishes the pattern of movement
• The choreographer is unknown
• It performs an action in the life of folks