Introduction to Dance PDF

INTRODUCTION TO DANCE  DANCE – in its purest, most basic form, dance is art, the art of body movement NATURE AND HISTORY OF DANCE Dance differs from athletics and other daily activities because it focuses primarily on an aesthetic or even enter...

INTRODUCTION TO DANCE  DANCE – in its purest, most basic form, dance is art, the art of body movement NATURE AND HISTORY OF DANCE Dance differs from athletics and other daily activities because it focuses primarily on an aesthetic or even entertaining experience. BRIEF HISTORY OF DANCE It is said that the first use of dance was a gesture in order to communicate. Ancient Egypt – as a means of religious expression Ancient Greece – as an aid to military education (Ancient Greeks believed that a man’s grace in dance equaled his prowess in battle, therefore dance was incorporated in their basic education. Philippines – way of expressing tribal unity, and as an approach for courtship BENEFITS OF DANCE “Dance is fun! It lifts the spirit, strengthens the body, and stimulates the mind” – Wayne Sleep Physical Benefits of Dance – develops muscular and cardiovascular endurance, improves flexibility, coordination, balance, and body composition, enables joint mobility, helps prevent osteoporosis, and lowers risk of cardiovascular diseases. Mental/Emotional Benefits of Dance - helps keep the brain sharp, decreases risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, decreases depressive symptoms, increases self- esteem and improves body image, aids in releasing emotional tension Social Benefits of Dance - gives sense of togetherness within a group, encourages positive social interaction and, interpersonal relationship in a group, and contributes to the individual’s potential for self-actualization in society. Cultural Benefits of Dance – promotes cultural values Elements of Dance Space - the area that the dance performers occupy, where they move and can be divided into four different aspects, also known as spatial elements. Direction – The performers can go forward, backward, diagonal, circular, and so on. Size – Movements can be varies by doing smaller or larger actions. Level – Movements can be done in a high, medium, and low level. Focus – Performers may change their focus by looking at the different directions. Timing - The movements in timing can be executed in varying tempo (speed). Performers move with tempo of an underlying sound known as beat or pulse. Bodily Shapes - It refers to how the entire body is molded in space or the configuration of body parts. The body can be rounded, angular, or the combination of the two. Other body shapes can be from wide to narrow and from high to low. They can be symmetrical and asymmetrical. Group Shapes - In this element, a group of dancers perform movements in different group shapes/ they are arranges in ways that are wide, narrow, rounded, angular, symmetrical, or asymmetrical, and are viewed together as a total picture or arrangement. Dance Energies - Movements are propelled by energy or force. This force can either initiate or stop an action. Dance uses different energies. Varied use of these minimizes the monotony of the movements in the performance. Six Qualities of Dance Energies Sustained - Movements are done smoothly, continuously, and with flow and control. It does not have a clear beginning and ending. Percussive - Movements are explosive or sharp in contrast with sustained movements. They are accented with thrust of energy. They have a clear beginning and ending. Vibratory - Movements consist of trembling or shaking. A faster version of percussive movements that produces a jittery effect. Swinging - Movements trace a curved line or an arc in space. The movements are relaxed and giving in to gravity on the downward part of the motion, followed by an upward application of energy. Suspended - Movements are perched in space or hanging on air. Holding a raised leg in any direction is an example of a suspended movement. Collapsing - Movements are released in tension and gradually or abruptly giving in to gravity, letting the body descend to the floor. A slow collapse can be described as a melting or oozing action in a downward direction.