Introduction to Dance PDF

Introduction to Dance What is dance? - Is an art form that involves the rhythmic movement of the human body, often accompanied by music. History of Dance No singular can definitively be credited with inventing dance, but the historians traced some...

Introduction to Dance What is dance? - Is an art form that involves the rhythmic movement of the human body, often accompanied by music. History of Dance No singular can definitively be credited with inventing dance, but the historians traced some ancient dances from 9,000 years ago back to the modern-day India. Cave paintings exist in India depicting people dancing with others who are playing instruments. Dance is a way to celebrate festivals, weddings, religious ceremonies and as a source of entertainment. In the mid 1400’s dance become profession when the dancers begun performing for wealthy Europeans during the late Middle Ages. Timeline of Dance 600 BC Indian cave paintings are drawn depicting people dancing. 800 BC ancient Greeks use dance to give praise to the God Dionysus during festival. 1300 – 1600 the European Renaissance brings more widespread and regal view of dance to the world. 1661 – 1672 King Louis XIV opens the “Académie Royale de Danse” in Paris and establishes a professional dance company. 1844 polka and waltz become popular dances around the world. Early 1900’s modern dances like tango, Charleston and swing are invented. 1990’s breakdancing become mainstream in America, leading to a larger emergence of hip-hop dancing to the world. ELEMENTS OF DANCE THEME MOVEMENTS TECHNIQUE CHOREOGRAPHY DESIGN GRAVITY BALANCE POSTURE GESTURE RHYTHM BREATHING MUSIC ACCESORIES, CUSTOME AND PROPERTIES SCENERY Simplest Definitions: Locomotor Movements: Movements that involve traveling from one place to another. Non-Locomotor Movements: Movements that occur without traveling; they happen in one place. Examples: Locomotor Movements: ○ Walking: Moving forward or backward by stepping. ○ Running: Moving quickly on foot. ○ Jumping: Propelling the body upward and landing on both feet. Non-Locomotor Movements: ○ Bending: Moving a part of the body closer to the ground or to another body part. ○ Stretching: Extending a part of the body away from the center. ○ Twisting: Rotating a part of the body around its axist. Fundamental Arms and Feet Positions ARMS POSITION 1st Position – raise arms to a circle formation in front of the chest. ARMS POSITION 2nd position – open sideward, raised below shoulder level with graceful curve. ARMS POSITION 3rd position – One arm is raised above your head, while the other arm maintains the  second position. The arm that was raised should be slightly curved as well. ARMS POSITION 4th position – The arm that is lifted above your head will still maintain its position. ARMS POSITION 5th Position – both arms should be lifted above your head, slightly curving. FEET POSITION 1st position – form a V-shape with your feet by bringing your heels together to touch while keeping your toes away from each other. FEET POSITION 2nd position – move one foot sideward. Your feet should be parallel to each other while maintaining a distance of about 12 inches. FEET POSITION 3rd position – bring your foot’s heel to touch the arch of your other foot, with both feet turned outward. FEET POSITION 4th position – put your foot forward while the other foot still retains its position.  FEET POSITION 5th Position – bring the heel of the foot in front to touch the toe of the other. Both feet should still be pointing outward.