CHAPTER 1
Life in Motion:
Understanding the
Rhythm
Whenever the word rhythmic is mentioned, what come to one's mind is songs or
rhymes or maybe something that has to do with melody? These things that our mind
interprets for us about melody are things that are absolutely right, but there are however
more to rhythms than just melody or songs. Do you know that rhythms could bring about
different activities, those activities that rhythms bring about are called rhythmic
activities.
Any rhythmic activity involves certain body movements following a steady and
prominent beat Individuals who practices rhythmic body movements during an aerobic
exercise or dancing enjoy several health benefits that improve the quality of life.
Aside from the physical health, rhythmic activities can improve our general and
psychological well-being, as well.
According to Duggan (1951), Rhythmic activity shoûld serve as •a medium for the
education of students rather than as a goal in itself." Rhythmic activities as a part of
physical education and recreation afford values rich in possibilities for promoting enduring
interests and the satisfactions which attend enriched living. These values in rhythms,
extending, beyond the realm of good physical exercise, may be grouped, for purposes of
a quick overview, into three broad categories: cultural values, or those outcomes which
awaken interest in and enhance appreciation of the aesthetic aspects of human
experience; social and recreational values, or those outcomes which help to orient the
individual to his role as a member of society and to discipline him in the performance of
that role; and neuromuscular values, or those outcomes which contribute to the good
performance of a well-coordinated body in movement.
Lesson 1
Fundamentals of Rhythmic Activities: Definition of Terms and
Phases of Dance Program
Every individual has rhythm. It is found in all of nature and is natural to every
individual. Rhythm is most clearly seen through dance- the art of movement.
When an individual moves in response to a particular sound, beat or music we call
the movements as rhythmic movements or rhythm. The structured activities, which in turn
start creative, accented and unaccented movements, are sometimes called rhythmic
movements. Most movements that take place in physical education classes contain
rhythm (Jimena 2006).
Since prehistoric times, humans have always had the desire to dance. Today that
desire is still with us. People danced for self-expressive purposes; for religious, ritualistic,
ceremonial purposes; and to entertain or please others. Dance will never die because it’s
constantly being reborn through different dancers, different environments, and different
cultures.
Everyone reacts to music or rhythm in one form or another. A head swaying, a foot
tapping, fingers snapping, shoulders and body moving while a musical piece is played are
physical reactions.
In the field of dance, there are certain fundamental knowledge and rhythmic skills
considered important for proficiency and efficiency in bodily movements.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
1.
the different terms used in Folk Dancing; and
2.
differentiate and distinguish the phases of dance program.
DEFINITION of TERMS
1.Rhythm
According to Webster, rhythm is measured motion or flow characterized
by basically regular recurrence of elements or features as beat, sounds, or
accents. This definition implies measurement of time, space and energy. All
works of art requires rhythm. Rhythm is most clearly seen in the dance — the
art of movement — whether in a simple leap of a tribal war dancer or the
sophisticated pirouette of the ballet dancer.
It is a term denotes an aspect of a quality of movement, which is
sometimes thought of as a dance. When an individual moves in response to a
particular rhythm or music, we call the movements as rhythmic movements
or rhythms. Structured forms, which start creative rhythmic movements, are
sometimes called rhythms.
2.Dancing
It is a means of expressing one’s emotions through movement disciplined by
rhythm.
It is an act of moving rhythmically and expressively to an
accompaniment. The word "dancing" came from an old German word
"DANSON" which means, "to stretch." Essentially, all dancing is made up of
stretching and relaxing.
3.Dance
A movement set to music where organization, structure and pattern emerge. It is
a composition, which implies arrangement of parts into a form.
4.Rhythmic Activities
It may be defined as those activities, which excite the pupils' physical, mental,
and emotional responses through the medium of music or rhythm.
5.Fundamental Rhythms
It refers to those activities that involve the use of natural and basic movements
such as skipping, running, walking, leaping and the like, together with their
combination and variations.
6. Folk Dances and Singing Games
Folkdance is a genuine dance of the common people (folk) performed in their
original and traditional form, peculiar to and characteristic of the race or nation from
whom they emanate. These dances require better group organization and relationship
than the other types of rhythmic activities. Singing Games are called due to the
predominance of the play element in the dance.
7. Mimetics
The term "mimetics" is used to designate rhythmic interpretations in which
children mimic the movements of birds, animals, toys, and play and work activities in
rhythm. These imitations of familiar activities are done without the use of the usual
equipment.
8. Story Play
Those activities in which the pupil imitates and impersonates incidents he has
seen. These plays are intended to provide opportunities for well balance exercise and
at the same time develop acting or dramatic ability of the children.
Phases of Dance Program
1.Creative Rhythms
These are actually for children in the elementary grades. These are
sometimes called Fundamental Rhythms or Natural Dances. It is an end product
of the exploration and improvisation of movements as children learn to move the
parts of their body and to use them as instruments of expression.
2.Folk Dance
A cultural art form handed down from generation to generation. It
communicates the customs, belief, rituals, and occupation of the people of a region
or country. Folk dancing belongs to the people. It emanates from them.
3.Recreational Dance
It includes Dance Mixers, Square Dancing and Round and Couple Dances.
Many of these dances have simple patterns based on combination of Walking
Steps, theTwo Steps Polka Step and the Waltz.
4.Social and Ballroom Dances
The setting of the Social and Ballroom Dance is a social gathering with the more
atmosphere than the simple informal parties which is the Recreational Dances. Social and
ballroom dancing are generally held in the evening. The participants are usually in formal
attire.
5.Creative Dances
It is the highest form of dance for the purpose of entertainment. [t is the end product
of exploration and improvisation of movements as a dancer or choreographer expresses
his feelings or emotions, ideas or interpretations. This is a dance with a definite form.