Folk Dance Definition of Terms Rhythm. This is measured motion of flow, characterized by basically regular recurrence of elements or features as beats, sounds, or accents. This definition implies measurement of time, space, and energy. All works of art require rhythm. One finds rhythm in the design of a beautifully woven basket or a lovely piece of embroidery, in the lines of a well-composed poem, in the harmonious notes of song. Rhythm is most clearly seen through dance-the art of movement. Rhythm is natural to every individual. This is so because of a sense of rhythm which is influenced by the rhythmic beating of his heart, the rhythmic movement of his lungs as oxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide is forced out of his system, and other rhythmic movements of the organs of his body. The universe works in a system of rhythm. The movement of the earth around the sun and the moon around the earth create the movement of day and night and that of the tides. Nature itself is a manifestation of rhythm. Rhythm is a term which denotes an aspect of a quality of movement that is sometimes thought of as 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 sometime called rhythms. Dancing. This is a means of expressing one's emotions through movement disciplined by rhythm. It is an art of moving rhythmically and expressively to an accompaniment. The word “dancing" came from an old German word "damson" which means “to stretch." Essentially, all dancing is made up of stretching and relaxing. Dance. This refers to movement set to music where there emerges organization, structure, and pattern. It is a composition that implies arrangement of parts into a form. Phases of The Dance Program Creative Rhythms Creative rhythms are for children in the elementary grades. These activities are sometimes called fundamental rhythms or natural dances. A creative rhythm is an end-product of exploration and improvisation of movement as children learn to love the parts of their body and to use them as instruments of expression. Folk Dance Fold dance is a cultural are form handed down from generation to generation. It communicates the customs, beliefs, rituals, and occupations of the people. It emanates from then. Ethnic tribes have their specific tribal art forms originated and danced by the people of the tribe. Examples of folk dances are the rural and country dances, jotas, mazurkas, pandanggos, among others with foreign influence. Examples of ethnic dances are the dances of the mountain peoples of the Cordilleras, dances of the ethnic groups in the Cagayan Valley Region, and the ethnic dances in the Mindanao Social and Ballroom Dance The setting of the social and ballroom dance is a social gathering with the more formal atmosphere than the simple and informal parties in which the recreational dances are the usual forms. Social and ballroom dancing are generally held in the evenings. The participants are usually in formal attire. Examples of social and ballroom dances are cha-cha, fox trot, jitterbug, tango, samba, rumba, quick step, Viennese waltz, jive, and paso doble. Recreational Dance Recreational dance includes dance mixers, square dance, round and couple dances. Many of these dances have simple patterns and combination of walking steps, two-step, polka step, and the waltz step. The setting of recreational dances is usually informal gatherings and parties, reunions, and the like. Creative Dance Creative dance is the highest form of dance. It is the endproduct of exploration and improvisation of movements as the dancer or the choreographer expresses his feelings or emotions, ideas, and interpretations. This is a dance with a definite form, a beginning, and an ending. The principles of art form are all observed in the composition of the dance. Examples of creative dance are ballet, jazz, and modern or contemporary dance. Formations Commonly Used in Rhythmic Activities Single Circle, facing clockwise Single Circle, facing counterclockwise Single Circle, facing partners Single circle, facing clockwise Square or quadrille formation Single circle, facing counterclockwise Semi-circle or half moon Single circle facing partners Double lines, facing front Single circle, facing center Double lines, facing partners Double circle, facing partners Long open formation Double circle, facing partners counterclockwise Scatter formation in pairs Double circle facing couples Square or quadrille formation Note: other formations can be made as desired. Folk Dance Definition 1. Folk dances are traditional dances of a country which evolved naturally and spontaneously in connection with everyday activities and experiences of the people who developed them. 2.Folk dancing is the heartbeat of the people. 3. Folk dances are traditional social expressions of the ideals, mores, feelings and thoughts of a people or group of people through body movement. 4.Dancing is the outburst of people's feelings. Values of Dancing 1. Physiological and neuro-muscular development of the organic systems of the body 2. Cultural-depicts of the culture of people 3. Social and recreational Types of Folk Dance 1. National-traditional dances of a given country 2.Regional-local Objectives of Teaching Philippine Folk Dances 1.To foster patriotism and nationalism through the study of our dance 2.To rouse better appreciation of Philippine music and folkdances 3.To provide, through dancing, a healthful form of relaxation and recreation 4.To develop a graceful and rhythmic coordination of body movements that will improve posture 5.To preserve posterity, folk dances and music indigenous to the different regions of the Philippines 6.To demonstrate the growth of Filipino culture through the Do's in Folk Dancing 1. Dance in natural, simple, and direct manner. 2. Dance with ease and smoothness. 3. Use the proper costume for the dance. 4. Follow directions and dance instructions as closely as possible. 5. Dance with feeling and expression Don'ts in Folk Dancing 1. Do not exaggerate the dance steps. 2. Do not make the dances too dainty and graceful like ballet. 3. Don't make entrance and exit too long. 4. Don't make steps too elaborate and complicated. 5.Don't call a dance a folk dance unless steps come from traditional dances. Suggestions for Teaching Philippine Folk Dance 1. Acquaint the children with the background of the dance. a. Origin and meanings b. Kinds of movements c. Customs, traditions, costumes, modes of life and mood of the people 2. Let the children listen to and enjoy the music in respect to tempo, mood, and parts of the dance, teach the words the children. 3.Teach new steps, explain and demonstrate them. Acquaint the children with the terms. 4.Put class into formation and teach Figure I, then Figure II, after which take up I and II. 5. Perform the whole dance and repeat often enough to be enjoyed. 6.Dance with the right expression and correct interpretation. Characteristics of Philippine Folk Dance 1. In general, dancers stand apart. 2. There is little, if any, bodily contact. 3. Most of the dances are done by pairs or couples. 4.Hand movements play an important part. 5.Most dances are in long formation. 6.Most dances begin and end with "saludo". 7. Dances from the lowlands have more foreign elements than those found in the uplands. 8.War dances are found among non-Christian tribes. Classification of Philippine Dances I. General Classification A. Geographical extent of origin 1.National dances-found throughout the islands with little or no modification. Examples: Rigodon, Cariñosa, Jota, Balitaw, Pandanggo 2.Local dances-found in a certain locality. Examples: Tinikling -Leyte; Maglalatik - Binyang;EsperanzaNabua;Subli-Batangas;Biniganbigat-Abra B. Nature 1. Occupational-depicting action of certain occupation, industry or human labor Examples: Planting, Harvesting, Pounding, Winowing, Pabirik, Manguete etc. 2. Religious or ceremonial-performed in connection with religious vows and ceremonies Examples: Dugsu, Sua-sua, Putong, Sta. Clarang, Pinong-pino, etc. 3.Comic dances-depicting funny movements for entertainment Examples: Kimbo-kimbo, Makonggo, Kinoton 4.Game dances-with play elements(dance mixers) Examples: Lubi-lubi, Pavo 5.Wedding dances-performed during wedding feast Example: Panasahan 6.Courtship dances-depicting lovemaking Examples: Hele-hele, Bagoquiere, Maramiom, Tadek, Daling-daling 7. Festival dances- suitable for special occasion or any social gathering Examples: Pandanggo, Habanera, Jota, Surtido 8. War dances- showing imaginary combat or duel Examples: Sagaya, Palu-palo C. Movements 1.Active-with fast energetic movements. Examples: Tinikling, Maglalatik, Sakuting, Polkabal etc. 2. Moderate-Examples: Cariñosa, Tagala, Habanera, Purpuri etc. 3.Slow- Examples: Pasakat, Amorosa,Ti Liday, Kundiaman etc. 4.Slow and fast-Examples: Puritos, Ba-ingles, Habanera,etc. D. Formation 1.Square or Quadrille-Examples: Rigodon,Losa Bailesde Ayer etc. 2.Long formation (two or more parallel lines) Examples: Lulay,Sakuting 3.Set-consisting of two or more pairs as a unit, partners facing each other or standing side by side. Examples: Binadyong, II. Special Classification- Group dances having special distinctive features. A. Dance with songs- Examples: Abaruray, Manang Biday, Lulay, Rogelia, Lawiswis Kawayan etc. B. Old Ballroom Dances – Examples: Polka, Mazurka, Chotis, Valse etc. C. Dances with Implements – Examples: Maglalatik, Sakuting, Jota Moncadenia, Tinikling, Salakot, etc. D. Dances of combined Rhythm – Examples: Surtido, Pantomina, Los Bailes de Ayer etc. Factors Affecting Folk Dances 1. Geographical locations 2.Economic conditions 3.Climatic conditions 4. Customs and traditions How to Teach a Dance 1. Give name and background of dance. 2. Let children listen to music. 3. Illustrate or demonstrate dance steps. 4. Repeat for clarification. 5. Dance first by the number, then with the music. 6. Teach next figure. 7.Repeat I and II, teach Fig. III, repeat Fig. I-III etc. Fundamental Dance Positions in Folk Dance There are five fundamental or basic positions in dance that are commonly termed as 1st position, 2nd position, 3rd position, 4thposition, and 5th position of the feet and arms. 1st Position: Feet: Heels close together; toes apart with an angle of about 45 degrees. Arms: Both raised forward in a circle in front of chest with the fingertips about an inch apart. 2nd Position: Feet: Astride sideward about a pace or 1 foot Arms: Both raised sideward with a curve at shoulder level. 3rd Position: Feet: Heels of one foot close to in-step ofother foot. Arms: One arm raised sideward as in 2nd position, other arm raised upward. 4th Position: Feet: One foot in front of their foot of a pace distance. Arms: One arm raised in front as in 1st position; other arm raised over head. 5th Position: Feet: Heel of front foot close to big toe of rearfoot. Arms: Both arms raised over head. The Basic Natural Movements The basic natural movements are classified into two: locomotor and non-locomotor or axial movements. Locomotor movements are those that move the body in space in any direction with the feet as the moving base. Non-locomotor movements are those in which various parts of the body move in space with a fixed base. The base may be standing, kneeling, sitting or lying. Locomotor Movements: Walking-Moving at moderate pace on feet,lifting one foot only after the other foot has touched the floor or ground. Legs swing from the hips while the arms swing naturally at slides. Running-Moving on foot with springing steps at rapid pace such that for an instant both feet are off-ground during each step. Jumping - Springing and taking off with one foot and landing Hopping - Springing on one foot and landing on the same foot. Skipping - Same procedure as in hopping but bouncing lightly with alternative steps and hops. Leaping - Springing on one foot and landing on the other foot. Galloping - Moving in continuous forward or sideward direction with one foot leading. Sliding-Gliding along the floor with either foot. Non-Locomotor Movements Flexion-Bending or shortening of a body part occurring at a joint. Percussive- Striking and hitting: pushing and pulling Half-knees bend/Full-knees bend Trunk forward bend Arms forward bend Head forward bend Head sideward bend Elbow bend Arm strike with closed fist Arm strike with open fist Hit with one hand Hit with both hands Push with one arm: with both arms Pull with one arm: with both arms Extension -Turning, twisting or circling Head twist Trunks twist Arm Shoulder Circling Right arm circle forward Left arm circle forward Both arms circling Vibratory-Shaking and beating Shake arms and hands rhythmically Shake hips and shoulder to rhythmic pattern Vibrate entire body rhythmically Suspended- A sharp movement followed by a sense of slow or prolonged movements until peak is reached Both arms circle swing three or four times counter clockwise and stop movement with arms diagonally forward upward. PendularSwinging/swaying arms forward, backward or sideward Arms swinging sideward Arms swinging overhead Body swaying right and left Sustained- A slow, smooth flowing movement with a balance of movement throughout the entire series. Arms swinging continuously from side to side Arms moving laterally to right and left sides in continuous rhythmic pattern Arm circle swing continuously Note: There are still other non-locomotor skills depending upon the requirements of the dance movements Note Values, Note Patterns and System of Counting Knowledge of the values of notes and note patterns facilitate to a great extent the attainment of acquisition of rhythmic skills. A. Values of Notes in 2/4; 3/4; 4/4 Time ITEM NOTE REST VALUE (number of beats) Whole note/rest 4 Half note/rest 2 Quarter note/rest 1 Eight note/rest 1/2 Sixteenth note/rest 1/4 A dot (.) after a note receives one half the value of the note before it, thus: a quarter dotted note receives = 1 1/2 counts. B. Note Patterns and Systems of Counting Note: Practice Exercises for this topic will be dependent upon the creativity of the teacher. Below are suggested sample exercises Rhythmic Fundamentals In the field of dance, there are fundamental knowledge and rhythmic skills considered important for proficiency and efficiency in bodily movements. These facilitate the learning of dances, improvisational movement and interpretation of creative work. These are elements of rhythm, elements of movement space, and qualities of movement. A. Elements of Rhythm All movements are affected by the elements of rhythm. These elements which should be learned and understood in relation to dance are underlying beat; measure; rhythmic pattern; tempo; accent; phrasing; and intensity. 1. Underlying Beat or Pulse Beat =is the steady continuous sound that is heard or felt throughout any rhythmical sequence. This constant steady pulsation is sometimes called pulse beat. It exists in all movements. It is this steady sound which serves as the constant unit of measure upon which all rhythmic structure or relationship depends. It determines the time signature of a piece of music or movements. 2. Measure = refers to the identical grouping of underlying beats. This group of notes is between two bar lines. 3. Rhythmic Pattern = is a definite grouping of sounds or beats related to the underlying beat. A particular pattern of unequal sounds or beats must fit within a unit of underlying beats. Sometimes the rhythmic pattern is also called melody pattern because the rhythmic pattern follows the words or melody. There is a relationship between 4. Phrasing = A musical phrase is a group of measures that gives the feeling of unity. It can be likened to a sentence or an idea in itself. Learning to identify or recognize phrases is essential to learning and creating dances. The end of a phrase may suggest a change in direction or movement. 5. Accent = is the force or emphasis given to any one beat in a series of pulse beats in a measure. 6. Tempo = is the rate of speed of the movement, music, or accompaniment. It may be fast as in running; it may be moderate as in walking; or it may be slow as in ordinary sliding. 7. Intensity =is the quality of the movement or music. It refers to dynamics or force, such as heavy and light. B. Elements of Movement Space An understanding of the space elements that affect movement is very important. These elements are direction, level, range,and floor pattern. 1. Direction = is the line of movement taken which may be forward, backward, sideward, diagonal, upward, or a combination of those mentioned. 2. Level = is movement through space that may be done at a high, low, or medium level. 3. Range=refers to the area covered as the body moves. It may be a small as when the movement is done in one's place; or large when movement covers a wide area as when getting away from one's place. 4. Floor Pattern = The path or design on floor that is madewhile moving in space is what is termed as floor pattern. It may take a form C.Movement Qualities Movement expression is attained through the elements of time, force, and space. Time Qualities 1. Movement which is fast. Examples: galloping horse, Jet plane 2. Movement which is slow Examples: turtle flower growing Force Qualities 1. Soft light movement Examples: fairies birds and butterflies 2. Strong, heavy movement Examples: elephant, bulldozer 3. Strong, jerky movement Examples: frog, A jumping jack 4. Smooth, sustained movement Examples: airplane, fish swimming Space Qualities 1. Movement up and down Examples: bouncing ball, yo-yo 2. Movement across, back and forth, or around Examples: rowing boat, a merry-go-round 3. Movement which is low Examples: ants, turtles 4. Movement which is high Examples: kites clouds Traditional Folk Dance Steps in 2-4 Time The dance steps used in Philippine traditional dances are combinations of the basic natural movements. Listed below are the dance steps in 2-4 time which are grouped according to note patterns and their corresponding counts as suggested by the number of movements. A. Note Pattern: = 1 measure Count: 1 2 Dance Steps Step Pattern and Counting 1. Touch Step Point R (fwd./swd./bwrd.); close R to L ct.1 ct.2 2. Bleking Step Heels place R(fwd./swd.) close L to R ct.1 ct.2 3.Close Step Step R (any direction); close L to R ct.1 ct.2 4.Cross Step Step R,cross and step L,across R ct.1 ct.2 5.Hop step Step R (any direction);hop on R ct.1 ct.2 6.Brush step Step R(any direction); brush L ct.1 ct.2 7.Slide step Side R (swd./fwd.); close L to R ct.1 ct.2 8.Swing step Step R(swd.)fwd.); swing L across R ct.1 ct.2 B. Note Pattern: Dance Steps = 1 measure Count: 1 and 2 Step Pattern and Counting 1.Change step Step R (any direction); close L to R Step R ct.1 ct. and ct.2 2. Cross change step Cross and step R across, L; close L to R; step R across L ct.1 ct. and ct.2 3.Contraganza Leap R to swd.R; cross and step L across R; step R ct.1 ct. and ct.2 C. Note Pattern: = 1 measure Count: 1 and 2 1. Habanera Step Step R (any direction);close L to R;Step R ct.1 ct. and ct.2 D. Note Pattern: = 1 measure Count: 1 and 2 and 1.Plain polka Raise-step R(fwd./swd./bwrd);close L toR. step R ct.1 ct. and ct.2 ct. and 2.Hop polka Hop-step R fwd.;close L to R; Step R fwd.; Pause ct.1 ct. and ct.2 ct. and E Note Pattern: Dance Steps = 2 measures Count: 1 2 1 and 2 Step Pattern and Counting 1.Heel and Toe Change Step Heel place R (in front); toe-point in rear, ct.1 ct.2. step R;close L to R; step R; pause ct.1 ct. and ct.2 2.Heel and Toe Polka Heel place R (in front); toe-point in rear, ct.1 ct.2. raise step R; close L to R; step R; pause ct.1 ct. and ct.2 3. Heel and Toe Hop Pola Heel place R (in front); toe-point in rear, ct.1 ct.2. hop step R; close L to R; step R; pause ct.1 ct. and ct.2 F. Note Pattern: = 1 measure Count: 1 and 2 and 1.Mincing steps With feet in 5th position, heels raised, take as many tiny steps as possible sideward (any direction) (1 step on every count) 2.Shuffling steps With both feet flat on floor, make tiny slide step forward (1 small slide on every ct.). 3.Chasing steps Execute successive close steps with one foot with one foot lead leading （1 step on every ct.).
