DANCE

• Dance – the most spontaneous and personal of all arts – not only in its medium
but also in its basic patterns or organized movement
- employs no instrument but the body itself
• Classifications of Dance Movements:
1. Movements of the body parts, such as movement of the head, arms, or torso
within a certain space
2. Movement from one space to another, such as walking, running and jumping
• Dance exist in three (3) dimensions:
1. Space – determines the position of the dancer in relation to the
background: in the center, to one side, in front, or the back; also
determines the posture of the body
2. Time – determines whether the dance is fast or slow
3. Dynamic – determines the rhythm
• Folk dance – part of the ethnic traditions of a country or district in which
certain melodies, rhythms, costumes and folk symbolism are preserved
- have cultural significance and inherent beauty
• Art dance (spectacular dance) – may or may not be related to a folk tradition
wherein melodies, tales and costumes creates a new, highly artificial, and
beautiful form
• Principles of organization in dance: repetition of movement, alternation or
movements and body positions, and theme and variations
• Principles of design in dance: symmetry, contrast, variety and the same use of
elements for expressive purposes
• Three main purposes for organized dancing: (1) magic or religious ritual; (2)
social; and (3) entertainment of an audience
• Ethnic dance – used for religious dances, dances that are designed as hymns of
praise to a god or to bring on good fortune in peace and war
• Social dance (recreational) – dancing for one’s own pleasure; usually
performed by groups of people who follow definite patterns
• Spectacular dance – intended to be viewed by an audience
- Classical ballet – supreme expression of the art of dance;
subjected to a definite and prescribed discipline of body,
head, legs. Hands and arms
- Modern dance – a revolt against strict laws and regulations
governing other dance forms.