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What is Dance?
Dance is the art of movement of the body, usually rhythmically and to music, using prescribed or improvised steps
and gestures. "A dance" is any one prescribed sequence of such movements, or the music to which it is performed,
or an event at which it takes place.[1] Dance may also be regarded as a form of nonverbal communication
recognizable in other animals; in bee dances and behavior patterns such as mating dances.
Dance can be categorized and described in various ways. It may be analyzed purely by its choreography, its
repertoire of movements, or it may be classified according to its time or place of origin. Yet study reveals many
generic similarities in many different times and places.
An important distinction is to be drawn between theatrical and participatory dance.[2] Nevertheless, these two
categories are not completely separate. Each may borrow from the other. Social dancers may become professional or
competitive dancers, may be watched by millions. Both may also have special functions; they may be ceremonial
dances performed only at one time of year, they may be intended as an erotic dance, a war dance or a sacred or
liturgical dance. Such dances allow both emotional expression and invocation.
Martial arts kata are often compared to dances, and sports such as gymnastics, figure skating and synchronized
swimming are generally thought to incorporate dance
What are the elements of dance?
1- Step Pattern-The step pattern is the combination of steps put together to create mini sequences. These
sequences can then be linked to create routines or variations.
2- Footwork- Footwork is the action in which we use the foot to create the technical element of the dance. For
example heel, toe actions commonly used in the smooth and standard dances to create rise and fall. Ball, flat
footwork commonly used in the rhythm and Latin dances.
3- Timing - Timing is the beats of the music we move our feet to. For example a box step can be danced in waltz
to a 1, 2, 3, timing. This is the feet being placed on the floor to those specific beats. A box step can also be
danced in rumba but with a slow, quick timing, making the 2 dances very different in appearance. All dances
have their own unique timing.
4- Lead and Follow -Lead is what the gentleman is doing to maneuver the lady around the floor and through
changes of direction within step patterns. Follow is the lady reacting to the mans lead. The lead and follow
element is paramount to 2 people ultimately moving as a 1 in harmony.
5- Style - Style is the element that is added to create the character of each individual dance. This can be done
through hip action, arm style, body position, and movement across the floor. It can be grace and elegance
common for waltz, the staccato action common for Tango or even the sexy hip action used in most Latin
dances. Although style is the icing on the cake to create the Look it is achieved by the technical elements in
1-4
6- Continuity - is the ability to maintain the consistency of the dance. Whether it be to link the step patterns
together with ease or maintain the timing of the dance throughout the music or even be consistent with the
correct footwork we all aim to achieve that perfect dance performance. A perfect dance performance is
ultimately unrealistic but to become as consistent as possible is definitely a good feeling and will build
confidence in your dancing.
Classification of Dance
There are several different classifications of dance styles. There is disco, jazz, tap, ballroom, hip-hop, swing, breakdancing, folk dancing, electronic, Latin, rhythm, Native-American, African-American, and free-style.

Benefits from Dancing?

Dance keeps both the body and the brain active, vital for people of every age
Dance offers a way to improve strength and flexibility, which helps keeps muscles and joints
healthy
Choosing to start a new hobby can help you meet new people and make friends with people who
have similar interests
Dance helps you learn about your body, improving your posture and balance
Taking time out in the day to partake in a hobby can help to reduce stress levels
Dance can offer insight into other cultures, either through the dance style itself or meeting new
people
Dance can led to new career opportunities, or help build vital communications skills needed in
every profession
Participating in dance can help increase your self-esteem and confidence through mastering new
skills
Dance offers a creative outlet for people to express their personalities in a safe environment
Dance is a fun way open up new possibilities, keep healthy and enjoy yourself

What is Folk Dance?

The term "folk dance" is sometimes applied to dances of historical importance in European culture and history;
typically originating before the 20th century. For other cultures the terms "ethnic dance" or "traditional dance" are
sometimes used, although the latter terms may encompass ceremonial dances
There are a number of modern dances, such as hip hop dance, that evolve spontaneously, but the term "folk dance"
is generally not applied to them, and the terms "street dance" or "vernacular dance" are used instead. The term "folk
dance" is reserved for dances which are to a significant degree bound by tradition and originated in the times when
the distinction existed between the dances of "common folk" and the dances of the "high society".
A number of modern ballroom dances originated from folk ones.
The terms "ethnic" and "traditional" are used when it is required to emphasize the cultural roots of the dance. In this
sense, nearly all folk dances are ethnic ones. If some dances, such as polka, cross ethnic boundaries and even cross
the boundary between "folk" and "ballroom dance", ethnic differences are often considerable enough to mention,
e.g., Czech polka vs. German polka.
Types of folk dance
Philippine folk dances include Singkil, Binasuan, Rigodon, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Sublian, Kuratsa, Itik-Itik, Tinikling,
Maglalatik, Maria Clara, Cariosa, La Jota Manilea, La Joa Manilea, Sakuting, Pantomina, and many many more