Project in PE:2

TH 4- 6 P.M.

Submitted By: Marvin Abante

Submitted To: Dr. Delsa F. Usal
 A. Meaning of Dance

Dance is a performing art form consisting of purposefully selected sequences

of human movement. This movement has aesthetic and symbolic value, and is
acknowledged as dance by performers and observers within a
particular culture. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by
its repertoire of movements, or by its historical period or place of origin.
An important distinction is to be drawn between the contexts
of theatrical and participatory dance, although these two categories are not always
completely separate; both may have special functions,
whether social, ceremonial, competitive, erotic, martial, or sacred/liturgical. Other
forms of human movement are sometimes said to have a dance-like quality,
including martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading, figure skating, synchronized
swimming, marching bands, and many other forms of athletics.

Dance is a form of art that is made by purposefully recreating selected sequences of

human motion, which can be imbued with the values of aesthetic and symbolism that
are acknowledged by both performers and observers from within the particular
culture. The dance itself can be freeform or can have a predefined choreography that
may or may not align with traditions of origin or historical period.

The dance can be performed to serve various functions (social, competitive,

ceremonial, martial, erotic…) but it also has two distinct forms – theatrical dance in
which dancers perform for an audience, and participatory social dance where
dancing in a group is encouraged to anyone. Participatory dances are most
commonly found at weddings, social gatherings, and festivals, and they can be
enjoyed with folk music both alone or in a group (pairs, lines, chains or other forms).

Theatrical dance is known for having more elaborate choreography, planning,

costume, scenery and other elements that make the entire production feel more
professional. The performers of theatrical dance are usually professional “ virtuoso
dancers”, who practice their craft over the years, and are often tasked to interpret the
musical accompaniment with advanced dance moves or routines.

Origin of Dance

The dance has always been with us, even before the arrival of written language and
modern history, when our earliest cultures evolved utilizing oral and performance
methods to pass the stories from one generation to the next. Many historians believe
that social, celebratory and ritual dances are one of the essential factors of
the development of early human civilizations.

The earliest findings have pinpointed the origins of ancient dances in 9000-year-old
India or 5300-year-old Egypt, but the records more common infusion of dance into a
modern culture can be found from Ancient Greece, China, and India. All these old
dances evolved, eventually morphing into a wide variety of Roman and European
medieval dances, traditional Chinese dances, Hindi and other traditional dances,
respectively.
After the arrival of European Renaissance, the history of music and dance exploded
with the new additions to song and dance. Ease of travel and immigration to the new
world brought these dances into the mix with many native cultures of the New World,
forging countless new dance types that are still popular to this day.

Archeological evidence for early dance includes 9,000-year-old paintings in India at

the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, and Egyptian tomb paintings depicting dancing
figures, dated c. 3300 BC. It has been proposed that before the invention of written
languages, dance was an important part of the oral and performance methods of
passing stories down from generation to generation. The use of dance
in ecstatictrance states and healing rituals (as observed today in many contemporary
"primitive" cultures, from the Brazilian rainforest to the Kalahari Desert) is thought to
have been another early factor in the social development of dance.

References to dance can be found in very early recorded history; Greek

dance (horos) is referred to
by Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch and Lucian. The Bible and Talmud refer to many events
related to dance, and contain over 30 different dance terms. In Chinese pottery as
early as the Neolithic period, groups of people are depicted dancing in a line holding
hands, and the earliest Chinese word for "dance" is found written in the oracle
bones.[10] Dance is further described in the Lüshi Chunqiu.[11][12] Primitive dance in
ancient China was associated with sorcery and shamanic rituals.
During the first millennium BCE in India, many texts were composed which
attempted to codify aspects of daily life. Bharata Muni's Natyashastra(literally "the
text of dramaturgy") is one of the earlier texts. It mainly deals with drama, in which
dance plays an important part in Indian culture. It categorizes dance into four types -
secular, ritual, abstract, and, interpretive - and into four regional varieties. The text
elaborates various hand-gestures (mudras) and classifies movements of the various
limbs, steps and so on. A strong continuous tradition of dance has since continued in
India, through to modern times, where it continues to play a role in culture, ritual,
and, notably, the Bollywood entertainment industry. Many other contemporary dance
forms can likewise be traced back to historical, traditional, ceremonial,
and ethnic dance.
B. Types of Social Dances

RHYTHM dances: Rumba, Cha-Cha, Samba, Mambo, Salsa, Bolero, East Coast
Swing, Jive, West Coast Swing.

LATIN dances: Rumba, Cha-Cha, Samba, Mambo.

SMOOTH dances: Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Night Club
Two-Step.

Many of these dances have both an American style and an International style.

Country dancing is usually considered to include the following: Country Cha-Cha,

Country Waltz, Texas Two-Step, Night Club Two-Step, Country Swing.

Other popular partner dance styles include: Lindy Hop, Argentine Tango, East Coast
Swing, Polka.

Waltz This slower version of the Viennese Waltz emerged in the 1920’s out of a fad
dance called the “Boston.” It is the most elegant and romantic of all the ballroom
dances. The Waltz will inspire feelings of love, if only with the dance! Danced to
a 3/4 time, the Waltz glides gently across the floor. It is easy for beginners to learn
and is a great choice for the First Dance of any wedding celebration.

Tango This exciting dance evolved from the Argentine Tango, which originated in
the back streets of Buenos Aires, then gained popularity and traveled to Europe, and
finally to the US in the 1910’s. Danced to strict tempo music and used mostly in
competitions, the Tango incorporates sharp, catlike steps with passion and intensity.
Words that describe any style of Tango are dramatic, sensual, urgent and sexy. No
matter which style you dance, the Tango is likely to raise your temperature!

Foxtrot Evolved out of the “Two-Step” Era around 1915, in the US. It is a smooth
combination of slow and quick beats danced in a 4/4 rhythm. Reputedly named after
Harry Fox, a popular Broadway singer and dancer, it is still as popular as ever. This
dance is perfect for weddings and galas or a trip to the Rainbow Room. If you enjoy
the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin or Ella Fitzgerald, you’ll definitely want to
learn the Foxtrot!

Viennese Waltz Is the oldest of all the dances still danced today, and has its origin
in 17th century Germany. It achieved its greatest artistic expression in Vienna in the
1880’s. The fast tempo and close embrace stifled its acceptance in the US. The
Viennese Waltz and the Slow Waltz are the only dances that use music written in 3/4
timing. You’ll feel like royalty as you sweepingly cover the floor dancing to such
classics as the “Anniversary Waltz” and the “Blue Danube.” It is an exciting and
challenging dance that you will grow to love.

Latin American
Cha Cha Originating in Cuba as an off-shoot of Mambo, Cha Cha is danced to
slower music. It has a distinct sound suggesting the 1/2 1/2 1, or cha-cha-cha, that
embodies the scraping sound made by the feet while dancing the triple rhythm
added to the middle of the basic salsa movement.

Rumba Learning this dance is a prerequisite for good Latin dancing. The Cuban
Motion is essential in most Latin dances. The Rumba is used by good dancers
everywhere and provides interesting variety suited to a limited space. Neat,
attractive, precise footwork gives you confidence in your dancing. The Rumba will
sharpen your sense of rhythm, timing, and muscular control.

East Coast Swing Is strictly comprised of six count patterns. The Swing is a spot
dance with a carefree, relaxed style and is a dance easily mastered by most people.
The various speeds are excellent training for quick footwork and good leading &
following, which will add comfort and ease in other rhythm dances. After mastering
the patterns, both men and women will find East Coast Swing a fun and exciting
dance to learn and practice. Perhaps the most uniquely American of all dances, the
Swing brings forth a buoyant carefree movement. It’s one of the dances that
becomes contagious.

Bolero Originally a Spanish dance in 3/4 time, it was changed in Cuba into 2/4 time
and then eventually into 4/4 time. It is now present as a very slow type of Rumba
rhythm. This dance is often said to have the rise and fall of Waltz, the contra-body
motion of Tango, and the rhythm of Rumba. It is a favorite of dancers, as it
incorporates many techniques similar to other dances to create a slow, sensual,
romantic dance.

Mambo Is a fusion of Cuban and American dancing. The music is characterized by

a stirring Afro-Cuban beat. Mambo is an exciting dance which allows you to develop
your own feeling and expression. Because Mambo is such a fun dance, good
Mambo dancers are always popular and in demand as partners. The wild, exciting
music and rhythmical body movements make the earthy Mambo irresistible.

Hustle Is a general name for many different forms of hustle. Back in the late 1970’s,
most disco dances were called Latin Hustle or NY Hustle. The dance has evolved
greatly over the years through at least six major changes. The earliest version
(approximately 1975) looks like it was developed by women doing the woman’s part
in West Coast Swing. Originally it was a 6-count dance, then changed to 3 count
around 1980. About 1980 the dance had a rock-step in it, but that was changed to a
together-forward around 1982. Many people believe they are doing NY hustle;
however, they are generally doing older versions of Hustle. Originally, NY Hustle
was a catch-all name, and some versions of it were identical to some versions of
Latin Hustle. By 1983, the other versions of hustle had faded away, and what was
left we call NY Hustle. Hustle helped to highlight a partner dancing revival back in
the 1970’s and is quite fun and challenging.

Merengue Originated in the Dominican Republic. It is one of the easiest Latin

dances to learn and very simple to follow and make up steps. Beautiful, sensuous
body movements are typical. The Merengue is usually danced to very fast tempos.

Samba Improves the flexibility of the body and helps achieve easy movement and
lightness. The Samba rolling action teaches the body to be supple. To move lightly,
 quickly, and smoothly without effort takes study but only at the start. Although
considered a good exercise, Samba should be danced smoothly and in a relaxed
manner giving the appearance of effortless movement. Sometimes called the South
American Waltz, the Samba pulsates to a unique Latin rhythm.

West Coast Swing Is one of the most popular partner dances. It developed from
the Lindy, and more specifically Dean Collins Swing, and was done originally to
Rhythm & Blues style music. West Coast Swing is a bit more sultry and sexy than
other swing dances. Smooth and rolling, the current scene has people dancing to a
wider variety of music – blues and R&B, as well as some country, pop, and rock.
Because of this you can have fun with this dance style in an extensive variety of
settings and venues. West Coast Swing, in its most fun and competitive form,
combines 6 & 8 count rhythms with syncopated footwork, embellishments and
breaks.

C. Basic Ballroom Dance Positions

Partner Positions

Closed Dance Hold Promenade Position

Left Outside Partner Position Right Outside Partner Position

 Fallaway Position Right Side Wrap

Cape (Shadow) Position Lower Cape Position

Challenge Position Hammerlock Position

Forward Open Promenade Reverse Open Promenade

One Hand Hold Open Facing Two Hand Hold Open Facing
Position Position

Skater's Position