LC 1 Dance History and Nature
LC 1 Dance History and Nature
LC 1 Dance History and Nature
Dance
Health Optimizing Physical Education
WHAT IS DANCE?
In its purest, most basic form,
dance is art, the art of body
movement.
NATURE AND HISTORY OF DANCE
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL BENEFITS OF DANCE •helps keep the brain sharp •decreases risk of
dementia and Alzheimer’s disease •decreases depressive symptoms •increases self-esteem
and improves body image •aids in releasing emotional tension
SOCIAL BENEFITS OF DANCE •gives sense of togetherness within a group •encourages positive
social interaction and interpersonal relationship in a group •contributes to the individual’s
potential for self-actualization in society
SPACE - the area that the dance performers occupy and where they
move - can be divided into four different aspects, also known as spatial
elements
1. SUSTAINED Movements are done smoothly, continuously, and with flow and control. It does not have a clear
beginning and ending.
2. PERCUSSIVE Movements are explosive or sharp in contrast with sustained movements. They are accented with
thrust of energy. They have a clear beginning and ending.
3. VIBRATORY Movements consist of trembling or shaking. A faster version of percussive movements that
produces a jittery effect.
4. SWINGING Movements trace a curved line or an arc in space. The movements are relaxed and giving in to gravity
on the downward part of the motion, followed by an upward application of energy.
5. SUSPENDED Movements are perched in space or hanging on air. Holding a raised leg in any direction is an
example of a suspended movement.
6. COLLAPSING Movements are released in tension and gradually or abruptly giving in to gravity, letting the body
descend to the floor. A slow collapse can be described as a melting or oozing action in a downward direction.
BODILY SHAPES elements of dance
It refers to how the entire body is molded in space or the configuration of body parts. The body can be
rounded, angular, or the combination of the two. Other body shapes can be from wide to narrow and
from high to low. They can be symmetrical and asymmetrical.
BODILY SHAPES Symmetrical bodily shapes Balanced shape; movements are practically identical or
similar on both sides.
BODILY SHAPES Asymmetrical bodily shapes Unbalanced shape; movements of two sides of the body
do not match or are completely different from each other.
GROUP SHAPES In this element, a group of dancers perform movements in different group shapes/
they are arranges in ways that are wide, narrow, rounded, angular, symmetrical, or asymmetrical, and
are viewed together as a total picture or arrangement.
What makes a good dance? displays a significant meaning or conveys a message lifts and
transports the audience from their seats has a beginning, middle, and end / conclusion must
have a shape or form for an effective choreography
Terms to understand Form Form is the instrument by which ideas and elements are arranged or
combined into a logical sequence which results in unity and consistency. It is the organizing
factor of any dance composition. Phrase A phrase is the smallest unit of form in the whole
dance. It can be related to a sentence in writing compositions. Motif A single movement or a
short phrase of movement that embodies the style and intention of the dance is called a motif.
A good dance contains this in order to be able to convey its meaning or intention to the
audience.
Characteristics of a good dance I. Unity II. Continuity and Development III.Variety and
Contrast IV.Transition V. Repetition VI.Climax
UNITY characteristics of a good dance
characteristics of a good dance: UNITY The interconnected phrases of the dance are coherent and flow smoothly
together. The movements fit together and each plays an important role that contributes to the entirety of a dance.
characteristics of a good dance: CONTINUITY AND DEVELOPMENT The structure of the dance are organized
progressively, making each movement phrase move naturally into the next. There is a continuous development of the
movement phrase and the audience is swept along to the end.
characteristics of a good dance: VARIETY AND CONTRAST Variety and contrast in movement phrases add excitement
and flavor to the dance. Changing the direction, use of energy, timing of a movement phrase, and avoiding repeating
them in the exact way are ways to add variety to the dance.
TRANSITION characteristics of a good dance
characteristics of a good dance: TRANSITION This is the link between movements, phrases, and
sections of the dance. It makes the logical progression of the dance flow smoothly. Also, it is vital
because it keeps the unity and continuity of the dance.
characteristics of a good dance: CLIMAX This is where the apex of energy in the dance is reached. It is
similar to the climax in a story where a series of events culminates. The climax may be a fast and
enraged blast of energy action, or it could fade away to a gentle and quiet exit that marks the end of a
particular story. The music will often assist both the choreographer and the audience when
determining this point of development.
CHOREOGRAPHIC FORMS IN DANCE
SEQUENTIAL FORMS I. AB (two-part) form II.ABA (three-part) form III.Rondo Form (ABACA) IV.Themes and
variations form
How is the quality of a dance evaluated? The success of any dance performance may depend on who the
evaluators are. Appreciation on the importance of dance comes from the points of view of the choreographer,
the dancer, or the audience.
Evaluators’ roles Choreographer They will evaluate a part of an ongoing process of developing a personal style
which is both spontaneous and organized. Dancers They will evaluate according to the specific demands that
the performance places on them. Motif They will evaluate according to the particular context of the dance.
MAKING A DANCE CRITIQUE