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 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2020

No portion of this module may be copied or reproduced in any

form or by any means without the permission of the authors.

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 CHAPTER 1
Life in Motion:
Understanding the
Rhythm

Whenever the word rhythmic is mentioned, what come to one’s mind is songs or
rhymes or maybe something that has to do with melody?
These things that our mind interprets for us about melody are things that are absolutely
right, but there are however more to rhythms than just melody or songs. Do you know that
rhythms could bring about different activities, those activities that rhythms bring about are
called rhythmic activities.

Any rhythmic activity involves certain body movements following a steady and
prominent beat. Individuals who practices rhythmic body movements during an aerobic
exercise or dancing enjoy several health benefits that improve the quality of life.

Aside from the physical health, rhythmic activities can improve our general and
psychological well-being, as well.

According to Duggan (1951), Rhythmic activity should serve as “a medium for the
education of students rather than as a goal in itself.” Rhythmic activities as a part of
physical education and recreation afford values rich in possibilities for promoting enduring
interests and the satisfactions which attend enriched living. These values in rhythms,
extending, beyond the realm of good physical exercise, may be grouped, for purposes of a
quick overview, into three broad categories: cultural values, or those outcomes which
awaken interest in and enhance appreciation of the aesthetic aspects of human experience;
social and recreational values, or those outcomes which help to orient the individual to his
role as a member of society and to discipline him in the performance of that role; and
neuromuscular values, or those outcomes which contribute to the good performance of a
well-coordinated body in movement.

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What do you think is the biggest challenge of Physical Education in the new normal
compared before?

P.E. Dance
Class Class
before before

New
Normal

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 Lesson 1

Fundamentals of Rhythmic Activities: Definition of Terms and

Phases of Dance Program

Introduction

Every individual has rhythm. It is found in all of nature and is natural to every
individual. Rhythm is most clearly seen through dance- the art of movement.

When an individual moves in response to a particular sound, beat or music we call

the movements as rhythmic movements or rhythm. The structured activities, which in turn
start creative, accented and unaccented movements, are sometimes called rhythmic
movements. Most movements that take place in physical education classes contain rhythm
(Jimena 2006).

Since prehistoric times, humans have always had the desire to dance. Today that
desire is still with us. People danced for self-expressive purposes; for religious, ritualistic,
ceremonial purposes; and to entertain or please others. Dance will never die because it’s
constantly being reborn through different dancers, different environments, and different
cultures.

Everyone reacts to music or rhythm in one form or another. A head swaying, a foot
tapping, fingers snapping, shoulders and body moving while a musical piece is played are
physical reactions.

In the field of dance, there are certain fundamental knowledge and rhythmic skills
considered important for proficiency and efficiency in bodily movements.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. discuss the different terms used in Folk Dancing; and

2. differentiate and distinguish the phases of dance program.

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 DEFINITION of TERMS

1. Rhythm

According to Webster, rhythm is measured motion or flow characterized by

basically regular recurrence of elements or features as beat, sounds, or accents. This
definition implies measurement of time, space and energy. All works of art requires
rhythm. Rhythm is most clearly seen in the dance – the art of movement – whether in a
simple leap of a tribal war dancer or the sophisticated pirouette of the ballet dancer.

It is a term denotes an aspect of a quality of movement, which is sometimes thought

of as a 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 sometimes called rhythms.

2. Dancing

It is a means of expressing one’s emotions through movement disciplined by

rhythm.

It is an act of moving rhythmically and expressively to an accompaniment. The word

“dancing” came from an old German word “DANSON” which means, “to stretch.”
Essentially, all dancing is made up of stretching and relaxing.

3. Dance

A movement set to music where organization, structure and pattern emerge. It is a

composition, which implies arrangement f parts into a form.

4. Rhythmic Activities

It may be defined as those activities, which excite the pupils’ physical, mental, and
emotional responses through the medium of music or rhythm.

5. Fundamental Rhythms

It refers to those activities that involve the use of natural and basic movements such
as skipping, running, walking, leaping and the like, together with their combination and
variations.

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6. Folk Dances and Singing Games

Folkdance is a genuine dance of the common people (folk) performed in their

original and traditional form, peculiar to and characteristic of the race or nation from
whom they emanate. These dances require better group organization and relationship than
the other types of rhythmic activities. Singing Games are called due to the predominance
of the play element in the dance.

7. Mimetics

Theterm “mimetics” is used to designate rhythmic interpretations in which

children mimic the movements of birds, animals, toys, and play and work activities in
rhythm. These imitations of familiar activities are done without the use of the usual
equipment.

8. Story Play

Those activities in which the pupil imitates and impersonates incidents he has seen.
These plays are intended to provide opportunities for well balance exercise and at the
same time develop acting or dramatic ability of the children.

Phases of Dance Program

1. Creative Rhythms

These are actually for children in the elementary grades. These are sometimes called
Fundamental Rhythms or Natural Dances. It is an end product of the exploration and
improvisation of movements as children learn to move the parts of their body and to use
them as instruments of expression.

2. Folk Dance

A cultural art form handed down from generation to generation. It communicates

the customs, belief, rituals, and occupation of the people of a region or country. Folk
dancing belongs to the people. It emanates from them.

3. Recreational Dance

It includes Dance Mixers, Square Dancing and Round and Couple Dances. Many of
these dances have simple patterns based on combination of Walking Steps,the Two Steps
Polka Step and the Waltz.

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4. Social and Ballroom Dances

The setting of the Social and Ballroom Dance is a social gathering with the more
atmosphere than the simple informal parties which is the Recreational Dances. Social and
ballroom dancing are generally held in the evening. The participants are usually in formal
attire.

5. Creative Dances

It is the highest form of dance for the purpose of entertainment. It is the end product
of exploration and improvisation of movements as a dancer or choreographer expresses his
feelings or emotions, ideas or interpretations. This is a dance with a definite form,
beginning and ending. The principles of art form are all observed in the composition of the
dance. The examples are the Modern, the Jazz and the Ballet.

Lesson 2

Basic Concept of Movement, Movement Space and Rhythm and

Dance Notation, Signs/Symbols and Notations

Introduction

The elements of movement are space, time, and force (energy). The instrument is
the body. The body moves in space and in time with force. The dance concepts should be
viewed holistically. When participating in dance, all elements of dance are integrated all the
time. The separation among concepts here serves as a means to think about, plan, and
discuss dance.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. discuss and differentiate the elements of rhythms and movement space;

2. distinguish the dance notation signs and symbols used in interpreting dance;

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 3. identify the different kinds of notes, its values and count pattern;

4. respond to rhythm and music accurately;

5. briefly explain the most common time signatures and execute proper beating; and

6. Resourcefully create a rhythmic activity by using any objects.

Movement Space
Personal Space - (also called kinesphere) the area of space occupied by the dancer's body. Size -
the magnitude of a body shape or movement, from small to large.

General Space- is when dancers use locomotor movements to travel around the space they share
with others.

Elements of Movement Space

1. Direction – the line of movement taken, which maybe forward, backward, sideward,
diagonal, upward, or a combination of these.
2. Level – a movement through space, which maybe done at a high, low, or medium level.
3. Range – refer to the area covered as the body moves. It maybe 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 made while moving in space. It may take
the form of circle, square, straight line or zigzag.

Elements of Rhythm
All movements are affected by the elements of rhythm.

1. Measure – refers to the identical grouping of underlying beats. The group of notes is
between two bar lines.
2. Beat – the steady continuous sound that is heard of felt throughout any rhythmical
sequence. This constant steady pulsation exists in all movements. It is this steady sound
which serves as the constant unit measure upon which all structure of relationship depends.
It is sometimes called pulse beat.
3. Rhythmic Pattern – a definite grouping of sounds or beats related to the underlying beat. A
particular pattern of unequal sounds or beat must fit within a unit of underlying beats.

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 Sometimes, the rhythmic is also called melody pattern because the rhythmic pattern follow
the words or melody.
4. Phrasing – a musical phrase is a group of measures, which gives the feeling of unity. It can
be likened to a sentence or an idea in itself.
5. Accent – the force or emphasis given to any one beat in a series of pulse beat in a measure.
6. Tempo – the rate of speed of the movement, music or accompaniment. It may be fast, slow
or moderate.
7. Intensity– the quality of movement or music. It refers to dynamic or force, such as heavy
and light.
8. Syncopation – the shifting of regular metrical accents.

Rhythmic Pattern

Time Signature – a sign placed just after the key signature whose lower number indicated the kind
of note taken as the time unit for the beat and whose upper number indicates the number of beats
there are in a measure.

Time Signature Definition

2 Theretwo (2) beats to a measure, and the quarter note receives one beat.
4
4 There are four (4) beats to a measure, and the quarter note receives one
4 beat.
3 There are three (3) beats to a measure, and the quarter note receives one
4 beat.

Time Signature Rhythmic Pattern

(one may verbalize, clap, stamp, etc. to the following patterns)
2
4 1, 2; 1&2; 1&2&; 1, ah, ah, 2; 1, ah, ah, 2, ah, ah; 1,2, ah, ah
4
4 1,2,3,4; 1&2, 3,4; 1,2&3,4; 1,2,3&4; 1,2,3,4&; 1&2&3,4;

1&2&3&4
3
4 1,2,3; 1&2,3; 1,2&3; 1&2&3

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 Dance Notation, Signs/Symbols and Notation

R Right foot/arm/hand Move sideward right

L Left foot/arm/hand Move sideward left

X Boy dancer Move sideward right and left

O Girl dancer Make movement in place

ct. Count Clockwise direction

M Measures Counterclockwise direction

2x 2 times Diagonally forward right

Distance Diagonally forward left

Forward Diagonally backward right

Backward Diagonally backward right

Enrichment Activity:
To further understand and improve your rhythm and timing, here’s the link that can help
you practice.

https://youtu.be?NHxVoGTdymY

Panaguiton, Yehleen D., Paulino, Glea Joy E., Guillermo, Jeson B., Abalos, John Alfred C.,, et.al.
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 CHAPTER 2
Philippine Dance Origin:
Understanding and
Appreciating the History
and the Fundamentals of
Dance

Art and religion were the most serious concerns of primitive civilizations. Although during the
primitive times, their concerns were mainly how to find food and to increase its supply. For
centuries, singing and dancing form the greater part of their recreation. The people express their
ideas through rhythmic actions in folk dances. While most of the Philippine folk dances are ritual in
character, there is a good variety of occupational, courtship, festival, and war dances which add
color to the rich Filipino culture, customs and traditions.

Filipinos possesses natural grace, in born of music and dance. Dancing was considered a religious
activity to them. They danced for any occasion like birth, love, courtship, thanksgiving, wedding,
war, victory, planting and harvest, prosperous voyage, recovery from sickness and healing from the
sick.

Nowadays, Philippine native dances were replaced and evolved into different forms of dances
across the world. These include the movements, costumes, and even characterizations.

In this chapter, we’re going to learn the basic steps and some varieties of Philippines dances and
also we will appreciate the importance of the Philippine dance and how to value and revive the
culture and arts of it.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. recall the origin of the Folk dances in the Philippines;

2. differentiate the different classifications of the Philippine Folk dances
according to its nature;

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 3. demonstrate and execute correctly the fundamental position of the arms
and feet;
4. identify and perform the different dance terms used in folk dancing; and
5. Demonstrate the proper execution of the different dance terms used in folk
dance.

Lesson 1

ORIGIN OF THE DANCE IN THE PHILIPPINES

The history of the dance of the Philippines started from the primitive society up to the American
era.

Primitive Era

The first dance form of any people is the “Primitive dance” which began from the dance of the
“primitive man”. Primitive dance is a dance which is considered as dance in its purest form, because
this particular dance form has not been refined, developed, trained, or guided by an artist. As with
most primitive cultures, the early people of the Philippines believed that their fate lay in the hands
of their gods.

In some mountain regions or the ethnolinguistic groups, they share common religious beliefs,
generally animistic, and make propitiatory offerings to household gods called “anitos”, in the course
of which dancing occurs. Tribesmen usually dance around a sacred idol or fire depending upon the
purpose for dancing.

Among these tribes or people, dance continues to be an expression of community life that animates
the various rituals and ceremonies. It serves for self edification of performers and for
entertainment of spectators. They dance to appease ancestors and gods, to cure ailments, to insure
success in war-making activities or to ward off ill-luck and natural calamities, to insure bountiful
harvests and favourable weather, and to mark milestone in the life cycle of birth, wedding, and
death.

As time goes by, Philippines was colonized by different countries such as Spain, America and other
European countries. Primitive dance was influenced by other cultures and traditions during
colonial period. Dances depicts the way of living of Filipinos during those times including its
costumes and movements.

Today, Philippine dances are no longer communal in purpose but are highly theatricalised. There
are even choreographed dances based on the folk elements. As Filipinos, we have the responsibility
to promote, propagate and preserve Philippine folk dances for posterity.

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 CLASSIFICATION OF PHILIPPINE DANCES

A. According to Geography
1. National Dances- dances found throughout the island.
Examples: Rigodon, Carinosa, etc.
2. Regional Dances- dances found in a certain locality or region.
Examples: Tinikling (Leyte), Subli (Batangas), Maglalatik (Batangas),
Biniganbigat (Abra), Kin-aras (Ilocos), Rogelia (La Union)

B. According to Nature
1. Occupational Dance – depicts actions of certain occupation, industry, or human labor.
Examples:

Pabirik (Camarines Sur)- depicts the different stages of gold panning

Rice Festival – a dance with a largest number of dancers from planting to

harvesting

2. Religious or Ceremonial Dances – these are dances that are performed in connection
with religious vows, practices and other ceremonies.
Examples:

Dugso – a dance to drive away evil spirits

Pinung-pino – a dance performed asking for a child

Kuracha – a dance performed to give thanks for a bountiful harvest

3. Comic Dances - dances with funny and humorous movements mainly intended for
entertainment
4. Game Dances – dances that have some play elements and for recreational purposes
5. Courtship Dances – these are dances with love themes
Examples: Carinosa, Daling-daling, Rogelia
6. Wedding Dances – these are dances performed by newlyweds, by friends and relatives
of the bride and groom, or by the father of the bride or mother of the groom
Examples:

Sinurog – a dance wherein the male dancers beat drums, shout, and perform
stunts or anything to drive evil spirits that may harm or make the
newlyweds unhappy

Pandag-pandag (Antique) – a dance performed only by the bride or groom.

As they are dancing the friends and relatives of each side through
coins or hang paper bills to the dresses of the newlywed couple

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 7. Festival Dances – dances performed in connection with a celebration, a feast, a barrio
fiesta, good harvest, and a good fortune.
8. War Dances – dances with are intended to show imaginary combat or duel with the use
of fighting weapons like “bolo” or spear

Lesson 2

FIVE FUNDAMENTAL POSITIONS OF THE ARMS AND FEET

Based on the title, there are five basic positions of the arms and feet. It is important to learn then
carefully and proficiently since every movement and every step in dancing is begun and ended in
one of these basic positions.

There are some principles to be understood which are applied in these basic feet and arms
positions.

1. When the feet touches, they are said to be closed or in closed position.
2. When the feet are separated, they are said to be opened or in an open position.
3. The First, Third andFifth positions of the feet are Closed Positions, while the Second and
Fourth positions are Open Positions.
4. The weight may be on both feet or in either of the two foot in all positions. In all positions,
both knees are straight. When the weight is centered over one foot, the heel of the free foot
is off the floor and the toe is fully extended.

ARM POSITIONS
1. First position – this position is like you are hugging a tree. Both arms are rounded andraised
in line/front of the navel and finger tips slightly pointing downward.

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2. Second position – both arms are raised sideward shoulder level with a graceful curve of the
elbows and palms facing upward.

3. Third position – one arm is raised overhead and the other arm is raised sideward as in
second position

4. Fourth position – one arm is raised forward in line/front of the navel as in first position and
the other arm is raised overhead.

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 5. Fifth position – both arms are raised overhead.

FEET POSITIONS
1. First position – heels together, toes apart with an angle of about 45 degrees.

2. Second position – stride stand (feet apart) sideward of about one foot distance.

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3. Third position – heel of one foot touches the instep of the other foot.

4. Fourth position – from the third position, slide the front foot diagonally forward and end in
a stride stand forward position.

5. Fifth position – from the fourth position, slide the front foot backward with the heels
touching the big toe of the other foot

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 Lesson 3

Terms Used in Folk Dancing

Arms in Lateral Position - Both arms at are one side, either right or left.

Arms in reverse “T” - Arms are raised horizontally sideward, elbow bent at right
position angles, forearms parallel to the head, elbows at shoulder
level, hands in semi-fists.

Bilao - Bent arms close to the sides, hands open, palms facing down, fingers
pointing forward. Turn hands up and down alternately.

Brush - to hit the floor with the ball or heel of one foot after which that foot
is lifted from the floor in any direction.

Clockwise - following the direction of the hands of the clock. The R shoulder is
toward the center of an imaginary circle.

Counterclockwise - the reverse direction of the clockwise – the L shoulder is toward

The center of the imaginary circle.

Cut - to displace quickly one foot with the other.

Draw - to pull one foot along the floor close to the other which has the
weight of the body. The weight may or may not be transferred.

Free foot - the foot not bearing a the weight of the body.

Free hand - the hand not doing anything or not placed anywhere.

Hapay - to flourish or offer a handkerchief or glass of wine to somebody as a

sign of invitation.

Hayon-hayon - to place one foremarm in front of the waist and the other at the
backof the waist.

Inside hand/foot -the hand or foot nearest to one’s partner when standing side by
side.

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Kumintang - moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or
counterclockwise direction.

Masiwak - turn the hand from the wrist counter-clockwise then raise and
lower wrist once or twice. This is an “Ibanag” term.

Outside hand/foot - the hand or foot away from one’s partner when standing side by
side.

Panadyak - to stamp in front or at the side with the right foot and tap with the
same foot close to the left.

Place - to put the sole of the whole foot in a desired position without
putting the weight on it.

Pivot - to turn with the ball, heel, or whole foot, on a fixed place or point.

Patay - to bend the head downward and to support the forehead with the
right (left) forearm or with the crook of the right (left) elbow while
the left (right) hand supports lightly the palm of the right (left) hand.
This is usually done with the left (right) foot pointing in rear and
knees slightly bent. This is an Ilocano term and movement is
commonly found in Ilocano dances.

Point - to touch the floor lightly with the toes, no weight.

Salok - to swing the arm downward upward to fifth position passing in

front of the body as if scooping. The trunk is bent forward following
the movement of the arm doing the “salok.”

Saludo - with feet together, partners bow to each other, to audience, or to

opposite dancer.

Sarok - with the weight on the L foot, point R foot across the L foot in front,
bend the body slightly toward the pointing foot and cross the R arm
over the L arm.

Set - a dance formation like a square or a unit formation composed of

two or more pairs.
Slide - to glide foot smoothly along the floor. The movement may be
finished with or without transferring the weight.

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Stamp - to bring down the foot forcibly and noisily on the floor.

Step - to transfer the whole weight of the body on one foot only.

Tap - Flexing the ankle joint, rap lightly with the ball or toes of the free
foot.

Whirl - rise on toes and make fast turns by executing mincing steps in
place.

Enrichment Activity:
To further understand and interpret the dance terms used in folk dance, here’s the link that
can help you practice.

https://youtu.be/nFVFPrBXyiU

References:

A. Aquino, F.R. (1976). Fundamental Dance Steps and Music. Manila, Philippines
B. Jimena, Wdgar C. (2006). Dance Your Wat To Fitness. Rex Book Store, Inc, Philippines.
C. Lacerna, Evelyn B. Et al, (2008). Rhythm and Dance. Mutya Publishing House, Inc, Philippines.
D. Lopez, Lorna Fe P. (2005). The Dynamic Teeners 21st Century IV. Rex Book Store. Manila,
Philippines.
E. Piamonte, Rose Marie R. & Porras, Liberty R. Teaching Guide in Philippine Folk Dance and
Recreational Ballroom Dancing. University Publishing House Lapaz, Iloilo City
F. https://www.coursehero.com/file/36950277/pe-2-notesdoc/
G. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/03/07/rhythmic-activities-can-keep-you-healthy/
H. https://steemit.com/rhythmic/@tejumola/rhythmic-activities
I. https://scholarworks.umt.edu
J. https://youtu.be/zsXOehynKJ8
K. http://hnupe.weebly.com/pe-2.html

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