RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES

- refers to those activities where an individual responds physically and emotionally to

music or any rhythmic accompaniment.
DEFINITIONS:
Rhythm - is a movement or activity in which some action or element recurs regularly.
Rhythms - The response to a particular rhythm or music.
Dancing is a means of expressing ones emotions through movement disciplined by rhythm. It is an act of
moving rhythmically and expressively to an accompaniment. The word dancing originated from the German word
danson which means to stretch. All dancing basically made up of stretching and relaxing movements.
Dance is a series of movements set to music where there emerge organization, structure and pattern.
BASIC COURSE ON DANCE AND RHYTHM
Rhythm is classified into: External and Internal
A. External Rhythm: Nature and mans daily activities give us examples of the rhythm patterns to which we all
respond.
1. NATURE ebb and flow of the tide, the revolving seasons, day and night, movement of the Earth around the
sun and the moon around the earth.
2. MANS DAILY ACTIVITIES swinging a tennis racquet, pitching, throwing and many more in work and
play.
B. Internal Rhythm: Mans physical and mental process provides us with internal rhythmic sources.
1. the heartbeat, pulmonary action, rhythmic patterns of things seen and heard stored in the mind
2. other rhythmic movements of some organs of the body
CLASSIFICATIONS OF MOVEMENTS:
A. Locomotor Movements- those that move the body in space in any direction with the feet as the moving base
such as walk, run, jump, and hop. These are basic locomotor movements which can be combined in some specific
patterns for variations.
1. Walk an uneven and alternate transfer of body weight from one foot remaining in contact with ground at all
times. The heel touches the floor first when moving forward.
When moving backward and sideward, it is the ball of the foot that touches the floor first.
2. Run - an even and alternate transfer of the body weight from one foot to the other with the ball of the foot
receiving the body weight. At one phase of the run, both feet are off the ground.
3. Leap lifting the body in air from one foot and landing on the other foot in any direction.
4. Hop a spring on one foot landing on the same foot in any desired direction.
5. Jump a spring on one or both feet landing on both feet in any direction.
6. Skip a step on one foot and hopping on the same foot in fast tempo.
7. Slide a modification of the walk in which the sole of the feet is in contact with the floor throughout the
movement. The slide may be done with alternating movement, one foot leading when moving backward.
8. Gallop a catching up step in which one foot quickly displaces the other as the displaced foot is moved away
from it. It is a progressive cut step with one foot leading.

B. Non locomotor / axial movements the individual stays put in place and moves the torso, arms or legs or the
entire body like pulling, striking, lifting or swinging.
1. Bounces springy movements of a joint from controlled small flexions and extensions within the deep flexion
joint. This develops flexibility and increases range of motion.
2. Stretches reaching out movements designed to extend muscle and joints to their fullest range to develop
flexibility, range of motion and elasticity.
3. Swings pendulous movements of the arms or legs from the shoulder or hip joints. Swings start with
contraction and carried through the arch of the movement by gravity.
4. Bends flexion of joints
5. Twist the part of the body is allowed to turn around its own axis.
6. Circling the distal end of a body part traces or describes a circle while the proximal part is in place.
7. Pulls a forceful movement made to move an object toward the body most often done with the arms.
8. Push a forceful movement made to move an object away from the body.
9. Lift a movement which raises an object or body part from one level to another.
10. Turn a rotation or circular movement of the body or body parts around in space.
MANIPULATIVE SKILLS involves object handling that develops manipulative skills like ball skills. Other
object promote other skills like better hand and eye coordination.
DANCE
- refers to the rhythmic succession of body movements usually to the accompaniment of music and is used
as a form of communication.
DANCE ELEMENTS
In order for movement to qualify as dancing, it must have certain basic elements:
1. DESIGN a planned organization or pattern of movement in time and space.
2. STEP which are developed from mans basic locomotive actions, such as walking, running, jumping,
hopping, skipping, sliding, galloping, and leaping, the steps maybe variously combined and highly stylized.
3. GESTURE which expresses specific emotions or ideas in mine or sign language. Some gestures are relatively
natural: for example, brandishing a spear to indicate anger
or clasping the hands in supplication. Natural
gestures, which are more characteristic of primitive or modern dance, should be used only if they are emotionally
motivated.
4. DYNAMICS The tension, effort, or energy with which a movement is executed.
5. TECHNIQUES Or skill, in executing movement. A technically proficient dancer has complete control over
the muscles of his body.
MINOR ELEMENTS
1. MUSIC this serves as accompaniment for a dance performance.
2. COSTUME this refers to a special clothing worn only for the dance performance.
3. SPECTACLE a certain quality done to the dance to make it attractive for viewing enhancement, sets, props,
and other theatrical elements.
COMPONENTS OF THE DANCE
1. THE DANCER
It is through the body of the dancer that the art of dancing is portrayed and the physical, emotional, and
national characteristics of the dancer determine the quality and the nature of the dance. For example, women tend
to more supple than men, but they do not usually have equal strength and stamina. The way in which dancers
perform depends greatly on the land of their origin, and the dance styles, the national dress, and even the climate.

2. THE CHOREOGRAPHER
The choreographer, the arranger of dances for a soloist or a group, is the most important figure in dance history.
He is the creative mind that invents the order and combination of steps, the patterns of group dances, the
communication of narrative through dance, and the extension of dance techniques by using familiar actions in
new and more complex ways.
Types of Dances:
1. Ballroom or Social Dance
Cha-cha
Zamba
Tango
Rumba
Boogie
Waltz
2. Creative or Interpretative Dance
3. Traditional or Cultural Dance
Folk Dance
Ethnic Dance

Disco
Mambo
Swing

MOVEMENTS
- is the act or an instance of moving, wherein there is a change in place or position. It refers to the dance steps and
basic body movements required of a particular dance.
MOVEMENT SPACE
All movements take place in space. The two kinds of space occupancy are;
PERSONAL SPACE is the maximum space available to a person in a stationary position. This includes the
space that the person can reach by bending, stretching and twisting.
GENERAL SPACE is the area, which include on or more persons moving space like gymnasium, the swimming
pool, classroom and others.
Factors That Govern or Affect Movement
1.Psychological Factors. Fear, anxiety, and other mental phenomena affect movement either positively or
negatively. All these may affect the performance of an individual.
2.Physiological Factor. Physical fitness and body built are two main concerns that affect human movement. Poor
muscle development and low fitness level will surely affect movement.
3.Sociological Factors. These refer to the relationship of the performer with a particular group and his regard to
social conformity and norms.
PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE
Folk dance - is the traditional dance of a people within a specific culture, evolved by them and embodying
national or regional flavor characteristic of them. It is communal in purpose and unique.
-is the dance of the people handed down from generation to generation. It is typical in form and style of a given
nationality influenced as reflected in the style and patterns of the dances by climate, geography, costume, nature
and character of the people, music and any characteristic of the period. The purpose of the dance may reflect the
courtship, weddings, and funerals.

CHARCTERISTICS OF PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE

1. As a rule, Philippine folk dances begin and end with a saludo.
2. In general, dancers are far apart. A distance of about 6-8 ft. from each other is normal.
3. There is very little, if any, body contact although holding hands is common.
4. Most of the dances are done in pairs and hand movements play a very important role.
5. Many of the dances are done in long formation.
Classification of Philippine Dances:
a. Geographical extent of origin:
1. National Dances found throughout the islands with little or no modification.
2. Local Dances found in a certain locality
b. Nature
1. Occupational directing action of certain occupation, industry or human labor. Example: planting, harvesting,
pounding, winnowing, etc.
2. Religious or ceremonial performed in connection with religious vows and ceremonies
3. Comic Dances directing funny movements for entertainment.
4. Game Dances directing with play elements.
5. Wedding Dances performed during wedding feast.
6. Courtship Dances directing love-making.
7. Festival Dances suitable for special occasion or any social gathering.
8. War Dance showing imaginary combat or duel.
Dance terms used in Philippine Folk Dance
1. Abrasete

Girl at the right side, holds R arm of partner with her L hand, free hands down at the
sides. This term is of Spanish origin and is used in Rigodon and in other dances.

2. Arms in Lateral Position Both arms are at one side, either sideward right or left. This may be done at
shoulder, chest, or waist level.
3. Arms in Reverse T Arms are side horizontal, elbows bent at right angles, forearms parallel to head, palms
forward or facing inward, fists loosely closed.
4. Bilao - To turn palms of hands up and down alternately, hands at waist level in front, elbows close to waist.
5. Brush- Weight on one foot, hit the floor with the ball or heel of the other foot (the free foot) after which that
foot is lifted from the floor to any direction.
6. Clockwise turn

- Like the motion of the hands of a clock. R shoulder is toward the center of an imaginary
circle. When facing center, the movement is toward the left.

7. Counterclockwise turn- The reverse direction of clockwise. L shoulder is toward the center of an imaginary
circle. When facing center, the movement is toward the right.
8. Crossed Arms- Partners are facing each other or standing side by side, girl at the right of boy. They join the L
hands together and their R hands together; either R over L or L over R hands.
9. Cut- To displace quickly one foot with the other, thus, completely taking off the weight of the body from the
displaced foot.
10. Do-si-do- The vis--vis (opposites) both advance forward, pass each others (Dos-A-Dos) right (or left)

side, step across to the right (or left), move backward without turning around pass each
others left (or right) side to proper places. This is of foreign origin and is used in many
Philippine dances.
11. Draw- To pull one foot along the floor close to the other which has the weight of the body.
12. Free Foot - The foot not bearing the weight of the body.
13. Free Hand- The hand not placed anywhere or not doing anything.
14. Hands on waist- Place hands at the waist line (at the smallest part of the trunk). Knuckles in, fingers pointing
in rear.
15. Hayon-Hayon- To place one forearm in front and the other at the back of the waist. This is a Visayan term.
16. Hop- A spring from one foot landing on same foot in place or in any direction. The other foot may be raised in
any direction (in front, in rear, sideward or across).
17. Inside Hand - The foot nearest ones partner, when partners stand side by side.
18. Jaleo - Partners turn once around clockwise (with R elbows almost touching) or counterclockwise (with L
elbows almost touching) using walking or any kind of dance step. The hands near each
other are on waists. This is a Tagalog term but of Spanish origin.
19. Kumintang- Moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
20. Leap- A spring from one foot, landing on the other foot in any direction forward, sideward backward or
oblique.
21. Masiwak- To turn the hand from the wrist halfway clockwise then raise and lower wrist once or twice.
22. Outside Foot- The foot away from ones partner, when partners stand side by side.
23. Panadyak- To stamp in front or at the side with R (L) foot and tap with same foot close to the L (R) foot,
weight of the body on L (R) foot. This is a Tagalog term.
24. Place- To put foot in a certain desired position without putting weight on it. The sole of the foot rests on the
floor.
25. Pivot- To turn with the ball, heel, or whole foot, on a fixed place or point.
26. Patay- To bend the head downward and to support the forehead with R (L) forearm or with the crook of the
R (L) elbow while L (R) hand supports lightly the palm of the R (L) hand. This is usually
done with the L (R) foot pointing in rear and knees slightly bent. This is an Ilocano term
and the movement is commonly found in Ilocano dances.
27. Point- Touch the floor lightly with the toes of one foot, weight of the body on the other foot.
28. Salok- To swing the arm downward-upward passing in front of the body as if scooping, the trunk is bent
forward following the movement of the arms doing the salok. This is a Tagalog term.
29. Saludo- Partners bow to each other, to the audience, opposite dancers, or to the neighbors with feet
together. This term is of Spanish origin and is used in almost all Philippine dances.

30. Sarok (or Saroc)- Cross the R (or L) foot in front of the L (R), bend the body slightly forward and cross
the hands (forearms) down in front with the R (or L) hand (forearm) over the L (R). This
is a Visayan term.
31. Slide- To glide foot smoothly along the floor. The movement may be finished with or without transfer of
weight.
32. Stamp- To bring down the foot forcibly and noisily on the floor (Like doing a heavy step) with or without
transfer of weight.
33. Supporting Foot

- The foot that bears the weight of the body.

34. Tap- To rap slightly with the ball or toe of the free foot, flexing the ankle joint keeping weight of the body on
the other foot. There is no change or transfer of weight.
35. Whirl- To make fast turns by executing small steps in place to right or left.
FUNDAMENTAL POSITIONS
Arm Positions
1st Position
2ND Position
3RD Position
4th Position
5th Position

Both raised forward in a circle in front of chest with the fingertips about
an inch apart.
Arms raised sideward with a graceful curve a little below shoulder level.
One arm raised as in 2nd position, other arm raised overhead.
One arm raised in front of chest in a half-circle, other raised overhead.
Both arms raised overhead.

Feet Positions
1st Position
2nd Position
3rd Position
4th Position
5th Position

Heels close together, toes apart with an angle of about 45 degrees.

Feet apart sideward of about a pace distance.
Heel of one foot close to in-step of other foot.
One foot in front of the other foot of about a pace distance.
Heel of front foot close to big toe of rear foot.

FUNDAMENTAL DANCE STEPS:

A.

2/4 time signature DANCE STEPS

Touch/ Point step------------------------------------Bleking step------------------------------------------Close step---------------------------------------------Hop step----------------------------------------------Cross step--------------------------------------------Change step------------------------------------------Contraganza step------------------------------------Heel and toe change step--------------------------Cross Change Step------------------------------------Chasse/ Chasing Steps--------------------------------

STEP PATTERNS
Point R, close R to L.
Heel place R, close R to L.
Step R, close L to R.
Step R, hop on R.
Step R, cross and step L across R
Step R, close L to R, step R again
Leap R sideward right, cross and
step L across R, step R (in place)
Heel place R (forward/sideward)
point R in rear or close to L, step R,
close L to R and step R.
Step R across L (ct.1); close L to R (ct. and);
step R across L (ct. 2)
Successive close steps with one foot leading.

3/4 time signature DANCE STEPS

STEP PATTERNS

Native Waltz--------------------------------------Step-brush-swing-hop------------------------------Step-swing-----------------------------------------Waltz balance------------------------------------Cross waltz --------------------------------------Engao with a Close -----------------------------

Step R, close L to R, step R.

Step R, brush-swing L across R, hop on R.
Step R, swing L across R
Step R, close L to R and raise both heels, heels down.
Cross and step R across L,close L to R, step R.
Step R swd (ct.1,2); Cross-step L across R (ct. 3); Step R
swd (ct. 1); Close to R (ct. 2); Step R in place (ct. 3)
Change step obliquely fw R (ct. 1, 2); Step L across R in
front (ct. 3); Change step obliquely bwd (ct. 1,2); Point L in
front (ct. 3)
Step R sideward, Step L across infront, Step R sideward;
Cross L in rear,
Step R sideward, Step L close to R

Kuradang -----------------------------------------Grapevine------------------------------------------

COMBINATIONS 1
2/4 Time Signature
I
a. Eight walking forward-------------------------------------------------------------------4 M
b. Four touch steps R and L----------------------------------------------------------------4 M
c. Repeat (a) and (b) moving backward--------------------------------------------------8 M
II
a. Two change steps R and L--------------------------------------------------------------2 M
b. Four Chasse steps forward--------------------------------------------------------------2 M
c. Repeat (a) and (b) backward------------------------------------------------------------4 M
d. Repeat all (a-c) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------8 M
III
a. Four bleking steps R and L sideward--------------------------------------------------4 M
b. Four cross step steps forward-----------------------------------------------------------4 M
c. Repeat (a) and (b) backward------------------------------------------------------------8 M
IV
a. Two heel and toe change steps forward-----------------------------------------------4 M
b. Four Cross Change Step ----------------------------------------------------------------4 M
c. Four chasse steps backward R-----------------------------------------------------------4 M
d. Change Step Turn-------------------------------------------------------------------------4 M
COMBINATIONS 2
Time Signature (cts. 1, 2, 3 to a measure)
I
a. Four waltz native steps sideward R and L---------------------------------------------4 M
b. Step Swing---------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 M
c. Waltz turn L--------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 M
d. Repeat all-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------4 M
II
a. Engao with a close------------------------------------------ ----------------------------8 M
b. Step Swing Hop --------------------------------------------------------------------------4 M
c. Waltz Native ------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 M
d. Three Step Turn-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 M

III
a. Two step-swing-hop forward R and L alternately-------------------------------------2 M
b. Two waltz balance steps R and L in place----------------------------------------------2 M
c. Repeat (a) and (b) backward--------------------------------------------------------------4 M
d. Repeat all------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8 M
IV
a. Four waltz balance steps R and L alternately-----------------------------------4 M
b. Three steps forward start with R foot and three steps backward with L foot-------2 M
c. Waltz turn R and L--------------------------------------------------------------------------2 M
d. Repeat (a-c) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------8 M

SOCIAL DANCE
-

is any dance carried on for the purpose of group participation and socialization.

COMMON DANCE TERMS

ADDRESS PARTNER is to bow to partner.
BASIC FIGURE is a standardized step pattern, which together with other patterns constitute the basics of a
dance.
CHASSE is composed of three changes of weight with a close on the second and may be performed sideward or
forward.
DANCE SPORT is the official name given to competitive Ballroom Dancing.
FLOOR CHART is the ability of the leader to maneuver around the floor in a skilled and controlled manner as to
avoid colliding with other dancers.
FOLLOWING is the ability of the follower to react correctly to the signal given by the leader through physical
and visual connections.
HIP MOTION is a very general term to mean any type of hip movement used in Latin Dancing.
LEADING is the effective communication of intended actions by the leader through the use of leaders own body
movements and through one or more physical or visual connections to the follower.
NATURAL TURN is any dance pattern that turns to the right.
SPIN is a turn done in place using both feet, usually done as a couple.
CLASSIFICATION OF SOCIAL DANCES
SOCIAL DANCE MIXERS- this is an informal partner- exchange type carried when couples are
arranged informally around the floor. Dance mixers makes it possible for an unacquainted group mix
together and get acquainted with each other without the formality of introduction.
ROUND AND COUPLE DANCE- this dance focuses more on couple or partners which brings about the
same purpose which is for socialization and recreation.

BALLROOM DANCE- is a social dance designed to bring people together for group participation and
socialization. The term ballroom dancing was originally applied to the dances commonly performed in
a ballroom.

TYPES OF BALLROOM DANCES

LATIN AMERICAN DANCE- (samba, rhumba, paso doble, chachacha, and jive)
MODERN BALLROOM DANCE (STANDARD- (waltz, foxtrot, tango, quick step)
SOCIAL ETIQUETTE
Any set of rules as a guide to help people become aware of the common courtesies and to help develop a
consciousness of social responsibility.
1. A woman always accepts graciously a gentlemans invitation, to dance unless she has a very good excuse, in
which case she does not accept an invitation from another gentleman for the same dance.
2. A gentleman and a lady accepts graciously with any partner with whom he or she maybe paired in a mixer. If
they do not wish to cooperate, they should sit out during the mixer.
3. A gentleman should precede the lady when the couple makes its way out to the dance floor.
4. A gentleman always thanks a lady after dancing with her.
5. A lady may excuse herself after two successive dance in order to allow the gentleman to take another partner.
6. It is not acceptable to sing while dancing or to show off in any way.
7. It is not good taste to smoke or chew gum on the dance floor.
8. It is not good taste to teach or to ask partner to teach new steps on the dance floor.
POSTURE IN RELATION TO DANCE
1. Keep yourself upright.
2. Keep yourself a moving weight.
3. Practice walking backward.
4. Keep your eyes off the floor or feet.
5. Relax, listen to the music.
BASIC STEPS
1. walking
step
2. rocking
step
3. box step
step

4. cross step
5. side step
6. balance step

BALLROOM DANCE POSITIONS

Reverse Open Promenade

Two Hand Hold Open Facing Position

Challenge Position

Promenade Position

Right Outside Partner Position

Skaters Position