BASIC DANCE STEPS AND SKILLS IN
At the end of the fall, the L arm
MODERN DANCE
Modern dance movement are based on basic locomotor
and non-locomotor steps and skills. It is the application
and the incorporation of the meaning of movement that
turns the simple movement to dance movements. The
following are the basic modern dance skills;
1. Dance walk – any even rhythm pattern an
alternate transfer of weight occurs from one foot
to the other. Walks help maintain body weight
ready for immediate action. There are different
directions to which dance walks are done.
a. Forward
b. Backward
c. Sideward (grapevine action)
2. Run – an even rhythm pattern in which there is an
alternate transference of weight from one foot to
the other. It is faster than a walk and requires
more energy. A smooth run should be done with
toes reaching forward so that the ball of the foot
strikes the floor first, followed by the heel, to
absorb shock. Its many uses in dance include
covering distance, changing direction, gaining
momentum for another movement or gaining
height.
3. Gallop – this is two steps performed in uneven
rhythm 1 & 2/ 1 & 2/, long-short, long-short. One
foot always maintains the lead
4. Chassé – uneven rhythm with counts 1 & 2 / 1 &/
with one foot maintaining the lead. It is smoother
in quality than the gallop, the slide retains other of
its features. Emphasis is placed on gliding action
of the leading foot, following foot cuts under, body
weight is lifted sharply as this take place in either
through third or fourth position.
5. Falling – falling action can be aesthetically
breathtaking when performed quickly and with
control. It can be done in any directions.
a. Simple side fall
I. Stand erect, feet diagonally turned out
arms hanging naturally. Bringing rib cage
and right side of head to right until body
losses balance stumbling to R side.
II. Side falls – form a side sitting position,
arms and legs pointed in same directions,
bend body to L, dropping L arm across
body and placing hard on floor. Slide L
hand sideward as legs extend in opposite
position. Weight of the body is taken first
on L hip and then as the body extends, on
the L side.
is extended, head resting on shoulder, and
R arm is parallel with extended legs.
III. Side split fall – stand in first position, shift
weight slightly onto L letting R slide to the
side. Simultaneously side forward reaching
for floor with hands without collapsing.
Control descent by maintaining pelvic and
abdominal lift and well- arched spine. As
hands touch the floor, elbows bend to
catch the weight of the torso. The body
should resist the floor to maintain smooth
quality and control.
b. Simple forward fall – from standing erect, feet
parallel and arms hanging naturally, step forward
R and bring face and chest forward. As weight
progress forward, allow L leg rise in a small
arabesque. Continue until body falls forward off
balance almost stumbling
6. Rolls
a. Log rolls – from a supine lying position,
with arms extended overhead and feet
and ankles extended, revolve entire body
to end in prone lying position. Repeat as
many times as desired.
b. Forward roll – starting with a kneeling
position, sitting on heels, body curled
forwards, head turned one side elbows in
the center of the body. Make a complete
body roll in the direction opposite to
turned position of head. To end in starting
position.
c. Backward roll – begins supine lying, arms
at the side of the body. Contract abdomen
and hinge legs up and backward. Aim
knees slightly to the R shoulder and turn
head to left. End on knees or on feet in a
squat.
7. Turns – this involves establishing an axis within
the body, through the body’s point of contact with
the floor. It is vital to learn how to spot –in order to
execute the turns efficiently and smoothly.
Spotting is an attempt to trick the eye and inner
ear balance receptors into thinking one has not
turned at all. This is done by selecting a spot at
the eye head to tilt, usually ¼ of turn. The head
the flips around to focus on the spot again before
the body has completed its turning action. In
turning, the head is last to leave and first to arrive.
 HISTORY OF
MODERN DANCE
Characteristics of Modern Dance
1. Movement driven by emotion
2. Low center of gravity
3. Dancers embrace the ground
1. ISADORA DUNCAN
 Created her own philosophy
of dance
 Natural movement as
connection between
emotion and movement
 Greek and Freedom
influences
 Performed to mix reviews
2. MARTHA GRAHAM
 Student of Denishawn
 The Martha Graham Center of
Contemporary Dance
 Contraction and release
3. FRANÇOIS DELSARTE
 Musician and teacher
 Developed “Delsarte” acting
style
• Focus on human interaction,
gesture as expression
• Known worldwide by 1890’s
 Inspired dancers:
 Isadora Duncan, Ruth St.
Denis, Ted Shawn
4. DORIS HUMPHREY & CHARLES WIEDMAN
 Students of Denishawn
 Humphrey-Weidman
Company
 “Fall and recovery”
 Unique American style
INFLUENCE
1. Post-modern dance
2. Contemporary
3. Improvisation
4. Contact Improvisation
DANCE IN THE
PHILIPPINES
Philippine dance was
modified due to the integration of
cultures brought by the Spaniards.
1. Dance in the Philippines was modified/changed.
2. Dancing became part of our culture
3. Ballet was introduced in the Philippines
Ballet – a formal dance that comes from France and
Russia
 Italian word “Balleto/Ballo means dance
 Latin word “Ballere” to dance
 In France and Russia ballet dancing is
considered for public entertainment.
Characteristic of Ballet Dance
1. Precise
2. Highly formalized
3. With light, graceful, fluid movement, and en pointe
(on toe)
BALLET VS. MODERN DANCE

Ballet
 Rigid and premediated
 It was established in the 19ty century
 Structured steps
 Originated in Europe specifically in Russia, Italy
and France

Modern Dance
 Free and relaxed
 It was established in the 20th century
 Focused more in the dancers own interpretation
 Originated in United State of America

Elements of Modern Dance

1. Body – body is the instrument used by the artist

2. Action – the movements that the body perform
3. Space – refers to the area where the dancers
performs, describes how dancers maximizes the
use of spaces
- Variation of movement
4. Time – refers to timing of every movement, where
accordance to the rhythm of music and to
synchronized with the action of the dancers
5. Energy – refers to the force of an action that bring
character to the movement.