Module 5: Dance and Folkdance

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN FROM THIS MODULE?

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:

1. identify the basic concepts of dance and folk dance;

2. demonstrate properly the fundamental dance positions;
3. participate actively in a group in performing Philippine folk dance; and
4. explain the uniqueness of the Filipino values and traditions found in different
Philippine folk dances.

WHAT IS THIS MODULE ALL ABOUT?

Do you like to dance? Dance is a part of your everyday activity, without you
knowing it is already a part of your life. You do not only dance during competition or
presentation but every day you are dancing. Dance in order to get through life’s battle,
and in every battle you always want to win. In order to win, you may dance with the
music but sometimes you need also to be out of beat. Although everyday movement
cannot be called as dance but dance can be made up of movements associated with
activities of everyday life. Dance can be a form of expression and communication, a
powerful way of communicating one’s emotion, and ideas through the movement of the
different parts of the body.

In this module, you will be taught not only to know what is dance and folkdance
but as well as to dance.

What is Dance?

Dance is the movement of the body may it be simple or complex in a rhythmical

manner usually to the accompaniment of music. It expresses your ideas, emotions, or
feelings. It also be a way of releasing stress and other negativities in your life. Dance is
made up of streams of movement and pauses.

Dancing is an act of performing certain dance rhythmically and expressively to an

accompaniment. You are dancing if you were able to perform a dance according to its
rhythm, movement pattern, counting, and expression with proper projection of the face
to involve the emotion required by the dance.
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Elements of Dance

1. Body – this refers to your inner self, body shape, patterns, parts of the body, and
the body as a whole.

2. Action – is any human movement included in the act of dancing, dance steps,
facial movements, partner lifts, gestures, and even everyday movements such
as walking. It is not only steps and sequences but also pauses and moments of
relative stillness.

3. Space – it could be personal space (your own moving space), or general space
(space where all of the dancers are performing). Dancers interact with space in
many ways. The dancer may alter the direction, size, and pathways of their
movements.

4. Time – this refers to the duration of the music, the beat, tempo, speed, accent,
and rhythmic pattern. Common rhythmic pattern is in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4.

5. Energy – is about how the movement happens. It includes variations in

movement flow, and the use of force, tension, and weight, and how the dancer
attack the movement.

Fundamental Movements
1. Locomotor Movements – movements done from one place to another.
Examples:
Walking Hopping Sliding
Running Skipping Trotting
Leaping Jumping Twirling
2. Non – locomotor Movements – movements in fixed base.
Examples:
Flexion Pushing Pulling
Extension Shaking Circling
Swinging Striking
3. Manipulative skills – moving while handling objects like with the use of a ball.
Movements to be used could be locomotor, non-locomotor or combination of
both.
Elements of Movements
1. Theme – is the main story line of the dance. It tells what the dance is all about.
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2. Movements – the actions or steps of the dance, this also includes the gesture
and postural attitude of the dancer.
3. Music – it gives life to the dance. This should be in accordance with the theme
and movements of the dance.
4. Technique – it is how the dancer performed the movements particularly the
difficult steps and this can be develop through constant practice.
5. Choreography – it is the organization of the movement and figures in the dance.
6. Accessories, costumes, and properties – accessories are what the dancers
wear in addition to the costume, and properties refers to the things held and used
by the dancer.
7. Scenery – the background on stage. It follows with the theme of the dance.
8. Design – refers to the floor pattern in relation to space.
9. Moving space – a space where each dancer moves. Awareness of it will avoid
chaos.
Activity 1 “Let’s
Create” Instruction:

• You will be grouped into four groups.

• You will be given 10 minutes to think and conceptualize.
• Each group will create 4 locomotor and non-locomotor movement that will be
used to explain the elements of dance.
• You will perform the movement repeatedly for 1 minute.
• Be sure that your performance will hit all the elements of dance.
Processing:
a. How do you find the activity?
b. What was your realization after the activity?
c. Where you able to use all the elements of dance?

Activity 2
“Fundamental of Arms and Feet Positions”
Instruction:
• With the same group as in activity 1 interpret the fundamental of arms and feet
positions being described below.
• You will be given 30 minutes to interpret and practice.
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• You will perform the arms positions first, then the feet positions, and combination
of arms and feet.
• You will be assessed according to the following criteria:
Correct interpretation – 20 points
Synchronization – 15 points

Fundamental of Arms Positions:

 Starting position

" Extend your arms in front of your body, elbow slightly bent, palms facing
down.  Positions

" Bring your arms at side, elbow slightly bent, palms facing up……… ct. 1
" With same position of hands, twist your wrist palms facing down ….ct. 2
" Raise your left arm overhead, palm facing right …………………… cts. 3, 4
" Bring your right arm in front at chest level, palm facing down……….cts. 5, 6
" Raise your right arm overhead, palm facing left………………………ct. 7 
Bring your arms to starting position………………………………….....ct. 8 
Repeat all reversing the position and direction of your hands.

Fundamental of Feet Positions:

! Starting position
" Feet together with heels close to each other forming a 45 degree angle.
! Positions
" Step right foot sideward right touching only the ball of your right……..ct. 1
" Then touch your right heel in place ………………………………………ct. 2
" Step right foot in front in line with your left foot………………………….ct. 3 
Bring your right heel at the instep(center) of your left foot………… …ct. 4

" Step your right foot in front………………………………………………...ct. 5

" Lean your body in front making a lunge(slightly bending your right knee)
position……………………………………………………………………….ct. 6
" Bring your right foot close to left foot with the right heel close to the
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toes of your left foot…………………………………………………….…..ct. 7

 Bring your feet to starting position………………………………………...ct. 8

" Repeat all with your left foot.

Forms of Dance
Folk dance Ethnic/tribal dance Jazz dance
Ballroom dance Hip hop Pop dance
Ballet Classical dance Theatrical dance
Tap dance Modern dance Cultural dance

Folk dance is considered as one of the ways were traditions and culture of
certain region or even countries can be showcased and still be made known in today’s
generation. It reflects the life of the people, its belief, occupations, and characteristics
that can be handed down from generation to generation through body movements.
Dancing have been the principal past time of the people especially by Filipinos. It
is considered as a religious activity by the early Filipinos who performed dances in order
to give thanks for a bountiful harvest, a victorious battle, or recovery from sickness.
Dancing also played an important part in the social activities of the Filipinos.
There are numerous fascinating Philippine folk dances which have already been
documented and performed not only in school but also in various dance groups. These
Philippine folk dances are not just for entertainment but also provides information about
the way of life of the Filipinos before since all Philippine folk dances has stories to tell.
Studying Philippine folk dance is likewise, studying the Filipino heritage.

Significance of dancing Philippine folk dance

1. Promote the Filipino culture.
2. Preserve the Filipino heritage.
3. Strengthen patriotism and nationalism.
4. Appreciate the beauty of Philippine folk dances.
Characteristics of Philippine folk dance
1. Dancers stand at 6’ apart.
2. There is little, if any, bodily contact.
3. Most of the dances are done by pairs.
4. Hand movement play an important part.
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5. Most dances begin and end with a “saludo”.

6. Most dances are in long formation.
7. Dances from lowlands have more foreign elements than those found in the
uplands.
Types of Philippine folk dance
1. National Dance – present throughout the island with little or no modification.
Examples: Cariñosa, Tinikling
2. Regional / Local Dances – present in certain localities only. Examples:
Kuradang of Bohol, and Sinulog of Cebu

3. Occupational Dances – with action that depicts labor or occupation.

Examples: Pagtatanim (planting rice), Pasigin (catching fish with net)
4. Religious / Ceremonial Dances – performed in connection with religious vows
or ceremonies.
Examples: Sayaw sa Obando, Sayaw sa Cuyo
5. Comic Dances – depicting funny and humorous movements mainly intended for
entertainment.
Examples: Makonggo (movement of monkey), Kinoton (imitates the
movements of a person bitten by ants)
6. Game Dances – dances that have some play elements and are for recreational
purposes.
Examples: Lubi-lubi, Pabo, Gayong-gayong
7. Wedding Dances – dances performed during wedding feast. Examples:
Pantomina, Kuratsa

8. Courtship Dances – usually of mimetic character portraying people or animals

involved in the subject of love, like attracting suitors, rivalry, acceptance, and
rejection.
Examples: Cariñosa, Manmanok
9. Festival Dances – dances performed by the community for the purpose of
celebrating happy occasions such as fiestas, and thanksgiving. Examples:
Kalatong, Pastores
10. War Dances – dances showing imaginary combat or duel. Examples: Maglalatik,
Sakuting
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Activity 4

“Time to Imitate”

Instructions:

• You will group your selves into 6 – 10 members in each group. Each group will
think of 1 animal to imitate.
• You will be given 15 minutes to practice the movements of the animal you want
to imitate.
• Each member of the group must perform at least 4 different movements of the
animal you plan to imitate. All 4 different movements must be performed
repeatedly for 1 minute.
• Your group will be assessed according to the following criteria:
Characterization – 10 points
Entertainment Value – 10 points
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Processing:

• How do you find the activity?

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• What are the things you need to consider before imitating an animal?
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• In life, how is imitating of help to you?

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Activity 3
“What Am I?”

Name: ______________________________________________

Among the different forms of dance, which one you think will best describe yourself?
Defend your answer.

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(Paste a picture of you or somebody else dancing)

I DARE YOU

Philippine Folk Dance Interpretation

• With the same group as in activity 3, you will interpret a folk dance
literature below.
• You will be given 1 hour to interpret the literature.
• Your teacher will provide you the music of the dance, and will introduce
the basic steps of the dance before interpreting.
• You will be assessed according to the following criteria:

Authenticity 25 points
Mastery 15 points
Timing & Coordination 10 points
50 points
“PAHID”

Source: PFDS SAYAW: Dances of the Philippine Islands Volume 1

Researcher: Jose B. Balcena
Meaning: To wipe off mud from bare foot.
Dance Culture: Lowland Christian
Place of Origin: Capiz
Classification: Festival Dance

Background / Context:
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The Capiz farmer like other farmers, depends on rain as if it were life itself. When
rain does not fall on his rice fields, he and the village pray a nine-day long marathon
novena ending with a procession honouring the patron saint. And finally, when the rain
comes, the overjoyed farmers look forward to a thanksgiving banquet. A “Hermana
mayor” or main sponsor is chosen in whose house a big feast is prepared.

With all activities leading to the main house – men, carabao, sleds, and carts turn
the dirt road into sticky mud puddles.

To anticipate muddy feet entering the house, doormats are literally laid to
welcome the guests, each wiping-off their feet as expected of polite and respectful
farmers. Playfulness got the better of the better of the guests, as each one come up
with innovative and impromptu movements including stamping, twisting, and gyrating in
time with lilty music played by a rondalla. Something happened from the doormat to the
“sala”….the birth of the “pahid” dance.

Dance Properties:
Costume: Female – Peasant “Kimona” and “Patadyong”
Male – Camisa de Chino, any colored peasant pants
Footwear: Barefoot
Music: 3/4 composed of two parts: A and B
Count: one, two, three to a measure
Formation: Partners face each other about six feet apart. When facing
audience, Girl stands at the right side of the Boy.

INTRODUCTION
Music Introduction.
Partners face each other.
(a) Take two steps turning right in place (cts.1,2), two stamps in place(cts.3,1)
pause(cts.2,3). Girl holds skirt, Boys hands on waist …………………….. 2M

I
Music A.
Partners face each other. Throughout this figure, Girl holds skirt, Boys hands are on
waist.
(a) Step L foot sideward left(ct.1), brush R foot obliquely backward left(ct.2),
step R foot across L in rear(ct.3); step L foot sideward(ct.1), brush R foot
obliquely backward left(ct.2), pause(ct.3)………………………………….. 2M
(b) Repeat (a) starting with R foot………………………………………………. 2M
(c) Take two waltz steps (L,R) moving half-way clockwise to partner’s place.
Finish facing partner………………………………………………………….. 2M
(d) Step L foot sideward(ct.1), brush R foot obliquely backward left(ct.2), tap R foot
across L in rear(ct.3); repeat same to the right (1M)………………… 2M
(e) Repeat all (a – d)……………………………………………………………… 16M
II
Music B.
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Partners face each other.

(a) Take two step-brush steps forward (L,R) to meet in one line at center by R
shoulders……………………………………………………………………….. 2M
(b) Starting with the L foot, take three-step turn right about to partner’s place,
finish facing partner(1M). Slide R foot close to L bending knee slightly(ct.1)
pause(cts.2,3)………………………………………………………………….. 2M
(c) Repeat (a) and (b). Finish in proper places…………………………………. 4M
(d) Repeat all (a – c) starting with the R foot…………………………………… 8M
III
Music A.
Partners face each other.
(a) Extend arms sideward and join both hands with partner. Take one redoba
step to the right (1M), two stamps in place (L,R)(cts.1,2), pause(ct.3)……. 2M
(b) Repeat (a) to the left……………………………………………………………. 2M
(c) Take three step-brush-swing-hops forward, R and L alternately moving
clockwise………………………………………………………………………… 3M
(d) Release hold and stamp twice in place (L,R)(cts.1,2), pause(ct.3)……….. 1M
(e) Repeat all (a – d)……………………………………………………………….. 8M

IV
Music B.
Partners face each other.
Girl:
(a) Stamp R foot forward(ct.1), execute three steps in place with heels slightly
raised(cts.2,3). Hold skirt and lift it to show the legs……………………….. 1M
(b) Repeat (a) six times more moving clockwise in place. Look at the Boy over
the L shoulder…………………………………………………………………… 6M
(c) Two stamps in place (R,L)(cts.1,2), pause(ct.3)…………………………….. 1M
Boy :
Do the same movements as the Girl, going around her clockwise, arms in reverse
“T” position doing the kumintang inward with both hands every
measure……………………………………………………………………………… 8M
(d) Repeat (a – c) starting with the L foot moving counterclockwise. This time
the Girl goes around the boy…………………………………………………… 8M

V
Music A.
Partners face audience. Join inside hands, free hand of the Girl holding skirt, that of
the Boy on waist.
(a) Starting with the outside foot, take three steps forward(1M); stamp inside
foot in place(ct.1), brush inside foot forward(cts.2.3)……………………….. 2M
(b) Repeat (a) starting with the inside foot moving backward. Brushing is done
backward………………………………………………………………………… 2M
(c) Turn about outward. Repeat (a) and (b) starting with the inside foot moving
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away from audience. Partners face each other and join both
hands, arm extended sideward……………………………………………….. 4M
(d) Take six redoba steps. Girl starts with the R foot and Boy with the L. take
a quarter turn right after every two measures……………………………….. 6M
(e) Release hold. Take three-step turn right for the Girl, left for the Boy to proper
places and bow to audience, arms in second position…………….. 2M
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BOTTOM LINE
1. How would you promote dancing to the community as a form of physical activity
that improves fitness and health?
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2. In what way dancing affects your total well-being?

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3. What are the illnesses, injuries, and diseases that can prevented when you
engage yourself in dancing? Why?
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4. Why is dance considered a mark to one’s culture?

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5. How will you promote patriotism and nationalism to the “millennial” through the
performance of the Philippine folk dances?
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6. Explain: “To dance is to live, and to live is to dance”.

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