BASIC CONCEPTS OF DANCE RESEARCH

SPACE - Place: self-space/general space (also called personal/shared) Size: big/small,

near/far Level: high, middle, low Direction: forward, backward, right, left, up, down, diagonal
Pathway: curved, straight, zig zag Focus: single focus or multi focus.

The importance of space in dance is the space the dancers create and use while they
are dancing.Space makes the dance more coordinated and the dance also looks better
because the dancers are synchronized. ... So know you can see what space is and how it
works. It is one of the most important elements in dance.

TIME- Speed fast or slow Rhythm beat, pattern, and tempo .

The importance of time in dance is perfect timing that is being able to let go and allow yourself to
express your feelings through your movements, instead of trying to keep count of the beats in
your head. When you achieve perfect timing, your dancing will appear relaxed and natural. ... It
is importantin every type of dance.

FORCE- Energy: sharp (sudden) or smooth(sustained) Weight: strong or light Flow: free or bound
The force is important in dance because it is a contributor to the meaning of a dance.

BODY-Parts: head, neck, arms, wrists, elbows, hands, fingers, pelvis,spine, torso, legs, knees, feet,
toes, ankles, heels, shoulders, etc. Shapes: curved, straight, angular, twisted, symmetrical, asymmetrical
Relationships: body parts to body parts, individuals to groups, body parts to objects, individuals to
groups and objects, individuals and groups to the room/space; mirroring, shadowing, meeting, parting,
above, below, under, over, alone, connected, etc. Balance: on/off balance.

The importance body in dance is t, the body is the mobile figure or shape, felt by the dancer,
seen by others. The body is sometimes relatively still and sometimes changing as the
dancer moves in place or travels through the dance area. Dancers may emphasize specific
parts of their body in a dance phrase or use their whole body all at once.When we look at
a dancer's whole body we might consider the overall shape design.

FORM- The shape, structure, or contour of a composition according to a preconceived plan;

the orderly arrangement of thematic material; the clarity of a movement or theme. (See
choreographic forms.)

The importance of forms in dance it give us art that’s why dance ance is a performing art form consisting of
purposefully selected sequences of human movement. This movement has aestheticand symbolic value.
STEPS IN CONDUCTING RESEARCH DOCUMENTARY
Taken from a wide variety of dance genres, the basic moves below will
get you started on your journey as a novice dancer. Many foundational
steps work across all dance disciplines -- that step-ball-change is good-
to-go in jazz, tap, and samba. Brush up on your basics or break into a
new flight style on the dance floor with footwork to dazzle the adoring
crowd.

Ball Change
The ball change is found in most dance disciplines, including jazz, tap, lyrical,
and hip hop. Due to its crossover appeal, it's usually one of the first steps taught
to new dancers. The ball change is completed in two counts - transferring weight
onto the ball of the foot (1), then a step back onto the other foot (2). This step is
usually connected to another step, such as the "kick ball change" movement.

1. Step onto your right foot, transferring all your weight to that foot.
2. Lift the left foot and step back, behind the right foot, just onto the ball of the
foot.
3. Shift your weight to the ball of the left foot as you raise your right foot.
4. Step back down onto the right foot, completing the move.
5. Step-ball-change can be done to the right, to the left or in place. It's often
used as a transition, and it happens very fast.

Box Step
This one will get you through any wedding; it's your basic tool from foxtrot to
rumba. Your steps form the shape of a simple square or box.

1. If you're leading, step forward, slide the back foot up, and end with both feet
together.
2. Next step to the side, slide, together. Two things to remember: each step
involves a full weight transfer; no cutting corners, no sloppy diagonal
shortcuts.
Always follow the outline of the box or square. The tidy box step opens a world of
American and Latin-style ballroom dances to you.
Chaîné Turns
Chaîné turns are an introductory quick turn used in ballet and lyrical dance,
though they are sometimes found in jazz and other styles. The name comes from
the French, meaning "chain." Chaînés are simply a chain of rapid turns on
alternating feet. Starting in first position, the turns progress either across the
floor in a straight line or in a circle.

1. Begin in fifth position, right foot pointing right, snugged up in front of the
left foot pointing left, arms at your sides.
2. Raise both arms together, elbows lightly bent so the arms curve and the
fingers are just touching about waist high.
3. As you raise the arms, bend the knees, keeping the torso erect, and slide the
right foot out to the right.
4. Open the arms wide to the side as the foot slides wide to the right.
5. Bring the left foot in, crossing it in front of the right as you relevé onto demi-
toe.
6. Bring the arms back into the waist-high curve as you turn your entire body
with the momentum of the moving left foot. This is a turn on half-toe with
both feet very close together.
7. Repeat the sequence but this time, as you turn on relevé or half-toe, bring the
arms up and into a gentle curve overhead, fingertips barely touching.

Dos-i-do
The dos-i-do, used in square dancing, involves two dancers facing each other.
Next, they walk around each other in a circular rotation without turning. To
complete a correct dos-i-do, each dancer should face the same wall the entire
time, ensuring there is a rotation rather than an actual turn.

1. Standing next to your partner and facing the couple opposite you, walk
toward each other.
2. As you reach the opposite couple, continue to walk forward moving easily
between them.
3. Do not turn around. Keep walking and step sideways a few steps, keeping
the dancer you just passed behind you.
4. Step backwards to complete a circuit around the opposite dancer and return
to your place, next to your partner in the square.

Grapevine
Facing front, the dancer steps his right foot out to the side, and crosses in front
with the left. The right foot then steps out again, followed by the left foot crossing
behind. Repeat. The grapevine is used in jazz dance, as well as country line
dancing.

1. Step to the right and transfer your weight to the right foot.
2. Step to the right, behind the right foot, with the left foot.
3. Step to the right with the right foot.
4. Step to the right with the left foot but this time just touch the toes to the floor
next to the right foot.
5. Step immediately to the left with the left foot.
6. Step to the left, behind the left foot with the right foot...and continue.

Heel Turn
In ballroom dance, the heel turn involves turning on the heel of the supporting
foot, while the other foot stays parallel. As the turn completes a full rotation, the
weight is placed onto the other foot.

1. Step back on the right foot, turning the toes in slightly toward the body.
2. Shift your weight to the heel of the right foot as you slide your left foot back.
3. Slide the left foot on the heel, to the right foot and around as you turn your
body, pivoting on the right heel.
4. Come up slightly onto the balls of the feet as you complete the turn.
For a turn to the left, start with the right foot. For a turn to the right, start with
the left foot.

Moonwalk
Channel Michael, or Marcel Marceau. Just be so freakin' cool on the dance floor
your friends will open up a space for you. The moonwalk is dead easy, but you
have to practice enough to commit it to muscle memory so the illusion remains
unbroken. Go here for a break down of how to do it as if you invented the step
yourself.

Rond
In ballet, the rond, or rond de jambe, consists of a pointed toe on a straight leg
(or bent at the knee) drawing a semicircle on the floor or in the air. This can also
be found in ballroom dance.
 1. Begin in first position, toes pointed out and heels touching. Extend the leg to
the front, knees straight and foot pointed, not flexed. Your weight is all on
your supporting leg.
2. Trace a semi-circle on the floor or in the air with the leg and pointed foot --
front, side, back -- and return to first position. That's a rond de jambe to the
front.
3. For a rond to the back, simply start the move by extending the leg to the back
and bringing it through side to front and to first position.

Swing
You and your partner are a ballroom dancing dream team. The simplest swing
step is part of your arsenal of smooth moves -- use an open ballroom hold,
slightly turned out from each other to display your footwork. The lead starts on
one foot, the follower mirrors the moves, starting on the opposite foot.

1. Keeping the weight on the right foot, lift the left foot and step down behind
the right foot. Immediately shift the weight forward again to the right foot, a
rocking motion.
2. Then step forward with the left, feet now together.
3. Step to the side, starting with the left foot: side, step (right foot moves to left
foot), step (weight is now on the left foot).
4. Step to the right: side-step-step.
5. Repeat the sequence.
Many people enjoy learning basic steps in folk dance in order to
participate in either a social or religious tradition, or sometimes just to
get some exercise. Whatever your reason for learning, folk dancing is a
fun form of movement that involves dancers from all ages and
backgrounds.

Background of Folk Dancing

Folk dancing is a broad term used to describe a wide array of dances. Every
culture around the world has its own folk dances, and there are usually specific
ones for big celebrations like weddings. The term "folk dance" is simply defined
as a dance that has a particular set of steps or figures that repeat in time to music.
There are also usually partners in folk dancing, where everyone from one couple
to many couples can dance at one time.
 Basic Steps in Folk Dance
While folk dancing varies throughout the world, there are a few
fundamental steps that can be found in almost every dance and style.
Many steps are ones you have likely seen before, while others may
seem unique and challenging upon first attempt.

Hopping
Perhaps one of the most basic and energetic moves of folk dance, hopping steps
are often used in choreography. Some cultures incorporate an alternating hop,
placing the weight on one foot and then the other. Others involve repetitive
hopping, either in place or as a traveling movement. Hopping is also used to
bring skill and pageantry to other steps that can also be done without leaving the
ground.

Chassé
Chassés are found in ballet and jazz dance, and are also often used in folk dance.
Considered to be a traveling step, these are graceful side steps that get the dancer
to a new position in the room. You can also chassé in a circle; often it starts with
the dancer stepping to the right, and then immediately bringing the left foot in to
meet the right. Knees are bent with the right step, and a small leap naturally
occurs when the left foot is brought in. While in this "leap," the right foot is
brought out again. This movement repeats as the dancer travels across the floor.
Of course, this step can also start with the left foot to reverse direction. Chassés
are especially illustrious when there are many dancers on the floor at once. With
some cultures incorporating vividly colored costuming, it becomes a graceful
showcase of movement and celebration.

Schottishe
While most basic steps in folk dance can be identified in other dance genres as
well, the Schottishe is unique to folk dancing alone. Alternating stepping and
hopping, a dancer typically follows a pattern similar to this:

1. Step with L foot

2. Step with R foot
3. Step with L foot
4. Hop with L foot
5. Step with R foot
6. Step with L foot
7. Step with R foot
 8. Hop with R foot
9. Repeat as desired
The Schottishe can be used as a traveling step, or in a circle. It is usually used in
celebratory folk dances, or in routines involving children.

Filipino Folk Dance Steps

Filipino folk dances are diverse and varied with a long cultural history.
Their history includes the coming of Roman Catholicism through the
Spanish, and many of the early folk dances were influenced by these
Spaniards. However, each dance type retains its own unique culture
and style in addition to the Spanish influences. If you want to learn to
perform some of the dances, whether just for fun or to learn more
about the rich culture of the Phillipines, try out these moves and steps.
Tinikling
As the best known and most popular dance of the Phillipines, Tinikling is the
country's national dance. To perform Tinikling, two dancers beat, tap, and slide
bamboo poles on the ground. The bamboo serves as both a percussion instrument
and a part of the dance itself. Tinikling can be tricky because both primary
dancers must move quickly to avoid getting a foot caught by the fast-moving
poles.

Singles Tinikling Dance

At the start of this dance, the poles are placed on the left sides of two dancers.
They have the left foot lead.

Do these steps outside the bamboo poles:

1. Hop on your right foot.

2. Hop another time on the right foot.

Perform these steps between both poles:

3. Step on the left foot.

4. Step on the right foot.

Do these steps outside the poles:

5. Hop on the left foot outside the poles.

6. Hop again on the left foot outside both poles.

Return to between the poles for these steps:

7. Step on your right foot.

8. Step on your left foot.

Doubles Tinikling Dance

For the foot work for these Tinikling steps, both dancers should start to the right
side by the bamboo poles.

Binasuan
The Binasuan is performed by dancers as they carry full wine glasses in both
hands and on top of their heads. Wine is traditionally used in the dance, but any
dark-colored beverage will do. The dance often involves balancing tricks, so there
are no specific moves that are set in stone. If you'd like to try the Binasuan
though, these steps will get you started. Consider practicing with empty, plastic
cups until you get the hang of the movements.

1. Step in a flowing motion onto the center of your performance area. As you
step, balance the wine glass carefully on your head. Also, keep your hands
turned up to balance both wine glasses.
2. Sway your hips to the right while lifting the wine glasses high above your
head.
3. Sway your hips to the left while lifting the wine glasses high above your head.
4. Twirl in place quickly while balancing the wine glasses for thirty seconds,
concluding the twirl with your face to the audience.
5. Step forward with your right foot and bring your right arm forward in a
flowing motion.
6. Step forward with your left foot and bring your left arm forward in a flowing
motion.
7. Rotate your arms over your shoulder in small, circular motions as you step
from left to right in small, quick motions for 30 seconds.
8. Twirl and rotate your arms below shoulder height.

Sinulog
The Sinulog is a ritual dance that is performed in honor of Santo Niño. It's now a
part of the annual Sinulog festival, and dancers wear brightly colored, traditional
costumes for it. Drum music must accompany this entire dance.
 1. Stand straight and offer candles (real or symbolic) towards a painting or
other depiction of Santo Niño.
2. Recite a prayer to the saint.
3. Using slow, steady movements, bounce with your torso in a wave-like,
circular motion.
4. Continuing the flowing movements, take two steps forward.
5. Take one step backward as you try to keep the steady movements.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for as long as the drums are playing.
7. Conclude the dance with a prayer.

Seedling
The Seedling dance pays homage to the rich history of farming within the culture.
Before the start of this dance, take a round basket in your arms. A wicker or
wooden basket best represents the feel of the traditional dance.

1. Bend your knees as that represents climbing and descending.

2. Keeping your knees bent, step forward with one foot, then with the order. Go
left and right as you do this.
3. In a fluid motion, lift the basket to the left. Doing the same motion, lift the
basket to the right. Keep your steps alternating between stepping to your left
and stepping to your right. When you step to your left, coordinate the lifting
of the basket to the left. When you step to the right, lift the basket to the
right. The fluidity of motion is key to doing the dance correctly.
4. Repeat step 3 multiple times - the length will depend on the music. You
should appear to be effortlessly carrying the basket.
5. Keeping your movement fluid, sit the basket down in front of you. Step to the
left and step to the right around it. Never stop moving. You may improvise in
your dance around the basket.
6. Take the pretend "seeds" from the basket and make tossing movements as
you would offer them to Diwata, a dryad-like spirit in Philippine mythology.

Dugso, a Tribal Dance

While the majority of the Philippines' cultural dances are formed by adding the
influences of foreign groups to their own traditional dances, there are corners of
the country where no foreign influence has yet changed the traditional dances of
the region. These areas are in the hills and mountains of the country and dance is
used as a form of worship, bringing a special and significant meaning that goes
beyond basic folk dance. Dugso is a stand-out among tribal dances, and it is
choreographed in portions to please and entertain the various tribes' gods and
deities.

Dinatag
As part of the Dugso, the Dinatag serves as the introduction to the dance. For the
Dinatag, dancers should join arms in a T-shaped position and movements should
be as fluid as possible.

1. Brush your left foot backwards, then bring your left foot to meet your right
foot.
2. Step to the left with your left foot, bringing your body sideways.
3. Brush your left foot backwards from your new position, then bring your left
foot to meet your right foot.
4. Step to the left again with your left foot, bringing your body sideways again,
so you are now turned around from your original position.
5. Step to your right, then tap your left foot to meet your right foot.
6. Step to your left in a sideways motion.
7. Step to your right again, then tap your left foot to meet your right foot.
8. Step to your left in a sideways motion.
9. Brush your right foot backward, then tap your right foot to meet your left
foot.
10. Step to your right in a sideways motion.
11. Step your left foot across in front of your right foot.
12. Tap your right foot to meet your left movement, moving to the right.
13. Step your left foot behind you, across your right foot.
14. Step to the right sideways.
15. Step your left foot behind you again, across your right foot.
16. Step to the right sideways.
17. Repeat all steps 1 to 16.

The Itik-Itik
Have fun with this dance. The Itik-Itik is sometimes described as humans making
the motions of a duck, so feel free to improvise along with these basic steps.

1. Step to your left and raise your left arm up in a flowing motion.
2. Step to your right and raise your right arm up in a flowing motion.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 seven times.
4. Step forward and bring your hands into your chest, bending your elbows and
making sure to point your hands inward. Repeat seven times.
5. Step in a circle as you sway your arms to the right, then to the left.
6. Raise your arm and step hop to the left.
7. Raise your arm and step hop to the right.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 five times.
9. Sway to the right, then to the left. Repeat six times.
10. Repeat all steps three times.