PhEd 13c - 2.2 & Common Dance Terms

Rhythm

has been regarded as the “most primitive, yet complex structure of the human mind

• repeated patterns of sounds

• beats used in music

• poetry

• dance

• regular movements

• patterns of change.

Rhythms could be described as

music

The most important element of dance is

both are organized around rhythmic pattern

The close relation between dance and music is based on the fact that

2/4, 3/4, 4/4

The common time signature in Dance are

2/4

Has two beats per measure. Example: Babablack Sheep, Lupang Hinirang

3/4

Also known as waltz time/waltz rhythm. has three beats per measure. Example: Bahay Kubo, waltz

waltz time/waltz rhythm

¾ is Also known as

4/4

also known as the common time or “C” because it’s the most used time signature. Has four beats per measure. Example: Tango

the common time or “C”

4/4 is also known as

• change step

• close step

• touch step

• bleking step

• gallop step

• polka step

• point step

• hop step, step hop

• slide step

• step swing

• brush step

dance steps that has 2/4 time signature

• change step

• close step

• mazurka step

• touch step

• bleking step

• point step

dance steps that has ¾ time signature

arms in lateral position

Both arms are at one side, either right or left, at the shoulder, chest, or waist level.

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.

clockwise

Like the motion of the hands of the clock. R shoulder is toward the center of an imaginary circle.

counterclockwise

The reverse direction of clockwise. L shoulder is toward the center of an imaginary circle.

cut

To displace quickly one foot with the other, thus completely taking off the weight of the body from the displaced foot.

do-si-do

The vis-à-vis (opposites) both advance forward, pass each other’s right (or left) side, step across to the right (or left), move backward without turning around, and pass each other’s left (or right) side to proper places. This is of foreign origin and is used in many Philippine dances.

free foot

The foot does not bear the weight of the body.

free hand

The hand is not placed anywhere or is not doing anything.

hands on the waist

Placing hands at the waistline.

hayon-hayon

To place one forearm in front and the other at the back of the waist. This is a Visayan term.

hop

A spring from one-foot landing on the same foot in place or in any direction. The other foot may be raised in any direction (in front, in rear, sideward, or across).

inside foot

The foot nearest one’s partner, when partner stand side by side.

inside hand

The hand nearest one’s partner, when partner stand side by side

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.

jump

Spring on one foot or both feet, landing on both in any direction.

kumintang

Moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This is an Ilocano term.

outside foot

The foot away from one’s partner, when partners stand side by side.

outside hand

The hand away from one’s partner, when partners stand side by side.

place

To put foot in a certain or desired position without putting weight on it. The sole of the foot rest on the floor.

pivot

To turn with the ball, heel, or whole foot, on a fixed place or point.

point

Touch the floor lightly with the toes of one foot, with the weight of the body on the other foot.

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 arm. This is a Tagalog term.

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.

sarok

Cross the R (or L) foot in front of the L (or R), bend the body slightly forward and cross the hands (forearms) down in front with the R (or L) hand (forearm) over the L (or R). This is a Visayan term.

slide

To glide foot smoothly along the floor. The movement may be finished with or without transfer of weight.

stamp

To bring down the foot forcibly and noisily on the floor (like doing a heavy step) with or without transfer of weight.

step

To advance or recede by raising or moving one foot to another resting place. There is a complete transfer of weight from one to another.

supporting foot

The foot that bears the weight of the body.