Contemporary Philippine Dance: Key Points

Definition of Dance

• Art form of purposefully selected rhythmic human movements.
• Distinct from utilitarian movement; emphasizes mindful arrangement of movement in terms of space, dynamics, rhythm, artistry.

Elements of Dance

• $1$. Body – which parts move, actions, alignment, support.
• $2$. Time – accent, beat, duration, meter, rhythm, acceleration.
• $3$. Space – direction, size, focus, distance, level, elevation.
• $4$. Relationship – interaction among dancers or with objects.

Philippine Folk Dance Categories

• Courtship & Wedding – man pursues woman; newlyweds celebrate union.
• Game – playful, rule-based, done in informal gatherings.
• Martial – combative, enacts battles.
• Mimetic – imitates real life; includes animal & occupational styles.
• Social – marks milestones, harvests.
• Ritual – appeals to deities for blessings, health, victory.
• Song Dance – gestures enact song narrating community history/tradition.

Ballet Forms

• Classical Ballet – theatrical dance integrating plot, music, stage design.
• Modern Ballet – classical technique + contemporary or natural movement.
• Opera Ballet – dance within an opera (French Baroque origin).
• Folkloric Ballet – stylizes folk stories, motifs, cultural styles.

Modern & Other Dance Forms

• Modern Dance – post-ballet genre emphasizing expressive, often abstract movement.
• Aerobic Dance – popular-music routines to raise long-term oxygen use.
• Bodabil Dance – American-period revue with mime, ballads, acrobatics, satire.
• Jazz Dance – African-derived isolation, syncopation, polycentrism.
• Polynesian/Tahitian (’Ori Tahití) – emotive storytelling, cultural transmission.
• Tap Dance – toe & heel taps create rhythmic patterns.