Dance Notes for Senior High School

Learning objectives (from Page 2):
- Define what is dance
- Make a timeline showing the history of dance
- Appreciate the importance of dance
Reflection prompt (from Page 3): What is your favorite dance?
Core question (from Page 4): What is dance?
Etymology/definition note (from Page 5):
- German word (Danson) – to stretch
Philosophical/definitional perspective (from Page 6): Barbara Mettler, 1980 – "Dance is an activity which can take many forms and fill many different needs. It can be recreation, entertainment, education, therapy, and religion. In its purest and most basic form, dance is art, the art of body movement."
- Key idea: dance serves multiple functional roles (recreation, education, therapy, religion) and, at core, is body movement art.
Etymology and purpose implications:
- Dance is a holistic activity with cultural, educational, and personal dimensions.

Prehistoric Period (early origins):
- Cave paintings indicate early dance origins; examples include:
- India: cave paintings dating to about $8000\text{ BCE}$
- Egypt: tomb paintings depicting dance dating to about $3300\text{ BCE}$
Implications:
- Dance is a universal human practice with deep historical roots across regions.
- Early dances likely connected to ritual, communication, and communal activities.

Four primary motives (from Page 8):
- To please the God (religious/spiritual purpose)
- To please others (social/ritual acceptance)
- To please themselves (self-expression)
- To build community within an ethnic group (social interaction)

BODY
- Definition: dance is comprised of various body motions that express feeling and emotion.
- Movement types: locomotor (traveling through space) and non-locomotor (staying in place).
ENERGY
- Definition: the force with which body motions are expressed.
- Questions to consider: Are motions hard or gentle? How do you choose to move? Options include bounce, shake, explode, sway.
SPACE/LEVEL
- Definition: use of surroundings to show variation and movement.
- Examples: zig, zag; move high and low; utilize the entire space around and below.
RELATIONSHIP
- Definition: dancing with one person or a group; communicates and reacts with others using the body, like in conversation.
TIME
- Definition: timing is key; follow rhythm or beat to align actions with music.
- When collaborating, dancers may mimic others using timing.

Characteristics (from Page 16):
- Dances of indigenous communities
- Show cultural traits of people in a specific time and place

Characteristics (from Page 17):
- Dancers and choreographers have more room for self-expression
- Break away from traditional forms

Description (from Page 18):
- A set of partner dances
- Enjoyed both socially and competitively

Description (from Page 19):
- Coined from the words "cheer" and "dance"
- Organized sports activity that combines gymnastics, dance, and stunts
Visual cue: Photo credit noted (Josh Albleda, AB)

Description (from Page 20):
- Refers to street dance styles primarily performed to hip-hop music or that have evolved as part of hip hop culture
- Characteristics: energetic, expressive, and more improvisational

Description (from Page 21):
- Dances that depict the people’s culture
- Portrays the people’s way of life through movements and costumes

Physical benefits (from Page 22):
- Develops cardiovascular and muscular endurance
- Improves coordination, balance, flexibility, and body composition
- Lowers risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Lowers body mass index (BMI)
- Lowers resting heart rate
- Enables joint mobility (hip motion and spine flexibility)
- Helps improve and maintain bone density, thus helping prevent osteoporosis
Mental/Emotional benefits (from Page 23):
- Keeps the brain sharp
- Decreases incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease
- Decreases depressive symptoms
- Increases self-esteem and improves body image
- Aids in releasing emotional and physical tension
Social/Cultural benefits (from Page 24):
- Gives a sense of togetherness within a group
- Encourages positive social interaction and interpersonal relationships
- Contributes to the individual’s potential for self-actualization in society
- Promotes cultural values
Cultural note:
- Social, cultural, and communal aspects are integral to dance participation and appreciation

Description (from Page 25):
- Task: Using any editing tools, create a timeline showing the history of Dance
- Requirements: At least 5 significant events and dates
- Format: Portrait orientation; PDF/JPEG file
Evaluation criteria:
- Content: 10 pts
- Design/Layout: 10 pts
- Graphics: 5 pts
- References: 5 pts
- Total: 30 pts

Interdisciplinary relevance:
- Dance integrates art, history, anthropology, and physical education
- It serves educational, therapeutic, spiritual, and social roles
Practical implications for SHS students:
- Understanding different dance forms helps in cultural appreciation and physical health
- Recognizing the benefits supports holistic well-being (physical, mental, social)
Ethical/philosophical considerations:
- Respect for traditional dances and cultures when performing or teaching
- Equitable access to dance education and opportunities across communities
Foundational principles linked to this material:
- Movement as expression ties to broader theories of communication and embodiment
- Health-promoting physical activity concepts align with the physical education objectives