Fundamentals of Rhythm Essay Example

identify or recognize phrases is essential to learning and creating dances. Accent is the force or emphasis given to any one beat in a series of pulse beat in a measure. Tempo is the rate of speed of movement, music or accompaniment. It may be fast, it may be moderate or it may be slow.  Intensity is the quality of the movement or music. It refers to dynamic or force, such as heavy and light. Fundamental Movements 1. Locomotor Movements are used to move the body from one place to another or to project the body upward as in jumping and hopping. Walking – moving at a moderate pace on feet, lifting one foot only after the other foot has touched the floor or ground. Legs swing from the hips while the arms swing naturally at sides  Running – moving on foot with springing steps at a rapid pace such that for an instant both feet are off the ground during each step.  Jumping – springing and taking off with one foot and landing on both feet.  Hopping – springing on one foot and landing on the same foot.  Skipping – same procedure as in hopping but bouncing lightly with alternative steps and hops.  Leaping – springing on one foot and landing on the other foot.

Galloping – moving in continuous forward or sideward direction with one foot leading. Sliding – gliding along the floor with either foot. Non Locomotor Movements are performed without appreciable movements from one place to place or movements of the various parts of the body in fixed base.  Flexion – bending or shortening of a body part occurring a joint.  Extension

– turning, twisting or circling  Arm Shoulder Circling Pendular – swinging/swaying arms forward, backward or sideward.  Percussive – striking and hitting; pushing or pulling  Vibratory – shaking and beating Sustained – a slow, smooth flowing movement with a balance of movement throughout the entire series.  Suspend – a sharp movement followed by a series of slow or prolonged movements until a peak is reached.  Manipulative Skills involve object handling that develops manipulative skills like ball skills. Other objects promote other skills like better hand and eye coordination. Movement is a change of position in space. This is governed by mechanical principles that limit the ability of an individual to effectively and efficiently.

Psychological Factor – fear, anxiety, and any other mental phenomenon affect movement either positively or negatively. Physiological Factor – Physical fitness and body building are two main concerns that affect human movement. Sociological Factor – refers to the relationships of the performer with a particular group and his regard to social conformity and norms. Elements of Movement Theme – is the main storyline of the dance. It tells what the dance is all about. This can be a love theme, can be futuristic, can be ritual, etc.  Movement – refers to the dance steps and basic body movements required of a particular dance.

Technique – is a system of movements performed by a dancer. This is developed through the constant practice of certain difficult dance steps.  Choreography pertains to the organization of the movement and figures in the dance. This makes use of the theme and movements dance steps. Music – gives life to the dance. This should be in accordance with the theme and

pattern of movements of the dance.  Accessories, costume, and properties – accessories are what dancers wear in addition to the costume such as earrings, necklaces, bells, feathers, etc. Costume refers to what the dancers should wear, and properties placed on the stage. . Scenery denotes the background on stage. It completes the whole setting of the dance. This involves the backdraft of the stage and the properties placed on the stage. Design – refers to the floor pattern in relation to space. 9. Gravity - is the force that holds you to the earth. It is a force you have to work with because it constantly inhibits movement. 10. Balance – it is the tension of mutual support among all parts that bring the whole together in a new way. 11. Posture – to achieve this element you need to change your perception of your body. There is a wide discrepancy between what feels right and what looks right.

It is the key to balance and movement. Gesture – involves using the body as an expressive instrument to communicate feelings and ideas in patterns of movement. Rhythm – finding a rhythm is largely a matter of paying attention. It is something everybody has; though some people are not aware or sensitive to it. Moving Space – you need to be aware of the space around you. You have to move with care and awareness, gauging the space. Space is not just empty air but a tangible element that you move through. Breathing – is crucial to dancing. Not only dance it bring oxygen to the body but it also gives your movement fluency and harmony.

It is

an expressive tool. Movement Qualities Movement expression is attained through the elements of time, force, and space. Time Qualities – These are movements which are fast and slow. Force Qualities – soft light movement; strong, heavy movement; strong, jerky movement smooth, sustained movement. Space Qualities – movement up and down; movement across, back and forth, or around; movement which is low and high Brief Historical Background of Dance Art and religion were the most serious concerns of primitive civilizations. Although during the primitive times, their concerns were mainly how to find food and how to increase its supply.

Unaware of the artistic aspect, they made use of hunting and fishing as their way of life. As regards religion, they believed that supernatural beings govern their fate. So, to express their feelings, they created rhythmic movements by stamping, shaking their bodies, chanting, and other bodily expressions with the use of natural accompaniment. They employed wood, bamboo, dried leaves, and other things to accompany their rhythmic movements which developed into dance by generally perpetuating the movement by passing the tradition to the next generation.

The interweaving factors of rhythm created the dance and later developed into high-quality movement and became part of an established art form up to this time. Significance of Dance Education Dancing is part of the dynamic cultural expression of all societies and every individual has the potential ability to dance. The inclusion of dancing in the Physical Education Program of schools is simply to develop such potential into actual skill and to expose everyone, especially the youth to the many benefits of learning dance.

Dancing promotes personality development since people involved in dance improve their grace

and rhythm, posture and biomechanics, discipline, dedication, motivation and determination, self-esteem and confidence, self-actualization, values of cooperation, resourcefulness, obedience and respect. Dancing provides emotional, mental, social, and physical well-being. Dancing provides a happy, fulfilled and satisfying life. Dancing improves reflexes and awareness of one’s own body and the immediate environment. Dancing educates oneself and the audience during the performance of a dance.