6 Dance

Historical Development

A Brief History of Dance

Dance, stemming from ancient cultures, bears witness to humanity's celebration, ritual, and
expression across millennia. The traces of its origins span continents and epochs, illuminating
the diverse tapestry of movement in human history.
In antiquity, the genesis of dance was etched onto cave walls in India around 8000 BCE.
Egyptian tombs, dating back to approximately 3300 BCE, echoed this art form. These early
manifestations potentially held religious significance. By the era of ancient Greece, dance
intertwined with celebrations venerating Dionysus, later embraced in the rituals of Bacchus,
and graced the stage of the revered Greek Olympic Games. Amidst revelry, dance stirred joy,
seduction, and entertainment.
Asia, with its storied heritage, saw dance flourish. Hindu dance in India boasts a lineage
spanning millennia, although in the late 1700s, British colonists cast a censorious gaze upon
these dances, deeming them immoral. Post-independence, India resurrected its classical dance
legacy. Meanwhile, China's dance history, reaching back 3000 years, melds ceremonial and
folk dances, adapting them for royal courts. The echoes of tradition persist in festivities
featuring the iconic dragon and lion dances.
Europe, too, spins a tale of social dance. Folk dances of the Middle Ages metamorphosed into
refined ballroom performances. From the Renaissance, these dances graced royal courts, tutored
by dancing masters. Evolving women's attire in the 19th century liberated movements, infusing
vivacity into social dances. The waltz captivated the world in the mid-1800s, ushering an era
spotlighting two-person dances.
Ballet, a cornerstone of professional dance, traces its lineage to the Renaissance. Its artistry
burgeoned in the 18th century, unfurling narratives through emotive balletic movements. While
rules and ballet shoes once constrained dancers, the 20th century birthed innovators like George
Balanchine and Martha Graham, who deconstructed ballet to birth new performance forms.
The dance spectrum remains vibrant. Ballet and modern dance thrive on stage, exploring
boundaries of expression. Theatrical stages in New York pulsate with tap dancing, while
Bollywood productions in India flaunt intricate choreography.
Off the proscenium, myriad dance styles enrich daily lives. Ballroom dances—waltzes and
foxtrots—elegantly grace celebrations, while Charleston, swing, polka, and country western
dances infuse vivacity. Latin dances—salsa, tango, cha-cha, samba, rumba—embellish rhythms
with fluidity.
Cultural roots persist in folk dances—belly dancing from Egypt, Polynesian rhythms like
Hawaiian hula, Tahitian otea, and Maori haka. Evolution continues with newer dance genres—
jitterbugging, disco, rock, and electronic music fueling vibrant, non-partnered expressions. Hip
hop, born from Black American dance, blossoms globally, birthing breakdancing, popping, and
locking.
The panorama of dance is an ever-evolving canvas, painting human expression across eras and
continents, binding cultures through movement's timeless allure.

Dance's profound role in human history traces back to ancient rituals, spiritual gatherings,
and social events, evolving into a profound expression of trance, spiritual force, pleasure,
and interaction. It embedded itself within our existence from the earliest moments—
commencing from the first African tribes adorning war paint to the global dissemination of
music and dance. As one of the most expressive forms of communication, dance permeates
cultures worldwide.
The oldest evidence of dance stems from 9000-year-old Indian cave paintings, depicting
scenes of various rituals, including communal drinking and dancing amid hunting,
childbirth, and religious rites. Although direct archaeological evidence of dance remains
elusive, secondary clues like written records, stone carvings, and ancient artifacts signal its
widespread emergence in the third millennia BC, notably in Egyptian religious ceremonies
depicted in tomb paintings. Egyptian priests utilized dance and musical instruments to
mirror cosmic events and stories of gods.
In ancient Greece, dance was a pervasive element, often tied to public celebrations and rituals,
culminating in the birth of the famous Greek theater in the 6th century BC. Dance rituals
preceding the Olympian Games echo the origins of modern Olympic practices. Other religions,
such as Hinduism with the "Bharata Natyam" dance tradition, incorporated dance as a
cornerstone of their rituals, a practice that endures today.
Dance in ancient times served various purposes beyond religion, encompassing celebrations,
entertainment, seduction, and ecstatic experiences. Festivals honoring gods like Dionysus
involved days of dancing and revelry. Entertainment, showcased through dances for the elite,
continued evolving—culminating in the Renaissance when ballet became an integral part of
aristocratic culture.
European dances, sparsely documented before the Renaissance, evolved with the arrival of new
musical forms during that era. The Renaissance spawned diverse dance styles in Spain, France,
and Italy, later surpassed by Baroque dances popular in courts. Post-French Revolution, dances
evolved with less restrictive attire, fostering energetic movements seen in the "international
polka craze" and the emergence of famous dances like the waltz.
The modern era ushered in two-person dances with renowned ballroom dancers Vernon and
Irene Castle. The 20th century witnessed the invention and global popularity of numerous
modern dances—Foxtrot, Tango, Charleston, Swing, Postmodern, Hip-hop, breakdancing, and
more—spurred by musical expansion and cultural evolution.
Elements

The Elements of Dance

1. Body: The Embodiment of Expression

The human body serves as the primary instrument of dance expression. Its movement, whether in
motion or stillness, communicates intricate emotions, ideas, and intentions. Observing a dancer's
physicality, including posture, symmetry, and the shapes formed by body segments, provides
crucial insights into the narrative and emotional content of a dance piece.
2. Action: Movement as a Communicative Tool
Action within dance encompasses a spectrum of movements, from non-locomotor actions
performed in place to locomotor movements that traverse space. Dancers navigate through
gestures, transitions, and stillness, emphasizing nuanced expressions or conveying the essence of
the choreographic vision. Collaboration between dancers and choreographers refines these
movements to embody the intended artistic message.
3. Space: The Dynamic Canvas of Movement
Space in dance refers to a multidimensional realm where movement unfolds. It encapsulates
various components such as levels, directions, pathways, orientations, and relationships between
dancers. Choreographers meticulously manipulate these spatial elements to create visual
compositions and evoke emotional responses, transcending physical confines and shaping the
artistic narrative.
4. Time: The Temporal Dimension of Choreography
Time in dance manifests in multifaceted ways, incorporating clock time, timing relationships,
metered rhythmic patterns, and free-flowing temporal expressions. Dancers navigate sequences
with precision, often aligning movements with music or orchestrating movements to establish
unique temporal patterns. Choreographic decisions regarding timing intricately interlace with the
emotional and narrative threads of a performance.
5. Energy: The Dynamic Force within Movement
Energy encapsulates the quality, effort, and emotive force permeating dance movements.
Dancers imbue their performances with varying degrees of attack, weight, and flow, embodying
emotional nuances and conveying the intended sentiments. Energy serves as a vital conduit
through which dancers translate internal emotions and intentions into outward, palpable
expressions.
Types of Dance

Exploring Dance Genres: A Comprehensive Overview

1. Ballet: A Classical Art of Poise and Precision
Originating in the Italian Renaissance and later flourishing in France and Russia, ballet is a
concert dance form entwined with classical music. Its diverse productions range from opulent
costumes and elaborate staging to minimalistic settings. Ballet has evolved into distinct
subgenres like classic, romantic, neoclassical, and contemporary, taught through recognized
methodologies at prestigious dance institutions worldwide. Specialized ballet floors, such as
Harlequin Cascade, provide the requisite traction for dancers' fluid movements while preventing
injuries.
2. Ballroom: The Elegance of Partnered Rhythms
Emerging in 16th-century France, ballroom dance comprises standard/smooth and Latin/rhythm
subgenres. Dances like waltz, tango, foxtrot, pasodoble, bolero, and samba define this
competitive form of dance, holding global competitions. Harlequin Fiesta and Liberty Ballroom
floors cater to the versatility required in ballroom dancing, utilized even in prestigious platforms
like BBC's 'Strictly Come Dancing.'
3. Contemporary: A Fusion of Styles and Techniques
Developed in the mid-20th century, contemporary dance is renowned for its technical prowess,
drawing from classical, modern, and jazz styles. Emphasizing torso strength, legwork, and
innovative movement patterns, it highlights unpredictability and diverse rhythm changes.
Harlequin Activity floors, coupled with vinyl surfaces, offer the shock absorption needed for
rapid and varied movements in contemporary dance.
4. Hip-Hop: Street Dance with Cultural Roots
Emerging from hip hop culture in the early 1970s, this street dance includes Breaking, Locking,
Popping, and derivative styles. Improvisational and often showcased in dance battles, Harlequin
Freestyle floors cater to the unique demands of hip-hop and street dance styles.
5. Jazz: An Evolutionary Expression of African Traditions
Rooted in African traditions transported via the Atlantic slave trade, jazz dance embodies
improvisation and dramatic movements. Stemming from African American vernacular styles, it
encompasses Swing, Lindy Hop, Shimmy, and Charleston. Harlequin Studio and Allegro vinyl
floors offer ideal surfaces for jazz dance practice and performance.
6. Tap Dancing: Percussive Rhythms Through Footwork
Characterized by rhythmic shoe tapping, tap dancing often integrates choreography and
formations. It encompasses various styles like flamenco, rhythm, classical, broadway, and
postmodern tap. Harlequin Fiesta floors facilitate the distinct, crisp sounds of tap dancing while
preserving dancers' joint health.
7. Folk Dance: Celebrating Cultural Stories Through Movement
Global in its embrace, folk dance portrays emotions, historical events, and daily life. From
Bharatanatyam in India to Samba in Brazil and Hula in Hawaii, folk dances transcend cultural
boundaries, often accompanied by traditional music at public events.
8. Irish Dance: Traditions from the Emerald Isle
Evolving from Ireland, this traditional dance is known for its intricate footwork and group
performances. Exhibited during festivals and competitions, it combines skillful footwork with
accompanying music and singing.
9. Modern Dance: Embracing Creative Freedom
Born out of a rejection of traditional dance constraints, modern dance emerged in the late 19th
and 20th centuries. Focusing on personal interpretation, it forgoes rigid techniques for expressive
movements, often practiced on Harlequin's multidisciplinary vinyl floors.
10. Swing: Dynamic Jazz Dance Evolution
Emerging alongside swing jazz, swing dance thrived during the jazz era with its fast-paced,
vigorous movements. Forms like Lindy Charleston, Jitterbug, and Balboa continue to be
performed today, often set to lively and smooth melodies.
Purpose

The Multifaceted Purpose of Dance: An Academic Exploration

Cultural Expression and Preservation
Dance serves as a vital cultural expression, preserving traditions, beliefs, rituals, and narratives
passed down through generations. It encapsulates the essence of a community's history, values,
and identity, reflecting the richness and diversity of cultures worldwide.
Artistic Creation and Performance
As a performing art, dance enables creative expression and artistic innovation. Choreographers
and dancers explore movement, space, and rhythm to convey emotions, stories, and concepts,
crafting performances that evoke thought, provoke emotions, and entertain audiences.
Social Cohesion and Communication
Dance fosters social connections and communication, transcending language barriers. It provides
a platform for interpersonal interaction, promoting teamwork, cooperation, and shared
experiences, contributing to community bonding and unity.
Physical and Emotional Well-being
Engaging in dance offers physical exercise, enhancing flexibility, strength, balance, and
cardiovascular health. Moreover, dance is recognized for its therapeutic benefits, aiding in stress
relief, emotional expression, and mental well-being, fostering self-confidence and self-
awareness.
Educational and Developmental Value
Within educational settings, dance plays a crucial role in holistic development. It stimulates
cognitive abilities, spatial awareness, and motor skills in children. Additionally, it cultivates
discipline, resilience, and perseverance, nurturing essential life skills.
Documentation of Human Experience
Dance serves as a documentation of human experiences, capturing historical, social, and political
narratives. From traditional folk dances to contemporary interpretations, it encapsulates societal
shifts, cultural evolution, and individual stories.
Celebration and Ritual
Dance is an integral part of celebratory events, religious ceremonies, and rituals worldwide.
Whether marking milestones, honoring traditions, or expressing spiritual devotion, dance plays a
significant role in commemorating and elevating meaningful occasions.
Entertainment and Recreation
Beyond its cultural and artistic significance, dance provides entertainment and leisure,
captivating audiences through diverse genres and performances. From formal theater productions
to informal social dances, it offers a source of enjoyment and recreation.

National artist for dance

Pioneers in Philippine Dance: Influential Figures and Their Contributions

Lucrecia R. Urtula - Lucrecia Faustino Reyes-Urtula
Lucrecia R. Urtula, a notable Filipino choreographer, theater director, teacher, author, and
researcher specializing in ethnic dance, made substantial contributions to Philippine dance and
cultural heritage. Her significant roles include:
 Founding Director of the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company
 Recipient of the National Artist of the Philippines for Dance title in 1988
 Notable Choreographic Works:
 "Singkil": A signature number of the Bayanihan, derived from a Maranao epic poem
 "Vinta": A dance celebrating Filipino sailing prowess
 "Tagabili": Depiction of tribal conflict
 "Pagdiwata": Condensation of a four-day harvest festival into a six-minute spectacle
 Authorship of "Philippine National Dances" (1946)
 Contributions to the realm of gymnastics for girls (1947)
Ramon Obusan
Ramon Arevalo Obusan, a multifaceted Filipino dancer, choreographer, stage designer, and
artistic director, significantly impacted Philippine traditional dance and cultural exploration. His
notable contributions include:
 Promotion of Philippine traditional dance and cultural heritage
 Acclaimed work as an archivist, researcher, and documentary filmmaker focusing on
Philippine culture
 Pioneering Works:
 "Vamos a Belen! Series" (1998-2004)
 "Noon Po sa Amin": A tableaux representing Philippine history through song, drama, and
dance
 "Obra Maestra": A collection of Ramon Obusan's dance masterpieces
 "Unpublished Dances of the Philippines," Series I-IV
 "Water, Fire, and Life": A celebration of Philippine dances and music
 "Saludo sa Sentenyal"
 "Glimpses of ASEAN": Dances and music representing ASEAN-member countries
 "MJ (Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group)": Showcasing Philippine costumes through dance
Alice Reyes
Alice Garcia Reyes, a distinguished Filipina dancer, choreographer, teacher, director, and
producer, made significant strides in the realm of Philippine dance. Her notable achievements
include:
 Founding Ballet Philippines, a milestone in Philippine dance history
 Recognition as National Artist of the Philippines, conferred by President Benigno Aquino
III
 Notable Choreographic Works and Contributions:
 Pioneering works like "Amada" (1969), "At a Maranaw Gathering" (1970), and "Itim-
Asu" (1971)
 "Tales of the Manuvu" (1977) and "Rama Hari" (1980)
 Authorship of "Bayanihan Remembered" (1987)

Prominent Filipino Dancers

Name Television Channel Famous Dances/Shows

Marian Rivera GMA Network "Marimar," "Darna," various
dance performances
Maja Salvador ABS-CBN "ASAP," "Wildflower,"
"Bridges of Love"
Kim Chiu ABS-CBN "Pinoy Big Brother," "Dance
Kids," various dance acts
John Prats ABS-CBN "Ang TV," "Dance Kids,"
various dance performances
Vhong Navarro ABS-CBN "Showtime," "Gandang Gabi
Vice," various dance numbers
Rayver Cruz ABS-CBN "ASAP," "Sana Maulit Muli,"
various dance showcases
Yassi Pressman ABS-CBN "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano,"
various dance segments
AC Bonifacio ABS-CBN "Your Face Sounds Familiar,"
various dance competitions
Shaina Magdayao ABS-CBN "ASAP," "Mara Clara," various
dance performances
Angel Locsin ABS-CBN "The Legal Wife," "Iba Yan,"
various dance appearances
Anne Curtis ABS-CBN "It's Showtime," "Annekapal,"
various dance numbers
Gary Valenciano ABS-CBN "ASAP," "Gary V Presents,"
various dance performances
Enrique Gil ABS-CBN "Forevermore," "King of the
Gil," various dance acts
Toni Gonzaga ABS-CBN "PBB: Pinoy Big Brother,"
"ASAP," various dance gigs
Sarah Geronimo ABS-CBN "ASAP," "Sarah G Live,"
various dance showcases
Lucy Torres GMA Network Various TV guestings and dance
appearances
Maymay Entrata ABS-CBN "PBB: Pinoy Big Brother,"
"ASAP," dance performances
Rochelle Pangilinan GMA Network "Bubble Gang," "SOP," various
dance exhibitions
Niana Guerrero YouTube Popular YouTube dance videos,
online dance tutorials
Gerald Anderson ABS-CBN "Budoy," "ASAP," various
dance numbers
Billy Crawford ABS-CBN "It's Showtime," "Your Face
Sounds Familiar," dances
Mark Herras GMA Network "Starstruck," "Bubble Gang,"
various dance performances
Jhong Hilario ABS-CBN "It's Showtime," "Magpasikat,"
dance competitions
Ella Cruz ABS-CBN "Aryana," "Bagito," various
dance numbers

 Philippine Dances
o Origin

Dance in the Philippines has a rich history deeply intertwined with its diverse cultural heritage.
Here's a broad overview of how dances originated in the Philippines:
 Indigenous Roots: Many indigenous tribes across the Philippines have their distinct
dances that trace back to ancient rituals, celebrations, and daily life. These dances often
reflect the tribe's connection to nature, the cycles of planting and harvesting, rites of
passage, and their spiritual beliefs. Examples include the Ifugao's "hudhud" chants and
the "singkil" dance of the Maranao people.
 Colonial Influence: Spanish colonization significantly influenced Philippine dance. The
Spanish introduced Catholicism and European traditions, which influenced religious
dances performed during fiestas and religious ceremonies. The "subli," for instance, is a
dance performed in honor of the Holy Cross. Additionally, dances like the "jota" and
"rigodon" bear Spanish influence.
 Islamic Tradition: In the southern regions, especially Mindanao, Muslim influence from
the Malay and Indonesian cultures contributed to dances like the "singkil." This dance is
derived from an epic tale and is a popular performance featuring bamboo poles.
 Cultural Fusion: Over time, the Philippines became a melting pot of various influences,
including Chinese, Indian, American, and Malay cultures. These diverse cultural
exchanges have contributed to the evolution of Philippine dances, creating a fusion of
styles, steps, and rhythms.
 Modern Influences: Modern Philippine dance also reflects contemporary influences
from global trends, including hip-hop, street dance, and modern choreography, especially
in urban areas and entertainment media.

Folk, ritual, and ethnic

Type of Dance Description

Folk Dances Typically performed during festivals, rituals, and
celebrations, these dances convey stories and
represent the history of a culture or community.
They serve to preserve and celebrate the
Philippines' rich cultural heritage.
Ritual Dances These dances serve various purposes, such as
seeking blessings, protection, or celebrating
harvests. They often involve props, symbols, and
elements of storytelling or mythology. They're
found in different ethnic groups like the T'boli.
Ethnic Dances Also known as tribal dances, these are performed
by indigenous groups to celebrate their culture,
history, and traditions. They reflect unique
customs and beliefs, performed during rituals,
festivals, or for entertainment.

Luzon Folk Dances

1. Tinikling: Mimics the movements of the tikling bird
2. Pandanggo sa Ilaw: A graceful dance performed using bamboo poles
3. Binasuan: A dance that uses a woven bamboo basket as a prop
4. Carinosa: A dance that incorporates Spanish influences
5. Maglalatik: A dance that uses sticks and is performed by both males and females
6. Rigodon: A dance that features the use of sticks and is performed by males

Visayas Folk Dances

7. La Jota Moncadena: Adapted from an old Spanish dance, it combines Spanish and
Ilocano dance steps set to Spanish music and castanets
8. Itik-Itik: Mimics the way a duck walks and splashes water on its back to attract a mate
9. Kappa Malong-Malong: A dance that uses a shawl as a prop

Mindanao Folk Dances

10. Kuratsa: Incorporates intricate arm gestures, hand clapping, and playful interactions
between dancers

Festival Dances of Antique

Urukay Festival (Anini-y)

Sumakwelan Festival (Hamtic)

Tiringbanay Festival (San Jose)

Buroyloganay (Sibalom)

Hambaru Festival (San Remigio)

Panubason Festival (Valderrama

Biray Festival (Belison)

Udyakan Festival (Patnongon)

Bugas Sa Lusong (Bugasong)

Pahinis Festival (Laua-an)

Batabat Festival (Barbaza

Maninihon Festival (Tibiao)

Madja-as Festival (Culasi)

Patuyaw Festival (Sebaste)

Tugbong Festival (Pandan)

Banigan Festival (Libertad)

Tatusan Festival (Caluya)

Binirayan Festival (Antique)

Activity

Look into the all the different festivals in Antique and explore the roots or origin of the festival.