Dance is a form of art that involves rhythmic body movement, usually to music. In the Philippines, dances reflect the culture and beliefs of the nation, mirroring its history and progress over time. Traditional Philippine dances were performed for various reasons like celebrations, rituals, and storytelling, incorporating movements that depicted nature and life experiences. Various groups brought their own dances, which blended over time as cultures mixed under influences like Spanish colonization. Today, dances preserve cultural heritage while providing benefits like exercise, self-expression, and stress relief.

1. Introduction:
Dance Literature
in the Philippines
Philippine Cultural Dance Appreciation

2. Dances are the reflections of
what the culture and beliefs a
nation have. It is the mirror of the
origin, growth, and progress its
citizen has come across with the
passage of time.
In this chapter, we will focus on the history and general
classifications of Philippine Dance, the fundamental
dance terms positions, dance movements in 24, 34, and
44 time signatures and movement combinations.

3. Physical Education is defined as an integral
part of educational program designed to
promote the optimum development of an
individual physically,mentally,emotionally,
socially, and spiritually through total body
movement in the performance of properly
selected physical activities.

4. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
1.WHAT is dance?
2.WHY people dance?
3.HOW do people use dance? HOW
they describe dance?
Rhythmic Activities refer to bodily
responses to any type of rhythmic
accompaniment that will provide leeway to
satisfy the need of self-expression.

5. According to Merriam-Webster, a DANCE defines as an act
or instance of moving one's body rhythmically usually to
music; or to move your body in a way that goes with the
rhythm and style of music that is being played.
WHAT IS DANCE?

6. ... form of art
... emphasizing physical expression of inner
emotions and ideas
... associated with lots of activities directly
related to history, cultural practices, languages,
traditions, and values
... representation of one's character and
attitude
DANCE IS A
the movement of the body in a rhythmic way,
usually to music and within a given space, for
the purpose of expressing an idea or
emotion, releasing energy, or simply taking
delight in the movement itself

7. DANCE OVER THE YEARS
Before the arrival of written language and modern history
celebratory and ritual dances are one of the essential factors of the development of
early human civilizations.

8. Pre-colonial dances are distinctly meant to appease the Gods and to ask favors
from spirits, as a means to celebrate their harvest or hunt. Their dance mimicked
life forms and the stories of their community. Moreover, theses dances were
also ritualistic in nature, dances articulated rites of passages, the community's
collective legends and history.
Across the 7,641 islands in the Philippines, there are various tribes scattered all over, each with their own
unique traditions and dances. The Igorots from the mountains of Luzon, resisted Spanish colonization and
influences have kept most of their dances untouched across generations. Their dances express their love of
nature and gratitude to the gods. Their choreography imitates nature and their life experiences. Dancers
would often swoop their arms like birds and stomp their feet as a representation of the rumbling earth.
Pre-Colonial Period
PHI LI PPI NE D A NC E

9. Filipinos already had their own set of music and dances before the Spaniards came;
dances were performed for different reasons, from weddings up to religious feasts, even
to prepare for or celebrate war. Asthe Spanish colonizers realized the relevance of
these dances for Filipinos, dancing was utilized as a relevant social activity.
As European dances had more sharp and fast steps, Filipinos softened these movements
when they were recreated. Other features that were done when adopting these
European dances was the addition of local elements like using bamboo, paypays (local
fans), and coconut or shell castanets.
Spanish Era
PHILIPPINE DANC E

10. The American Era
PHILIPPINE DANC E
The Americans, in 1898, had brought in their own commercial and global
culture which had also influenced the Filipinos. Those with interest in dance
were the ones mainly appealed to by the more Black-influenced customs of
dance and music. With these Filipino dancers who already know the zarzuela
(sarswela), a Spanish form of stage performance with singing and dancing and
musical comedy, they became more interested in the American vaudeville
(bodabil) or “stage show”, which is filled with both theatrical and circus acts, and
more reminiscent of Broadway musicals.
The disco scene also grew more in the 1980s.

11. It plays a role in courtship
It serves as a form of acquaintance for a
man and woman.
A sense of unity is found within the dance
Asin old times, it brings supernatural;
powers to people.
Reasons Why DoPeopleDance

12. reasons why do people

13. Ithasbeenusedinworship.
Itisanexpressionofthejoyonefeels.
Itbringsvictoryorsomehowrestoreshealthtolife.
Itevenbreaksthemonotonyofthedailyactivities.
Itservestoentertainothers.
Itgivesbeautyandinspirationtoothers.
Itprovidespersonalandeffectivenessofcommunication.

14. Benefits of Dance
Culture is defined as our way of life.
The tradition and norms which is important in every culture
can be represent in a way of dancing, a graceful dance,
colorful props and costumes, slow movements and fast that
catches the attention of everyone.
Cultural dancers can be a story teller, tells the story in every
movements and sequence of their dance.
Numerous studies, including one published by the
American Academy of Family Physicians in 2005,
suggest that regular aerobic activity can help people
shake off the cobwebs of pessimism or depression.
The celebratory nature and social aspect of folk
dancing’s music and movements will certainly
challenge any negative outlook.
Develop sense of well-being; provides physically,
mentally, emotional, and social awareness.
It build strength, endurance, and flexibility. Agood
alternative exercise.
It promotes patriotism and nationalism.
It preserves the cultural heritage of one's country.

15. Nothing is permanent. You are not stuck. You have
choices. You can think new thoughts. You can learn
something new. You can create new habits. All that matters
is that you decide today and never look back.
Gentle Reminder
Any questions?
john.edrie.espina@adamson.edu.ph