Dances

• Ballroom Dance can be traced back to in Europe

  16th century
• Ballroom dance was primarily a social activity for the upper class
• In the 19th century, ballroom dance began to be formalized and standardized
• Ballroom dance can be traced back to a dancing manual called “Orchesographie” by Thoinot Arbeau in 1598
• The origins of the oldest traditional ballroom dance, Waltz, first appeared in 16th-century Europe where individuals danced so closely that their faces touched
• At that time, the violin was most used to accompany early ballroom dances
• Ballroom dancing competitions are now called "Dance sports"
• Ballroom Dance

  • Waltz
  • Foxtrot
  • Tango
  • Quickstep
• Waltz developed out of the folk music of the Western region in Austria and features "rise and fall" movements
• Foxtrot originated in the 1-step, 2-step, and syncopated ragtime dances, with long walking motions and short, quick steps
• Tango originated in Latin America and gained popularity in ballrooms during the 20th century
• Quickstep is known for its fast, rotating movements and intricate footwork
• Contemporary Dance is a form of interpretative dance that values uniqueness and combines methods from diverse genres such as classical ballet, jazz, contemporary dance, and lyrical dance
• Contemporary Dance is all about versatility and innovation, distinguished by freedom of movement and fluidity, allowing exploration of the mind-body connection
• Martha Graham, the "Mother of Contemporary Dance," developed the Graham Technique emphasizing contraction, release, and breath-influenced movement
• Merce Cunningham, the "Father of Contemporary Dance," formalized contemporary dance as a separate art form and promoted its ongoing development with the Cunningham Technique
• Folk Dance in the Pre-colonial Period expressed and symbolized communal life as well as specific rites and events
• Folk Dance in the Spanish Period was characterized by assimilation and simplification with Christianity playing a major role
• Folk Dance in the American Period frequently highlights the love of music, the simplicity of life, and the joy of labor
• Folk dances are used to celebrate ceremonies regarding community culture, history, and rituals rooted in Catholic devotion and faith
• Types of Folk Dance

  • Pandanggo sa Ilaw
  • Maglalatik
  • Alitaptap
  • Surtido
  • Tinikling
  • Singkil
  • Dugso
  • Itik-Itik
• Significance of Folk Dance: Performing folk dances allows for the preservation of heritage and culture, depicting scenes from daily activities, livelihoods, and celebrations of Filipino life
• Folk dances often depict scenes from daily activities, livelihoods, and celebrations of Filipino life
• Appreciating folk dances keeps our culture alive and teaches the next generation the wonders of our culture
• Hip-hop

  • Divided into four elements: deejaying, rapping, graffiti, and break dancing
  • Originated in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City in the late 1960s and early 1970s
  • Created by African American and Latino communities facing social and economic challenges
  • Dance styles include up rock, breaking, locking, robotic, boogaloo, and popping
  • Has three phases: old school, new school, and 21st century
• Hip-hop dance

  • Intertwined with hip-hop culture as a form of self-expression
  • Incorporates influences from African dance, funk, breakdancing, etc.
  • Serves as a tool for individuality, storytelling, and emotion conveying
  • Regularly evolves with new styles and interpretations
  • Forms the foundation of hip-hop culture alongside DJing, emceeing, graffiti, and knowledge
  • Reflects struggles, triumphs, and experiences of communities that gave birth to hip-hop
  • Offers space for marginalized voices and identities to be celebrated
  • Influenced by music genre, fashion style, and dance
  • Hip-hop challenged the status quo, pushing boundaries, and forging a unique identity
  • Cultural innovation transcended geographic barriers, influencing music, fashion, and youth culture globally
  • A movement, language, community, and legacy that continues to evolve and inspire
• Breaking

  • Also called ‘b-boying’ or ‘b-girling’
  • Involves intricate footwork, freezes, acrobatic moves, and floor work performed to the beat of hip-hop music
• Popping

  • Originated in the West Coast of the US in the 1970s
  • Dancers contract and relax their muscles rhythmically to create a popping or snapping effect, often combined with robotic movements and isolations
• Dougie

  1. The rapper Doug E. Fresh inspired the name of this groove technique, which involves passing a palm over the head

  2. A good and adaptable transition move that will draw attention because of its renown and relative ease of execution
• Cabbage Patch

  1. Became a phenomenon in the 1980s

  2. While sidestepping, do an "around the world" spin with your hands in fists
• Fitness Dance is a type of exercise that synthesizes cathartic dance moves with fitness elements
• Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper wrote a book entitled “Aerobics”


  1960s
• Judi Sheppard Missett established the “Jazzercise”


  1970s
• The Zumba program founded by Alberto “Beto” Perez during the mid-1990s is one of the most notable dance workout trademarks
• Different types of Fitness Dance

  • Cardio Dance
  • Barre Workout
  • Mind-body flow
• Cardio Dance


  • Aims to make the body sweat
  • Similar to hip-hop dance or twerk dance, depending on the instructor
  • Great for relaxing the mind and body with dance
• Barre Workout

  • Incorporates ballet, Pilates, and strength training all at once
  • Focuses on posture to improve strength and endurance
• Mind-body flow


  • Typically uses yoga or martial arts and puts in a flowing routine
  • Great for improving flexibility, reducing stress, and keeping the heart healthy