Dance – JSS1 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (First Term)

Dance is the art of moving the body to musical rhythm to express emotions and communicate ideas.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define dance.
2. State the elements of dance.
3. Describe the beginning, middle and end of a dance.
4. Give examples of locomotor and non-locomotor movements.
5. Name five Nigerian traditional dances and the people who perform them.
6. State the importance of dance and the safety rules for dancers.

What is dance?

Dance is a performing art in which the human body is the instrument, moving in a coordinated way to musical rhythm.

• Expression: any body movement performed to show human emotion in reaction to music.
• Organised movement: body movement arranged to fit the rhythm of music.
• Coordination: the art of moving the body in a controlled and harmonious way.
• Communication: a form of expression that uses body movements to pass on a message.
• Performing art: an art that is shown to an audience, with the body as the instrument.

What is the origin and history of dance?

Dance is as old as humanity itself, and people in every society have danced.

• Early humans: danced for rituals and ceremonies.
• Cave paintings: show evidence of ancient dances.
• Different cultures: developed their own dance forms, with their own music, steps and costumes.
• Changing purposes: dance has been used for religion, social enjoyment and artistic expression.
• Modern dance: new dance forms continue to emerge.

What are the elements of dance?

There are five elements of dance: body, space, time, energy and movement.

Body

The body is the instrument of dance.

• Body parts: the head, arms, legs, trunk and feet are all used.
• Shapes and forms: the body makes shapes as it moves.
• Emotion: the body shows feelings such as joy and sadness.
• Communication: it is the main tool for passing on a message.

Space

Space is the area in which the dance takes place.

• Personal space: the area immediately around the dancer.
• General space: the whole dance area shared by all dancers.
• Levels: high, middle and low positions of the body.
• Directions: forward, backward and sideways.
• Pathways: the lines a dancer travels on, such as straight, curved or zigzag.

Time

Time is the rhythm and tempo of movement.

• Beat and rhythm: the steady pulse and the pattern of the music.
• Speed: how fast or slow the dancer moves.
• Duration: how long a movement lasts.
• Accents: stressed beats that receive extra emphasis.
• Musical phrasing: grouping movements to match the phrases of the music.

Energy

Energy is the force and quality of a movement.

• Sharp or smooth: quick and cutting, or flowing and even.
• Strong or gentle: powerful, or soft and careful.
• Sudden or sustained: a quick burst, or a movement that continues for a long time.
• Tight or loose: held firmly, or relaxed.
• Heavy or light: weighty, or as if floating.

Movement

Movement is the action of dancing, and it has three categories.

• Locomotor: movement that travels from one place to another.
• Non-locomotor: movement made on the spot, without travelling.
• Manipulative: movement that uses props, such as a fan, cloth or stick.

What is the structure of a dance?

Every dance has three parts: the beginning, the middle and the end.

The beginning

The beginning introduces the dance and sets the mood.

• Entry: the dancers come on to the stage or dance area.
• Warm-up movements: simple opening movements that start the dance.
• First impression: the audience forms its first opinion of the dance.
• Theme: the idea of the dance is introduced.

The middle

The middle is the main body of the dance, where the theme is developed.

• Main content: the most important movements are performed.
• Development: the theme grows through new steps and patterns.
• Climax: the peak of excitement in the dance.
• Variety: different movements keep the audience interested.
• Story progression: the story of the dance moves forward.

The end

The end rounds off the dance and leaves a final impression.

• Rounding off: closing movements bring the dance to a finish.
• Resolution: the story or theme reaches a conclusion.
• Final impression: the audience remembers how the dance closed.
• Exit: the dancers leave the dance area.

What are the types of body movements in dance?

There are two main types of body movement in dance: locomotor and non-locomotor.

• Locomotor movements: movements that carry the dancer from one place to another.
• Non-locomotor movements: movements performed in one place, using the body around a fixed spot.

What are the essentials of a dance?

There are four essentials of a dance: body awareness, spatial awareness, rhythmic awareness and expressive quality.

Body awareness

• Body parts: knowing the names and uses of each part.
• Capabilities and limits: knowing what the body can and cannot safely do.
• Control: feeling and controlling each action.

Spatial awareness

• Use of space: making good use of the dance area.
• Boundaries: knowing the edges of the dance area.
• Patterns and formations: creating patterns and keeping the group formation.

Rhythmic awareness

• Feeling the beat: sensing the pulse of the music.
• Matching music: fitting movements to the music and its tempo.
• Syncing with others: moving together with other dancers.

Expressive quality

• Emotions: showing feelings through movement.
• Stories and ideas: telling stories and passing on ideas.
• Audience: holding the attention of the audience and creating atmosphere.

What are the basic dance positions?

Basic dance positions are the standard placings of the feet and arms from which dance steps begin.

What are the five feet positions?

What are the five arm positions?

What are the common dance terms?

Dance terms are the words used to describe how dances are created, arranged and performed.

Basic terms

• Choreography: the art of creating dances.
• Choreographer: the person who creates a dance.
• Routine: a set sequence of movements.
• Phrase: a short sequence of movements.
• Transition: the movement that links one section to the next.
• Formation: the arrangement of dancers in the space.
• Ensemble: a group of dancers performing together.

Movement qualities

• Flow: continuous movement.
• Balance: stability in a position.
• Alignment: correct positioning of the body.
• Extension: stretching a movement to its full length.
• Isolation: moving one body part while the rest stays still.
• Coordination: body parts, or dancers, moving together in harmony.

Why is dance important?

Dance is important because it benefits the body, the mind and the community.

1. Physical fitness and health: dancing exercises the body.
2. Emotional expression: dancers show feelings through movement.
3. Cultural preservation: traditional dances keep customs alive.
4. Social interaction: dancing brings people together.
5. Creative development: dancers create new steps and patterns.
6. Discipline and focus: learning a dance needs practice and attention.
7. Career opportunities: dance can lead to paid work.
8. Entertainment: dance gives enjoyment to performers and audiences.

What is the place of dance in Nigerian culture?

Dance is a major part of Nigerian culture, and each people has its own traditional dances.

What are some Nigerian traditional dances?

What are the characteristics of traditional dances?

• Storytelling: they tell stories and histories.
• Occasions: they mark important events.
• Values: they express cultural values.
• Music: they use traditional music.
• Costumes and props: dancers wear special dress and may carry objects.

How do dancers prepare for a dance?

Dancers prepare in two ways: physical preparation and mental preparation.

Physical preparation

• Warm-up exercises: prepare the muscles for movement.
• Stretching routines: loosen the muscles and joints.
• Strength building: makes the body strong enough to dance.
• Flexibility training: helps the body bend and stretch easily.
• Stamina development: helps the dancer last through a long dance.

Mental preparation

• Understanding the choreography: knowing what the dance is about.
• Memorising sequences: remembering the order of steps.
• Visualising movements: picturing the dance before performing it.
• Building confidence: believing in your ability.
• Managing performance anxiety: staying calm before an audience.

How can dancers stay safe?

Dancers stay safe by preventing injuries and caring for their bodies.

How can injuries be prevented?

• Proper warm-up: always warm up before dancing.
• Correct technique: perform steps the right way.
• Appropriate footwear: wear shoes that suit the dance, or dance barefoot where the style requires it.
• Safe dance surface: dance on a clean, even floor or ground.
• Gradual progression: move from easy steps to harder ones slowly.

How should dancers care for themselves?

• Hydration: drink water.
• Rest: rest between sessions.
• Body signals: listen to what the body tells you.
• Pain: seek help when you feel pain.
• Cool down: finish with slow movements and stretches.

Can dance be a career?

Yes, dance can be a career, and it builds useful skills.

What are the professional opportunities in dance?

• Performance artist: performs on stage, television or at events.
• Dance teacher: teaches others to dance.
• Choreographer: creates dances.
• Dance therapist: uses dance to help people heal.
• Cultural ambassador: presents a country’s culture through dance.
• Fitness instructor: leads dance-based exercise.
• Dance critic: reviews and judges performances.
• Studio owner: runs a dance school or studio.

What skills does dance develop?

• Physical coordination: control of body movement.
• Musical appreciation: understanding and enjoying music.
• Teamwork: working well with other dancers.
• Creative thinking: finding new ideas for movement.
• Cultural awareness: knowing and respecting different cultures.
• Performance confidence: being at ease before an audience.
• Time management: balancing practice with other duties.
• Professional discipline: keeping to rules and routines.

Evaluation

1. Define dance.
2. List the five elements of dance.
3. Name the three parts of a dance and state one thing that happens in each.
4. Give four examples of locomotor movements and four examples of non-locomotor movements.
5. Name three Nigerian traditional dances and the people who perform them.

Assignment

In your notebook, complete these three parts on dance:

1. State five reasons why dance is important.
2. List five things a dancer should do to prevent injury.
3. Describe the five feet positions in dance.