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

Dance is the art of moving the body in a coordinated manner to musical rhythm, using body movements to express emotions and communicate ideas. It is a performing art in which the human body is the instrument. Its elements are body, space, time, energy and movement, and every dance has a beginning, a middle and an end.

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 can be defined as:

• Any body movement performed to express human emotion in reaction to music
• An organised movement of the body to musical rhythm
• The art of moving the body in a coordinated manner
• A form of expression using body movements to communicate
• A performing art that uses the human body as an instrument

What is the origin and history of dance?

• Dance is as old as humanity itself
• Early humans danced for rituals and ceremonies
• Cave paintings show evidence of ancient dances
• Different cultures developed unique dance forms
• Dance evolved from religious to social to artistic expression
• Modern dance forms continue to emerge

What are the elements of dance?

Body

• The instrument of dance
• Includes all body parts
• Creates shapes and forms
• Expresses emotions
• Main tool for communication

Space

• The area where dance occurs
• Includes:
  1. Personal space (immediate area)
  2. General space (entire dance area)
  3. Levels (high, middle, low)
  4. Directions (forward, backward, sideways)
  5. Pathways (straight, curved, zigzag)

Time

• The rhythm and tempo of movement
• Includes:
  1. Beat and rhythm
  2. Speed (fast, slow)
  3. Duration
  4. Accents
  5. Musical phrasing

Energy

• The force and quality of movement
• Types:
  1. Sharp or smooth
  2. Strong or gentle
  3. Sudden or sustained
  4. Tight or loose
  5. Heavy or light

Movement

• The action of dancing
• Categories:
  1. Locomotor (travelling)
  2. Non-locomotor (stationary)
  3. Manipulative (using props)

What is the structure of a dance?

Dance has three basic structures:

The beginning

• Entry of dancers
• Warm-up movements
• First impression
• Setting the mood
• Introducing theme

The middle

• Main dance content
• Development of theme
• Climax or peak
• Variety of movements
• Story progression

The end

• Rounding off movements
• Final impression
• Exit of dancers
• Resolution
• Memorable closing

What are the types of body movements in dance?

Locomotor movements

• Walking
• Running
• Jumping
• Hopping
• Skipping
• Galloping
• Sliding
• Leaping

Non-locomotor movements

• Bending
• Stretching
• Twisting
• Turning
• Swinging
• Swaying
• Shaking
• Balancing

What are the essentials of a dance?

Body awareness

• Understanding body parts
• Knowing capabilities
• Recognising limitations
• Feeling movements
• Controlling actions

Spatial awareness

• Using space effectively
• Understanding directions
• Recognising boundaries
• Creating patterns
• Maintaining formations

Rhythmic awareness

• Feeling the beat
• Matching movements to music
• Understanding tempo
• Creating rhythm
• Syncing with others

Expressive quality

• Showing emotions
• Telling stories
• Communicating ideas
• Engaging audience
• Creating atmosphere

What are the basic dance positions?

Feet positions

1. First position: heels together, toes apart
2. Second position: feet apart, parallel
3. Third position: one foot in front
4. Fourth position: feet apart, one forward
5. Fifth position: feet crossed

Arm positions

1. First position: arms curved in front
2. Second position: arms extended to sides
3. Third position: one arm up, one to side
4. Fourth position: one arm up, one curved in front
5. Fifth position: both arms curved overhead

What are the common dance terms?

Basic terms

• Choreography: creating dances
• Choreographer: dance creator
• Routine: set sequence of movements
• Phrase: short movement sequence
• Transition: movement between sections
• Formation: arrangement of dancers
• Ensemble: group of dancers

Movement qualities

• Flow: continuous movement
• Balance: stability in positions
• Alignment: proper body positioning
• Extension: stretching movements
• Isolation: moving one body part
• Coordination: synchronised movements

Why is dance important?

1. Physical fitness and health
2. Emotional expression
3. Cultural preservation
4. Social interaction
5. Creative development
6. Discipline and focus
7. Career opportunities
8. Entertainment value

What is the place of dance in Nigerian culture?

Traditional dances

• Atilogwu (Igbo acrobatic dance)
• Bata (Yoruba drum dance)
• Koroso (Hausa dance)
• Ekombi (Efik maiden dance)
• Swange (Tiv social dance)

Characteristics of traditional dances

• Tell stories and histories
• Mark important occasions
• Express cultural values
• Use traditional music
• Include costumes and props

How do dancers prepare for a dance?

Physical preparation

• Warm-up exercises
• Stretching routines
• Strength building
• Flexibility training
• Stamina development

Mental preparation

• Understanding choreography
• Memorising sequences
• Visualising movements
• Building confidence
• Managing performance anxiety

How can dancers stay safe?

Preventing injuries

• Proper warm-up
• Correct technique
• Appropriate footwear
• Safe dance surface
• Gradual progression

Care considerations

• Stay hydrated
• Rest between sessions
• Listen to body signals
• Seek help for pain
• Cool down properly

Can dance be a career?

Professional opportunities

• Performance artist
• Dance teacher
• Choreographer
• Dance therapist
• Cultural ambassador
• Fitness instructor
• Dance critic
• Studio owner

Skills developed

• Physical coordination
• Musical appreciation
• Teamwork abilities
• Creative thinking
• Cultural awareness
• Performance confidence
• Time management
• Professional discipline

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

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.