DANCE EDUCATION

CHAPTER 3DANCE FUNDAMENTALS

PED 246: Methods and Techniques of Dance and Gymnastics

Definitions

Beat – basic unit that measures time.

Accent – stress placed on a beat to make it stronger or louder than others

Measure – one group of beats made by the regular occurrence of the heavy accent.

Definitions

Meter – metric division of a measure into parts of equal time value and regular accents.

Time Signature – symbol that establishes duration of time2/4 – 2 beats to measure – accent on 1st

quarter note.

Definitions

Phrase – a musical sentence.

Tempo – rate of speed at which music is played.

Rhythm pattern – grouping of beats that repeat for the pattern of a dance step.Even – all the sameUneven – combination of quick/slow

Fundamental locomotor movements

All movements have rhythms to them, just different variationsWalk – 1-2-3-4Run – 1.2 - 3,4 - 5,6 - 7,8

Teaching the Young

Listen to beat Clap with beat Clap and tap foot with beat Move (step) with beat Dance with beat

Basic steps and turns

Both partners work together to make changesTurns

○ Male steps and female steps○ Both work as a unit

Formations

See textbook page 48No partnersCouples3 peopleTwo couplesCouples in a fileCouples in a lineFour Couples

Positions

See textbook pages 49-53

36 different positionsGives male and female stances.

Teaching the dances

Listen for the beatMany times the underlying beat

○ Produced in the background of the musicHave students clap with the beat to ensure it

has been found and understood

Progress to harder beats to ensure understanding.

Rhythms

Clapping Body movements (arms or legs)

10 points on page 56 for teaching Rhythms

Posture

Ear to ankle alignmentAllows you to not tire as easilyGives poise and confidence

Approaches to good posturePage 57 of textbook

Additions to dance

Music – adds “flavor” to dances Shoes – sliding Clothes – can add to style of dance Mirrors – can see own moves and

posture

Add only minimal comments on elements (include positive feedback)