1 ELEMENTS OF VISUAL ARTS

Art Appreciation

 

I.          Title                 :           The Visual Arts (Elements of Arts)

 

II.         Introduction   :

Visual arts refer to still, unmoving pictures, paintings, sculptures, photographs, digital images, installation or architecture that are created by artists. They are the representation or embodiment of an idea, an experience, a concept, a stage of vitality, emotion, feeling or a result of interaction with the environment, and a product of human thinking. Paintings are displayed in a museum or gallery. It is a way to convey a message to the viewer. Sculptures are displayed inside or outside a building.  Viewers can view all sides of the sculpture: front, back, left, right. Digital art, which is composed and stored in a computer, is viewed electronically. The viewer sometimes look at angles of an illustration art to interact with it. In architecture, the viewer has to enter a building to feel and experience the space, breadth, scale and space to sense the effect of its material on the architecture itself.

 Visual images are made arranging elements and organizing the design using selected materials of art-making.

  This module describes each of the elements of art and principles of organization. This lesson will guide you in reading and understanding the lessons where artworks are discussed.

 

III.        Objectives:

                        At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:

  

1. describe the elements of visual art2. identify and explain the principles of organization3. discuss the requirements to analyze a visual art4. to determine the relationship of the elements to the presentation of the

different artworks.  The visual arts are arts that we see. This category usually includes just things that we see and things that are flat or two-dimensional. Visual arts are things like paintings, drawings, visual designs, photography, and computer art.

Because "visual arts" means two-dimensional things, sculpture and architecture come under separate headings. Likewise, visual works of art stay in one place, unmoving, while we observe them. For this reason, performing arts-- stage, screen, music, and dance arts--also come under their own separate headings.

Remember that art is a language all of its own that is different from our normal spoken language. The language of the visual arts--like the other arts--is feeling: emotion, intuition, and form or idea without words. Through paintings, drawings, and other visual arts, we can discover worlds of experience that are all around us--or inside of us--that cannot be described quickly or easily with mere words. The visual arts can help us give meaning to what seems meaningless and help us recapture feelings and experiences that we have once had or would like to have again.

Powerful Paintings

The visual arts are especially powerful for most people.

They are powerful because, first, we are a very visual race. Human beings are primarily visual sensors of five- sense data. Second, so much of what we experience can be identified and recalled much more quickly with one picture-- "A picture," the old saying goes, "is worth a thousand words." And third, we have parts of our brains very well trained from infancy to absorb and process visual images, brain parts that are quite different from those that

process verbal thinking. So we are very primed and ready for the visual stimulation of the visual arts.

When an artist creates a visual work of art such as a painting, he or she is communicating with us just as surely as if she were talking to us. Her "words," though, are not spoken things, but rather are color, line, shape, and texture. There are so very many things that go into making a visual art work what it is, and so very many different things an artist can say just by making the different combinations.

For example, what does red make us feel? What does grey? What does a bunch of sharp, jagged lines, as opposed to a series of gentle curves, make us feel, especially when they are drawn in forms we recognize such as sharp, jagged eyebrows or gently curving ones?

There are so many other ways, too, that an artist can "talk" to us. We are supposed to feel something when looking at a painting or other work of art: we are supposed to react to it, even if the painting makes us react with tears, anger, or discomfort. Paintings and works of art in general are meant to move us, especially in ways that words often can't. When we search for the meaning of a painting, we shouldn't be looking for some kind of abstract symbolic meaning or other intellectual idea. It may be there intellectually, or it may not. Either way, what really is there is feeling--that is what we should search for first in trying to figure out what a painting or photograph "means."

By letting ourselves aim to discover the feelings of a visual work of art, we can develop a more wide and far- seeing eye for what the artists really were trying to do.

 

 

Types of Visual Arts

Here is a list of some visual art forms (ones not considered as sculpture, plays, dance, or the like). They are listed by mediums--by the types of "canvas" and "paint" used to created them.

 

painting/drawing

(2-dimensional medium)

 

carving/weaving

(3-dimensional medium)

oil/acryliccharcoal/pastelpencil drawing

watercolorphotograph/poster

lithographsilk-screen

cartoon/comic

engravingwoodcutetching

stained glassmosaic

stage settingtapestry

carved design or picture

 

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~jewel001/humanities/book/10visualart.htm

  

VI.       Content:

 

The materials the artist uses in creating a work are the mediums and the elements put together. An element of art can only be seen in some mediums and the elements . This element is independent of the medium. For example, a pencil line or an ink line. The medium is the physical means through which we can come into a contact with a work of art and the elements are : the quantities or properties. The element of art consists of the qualities or properties inherent in each work of art.

 The elements of visual arts are:

1. 1.    Line2. 2.    Color

3. 3.    Texture4. 4.    Perspective5. 5.    Space6. 6.    Form7. 7.    Volume8. 8.    Light9. 9.    Shadow

10. Space movement

 

 

The Elements of the Visual Art

             Lines

Line is used to lead the viewer’s eyes throughout the artwork. It can lead your eyes into, around, and out of the visual images within the artistic frame. A line has width as well as length, but usually, it is the length that occupies more space than its width. The use of line also evokes expressive feelings and ideas. An artist associates the emotions with the lines that define their accompanying positions.

 

There are five basic kinds of lines:

1. vertical2. horizontal3. diagonal4. curved5. zigzag6. crooked or jagged

 

Line is defined as a mark that spans a distance between two points (or the path of a moving point), taking any form along the way. As an art element, line

pertains to the use of various marks, outlines and implied lines in artwork and design, most often used to define shape in two-dimensional work.

Implied line is the path that the viewer's eye takes as it follows shapes, colors, and form along a path, but may not be continuous or physically connected, such as the line created by a dancer's arms, torso, and legs when performing an arabesque. Line is an element of art that is simplest, most ancient, and most universal means for creating visual arts.

  Vertical lines move up and down.

They express stability and show dignity, poise, stiffness, formality and upward mobility.Vertical line can be used to express an orderly feeling, and alertness.

 

Horizontal lines are parallel to the horizon. They express feelings of rest, peace, quiet and stability, permanence or solidarity. Just like the landscapes and calm bodies and reclining persons. They make you feel relaxed and calm. Horizontal lines can give a feeling of peace and stillness.

 Diagonal lines slant, as if they are either rising or falling and is used to create feelings of movement.  It suggests action, life and movement. It is up to the artist how he/she conveys it, in the best way possible through the use of lines. (A ship sailing a stormy sea will need diagonal lines to represent movement.)

 Curved lines slowly change direction and form wiggly curves, spirals or circles. Suggests grace subtleness , direction , flexibility, joy, grace. 

 Zigzag lines combine diagonal lines that form angles and suddenly change directions.

Crooked or jagged express energy, violence, conflict or struggle.

   

            Variations of line appearance:

 

1. Length – Lines can either be long or short.2. Width – Lines can be thick or thin.3. Texture – Lines can be rough or smooth.4. Direction – Lines can move in any direction, such as vertical, horizontal

or diagonal.5. Degree of Curve – Lines can curve gradually or not at all, form spirals or

circles.  

Shapes and Forms

 

            Shape is a two-dimensional area that may have an outline or boundary around it, and it may cover around it.

            Dimension refers to the amount of shape an object takes up in one direction. A shape may be geometric or free-form.

 

            Geometric shapes are kind of shapes that can be studied mathematically because they possess sides and angles. Some examples of this are circle, square, triangle, oval, rectangle, etc.

 

            Free-form shapes are those that are not studied mathematically. They have outlines that are unpredictably curved or angular or are a combination of different lines and forms.

   

Texture

 

            Texture is a color element that deals more directly with the sense of touch. It refers to how things feel when touched.

 

Tactile texture is experienced when you touch something to feel its texture.

Visual texture is felt when you look at a photograph or an image that has texture, and it reminds you how those objects actually feel. Visual texture is the illusion of a three-dimensional surface.

           

Roughness or smoothness of a visual texture is determined by the light or dark values it has. A rough texture is a result of surface that reflects light unevenly. Smooth surface reflects light evenly.

  

Color

            Color is an element of art that results from the light waves reflected from objects to your eyes. They are warm or cool colors. Warm colors: red, orange, and yellow are associated with warm things such as fire or sunlight. Cool colors such as blue, green, and violet are associated with cool things like ice, snow, water or grass.  Warm colors seem to moving close to the viewer while cool colors have a receding effect. Of all the elements, color has the most aesthetic appeal

 

            Three properties of color that make up the colors we see:

           

1. hue2. value3. intensity

 

Hue is the name of a specific color in the color spectrum or the bands of color that are present in a color wheel. It means the shade.

 

Primary hues: red, yellow, blue

Secondary hues: made by mixing two primary hues. For example, red and yellow make orange, red and blue make violet, blue and yellow make green. The resulting colors, orange, violent and green are secondary hues.

 

Intermediate colors are made by mixing a primary color with its secondary color. Example,  red (primary color) and orange (secondary color) make red-orange.

 

Yellow is the lightest hue because it reflects the most light. Violet is the  darkest hue because it reflects the least light.. The colors of all the light create white. White reflects all the color waves and doors not absorb art.

White, gray and black have no color quality and are called: neutral colors

 

Color always has three characteristics, which are hue, value and the intensity. Hue means the shades (Red, yellow or pink), value is the amount of black or white in color, and  intensity is the degree of purity of color or the brightness or dullness of the work of art. 

           

VALUE

            Value is indicated through the lightness or darkness of a color. The amount of light a color reflects determines the color value. When a pencil is pressed hard to draw a line, it produces dark value.  When it is used lightly, it makes a line of light value. You can change the value of any hue by adding black or white.

 

Tint is a light value of a hue. Its dark value is called a shade. The arrangement of light and shadow is called chiaroscuro. In Italian,chiaro means “bright,” and “oscuro” means dark,

 

            Intensity is the brightness or dullness of a hue.

            High-intensity color  is a pure or bright hue.

            Dull- intensity color is a dark or dull hue.

             Many artists organize colors following a color scheme to avoid a confusing or unpleasant way of putting colors together.

 Color schemes: monochromatic, analogous, complementary or split-complement.

 Monochromatic color scheme uses only one hue. White and black added in varying  degrees to show the different shades  and tints of the hue.

 

Analogous colors  are found side by side within the color wheel.  For example, red. Red-orange, red-orange are close to one another in the color wheel. They are different hues but they are related in color.

 

Complementary colors are colors opposite each other. Example, red and green are located opposite each other in the color wheel in the chart.

 

Split complement is the combination of one hue and the hues on each side of its complement. For example, red-orange, blue and green from a split-complementary scheme.

 

Perspective

This deals with the effect of distance upon the appearance of objects by means of which the eye judges spatial relationships .

 

 Form This applies to the overall design of a work of art. It describes the structure or shape of an object . Form directs the movement of the eyes. 

 

Volume The term refers to the amount of space occupied in three dimensions. It refers to the solidity and thickness. The viewers may obtain different impressions from a single work.

 

Space and Movement

 

            Space refers to both outer and inner space, the emptiness and area between, around, above, below or within objects. It may be flat or two-dimensional, such as in painting, or three-dimensional, such as in monumental sculpture. Positive space is the area occupied by shapes or forms. Negative spaces are the empty spaces between the shapes or forms.

 

            Movement is shown through the direction of line or arrangement of color within the artistic frame. The size of objects arranged from smallest to the biggest also suggests movement. When objects are repeated within the artistic frame, they make the viewer’s eye follow a certain movement.

             

PSYCHOLOGY OF COLORS

 

One of the most important thing the artists has to remember is that colors are known to have varied psychological and emotional connotations.

Example:

Black – death and gloom

White- purity and innocence

Blue- color of heaven

Red- blood- war, love , anger , fear

Green- nature, jealousy

 

It is always wise for the artist to remember these psychological connotations when choosing color for his work.

 

1 ELEMENTS OF VISUAL ARTS

1.1 VISUAL STRUCTURE OF ARTWORKS

VISUAL STRUCTURE OF ARTWORKS

Proper arrangement of the different art elements in order to produce something beautiful is called: design of art. The design of things makes objects differ from one perception to another . The most important factor for an artist to remember is to execute these principles in order to achieve better perception to achieve beauty.

 

 Principles of Design

The way we use the elements of design are the principles of design. The elements of art should be used in the right proportion to create any great work of art.

 Repetition

Repetition is illustrated in line, color and shapes. The elements are repeated in a consistent and variation of the pattern. Repetition with variation is interesting, without variation repetition can become monotonous. 

For example:

  The three triangles above are all the same. They can be taken in and understood with a single glance.

 When variation is introduced, the three triangles , although similar, are much more interesting to look at. They can no longer be absorbed properly with a single glance. The individual character of each square needs to be considered.

If you wish to create interest, any repeating element should include a degree of variation.

Balance

Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium, and relates to our physical sense of balance. It is a reconciliation of opposing forces in a composition that results in visual stability. It must be seen rather than weighed.

  

 Most successful compositions achieve balance in one of two ways: symmetrically(formally) or symmetrically (informally).

Formal balance (symmetrical) is where equal elements are place on opposite sides of a central axis. The central axis is the dividing line located at the center of a frame. It may not be visible but imaginary.

Symmetry is a kind of formal balance in which two halves of a balanced composition are identical. Artworks in perfect symmetry express dignity, endurance and stability.

 

Radial balance is a variation of symmetry in which the elements of a design come out from the central point of the circle.

Informal balance or asymmetry is the opposite of formal balance. Here, there is a balance of unlike objects and there are no elements that appear to be equal halves or sides. Balance, in this case, relies on the arrangement of objects.

CONTRAST

Contrast is the side by side position of opposing elements eg. Opposite  colors on the color wheel - red / green, blue / orange etc. Contrast in tone or value - light / dark. Contrast in direction - horizontal / vertical. . It makes an artwork interesting rather than dull or monotonous. It is achieved by adding something different to a design to provide a break in the repetition. This may be done through the use of different colors, lines, free from shapes or texture.

Perspective

            Perspective is a graphic system that creates the illusion of depth and volume on a two-dimensional surface. This refers to the means by which we perceive distance. In painting, it is the means by which we visualize  the objects in space.

            Atmospheric or aerial  perspective is achieved through the use of color. Brightly colored objects seem closer to you and dull-colored objects seem to be farther.

            Linear perspective shows distance and depth. As parallel lines move away from you, they seem to move closer together toward the horizon. The lines converge at the vanishing point which is located somewhere on the horizon line.

 

 

Principles of Organization

            The “order” in an artwork is its organization. Order follows a plan that guides the arrangement of objects and images in the artistic frame. The plan may be pyramidal, symmetrical, vertical, or radial.

 

            Pyramidal plan takes a triangular composition. The objects and images form a triangle within the artistic frame.

            Symmetrical plan has two sides of the plan similar or relatively equal.

            Vertical plan consist of a vertical figure and/or other object.

            Radial plan shows the lines of the picture forming radii which meet at a point in the center.

 

            The artistic organizational plan is often harder to see in abstract and non-objective art because these arts are non-representational or non-figurative. In such case, the organization is based entirely on repetition and variety of the elements.

Unity and Harmony

Harmony is the art principle which produces an impression of unity through the selection and arrangement of consistent objects or ideas. It is the quality which unifies every part of an arrangement. If there is harmony there is order. Every orderly arrangement is harmonious.

Harmony creates unity by showing similarities of separate but related parts. Unity is oneness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements of art and principles of organization. It guides the viewer’s eye to focus on a visual image. Artists arrange the elements within the frame in a way that they relate to each other and to the whole network. Harmony and unity result from the artistic combination and arrangement of the elements of art within the artistic frame or space. It is the use of color, line, shape to pull the objects together.

  Variety

             Variety refers to the difference or contrast of elements or objects within an artwork. It makes an artwork interesting rather than dull or monotonous. It is achieved by adding something different to a design to provide a break in the repetition. This may be done through the use of different colors, lines, free from shapes or texture.

 

Rhythm

            Rhythm is the repetition of design, line or other elements within the frame.

Visual rhythm indicates movement and suggests unity of form by the repetition of elements. It is created by repeated positive shapes or forms by negative

spaces or intervals. It is may be created by equal or regular repetition of patterns or decorative shapes.

Alternating rhythm is created when there is an original pattern or motif of shapes followed by a second motif.

Flowing rhythm is created by the repetition of curved lines or waves. Progressive pattern shows shapes or patterns repeating in varying sizes or varying intensity of color.

Proportion

            Proportion is the aspect of organization that has to do with the comparative size of the parts of a single work. It is the relative relationship of shapes to other shapes within the artistic frame in terms of size, degree, number, etc.

 Example, when painting human figures in a naturalistic manner, the artists follow the Greek rule of proportion, which is eight-heads-tall. Here the height of the figure consists of eight measures of its heads. Perspectives aid the showing the proportion of human figures to space, where objects farther from the viewer appear smaller than those nearer to the viewer.

Emphasis – the principle of art which tends to carry the eyes from the center of interest or dominant part of any composition to the less important or subordinate parts . The most important factor in emphasis is simplicity.

 Balance

             Balance  is the sense of equilibrium. Balance is concerned with equalizing visual elements in an artwork. It must be seenrather than weighed.

 

            Formal balance is where equal elements are place on opposite sides of a central axis. The central axis is the dividing line located at the center of a frame. It may not be visible but imaginary.

            Symmetry is a kind of formal balance in which two halves of a balanced composition is identical. Artworks in perfect symmetry express dignity, endurance and stability.

 

            Radial balance is a variation of symmetry in which the elements of a design come out from the central point of the circle.

 

            Informal balance or asymmetry is the opposite of formal balance. Here, there is a balance of unlike objects and there are no elements that appear to be equal halves or sides. Balance, in this case, relies on the arrangement of  objects.

 

Perspective

            Perspective is a graphic system that creates the illusion of depth and volume on a two-dimensional surface.

            Atmospheric perspective is achieved through the use of color. Brightly colored objects seem closer to you and dull-colored objects seem to be farther.

            Linear perspective shows distance and depth. As parallel lines move away from you, they seem to move closer together toward the horizon. The lines converge at the vanishing point which is located somewhere on the horizon line.

The use of proportion is a technique used in human figures similar to perspective.

OTHER ART PRINCIPLES:

1. Novelty or Newness – development of current styles

2. Utility, adaptability, function- artworks must not only possess beauty but function

 VI. Discussion Questions:

What is visual art?

Enumerate and explain the elements of visual art

Explain the principles of organization.

 

2 PERFORMING ARTS

Performing arts are art forms in which artists use their body or voice to convey artistic expression—as opposed to visual arts, in which artists use paint/canvas or various materials to create physical art objects. The first recorded use of the term performing artswas in 1711.

Types of performing arts

Performing arts include dance, music, opera, theatre, magic, spoken word, circus arts and musical theatre.

Artists who participate in performing arts in front of an audience are called performers, including actors, comedians, dancers,magicians, musicians, and singers. Performing arts are also supported by workers in related fields, such as songwriting andstagecraft.

Performers often adapt their appearance, such as with costumes and stage makeup, etc.

There is also a specialized form of fine art in which the artists perform their work live to an audience. This is called performance art. Most performance art

also involves some form of plastic art, perhaps in the creation of props. Dance was often referred to as aplastic art during the Modern dance era.

Theatre

Theatre is the branch of the performing arts concerned with acting out stories in front of an audience using combinations of speech, gesture, music, dance, sound and spectacle—indeed any one or more elements of the other performing arts. In addition to the standard narrative dialogue style of plays, theatre takes such forms as plays, musicals, opera, ballet, illusion, mime, classical Indian dance, kabuki, mummers' plays, improvisational theatre, stand-up comedy, pantomime, and non-conventional or arthouse theatre.

Dance

Dance (from Old French dancier, perhaps from Frankish) generally refers to human movement either used as a form of expression or presented in a social, spiritual or performance setting.

Dance is also used to describe methods of non-verbal communication (see body language) between humans or animals (bee dance, mating dance), motion in inanimate objects (the leaves danced in the wind), and certain music genres.

Choreography is the art of making dances, and the person who does this is called a choreographer.

Definitions of what constitutes dance are dependent on social, cultural, aesthetic artistic and moral constraints and range from functional movement (such as folk dance) to codified, virtuoso techniques such as ballet. In sports, gymnastics, figure skating, andsynchronized swimming are dance disciplines while martial arts "kata" are often compared to dances.

Theatrical elements

Music, design, and drama have all played important roles in the evolution of dance, and in many cultures dance has actually been inseparable from these arts.

The Greek word mousikē, for example, referring to music, poetry, and dance as one form, reflected the integral relation between these three arts in classical Greek drama. In the early European ballets, dance, music, drama, and spectacle were equally inseparable.

Even where dance is perceived as an independent art form, most choreography is still accompanied by one or more of these elements.

 

2 PERFORMING ARTS

2.1 MUSIC

MusicMost people enjoy music even if they do not have any knowledge of its technical form. It is most appreciated through  listening. Music has the power to change our mood, lift our spirits and emotionally move us. "Sound that moves the human soul" - Christopher Hogwood

In this lesson, you shall be presented aspects of music: definition, elements, types, evolution and famous musicians.

Objectives          

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

define music operationally;

discuss the elements of music;

point out the mediums of music;

trace the development of music; and

appreciate the significance of music.

Topic

Meaning and Importance of Music

 Literally, music is defined as the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition that have unity and continuity.

In contrast to the other arts, music is abstract or not a readily tangible form of expression. It is only validated when its sound patterns are skilfully interwoven into a format that is both inspiring and appealing to the ears. Music may be called both the most mathematical and the most abstract of the arts. Musical tones have no concrete association unless it is combined into patterns like pictorial images or dance.

Music is an important part of our lives, and has been an important part of every civilization known to man. Sound is the first input we receive at birth. A child quickly learns to relate certain sounds to specific occurrences. For example, he learns to recognize his mother's voice and associate it with warmth, nourishment and nurture, even if he is still ignorant of words. Music has been identified as the second category of sound a child relates to, after the voices of the parents. Throughout time, music has been an important means of displaying the ideas, experiences, and feelings of different societies and cultures. Our joys, sadness, triumphs, love, failures are expressed through music. 

The Elements of Music

 Music is a highly versatile art used to express man’s thoughts, feelings, emotions, aspirations etc. To achieve a great standard, the artist considers some elements. The different types of elements of music that were found in nature were put together to create music.

The elements of music are as follows: form, timbre, melody, texture, dynamics, harmony and rhythm.

Form/Musical Form: Form is the element that refers to the style or genre of music. The musical form is determined on the basis of the harmonic language, rhythm that is used, lyrics, instruments, geographical area or the historical era to which it belongs. For example, Filipino classical music. As the name suggests, Filipino classical music originated in the Philippines during ancient times. It was developed in ancient Philippines on the basis of the flow of sounds that appeared in nature. Sometimes the format of lyrics is also used to classify the form of music. For example: a ballad is a narrative poem. The famous song 'Nothing Else Matters' by rockband, Metallica, is often classified as a ballad, because of its narrative lyrics. 

Timbre: (tam-ber)-is the quality of the sound. It involves the differentiation and identification of notation that are played on different instruments at the same time. For example a bass guitar and a lead guitar are always played together with the same notation. The groove or single notation is played on the bass guitar, while the chord is played on a lead guitar. The difference between the sounds of these notations is called timbre. It is defined as a distinctive and complex note.

 

Rhythm: A rhythm is a set of sequential, synchronized and uniform beats and notations.

The concept of a 'pulse' or a repetitive beat is a very important element of rhythm. The concepts of texture and rhythm, when put together, form the concept of a 'bar'. A bar is a set of rhythm , that is accompanied by specific notations played in a uniform tempo.

Melody: This refers to the succession of single tones that must “hang together”. It is created when a series of pitches are lined up after another. It is also called the “tune”.

           If rhythm is the physical motion, melody is the mental motion.

This is sometimes called the memory element because it is always remembered by the listener.

 

Pitch – indicates the highness or lowness of sound and is determined solely by the frequency of molecular vibrations.

 

Texture: It describes how many layers of sound are going on in a certain piece of music the way the sounds are combined together. Many musicians consider texture to be the heart and soul of music. A common texture is made up of harmony, tempo and rhythm.  Some of the common textures are monophonic (where only one melodic voice is used) or polyphonic (where multiple and independent voices are used). A micropolyphony is a modern texture that was first composed by the famous Austrian composer, Gorgy Ligeti.

Dynamics: The volume (loudness and softness) of the notation is known as the dynamics of the music. Nowadays, due to technical advancements in music, instruments like the electronic guitar have electronic controls for volume. However, while playing the traditional instruments, musicians had to control the volume manually while playing the notations. The term dynamics is more valid and applicable for written notations. For example, a 'p' (in lower case) stands for a piano notation that is to be played softly

.

Harmony: The term harmony refers to the different notations played at different pitches, but in the same scale, and is used to make chords. Harmony is often referred to as harmonics in modern music.- the manner of sound combination.  It is the simultaneous sounding of tones; the combination of two or more tones sounded together. Harmony comprises not only the (‘vertical’) structure of chords but also their (‘horizontal’) movement. Like music as a whole, harmony is a process. Harmony is a factor that makes complex but beautiful textures in music. It also a form of innovation and experimentation.

All these elements, when put together form the magical art of music.

Music is a form of universal communication. It is very difficult to describe, write or define each and every element of music. In reality, it is to be heard, observed on the instrument, and felt by the heart.

 

Mediums of Music

 

Volume Medium -  refers to the human voice.

Soprano – high register of the female voice

Mezzo soprano – medium register female voice

Alto or contralto – low register female voice

Tenor – high register male voice

Baritone – medium re3gister male voice

Bass – low register male voice

Treble – high child/boy’s voice

 

Instrumental Medium – this refers to the musical instruments.  These are the strings, wind, brass, and percussion.

Ensemble Medium – produced when two or more performers sing or play a piece of music.

Orchestra – composed of any group of instrumental performers and is usually under the direction of a conductor

Symphony orchestra – a large ensemble wherein all types of principle instruments are included

Band – an instrumental ensemble, one sole instrument is given a dominant role in music

Chamber orchestra – applies to small instrument ensembles. There are only a few performers for a certain musical part.

 

Different Types of Musical Instruments

Musical instruments from all over the world can be categorized as : wind instruments, percussion instruments, brass instruments, string instruments and electronic instruments.

Wind Instruments: Wind instruments require a person to blow into the instrument in order to produce the desired sound. They work on the principle of sound waves, frequencies, harmonics, resonance and acoustics. When you blow into the instrument, the pitch of the sound note produced, varies depending on the length of the internal air column in which the sound waves vibrate. The shorter the air column, the higher is the pitch of the note produced, and vice-versa. Some of the popular wind instruments are:  flute, piccolo, shakuhachi, clarinet, bassoon, English horn, accordion, saxophone, pianica, harmonica, etc.

Percussion Instruments: Percussion instruments require a person to strike or beat the instrument surface in order to generate vibrations, which then produce the desired sound note by the use of  hands, sticks, or other similar objects for striking the instrument surface. A characteristic feature of percussion instruments is that the type of sound produced varies depending on the spot that is struck on the instrument surface. For example, in case of the djembe, striking it at the center produces a deep and muffled sort of thump, whereas striking it at the edges produces a sharp and crisp sound which is totally different from the earlier one. Some of the well-known

percussion instruments are: drum, congo, djembe, table, duff, cymbals, bells, xylophone, marimba, etc.

Brass Instruments: Brass instruments are not only made from brass, but also of the nature and texture of the sound that they produce. They work like the wind instruments, with a few modifications. In case of brass instruments, the length of the air column can be changed using press-valves or through a slide mechanism. Some of the popular brass instruments are: trumpet, trombone, bugle, tuba, French horn.

String Instruments: String instruments work on the basis of sound wave vibrations that are created with the help of strings. The pitch of the sound note produced depends on the length of the air column as well as the type and thickness of the string involved. Some of the famous string instruments are: guitar, piano, violin, viola, sitar, cello, double bass, mandolin, banjo, harp among others.

Electronic Instruments: These are some of the newer musical instruments that have been produced in recent years with the advent of technology. Most of them are designed to reproduce the sounds of existing musical instruments in a simple and user-friendly way. Some of the common electronic instruments include: piano keyboards, octopads, rhythm machines, samplers, synthesizers.

The universal appeal of music is dependent on the types of musical instruments that we get to see all over the world.

Historical Development of Music – A Brief Survey

Pre-historic Music

The earliest forms of music were probably drum-based, percussion instruments being the most readily available at the time (i.e. rocks, sticks, clapping of hands). These simplest of simple instruments are thought to have been used in religious ceremonies as representations of animals.

As  for the musical instruments, their evolution was slow and steady. It is known that by 4000 BCE the Egyptians had created harps and flutes, and by

3500 BCE lyres and double-reeded clarinets had been developed. In Denmark, by 2500 BCE an early form of the trumpet had been developed. This trumpet is what is now known as a "natural trumpet." It is valveless, and depends completely on manipulation of the lips to change pitch.  One of the most popular instruments today, the guitar, was created in 1500 BCE by the Hittites. This was a great step; the use of frets to change the pitch of a vibrating string would lead to later instruments such as the violin and harpsichord. In 800 BCE the first recovered piece of recorded music was found. It was written in cuneiform and was a religious hymn. By 700 BCE there are records of songs that include vocals with instrumentals. This added a whole new dimension to music: accompaniment.

Music in Ancient Rome and Greece (Classical period , 1750-1800 A.D. )

Greece was the root of all Classical art. The word Classical has strong connotations, conjuring up the art and philosophy of Ancient Greece and Rome along with their ideals of balance, proportion and disciplined expression. Music was a passion of the Greeks. With their surplus of leisure time (thanks to slave labor) they were able to cultivate great artistic skills.

 

Characteristics of Music in the Classical Period

 

Sound. Orchestra which has about 50 people is used.  Piano replaces lute and the organ. Opera becomes popular. It is forerunner to Musical.

Texture. Music is clear and it is mostly homophonic. There is melody and accompaniment.

Harmony. It has slow harmonic rhythm.

Melody. It is more lyrical.

Rhythm. It has simple rhythm, very simple rhythm, and tempo changes are used a lot. Silence is used as an effect.

Form. Sonata

Important Composes during this Period

Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach, Johan Christian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven

 

Music in the Middle Ages

Most of the music created after Rome fell was commissioned by the church. The Catholic religion has a long history of involvement (for better or worse) with the musical arts. The music of the Middle Ages was divided into two: the religious and the secular.  The early Christian or Gregorian chant in honor of Pope Gregory who built the first music school, Schola Cantarum is monophonic.  The monophonic music is a plain song or chant that contains single lines of melodies which have flexible rhythm sung by male voices without accompaniment. The religious music focused on music consisted of Biblical psalms. Music as set for the different prayers. Secular music emerged from the troubadours who sang folk ballads about encounters of knights and damsels, songs of the goliards which were satirical and obscene Latin songs about wine and women, etc.  The church also introduced the polyphonic sound, a progression of two or more simultaneous voice parts or melodies.

Characteristics of the Medieval Music

Sound is from voices only, no instruments, no women, no kids.

Music texture is thin and does not change a lot. It is monophonic or all parts are in unison.

Lacks harmony. There is no harmonic rhythm and no chords.

Melody has limited intervals between notes.

Form, no theme or motive.

Rhythm. Free rhythm. It is sung slow because of  echoes in big churches. It is sung for God.

Some important composers during this time : Pope Gregory- Gregorian Chants; Saint Augustine, Boethius- Important Theorist.

The Renaissance          (400-1600 A.D.

 

On the dawn of the Renaissance in 1465 the printing press was first used to print music. By using a press a composer could organize his pieces and profit from them with great ease.

With the onset of the Renaissance, the rules of music were about to change drastically. This was the beginning of a new enlightened age that would showcase some of the greatest musical minds ever produced.

.Characteristics of the Renaissance Music

Sound. Women added to songs, men still sing and instruments added for accompaniment.

Texture. A little bit thicker than Medieval. Different parts were woven in and out of each other (polyphonic), and all parts move with same rhythm, melody and accompaniment (homophonic).

Harmony. Harmony is introduced.

Rhythm. There are lots of syncopation – accents and upbeats. Meter is introduced.

Melody. It contains lots of notes.

Form. Music is used for worship. Mass (a church service from Catholicism)  is a popular form. All music is written for the theme of the service like the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, Communion and the Benedictus.

 Important composers during this period:

Palestrina, considered the greatest composer of the Renaissance; Monteverdi, who did a lot of instrumental work and laid the groundwork of the Opera.

Contemporary Music (1900 – present)

Change in music has been very apparent during this period because of the influence one composer has on another. 20th century music is a series of “isms” and “neo-isms”. The primal energy of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring has been called neo-Primitivism. The intensely emotional tone of Schönberg's early music has been labelled Expressionism. The return to clearly structured forms and textures has been dubbed neo-Classicism. These terms have been employed in an attempt to organize the diversity of styles running through the 20th century. Nationalism continued to be strong musical influence in the first half of the century. The study of folk songs enriched the music of numerous composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams (England), Bela Bartok (Hungary), Heitor Villa Lobos (Brazil) and Aaaron Copland (USA).

Jazz and popular music styles have also been tremendously influential on “classical” composers from both the United States and Europe. Technology has played a increasingly important role in the development of 20th century music. Composers have used recording tape as a compositional tool (such as Steve Reich's Violin Phase). Electronically generated sounds have been used both on their own and in combination with traditional instruments. More recently, computer technology has been used in a variety of ways, including manipulating the performance of instruments in real time.

Characteristics of Music during this Period

Sound. It is totally experimental and there is a wide  use of electronic instruments.

Texture is either really thick or really thin.

Harmony. There are totally new harmonic systems.

Melody. A lot of it has no melody and the gaps are so large. The phrases are reslly short or really long.

Rhythm. The rhythm is very irregular and becomes extremely complex.

Form. It is very complex and distorted. It presents new form.

Famous Composers during this Period

Richard Strauss, Igor Stravinsky, Bela Bartok, Ralph Vaughan

 

Different Types of Music(by Ajanta Bhattacharyya)

 

Music is a form of art. Edgard Varese defined it as "organized sound". Music expresses our feelings as well emotions in a melodious and pleasant way. It is an art form that touches the bottom of our heart and eventually expresses what the heart says. There are different kinds of music that enliven our soul to the fullest. Some of them are discussed below. Have a look at the different music genres.

 

Classical Music. It is a complex form of music as it requires high musical skills like learning the raga (A traditional melodic type in Hindu music, consisting of a theme that expresses an aspect of religious feeling)and the ability to coordinate with other musicians. If you wish to learn this music, then you have to go through proper training.

Blues. Bands that play the blues are usually not very good.  The blues are a personal thing, and should usually be played by some guy who is very ugly and is half full of whiskey.  Without this how can you have the blues…can good-looking people get the blues?  They can, but they have to be on heroin.

 

Rock Music. This music genre originated in the rock and roll period of 1950. The vocals are accompanied by guitar, drum and brass. Piano, synthesizer, saxophone, flute, and sitar for deeper effect are also used for rock music.

Metal Music. It emerged after World War II. The structure of songs influenced the melody of song heavily. The central melody decised the structure of the song. Metal music is also called “information music”

 

Hip-hop Music. Hip-hop music always includes the use of instruments such as guitar, violin, fiddle, piano, bass and drums. In these types of music, the bass is the main instrument. This can be used in different intensities to emote feelings of anger, pride and others. This type of music is the result of hip-hop culture and is known as hip-hop music. This music shows a heavy influence of Jamaican music. The roots of the music are found in African American and West African music. It was first played by a group of traveling singers and poets of West Africa.

 

Wedding Ceremony Music. Wedding music is used in wedding ceremonies. This music is either classical or modern depending on the tastes of the people. Some people prefer country melodies, while others chooser classical music as wedding music. Such music varies from every culture.

 

Trance Music. This type of music is usually played in club houses and discotheques. It originated in the 20th century. This music is characterized by fast tempo and repetitious beats of the percussion. It has a hypnotic effect on the souls of listeners.

Jazz Music.This type of music is featured by strong and complex rhythms. The main musical instruments used for jazz music are cornet, trumpet or violin, that help carry the melody. This is a rhythmic music and has a forward momentum called "swing". However, in this music genre, the skilled performer interprets a tune in his own way.

 

Folk Music. Folk music is a kind of traditional music that is handed down from generations in every culture. This type of music reflects the emotions of common people.. Popular music and tribal music are the two sub genres of folk music. This folk music shows the social upheaval that lies among various classes of people. This also portrays their struggle for survival and their culture.

Techno Music. Techno music is also known as fusion music. This became popular towards the middle part of of the 1980s. This is a form of electronic dance music and based on African American music styles like funk, electro and electric jazz. It features fast beats and this form was initiated by Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson and Derrick May.

Opera Music. Opera music first emerged in Italy in the 1600s. This genre has a remarkable combination of theatrical art and musical invention and is specifically played in the theaters. This has greater appeal for its delightful orchestral accompaniment. The preludes and interludes of this music set the tone for the action on-stage.

Beside these, there are new age music, Celtic music, religious music, Chamber music that have a soul touching effects.

 

Human Voice.  The “voice” is the most accessible and easiest  instruments through which ‘intention’ can be directed and focused. The voice is used to raise the vibration or frequency of the body.

Harmonic overtone singing developed by the Tuvans, passed to the Tibetans, has been used in ceremony, ritual, and shamanic practice for centuries. Native American Shaman use the voice in healing rituals, and singing to oneself when overcome by illness to facilitate healing. Kabbalist's chant is with specific vowel sounds that connect the chanter with the energies of the Divine.

 

 Effects of Music

 All of us enjoy music in any form, from classical renditions to hip-hop and rap. Music makes our life complete, but how does it help us? Some say, music makes their body strong and their mind wise and that their life seems so light when they are filled with music

 

Mary Anne Evans or George Eliot as she is more popularly known, an artist, was a creative person who believed in the power of music and how it affects us as individuals.

Different kinds of music are heard everywhere we go. It has been around since the first rhythmic thumping of feet that was recognized by human beings. May be that is the reason why it is such an integral part of our life. Unconsciously, music produced in many ways through musical instruments. Here, we try to understand why is music important and what are the various benefits of music that helps enhance our life.

Parents often put their baby to sleep while singing a lullaby or playing nursery rhymes. It is said that these things would have a positive effect on the child's better brain development and grow to be a fast thinker. Researchers also found out that people who are exposed earlier in music tend to be quick in solving mathematical problems. They usually grow to be well-organized in whatever they do. They are known to excel in their class or career that they choose than those who rarely hears music while growing.

Music can improve our moods. Whenever we have a bad day and we hear one of our favorite songs, it would put us in a much better mood. It helps us become more relaxed and make us think clearer. We do often also express our feelings through music. By singing a song we can relate with or even compose our own song. We can verbalize our love with someone when we do not have the guts to tell by our own song composition. We can also unload our heavy burden by singing or writing our own song.

 There are kinds of music that makes us sleepy and it is very much helpful for people having difficulty dozing off. Some music gets us more active and improves our motor skills. Players in a game become more alive with great music. Students working on a project or office workers are more inspired hearing their favorite songs.

Listening to music can also be a great way to divert a patients' attention away from feelings of pain. It would put them in a better mood and achieve more positive perception on their recovery. The more they become optimistic, together with the medical treatment, the faster they would recover from their illness.

Life without this music would leave us kind of lost, unsure, and probably incapable of venting our emotions. Music touches our soul, and allows us to express different moods and emotions. And seriously, life without music would be, well, boring.

Music and the Brain

Brain development is a process of training the thought process in such a way that it maintains proper working. There are two possible ways to understand how does music affect the brain. These are the obvious effects of music through general observation, and the scientific approach.

 

Effects of Music - General Observation

We like music. In any form or type, music is an integral part of our  life and has a psychological effect on our mind.We are usually, happy and relaxed when we do an activity we like. Happiness is a cure to all major illness or lifestyle diseases existing in this world, and music is the single largest facilitator for creating happy thoughts. The effect of music on the brain is like spraying water on a dusty and hot land. Just as water settles the dust in the air, music acts as though layering the innumerable thoughts clogging our brain.

 

When we listen to rock music or country music, we can elevate our mood instantly as evidenced by our increased energy levels and can go wild, or can calm our nerves. Music can stimulate particular behaviour by inspiring the thinking process of the brain.

Effects of Music - Scientific Observation

 

Scientifically, music therapy is found to be very effective in treating seizures, depression, treatment of  ADD people, insomnia, or conditions like premature infancy.

It is also found out that problems like excessive worry, anxiety, or depression create a 'chaotic' situation in the brain, hampers its working power, reasoning ability, and execution of conventional tasks becomes difficult. It happens because of reduced levels of serotonin. Music effects a steep rise in the levels of serotonin, “listen to classical music, light rock, folk or easy listening music”( Mary Ann Copson)  which has positive influences on brain cells controlling mood, sexual desires and processes, memory power and learning, temperature regulatory mechanism of the body, sleep and memory functions.

If knowledge is food for thought, music is the digestive system that makes sure that it is assimilated in a proper way. The next time you find yourself confronting the question how does music affect the brain, simply venture out to the nearest coffee place playing your favourite musis.

Activities                     

Activity:  Try To focus on just the emotional aspects of a song. Listen to your favourite song and associate what color represents that particular song. Explain.

 

2 PERFORMING ARTS

2.2 DANCE

Dance

“LIFE WITHOUT DANCE IS LIKE LIFE WITHOUT FRIENDS.”Fulfill your soul, body and mind…Just DANCE!!! 

This lesson includes the meaning, importance, functions, elements, kinds and history of dance. It also discusses how dance affect our personality.

Objectives          

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. discuss the meaning and importance of dance;2. trace the history of dance; and,3. appreciate the functions of dance.

Topic

Meaning and Importance of Dance

Dance, one of the three main performing arts in ancient times with the theater and music, is expressed in human motion in accordance with a prearranged plan or improvised: the choreography. Dance is the first artistic expression of the human race because he has the body as an instrument. Dance has been a part of the rituals, prayers, get-together in community festivals and also during aggregation between people like in discos. It is the medium for sensing, understanding, and communicating ideas, feelings, and experiences through body language. Dance provides a way of learning—one that develops communication abilities, problem solving techniques, and creative and critical thinking skills along with kinesthetic abilities It employs the whole body in free and open  movement. It is usually rhythmic with an element of repetition and forms of pattern in both space and time. Every movement is not run only with arms and legs, but also with mind and heart. It is believed that all in our lives

we have danced because this is a natural action and must be built in time, with patience, perseverance and determination.

Elements of Dance

We have to familiarize ourselves with elements of dance so that we can readily understand dance as an art. All these elements are simultaneously present in a dance or even in a short movement phrase. They are:

body, action, space time and energy, (BASTE). The acronym helps you recall the elements easily.

Body

The art of dance takes place in and through the human body. Walter Terry, a renowned dance critic, commented: “No paints nor brushes, marbles nor chisels, pianos or violins are needed to make this art, for we are the stuff that dance is made of. It is born in our body, exists in our body and dies in our body.  Dance, then, is the most personal of all the arts . . . it springs from the very breath of life.”

In dance, the body is the mobile figure or shape, felt by the dancer, seen by others. The body is sometimes relatively still and sometimes changing as the dancer moves in place or travels through the dance area. Dancers may emphasize specific parts of their body in a dance phrase or their whole body

Body can be described in some of these ways:

Parts of the Body: Head, eyes, face, shoulders, ringers, torso, legs,

                             feet, etc.     Whole Body: 

               body shape:  symmetrical/asymmetrical, rounded, twisted,

                                     angular, arabesque

               body systems: muscles, bones, organs, breath, balance, 

                                    reflexes 

inner: senses, perceptions, emotions, thoughts, intention, imagination,

          identity

Action

Action is any human movement included in the act of dancing—it can include dance steps, facial movements, lifts, carries, and catches, and even everyday movements such as walking.  Dance is made up of streams of movement and pauses, so action refers not only to steps and sequences, but also to pauses and moments of relative stillness. Movement that travels through space is broadly called locomotor movement in contrast to axial movement, which occurs in one spot. 

 Space

Space is a very important element of dance because it provides the venue for the dance and the dancers to move parts and whole of their body as they execute varied movements. The space influences the direction, level, size and pathways of movements.

Some of the ways to describe space are the following:

Size:   large, small, narrow, wide   Level:  high, medium, lowPlace:  on the spot  (personal space) through the space (general space)upstage/downstageDirection:  forward/backward, sideways, diagonal, right/leftOrientation:  facingPathway:  curved/straight, zig-zag, random       Relationships: in front, behind, over, under, alone/connected, near/far individual  and  group "proximity to object

 Time

“When” is the keyword for the element of time. This is important for the dancers because it signals when to move and when to pause or rest. Human movement is naturally rhythmic that we alternate activity and rest. To describe time, these are some of the ways to do it:

For metered time: pulse, tempo, accent, rhythmic, pattern 

Free Rhythm:  breath, open score, sensed time, improvisation

Clock Time:  seconds, minutes, hours

Timing relationships:  before, after, unison, sooner than, faster than

Energy

Energy is about the force of an action or the physical or psychic force that drives and characterizes movement. 

These are just some of the ways to describe energy:

Attack:    sharp/smooth, sudden/sustained

Weight:    Strength: push, horizontal, impacted                 Lightness: resist the down, initiate up                  Resiliency: rebound, even up and down

Flow:    free, bound, balanced, neutral

Quality:    flowing, tight, loose, sharp, swinging, swaying, suspended,       

                collapsed, smooth

Functions of Dance in Society ( By Nicola Van Rooyen)

Communication. Dance is an act that imparts information. In the case of the deaf, blind and mute or physically disabled, dance is used as a means of communication. They can express their thoughts and feelings by the body movements and dance they execute.

Culture and Ritual. “A ritual is an action event or ceremony which follows a fixed pattern of procedure and thus can be repeated”. Dance as a ritual originated many years ago, inspired by the rhythmical patterns of the heart beating, breathing and animal sounds. But now dance can be seen being practiced at ceremonies of religious matters- weddings, funerals, rites of passage and traditions to do with the ‘happenings’ of heritage.

Education. Dance can give intellectual and moral training. In school, students are given assignments where they need to explore subject matters through the artistry dance.

Political. Dance concerns the state or its government or public affairs. In Pre-democratic South Africa, ‘Africans’ used the dance form of the ‘toi-toi’ to express views on political action either for or against the unit of power in the government. Arguments say that ‘toi-toi’ is in fact not a form of dance but when looking at the previously stated definition of dance the ‘toi-toi can be seen as a form of dance because of its function and movement factors.

Exercise and Health. Dance is a training to sustain or to improve health.  Dance is used as means of physical fitness to sustain and improve health. Dance is an excellent method of exercise as it trains the body both mentally and physically, while working the body in equilibrium with both strength and flexibility.

Kinds of Dance

Dance is of two kinds: dances for participation, which do not need spectators;

and dances for presentation, which are designed for an audience.

Dances for participation include work dances, some forms of religious dance, and recreational dances such as folk dances and popular, or social, dances. These dances often consist of repetitive step patterns that are easy to learn.

Presentational dances are often performed in royal courts, temples, or theaters; the dancers may be professionals, and the dance may be considered art. The movements tend to be relatively difficult and require specialized training.

Dance comes in many forms. You may have tried dancing a new dance style but there may be few that you have not even considered.  Some fun types of dance are:

Ballet. Many dance genres are based on ballet. Ballet is based on techniques that have been developed over centuries. This dance was developed in France and Russia.  Ballet uses music and dance to tell stories. Ballet dancers have the ability to transport an audience to another world.

Hip-Hop. This style is actually a street dance style and is a combination of dance moves combined with loads of attitude as well as colorful dancewear. There are various other styles used with hip-hop dance, which includes popping and locking. The hip-hop outfits have to be selected with care, which helps to add to the overall appeal of the dance form.

Breakdance. This dance was popularized by Michael Jackson to a great extent. Breakdance is actually a form of street dance that was a part of the hip-hop culture. It is relatively a male dominated type of dance style. This type of dance is characterized with the typical ‘battles’ between groups.

Jazz. Jazz dance finds its origins in the African American culture.  This dance style relies heavily on originality and improvisation. The common steps in Jazz dance are the ball change, the pivot step, the toe rise, the pirouettes, Jazz walk etc. Jazz dance is basically an energetic form that is equally graceful like other dances.

Tap. Tap dancing is an exciting form of dance in which dancers wear special shoes equipped with metal taps. Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats.

Modern. Modern dance is a dance style that rejects many of the strict rules of classical ballet, focusing instead on the expression of inner feelings. Modern dance was created as a rebellion against classical ballet, emphasizing creativity in choreography and performance.

Swing. Swing dance is a lively dance style in which couples swing, spin and jump together. Swing dancing is a general term that means dancing to swing music, or music that "swings."  How can you tell if a song swings? Swing dancers know when a song swings because when they hear it, they can't stand still.

Contra Dance. Contra dance is a form of American folk dance in which the dancers form two parallel lines and perform a sequence of dance movements with different partners down the length of the line. Contra dances are relaxed with family-like atmospheres. The dancing is excellent exercise, and dancers can set their own pace. Contra dancers are usually friendly, active people with a love of dance.

Country and Western. Country and western dance includes several dance forms, usually danced to country-western music. If you've ever been to a country and western club or tavern, you've probably seen a few cowboy boot-wearing dancers twirling around the dance floor with big smiles on their faces.

 Belly Dance. Belly dance is a unique form of dance characterized by sharp, rolling

movements of the hips and abdomen. The true origins of belly dancing are debated

among enthusiasts.

Folk Dance. Folk dance refers to a variety of dances developed by groups or communities, as opposed to being made up by a choreographer. There are several types of folk dance including clogging, English country dance, international folk dance, Irish dance, Maypole dance, Morris dance, Nordic polska dance, square dance, and many more. Folk dances are often performed at social events.

The following are examples of popular Philippine folk dances :

Binasuan - Originated in Pangasinan Province “meaning with the use of drinking glasses”, this vibrant dance basically shows off balancing skill of the performers. This dance is common in weddings, fiestas and special occasions.

 

Rigodon - Originated from Spain, this dance is commonly performed at formal affairs like inaugural balls where prominent members of the government participate and enjoy.

Pandanggo sa Ilaw - The word pandanggo comes from the Spanish dance “fandango”characterized with lively steps and clapping while following a varying ¾ beat. Pandanggo requires excellent balancing skill to maintain the stability of three tinggoy, or oil lamps, placed on head and at the back of each hand. This famous dance of grace and balance originated from Lubang Island, Mindoro.

 

Sublian - The term “subli” is from two tagalog words “subsub” meaning falling on head and “bali”, which means broken. Hence, the dancers appear to be lame and crooked throughout the dance. This version is originally a ritual dance of the natives of Bauan, Batangas, which is shown during fiestas as a ceremonial worship dance to the town’s icon, the holy cross.

Kuratsa - Commonly performed during festivals in Bohol and other Visayan towns, this dance portrays a young playful couple’s attempt to get each other’s attention. It is performed in a moderate waltz style.

Itik-itik - According to history of this dance, a young woman named Kanang (short for Cayetana) happened to be the best performer in the province of Surigao del Norte. At one baptismal reception, she was asked to dance the Sibay, and began improvising her steps in the middle of her performance imitating the movements of an “itik”, a duck, as it walks with choppy steps and splashes water on its back while attracting its mate.

Tinikling - Tinnikling is considered the national folkdance with a pair of dancers hopping between two bamboo poles held just above the ground and struck together in time to music. Originated from Leyte Province, this dance is in fact a mimic movement of “tikling birds” hopping over trees, grass stems or over bamboo traps set by farmers. Dancers perform this dance with remarkable grace and speed jumping between bamboo poles.

Maglalatik - Originally performed in Binan, Laguna as a mock-war dance that demonstrates a fight between the Moros and the Christians over the prized latik or coconut meat during the Spanish rule, this dance is also shown to pay tribute to the town’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. It has a four-part performance such as the palipasan and the baligtaran showing the intense battle, the paseo and the escaramusa- the reconciliation. Moro dancers wear read trousers while the Christian dancers show up in blue. All dancers are male ; with harnesses of coconut shells attached on their chests, backs, thighs and hips.

Maria Clara - Maria Clara is the main female character in Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere -a literary piece that features the colonial situation of the Filipinos during the Spanish regime. She was characterized as a Filipina woman of virtue and nobility. This dance is a mix of Spanish gracefulness and customized native props, such as bamboo castanets and Asian fan. Female dancers wear Maria Clara dress that typifies the European style, while men are in barong tagalog, a traditional Filipino embroidered long-sleeve shirt made of pineapple fiber.

Cariñosa - Cariñosa is a word that describes an affectionate, friendly and lovable woman. This dance is performed in flirtatious manner with fans and handkerchiefs to assist the dancers’ hide-and-seek movements.

LaJota Manileño

La Jota Manileña - It is a dance named after the capital city of the Philippines, Manila, where an adaptation of Castilian Jota afloats with the clacking of bamboo castanets played by the dancers themselves. The

costume and the graceful movements of the performers noticeably inspired by Spanish Culture.

Sakuting - Originated in Abra, this dance interprets a mock fight between Ilokano Christians and non- Christians with training sticks as props. It is traditionally performed during Christmas at the town plaza or from house-to-house as a caroling show. As a return, the dancers receive presents or money locally known as “aguinaldo”.

Pantomina - Meaning "Dance of the Doves", this dance is the highlight of Sorsogon’s Kasanggayahan Festival every third week of October. Groups of participants, mainly elderly in colourful costumes, dance to the tune of Pantomina song. It is a courtship dance originated from immitating the courtship and lovemaking of doves that then showed during the dance where men attempt to please the women.

Other Philippine Ethnic Dances :

Banog - Cordillera In this dance, performers portray hunters shielding their chickens from the famishing hawk. The hawk ends up entrapped and dies in the hands of hunters.

Salisid - Kalinga, Cordillera This is a courtship dance that symbolizes a rooster trying to attract the attention of a hen. This is performed and portrayed by both male and female dancers as the rooster and hen respectively. The dance starts when each of them are given a piece of cloth known as "ayob" or "allap".

Palok - Kalinga, Cordillera - A tribal dance. The natives of Kalinga perform this dance in most of their social events. Male dancers hold gangsa or gong- a percussion instrument made of copper, and beat it with wooden stick.

Lumagen - Kalinga, Cordillera A tribal dance. This is a traditional thanksgiving dance by the Kalinga tribe performed to celebrate good harvest and events such as birth of first-born child, victory in battles and weddings.

Idudu- Abra, Cordillera A tribal dance. This dance stages a common family life in the Itneg or Tinguian society. It illustrates the family as the main

foundation of the tribe’s community. Several traits of an ordinary family are shown. It depicts a father plowing the field while the mother caring for the children. But as soon as the father finishes work, the mother takes over on planting, sowing and all the remaining chores to do in the field. At this time the father is left to take care of the kids. During the dance a Local singer breaks into an Idudu or lullaby to put the baby to sleep. Idudu, a dance taken from Idudu lullaby, obviously portrays the different roles in a Tinguian family

Dinuyya - Cordillera Ifugao dance Famous in the Ifugao region, this dance is regularly staged during festivals in Lagawe. Three kinds of gong instruments such as, ordinary gongs, tobtob- a brass gong played by beating with open palms and, hibat, a kind of gong played by beating the inner surface with a softwood are used in this dance.

Bendayan - Benguet This dance, which is more known as Bendian, is performed to commemorate the arrival of headhunters in their district. Performers dance in a circle and show off their lively traditional steps.

Binaylan - Agusan This is a ritual dance, which originated from the Bagobo tribe living in the central uplands of Mindanao, imitating the movements of a hen, her banog or baby chicks, and a hawk. The hawk is sacred and is believed that it has the power over the well being of the tribe. The hawk tries to capture one of the baby chicks and is killed by the hunters.

Malakas at maganda - Leyte A Tribal dance. This dance depicts the birth of the first man and woman who came out of a bamboo tree. It has been said that the woman named “maganda” (beautiful) and the first man “malakas” (strong) are the parents of the whole community in the island. The dance demonstrates how a bird discovered the noise coming from the inside of the bamboo and perched until it opened. A man and a woman came out of the big bamboo tree and, the birth of this legendary couple is amusingly interpreted in this dance.

Burung-Talo - Sulu The dance is a unique fighting dance in a form of martial arts by the Tausug tribe. Performers demonstrate a battle between hawk and a cat. With their acrobatic movements and tough facial expressions, this

dance is highlighted with the accompanying energetic beat of drums and gongs.

Kadal-Blelah- South Cotabato A tribal dance where in the dancers perform simulation of movements of birds.

Kadal Tahaw - Tiboli dance- south cotabato A tribal dance performed by Tiboli tribe, this dance that mimics the hopping and flying behavior of Tahaw bird is performed to celebrate good harvest.

Sayaw sa Cuyo - Palawan Cuyo is a small island and capital of Palawan. There, the feast day of St. Augustin is traditionally celebrated with parades, processions and small performances by groups coming from all over Cuyo Island and the nearby islets. Island dances, blended with strong Old Cuyo ethnicity and Spanish-influenced steps, are all brought out when Cuyo celebrates its festivals. Today, pretty young girls daintily swirl hats to the waltz and other European steps designed to bring out the freshness and glow of the performers.

Karatong - Palawan A Muslim dance. During the festival of San Agustine in the island of Cuyo, the celebration also includes the blossoming of mango trees. The parade starts from the church patio and ends at the town plaza with ladies waving their colorful props “Bunga mangga” that symbolize the flowers of mango tree, while men lively strike their karatong instruments ; creating a scene of joy among reveling towns folk.

Dugso - Bukidnon A thanksgiving dance from the talaindig tribe.

Gayong-gayong - Capiz -A Muslim dance. In rural gatherings, this dance offers much fun. Gayong is a pet name for Leodegario. According to the legend and to the words of the song, Gayong and Masiong (pet name for Dalmacio) once attended a feast commemorating the death of a townsman. While eating, Masiong choked on a piece of Adobo so he called, "Gayong ! Gayong !" to ask for help to dislodge a bone from the Adobo meal from his throat. In this dance, Masiong’s liking for feasts and the consequence of his gluttony are held up to playful ridicule.

Kapa Malong-Malong - Cotabato A Muslim dance. This Maranao dance is performed with women wearing malong and shawl, mantle or head piece, whereas men wear sash or waist band, shorts or bahag and head gear or turban traditionally worn in the fields.

Pagapir - Lanao del Sur This dance is usually performed to commence an important affair. Dancers of this dance are usually from the royal court or high society group of Lanao Province. They use apir or fan to coordinate with their small steps called kini-kini, which symbolizes their good manners and prominent family background.

Pangalay- Zamboanga Del Sur A muslim dance. Originally performed by wealthy families during a wedding celebration, this fingernail dance is now a popular festival dance in Sulu.

 

Benefits of Dancing

Many of us like dancing, because it makes us become flexible and in good shape. It is also proven true that dancing offers a great workout and many health benefits. The activity does not only work all major muscle groups but also requires coordination, flexibility and strength.

Modern dancing or dance aerobics focus on coordination, while other forms of dancing, like ballet, are more focused on form. In addition, dance is a form of personal expression and enjoyment, which means it is good for our body and our mind.

Some of the benefits of dancing are:

Weight Control

Dancing is a form of aerobic exercise, a vigorous exercise to rise our heart and breathing rates. If  we do this regularly, it can help us reduce weight as much as the other forms of exercise. According to professional dancer Barbara Craddock, ballet can burn more calories than other forms of dancing. A 150-pound ballet dancer can lose up to 432 calories per hour. Salsa,

ballroom dancing and disco come in second at about 396 calories an hour. Slow forms of dancing such as the waltz burn much less, at about 216 calories per hour.

Balance and Coordination

All forms of dancing improve balance and coordination, although some are better at it than others. The Argentinian tango, for example, requires lots of twists, leg kicks and torso rotations. It requires keeping your center of balance stable to make sure you don't lose your step as you twist and turn. Group dancing, meanwhile, relies heavily on coordination, as all dancers need to be in tune with each other for the performance to work.

Posture.

Dancing works the muscles and fibers that control posture, according to professional dancer and performance coach Christina Chitwood. Dancing works the core muscles --stomach and back---as well as the muscles surrounding the spine. As we train, we gain better posture and better muscle tone.

Muscle Tone

Dancing is especially good for the muscles in our legs and glutes. It also works the hips, your lower back and our abdomen. Some forms of dancing also work the arms and the upper body. As muscle tone improves and flexibility increases, we may experience relief from back pain and an increase in stamina.

Some researches further show that we benefit much from dancing. Below are some of the findings of some researchers about benefits of dancing.

 In a recent study of nearly 500 people by the Albert Einstein Center in the Bronx, N.Y., dancing was the only regular physical activity associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

"Dance is not purely physical in many ways, it also requires a lot of mental effort," said Joseph Verghese, the lead researcher of the study, published in June in the New England Journal of Medicine.

"Certainly among my patients [who dance], their posture is different and the way they walk is different," Verghese said. Changes in walking patterns, he said, are often symptoms of mental decline.

Most dance burns fat. "It's great exercise for the body. The body needs to move, and dancing gets the blood flowing," said Craig Hutchinson, 60, president of the Potomac Swing Dance Club, who has been dancing the since the age of 11.

There is a need further researches to prove that dance is, in fact, good for aging minds. One thing is sure, that on the whole, dancers have a lot of positive energy.

2 PERFORMING ARTS

2.3 THEATRE AND DRAMA

Theatre and DramaSurely, you enjoy watching live performance of dramatic actions that tells a story or creates a spectacle.

In this lesson, you will encounter the theater as a performing art, that tells a story on stage, and be familiar with the elements of theatre and drama, and view a brief history these art forms.

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

1. discuss theatre and drama as a performing arts;2. explain the elements of drama; and3. appreciate the benefits derived from theatre and drama

 Topic

Meaning of Theatre and Drama

Theatre is a building in which live dramatic performances of actors for an audience. In olden times, it was uncovered, except the stage, but in modern times it is roofed.

The word theatre derives from the Greek theatron (“place of seeing”). Theatre is one of the oldest and most important art forms in cultures worldwide. Theatre is thought to have had its earliest origins in religious ritual; it often enacts myths or stories central to the belief structure.

Theatre is explained in many ways. Below are quotations from some artists about the theatre.

Oscar Wilde – “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being”

William Blake – “What is a wife and what is a harlot? What is a church and what is a theatre? Are they two and not one? Can they exist separate? Are not religion and politics the same thing? Brotherhood is religion or demonstrations of reason dividing families in cruelty and pride!”

Francis Bacon – “But men must know, that in this theatre of man's life it is reserved only for God and angels to be lookers on.”

Vivien Leigh – “When I come into the theatre I get a sense of security. I love an audience. I love people, and I act because I like trying to give pleasure to people.”

Drama comes from Greek words meaning "to do" or "to act." A play is a story acted out in the theatre. The speech and action of a play recreate the flow of human life. A play comes fully to life only on the stage. ( Ronald Allan Chionglo)

Below are some quotations about drama:

Eminem – “I need drama in my life to keep making music.” “If there's not drama and negativity in my life, all my songs will be really wacky and boring or something.”

Judy Garland – “I try to bring the audience's own drama - tears and laughter they know about - to them.”

Woody Allen – “Comedy just pokes at problems, rarely confronts them squarely. Drama is like a plate of meat and potatoes, comedy is rather the dessert, a bit like meringue.”

Victor Hugo – “The drama is complete poetry. The ode and the epic contain it only in germ; it contains both of them in a state of high development, and epitomizes both.”

The Basic Elements of Theatre (Terrin Adair-Lynch)

Script/Text, Scenario, Plan

Script is a written version of a play or other dramatic composition; It is used in preparing for a theatrical performance. It can be simplistic, as in the 16th century, with the scenarios used by the acting troupes of the Commedia dell’ arte, or it can be elaborate, such as the works of William Shakespeare.  The script, scenario, or plan is used by the as a blue print to build a production from.  

The Process

This is the element that refers to the work in progress stage. It is where the work of the playwright is realized by the director, actors, designers, technicians, dancers, musicians, and any other collaborators that come together on the script, scenario, or plan.   

 

The Product

This is the finished work. This is what the viewers witness as they sit in the theatre and watch the work.

The Audience

The audience is indispensable in the theatre. The physical presence of an audience is very essential as it can change a performance, inspire actors, and create expectations. The presence of live actors on the stage in front of live audiences differentiates it from modern day films and television.

The playwright writes and produces plays for the theatre. He writes the literary composition specifically for the stage in play format. 

Elements of Drama

     

      The elements of drama below are outlined from the work of Aristotle “Poetics” which he used for his critical analysis of the classical Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex written by the Greek playwright, Sophocles, in the fifth century B.C. 

The six elements as they are outlined involve:

1. Thought,2. Theme,3. Ideas;4. Action or Plot;5. Characters;6. Language;7. Music; and Spectacle.

Thought/Theme/Ideas

The theme contains abstract issues and feelings that grow out of the dramatic action.

Action/Plot

Plot/action is the arrangement of action and movement in the play. The action and movement in the play begin from the initial complication, through rising action, climax, and falling action to resolution.

Characters

These are the people presented in the play that are involved in developing the plot. Each character should have his own distinct personality, age, appearance, beliefs, socio economic background, and language.

Language

Language and dialog delivered by the characters move the plot and action along. They provide exposition and define the distinct characters.  Each playwright can create their own specific style in relationship to language choices that they use in establishing character and dialogue. 

 

Music

Music is not a part of every play, but  music can be included to mean all sounds in a production.  Music can expand to all sound effects, the actor’s voices, songs, and instrumental music played as underscore in a play. There is a need for the composers and lyricists to work hand in hand with the playwright to strengthen the themes and ideas of the play. This element enables the characters to relate with the audience through lyrics and music.

Spectacle

The spectacle in the theatre  involves all the visual elements of the play - all of the aspects of scenery, costumes, and special effects in a production. These include the qualities determined by the playwright that create the world and atmosphere of the play for the audience’s eye. 

Genre/Forms of Drama

Drama is divided into the categories of tragedy, comedy, melodrama, and tragicomedy.  Each of these genre/forms can be further subdivided by style and content.

 Tragedy

Tragedy is a serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude action and deals with intense problems.  It arouses pity and fear in the audience as it witnesses the action.  In classical tragedy we find a protagonist at the center of the drama that is a great person, usually of upper class birth.  Tragedy involves the audience in the action and creates tension and expectation. 

 Comedy

This genre should have the view of a “comic spirit” and is physical and energetic.  It is tied up in rebirth and renewal.

This is the reason most comedy end in weddings, which suggest a union of a couple and the expected birth of children.  Comedy creates light feelings. The playwright uses comic devices such as exaggeration, incongruity, surprise, repetition, wisecracks, and sarcasm. 

Melodrama

Melodrama is drama of disaster and differs from tragedy significantly.  The protagonist is usually a victim of circumstance.  He is acted upon by the antagonist or anti-hero and suffers without having to accept responsibility and inevitability of fate.  Melodrama has a sense of strict moral judgment.  All issues presented in the plays are resolved in a well-defined way.  The good characters are rewarded and the bad characters are punished in a means that fits the crime. 

 

Tragicomedy

Tragicomedy is the most lifelike of all of the genres. It focuses on character relationships and shows society in a state of continuous change. There is a mix of comedy and tragedy side by side in these types of plays.

 

Brief History of the Theatre

The history of the theatre may start from the “ancient time” which includes the development of drama in Greece and Rome up to the fall of Rome through the Middle Ages. The next wave starts with the rebirth of theatre during the Renaissance and Protestant Reformation, the impact of Shakespeare on the art, and the subsequent development of theatre through the Restoration of the English Crown following the Republic under Oliver Cromwell. The third leg includes  the development of theatre as an art form during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

Greek Theatre

The Greek theatre history began with festivals honoring their gods. A god, Dionysus, was honored with a festival called by "City Dionysia". In Athens, during this festival, men used to perform songs to welcome Dionysus. Plays were only presented at City Dionysia festival. Greek theatre took place in large (the largest ultimately held twenty thousand people) hillside amphitheatres. Greek drama was dominated by the works and innovations of five playwrights over the 200 years following Thespis.

Athens was the main center for these theatrical traditions. Athenians spread these festivals to its numerous allies in order to promote a common identity.

At the early Greek festivals, the actors, directors, and dramatists were all the same person. After some time, only three actors were allowed to perform in each play. Later few non-speaking roles were allowed to perform on-stage. Due to limited number of actors allowed on-stage, the chorus evolved into a very active part of Greek theatre. Music was often played during the chorus' delivery of its lines.

Roman Theatre

The Roman Republic rose with the decline of Greek government. The Romans borrowed extensively from Greek theatre. The Roman theatre may not be as outstanding as the Greek theatre, the Romans influenced as much with the word “play” itself. The word "play" is derived from a literal translation of the Latin word ludus, which means recreation or play. Roman theatre took two forms: Fabula Palliata and Fabula Togata. Fabula Palliata were primarily translations of Greek plays into Latin, although the term is also applied to the original works of Roman playwrights based upon Greek plays. Roman theatre introduced the raised stage which replaced the semi-circular orchestra of the Greeks.  More vigorous acting was employed by the Roman performers. The Church had the greatest impact in the Roman theatre that caused the growth of the dramatic arts. However, the officials disfavoured the play presentations made by the Christian Church. Plays, or ludii were associated with either comedy of a coarse and scurrilous nature, or with pagan rituals and holidays. The survival of the theatre happened through the Middle Ages.

Medieval Theatre

 In the Middle Ages, the Church contributed very much to the preservation of the theatre although it was one of the factors that outlawed the theatre during the Roman empire. With the growth of towns and the introduction of stable governments in Europe, the stage was set for the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Counter-Reformation and the secularization of theatre as it emerged from the influence of the Medieval Church.

  Renaissance and Reformation

The Renaissance, while having a major impact on the other arts, had less influence on theatre in England than in Italy, where classic Roman plays were revived for performance. The rediscovery of the classics did influence the development of the stage -- first in Italy, then in France and England and the rest of Europe. It was in Italy that the first steps were taken toward the development of the proscenium, or "picture frame", stage with which we are so familiar today.In England of the 15th and 16th centuries, the proscenium stage was still in the future. The stages on which the works of a growing body of "play-makers"

were performed evolved from the use of the enclosed courtyards of inns to stage performances. These "apron stages" were surrounded by galleries and were therefore "open" stages. The themes of religious virtue were replaced by those of loyalty to government or to a stable society. The term "play-maker" refers to the performers.

Elizabethan Theatre and Shakespeare

It was in this era that William Shakespeare (1564-1616) wrote and acted in his plays in the late 16th and early 17th Centuries. There were famous playwrights like Ben Jonson and Christopher Marlowe but Shakespeare top them all. He wrote plays that are timeless for their understanding of human nature and character.

 

In the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, theatre was one of the increasing commercialization of the art, accompanied by technological innovations, the introduction of serious critical review, expansion of the subject matters portrayed to include ordinary people, and an emphasis on more natural forms of acting. Theatre, which had been dominated by the Church for centuries, and then by the tastes of monarchs for more than 200 years, became accessible to merchants, industrialists, the bourgeoisies and then, the masses. In this section, we give a brief sketch of the development of theatre during the last three centuries.

Theatre in England during the 18th Century was dominated by an actor of genius, David Garrick (1717-1779), who was also a manager and playwright. Garrick emphasized a more natural form of speaking and acting that mimicked life. His performances had a tremendous impact on the art of acting, from which ultimately grew movements such as realism and naturalism

During the 19th Century, the Industrial Revolution changed the way people lived and worked -- and it changed the face of theatre as well. Gas lighting was first introduced in 1817, in London's Drury Lane Theatre. Arc-lighting followed and, by the end of the century, electrical lighting made its appearance on stage. The poor quality of lighting probably contributed to the

growth of melodrama in the mid-19th Century, where the emphasis was less on content and acting, and more on action and spectacle. Elaborate mechanisms for the changing and flying of scenery were developed, including fly-lofts, elevators, and revolving stages. Serious drama continued to develop during this time.

Commercial theatre advanced in full force in the 20th century, manifesting itself in the development of vastly popular forms of drama such as major musicals beginning with Ziegfield's Follies and developing into full-blown musical plays such as Oklahoma!, Porgy and Bess, and Showboat. Greater technological advances permitted spectacular shows such as The Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon to offer competition to another new innovation: film.

The cost of producing major shows such as these, combined with the organization of actors and technical persons in theatre, have limited what live theatre can do in competing with Hollywood.

Purpose of Drama

Drama captures the essence of a culture or a group within that culture. It reveals the attitudes and opinions of their time.

Below are purposes of drama:

Improvisation

Improvisation is the ability to do something spontaneously to new and unexpected situations. Drama gives us the opportunity to hone our improvisation skills. Life is improvisation. We respond in new ways when spontaneous and unexpected things occur to us.

Play Making

In drama, you will be expected to create plays. Play making is the process of experimenting with new roles. Through plays you can re-examine old roles and challenge society’s values and interpretations.

Drama as A Co-operative Process

In drama you are asked to participate in group work. This helps you explore relationships on and off stage. It helps your communication skills and helps you make friends on campus.

  

Personal Benefits

As students, studying drama benefits you a lot. It helps you build your self-confidence, speaking in public, and developing interpersonal skills. Drama helps you to be more aware of how your physical presentation can affect the way people see you. Ethically, it provides the you motivation to start to evaluate your own values and beliefs.

Drama Influences Lives

Drama plays a major role in your lives. You all experience 'real life’ drama in the form of your own personal experiences as well as ‘real life’ drama in the news and current affairs. You are also exposed to fictional drama in film, on television, and in the theatre. By studying drama, you gather values that are good or bad. The decision to be influenced by the morals delivered by the drama lies in you.

Some important terms to remember in theatre and drama:

actor: a person who performs in a play.

backdrop: a large cloth (or paper) that is painted and hung as scenery.

blackout: when all lights are simultaneously turned off to indicate the end of a scene.

blocking: a plan that indicates where an actor stands and moves.

Break a leg!: a theatre expression meaning "Good luck!".

cast: the actors in a play.

center stage: the middle portion of the stage floor.

character: a person in a story that an actor plays.

choreographer: a person who plans and teaches movements – like dances and fight sequences – to actors.

costume director: a person who designs and makes the costumes actors wear.

cue: a signal that tells an actor when to speak or move

curtain call: actors gather on stage at the end of a performance to receive applause.

director: the person who interprets the play and provides direction to the actors and designers.

downstage: the area of the stage that is closest to the audience.

dress rehearsal: the last rehearsal before a play opens with actors in full costume.

Foley artist: a person who creates sounds for film or theatre using a variety of objects to enhance the sound effects.

giving focus: an actor on stage does not move or talk so that audience attention is drawn to another actor who is moving or talking.

 improvisation: a drama that is not scripted, but is made up as you go.

lighting designer: a person who plans what lights are used and when they are used to help create a setting.

makeup designer: a person who makes actors faces resemble the characters they are playing.

 mime: an actor who performs without words.

monologue: a scene when only one actor speaks.

offstage: the area of the stage that is not seen by an audience.

onstage: the area of a stage where actors perform.

pantomime: a story performed without words.

producer: the person who arranges the financing of a play.

prop: short for properties. Any object used by an actor.

proscenium: a decorative frame that arches around the stage’s acting area.

script: a play in written form.

set: the acting area including props and scenery.

set designer: the person who designs the scenery for a play.

sound designer: the person who selects the music and sounds used in a play.

stage crew: people who set up scenery and change it between scenes of a play.

stage directions: instructions given to actors to tell them when and where to move on stage.

stage left: the area of stage that is on the actor’s left.

stage manager: the person who makes sure a performance runs as planned.

stage right: the area of stage that is on the actor’s right.

 taking focus: the actor speaks confidently and makes intentional movements in a way that gets the audience’s attention.

upstage: the back of the stage or the area that is the farthest away from the audience.