Physiological Rhythms, Aerobics, and Dance: A Holistic Approach to Movement and Well-being

Physiological Rhythms and Mood

Physiological rhythm is the propagation of energy throughout the body, produced by the chain, succession, and differentiation of muscular work. A lively rhythm is rooted in our inner psychic and psychosomatic characteristics, but also depends on situational and environmental factors. External rhythms can organize the body in time and space simultaneously.

Types of Rhythm

• Monorhythm: maintains the same rhythmic structure.
• Polyrhythm: rhythmic variations in execution time. Facilitates the development of creativity.
• Arrhythmic: lacks a stable rhythmic structure; allows for further development of creativity and expressiveness.

Aerobics

Aerobics means "oxygen for life." First used by Pasteur (1875), the method was created by Kenneth H. Cooper. It's a form of gymnastics with music, aimed at developing and maintaining physical fitness. Aerobic benefits are achieved with a 45-65% heart rate reserve for 30-40 minutes, 5 days a week.

Impact Types

• High Impact: steps are performed with an air phase.
• Low Impact: at least one foot remains in contact with the ground at all times. Feet are separated minimally.

Music in Aerobics

1. Beats
2. Musical Phrases
3. Music Blocks
4. Bridges

Choreography

Choreography is a combination of exercises following an order that matches the pace and style of the music. It involves varied steps and arm movements, properly combined to create a cohesive outline. Choreography design involves combining steps and adapting arm movements to express intentions.

Choreography Methods

1. Freestyle Method: Teaching one step at a time.
2. Repetitive Method: Teaching and repeating all steps.
3. Block Construction Method: Compositions of 32 beats or four phrases.

Technical Aspects

• Show basic foot movements.
• Show basic arm movements.
• Combine foot and arm movements.
• Modify rhythms, directions, intensity, and style.
• Transitions: Connecting one movement to another.
• Complexity: Progressing from basic to complex movements.
• Equilibrium: Utilizing the full range of motion.

Gymnastics Jazz

Gymnastics Jazz (GJ) is a dance technique, encompassing basic movements and serving as a means to develop expressive and creative abilities. It emerged in the 1960s, with Monica Beckman as a predecessor. Its origins are in modern times.

Influences on GJ

• Modern Gymnastics
• Gymnastics Rhythm
• Classical Dance
• Modern Dance
• Jazz Dance

Objectives of GJ

• Pleasure of movement
• Motivation and introduction to dance and physical activity
• Improved health and fitness
• Social integration
• Creativity

Educational Possibilities of Dance in School

Dance is a primal form of human expression, used for various reasons: thanksgiving, supplication, expressing fear of divinity, celebration, preparation for wrestling, etc. Dance showcases motor, affective, emotional, and atavistic skills.

Marrazzo (1975) highlights the following values of dance:

• Movement education factor
• Bodily source domain: precise and controlled movement
• Exercising skills
• Allows exercise of: dynamic strength, speed, coordination, endurance, and movement
• Creative and expressive value
• Choreographic value emphasizing sexual differentiation
• Telluric value
• Stimulates learning rhythmic accompaniment and instrumental value
• Socializing value

Dance should be integrated with other physical education activities, as each addresses specific student training goals. The lack of dance in elementary schools is due to factors such as a lack of teacher training, unawareness of its value, and concerns about student acceptance.

Dramatization

Dramatization is action; the representation of actions performed by characters in a given space. It's a constructive process that utilizes theatrical language skills. A public audience isn't necessary.

Theater vs. Dramatization

Theater culminates in a public performance with disclosure obligations. Its creation involves trials and repetitions for an artistic finish. Dramatization, conversely, can be more impromptu. Its goal is to use theatrical techniques for recreational, educational, and didactic purposes.