What Is Physical Education?

Physical education is the teaching and leading of physical activity in a school gymnasium or other school setting. Its goal is to

improve and maintain students' current health and set them on a path to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout their lives. This

article will tell you more about what physical education is and how to pursue a career teaching it. Schools offering Exercise Science

degrees can also be found in these popularchoices.

Physical education, also known as gym class, is a class taught in kindergarten through 12th grade that involves student

participation in physical activity. The goal of physical education classes is to introduce students to the basic elements of exercise

that will lead to a healthy lifestyle. Students can get exercise and increase their psychomotor abilities by playing a variety of

traditional sports such as basketball and soccer, and by participating in exercise activities such as lifting weights and aerobics.

Physical education teachers may also use sports and physical activities to teach about the cultural and historical aspects of

sports. In some classes, especially in elementary schools, students also learn about health and nutrition.

1. Teaching Essential Body Management Skills

The most well-known goal of any physical education class is to promote movement – but there’ s more to
this aspiration than breaking students out of a stationary lifestyle. P.E. classes teach children skills that
they will use throughout their entire lives.

For many younger children, physical education classes offer their first chance to learn about the
relationships between nutrition, exercise, and health, while acquiring basic body management skills such
as:

 The ability to stop and start on signal

 Spatial awareness
 Body part identification
 Balance and control

Though these skills may not seem as crucial as literacy and numeracy, the absence of them can result in
sedentary children who feel too “clumsy” to engage in any regular activity. After time, the inability to
develop mature motor skills can cultivate sedentary adults, who struggle to achieve career goals or lack
self-confidence.

2. Promoting Physical Fitness as Fun

Quality instruction from dedicated educators helps children develop fundamental motor patterns. But it’ s
also important for teaching students that being active can be a fun, natural habit.

The more that young students consider physical fitness a natural part of their daily schedule, the more
likely they are to be engaged in fitness as they age – leading to a healthier lifestyle. One in three children
are overweight in America, and youngsters who enjoy physical activity are the ones most likely to be
active in the future.
While physical education isn’ t the only factor helping children get active, it can be a useful way to help
them uncover new skills and discover activities that they enjoy. By exploring a range of sports and fitness
solutions, from gymnastics to running and climbing, physical educators give students a chance to find the
activity that appeals most to them – giving children their own personal tool in the fight against obesity.

3. Developing Teamwork, Sportsmanship, and Cooperation

Physical education allows children to experience healthy social interactions, teaching cooperation through
group activities, and encouraging teamwork through identification as one part of a team. These social
skills stay with children throughout their lives, increasing the chance that they’ ll become involved in their
communities, take leadership roles, and build lasting relationships. Social skills develop confidence,
contributing to academic performance and mental health.

When students are stressed, they struggle to focus and manage their emotions properly. Physical activity
is a great way to relieve stress, promoting positive mental health and enhanced learning aptitude.
Although reduced time for physical education is often justified as a way to help students spend more time
in the classroom, studies have shown that regular activity during the school day links to higher
concentration levels, more composed behavior, and happier students.

Setting Goals is Crucial

In a physical education setting, the right goals will:

 Engage students in P.E. class

 Attract the attention of distracted learners
 Create an environment that cultivates movement
 Teach the values of health and exercise

Establishing goals within physical education can also help students learn the value of setting their own
personal and achievable goals in relation to their favorite activities. Teach kids about goal-setting by
recording each child’s best sprint time and showing them how they improve through the year, or
encouraging students with a particular interest to take their skills to the next level.

From developing motor skills for younger children to creating an environment where students can
cultivate a positive attitude towards physical fitness, well-designed physical education goals will not only
boost kids’ education, but prepare them for an active, healthy, and productive lifestyle.

Dance is a performing art. It is described in many ways. It is when people move to a musical rhythm.
They may be alone, or in a group. The dance may be an informal play, a part of a ritual, or a part of
a professional performance. There are many kinds of dances, and every human society has its own
dances.
Dancing is not a sport, though it does have some athletic aspects. Dance is an art. Some people
dance to express their feelings and emotions. Other people dance to feel better. Dance can be used
to tell a story. In some societies, dance goes with song as well as music. People who want to learn
to dance can go to dance schools. It may take years of practice to become an experienced and
flexible dancer.
To plan a dance is called choreography, done by a choreographer.[1] Often this goes with music, and
fits into a certain style. Dances may be planned in detail, or they may be whatever dancers feel like
doing. However, most dancing does follow some general style or pattern. One style is the couple
dance, where (usually) a man and a woman dance together. Other dances need an ensemble, a
group of people together to make it work.

 Waltz - This graceful and slow two person dance was first introduced in mid-19th century and
was greatly popularized by the music of the famous composer Johann Strauss. Today this dance
represents gold standard and the most famous dance of the ballrooms around the worldTango -
Originally created in the Argentinean region of Rio de la Plata, this dance is today known by many
of its variations (Argentine tango, Uruguayan tango, Finish Tango and two types of Ballroom
tangos - standard and American) and the fascinating sensual and energetic style.

 ha-Cha-Cha - This incredibly rhythmic dance created in Latin America managed to meld together
both the slow and very energetic movements, making it an instant hit among the dancers around
the world.

 Rumba - Popularity of this Cuban dance came from its focus on sensual hip movements of dance
partners. Since its creation in 1930s many types of Rumba were created, most notably Cuban
Rumba (with the style of the African slaves which created it), Catalan Rumba (with Spanish
flavor), Flamenco Rumba and African Rumba.

 Mambo - This Cuban dance that accompanies the music of the same name was introduced in
1930s, and quickly managed to gain popularity with the exploits of famous musicians and dancers
such as Perez Prado, Benny Moré, Tongolele, Adalberto Martínez, Rosa Carmina and Lilia
Prado.

 Quickstep - Light-hearted and fast movement, powerful forms and syncopations, represent the
core style characteristics of the Quickstep, one of the most popular ballroom dances today in the
world. Originally developed in the 1920s dance scene of New York and the Caribbean, as the
combination of the dances such as Charleston, a slow variation of Foxtrot, Peabody, shag, and
one-step. The smooth and glamorous version of quickstep that is danced today across the world
to 4/4 music beat of 48-52 measures per minute was standardized in 1927.

 Jive - Jive is one of the five most popular Latin dances and is also known under the names of
swing, boogie or boogie-woogie. It is considered to be one of the liveliest of all Latin dances,
promoting the happy and bloopy type of performances, with lots of knee movement and hip
rocking. Its official ballroom jive variation that is commonly danced at a speed of 176 beats per
minute was formalized in the 1990s.

 Bolero - Bolero is an Argentine dance, but it also has different international variations of the
same name coming from Cuba and Spain. Today’s popular ballroom version of this dance is
based on the Cuban bolero, and it is also known under the name “rumba”. This 2/4 or 4/4 music
with a tempo of around 120 beats per minute that is well known all around the world.

African-American and Traditional Jazz dances

 Charleston - This extremely popular dance type was popularized by famous tune called "The
Charleston" by composer and pianist James P. Johnson. Charleston craze soon took over the
enthusiastic dancers of Prohibition era of United States.

 Swing - This dance is today synonym for the jazz and swing music of the 1920s-1930s.Because
of the many styles of Jazz music, Swing also comes in many flavors - Lindy Hop, Jitterbug,
Boogie Woogie, West Coast Swing and Rock and Roll.
  Tap Dance - This extremely popular form of dance was first introduced during 1920s Prohibition
era in United States. Originally created by the African slaves, tap dancing came into the
mainstream with the performances of Nicholas brothers. Few short years later, tap dancing
conquered Hollywood and then entire world.

 Moonwalk - This extremely famous dance move that emuates the illusion of walking backwards
was first performed by pop icon Michael Jackson in March of 1983, and ever since then it gained
planetary fame. No single dance move ever created managed to receive this amount of popularity
and recognition.

 Boogie-woogie - This quick and energetic style of dance became widely popular during 1930s
and 1940s.

Worldwide Dances / Latin dances

 Salsa - This Latin dance is today one of the most popular dances in Latin America, North
America, Europe and Australia. It's very sensual form, energetic movement and innovative
choreography that was influenced by Mambo, Changuyi and Rumba made it very popular all
around the world.

 Flamenco - This famous Spanish dance originated from the region of Andalusia, and it gained its
name only in 18th century. Its magical, passionate and energetic fusion of singing (cante), guitar
playing (toque), dance and handclaps (palmas) made it famous in entire world and became one
of the accepted heritages of entire humanity.

 Lambada - This famous dance that originated from Para, Brayil became internationally popular
during 1980s. It managed to successfully fuse aspects of Forro, salsa, merengue, maxixe and the
carimbó into unforgettable dance style.

 Country/ Western Dances - - The country dance style is a social dance activity that is closely
associated with American country and its Western traditions. It is made not from a single dance
but encompasses many forms and styles of dance that can be performed to country-western
music. No matter the type of music style or dance type, Country dance gatherings employ strong
dancefloor etiquette and even ability to perform multiple dances styles on a dance floor at the
single time.

 Folk Dance - Folk dances represent musical, cultural heritage, reflections of daily life or ethnic
history of people who live in a certain region or country. Popular all around the world in hundreds
of unique variations and styles, folk dances (also known as traditional or ethnic dances) are
usually performed at dance gatherings with the accompaniment of traditional music of the region.
Majority of folk dances are not regulated, and they slowly morph during the passage of time.

 Belly dance - Belly dance is one of the most famous oriental folk dances in the world. It is an
expressive form dance that originated from Egypt, and it emphasizes the complex movement of
the torso and entire body utilizing sudden percussive movements, unstopping fluid body motions
and presence of small and fast shimmies, shivers and vibrations of the hips or the ribcage. Belly
dance is regarded as very sensual, emotional and captivating.

Professional performance dance

 Ballet - Ballet is without any doubt one of the most highly technical and famous of all
performance dances. It was originally created in 15th century Renaissance Italy, but it received
popularization in countries such as France and Russia. It’s incredible popularity and influence has
had a profound impact on techniques found in many other dances, and has even morphed the
cultural histories of many countries around the world.
  Contemporary dance - Contemporary dance is a highly complicated type of modern
performance dance that originated in the mid-20th century as an alternative to classical dance
styles (such as ballet), modern styles (free dance) and Jazz dance. Its focus on free leg
movement, strong stress on the torso, disordered choreography, unpredictability, multiple and
simultaneous actions, improvisation, and non-standardized costumes, sets, and lighting has
pushed this dance into the forefront of modern art dance scene.

 Concert Dance - Concert dance (also known as stage dance) is any choreographed dance that
is performed for an audience, usually at the theatre or an organized gathering setting with the
presence of set music. It is a polar opposite of social or participation dances, where participants
can freely dance how and when they wish. Most popular concert dances are Ballet, Acrobatic
dance, tap dance, modern dance, classical Indian or Persian dances and others.

 Modern Dance - Modern dance is an influential performance dance that originated as a reaction
against the classical ballet and its movement style. Shaped by many factors in late 19th and early
to mid-20th century, modern dance evolved into a popular free dance style that includes elements
of performance art, release technique, improvisation and contact improvisation.

 Tap Dance - Among many types of popular dances around the world, tap dance may be one of
the most unusual dances. Instead of focusing on body movements and dancing with a partner,
tap dance is characterized by the creation of percussion-like musically-focused rhythm
performance using tap shoes striking on the floor in accordance with the dancing music.

Hip-hop & Funk dance

Dancing style of Hip-Hop evolved from the music style that was first introduced during 1970s.
Powered by the great popularity, exposure in media, movies and television programs, hip-hop
dances found a great foothold in United States, France, United Kingdom and South Korea. A
very similar style called Funk was also created during 1970s, and is today regarded as one of
the most influential pieces of Hip-hop dance styles.

 Breakdance (Breaking) - One of the most athletic dances in the world, Breakdance, have
originally found its popularity in the 1970s as the street dance in the New York’s Bronx. Since
then it has spread all around the world where it was viewed as one of the most unique dance
styles ever made. Usually danced solo, this dance requires talented dancers to perform the series
of either choreographed or freeform dance and athletic movements alongside usually breakbeat,
hip-hop or funk music.

 Bounce - Born in the 1980s as a mix of New Orleans hip-hop music and the traditions of the
Mardi Gras Indian chants, Bounce dance can today be danced both in its common and
hypersexual form. Since it is so closely connected with the traditions of the Mardi Gras culture,
many forms of Bounce today remain to be highly regional and can rarely be seen dancing outside
of the music scenes of New Orleans, Miami, Baltimore, and other music hubs.

 Electric boogaloo - Funk style of hip-hop was popularized not only by its music but also by the
worldwide acceptance of the famous dance style called Electric Boogaloo, which was originally
promoted in the 1970s by the dance group of the same name. Danced both by individuals and
groups in both free form and choreographed manner, Electric Boogaloo is filled with the wide
variety of moves that focused on the movement of legs, hips, knees and frequent use of
exaggerated robotic-like moves.

 Street Jazz - Created with the influences of African American slaves, Jazz dance gained
popularity in the early 20th century as any form of dance that was performed alongside then new
Jazz music. Highly improvisational and freeform, Jazz dance quickly morphed into a performance
 dance that emulated elements of ballet. Today, Jazz dance is enjoyed in many forms which are
collectively called “modern jazz dance”.

 Jookin' - Jookin’ or so-called “gangsta waling” style of dance is a street dance that originated
quite recently in the 1990s on the streets of Memphis, Tennessee. The dance is characterized by
the movement set that tries to emulate the “bounce” in the core beat of the crunk music that often
accompanies this dance style. Even though this dance has found some popularity worldwide, it is
still a regional dance that can rarely be seen outside of the city of Memphis.

 Locking - Funk dance is incredibly diverse, and one of its famous variations is “locking”. The core
gimmick of this style of hip-hop dance is to suddenly stop and hold the position (or get locked) in
the middle of dance routines for a short while, and then suddenly resume the dance. It requires
full body motion, but most of the dance is focused on top half of the body. Many Locking dancers
prefer to use various acrobatic and physically demanding moves to augment their dance routines.

 Popping - Very close in style with popular Electric Boogaloo, Popping is another variation of the
funk-themed street dance from the 1960s and 1970s that found popularity all around the world.
The technique that dancers need to master to properly dance Popping is controlled and quick
contrasting and relaxing of muscles that will create the feeling of a jerk throughout the body. This
jerk is referred as “pop” or “hit” and can be used to augment dance routines, movements and
possess.