Philippine Folk Dances

 

Li Mary Lactuan BSA-1 Philippine Folk Dance

Most Philip Most Philippin pinee dances dances were were origin originall ally y patter patterned ned after after Europea European n dances dances during during the Spanish regime. Pandanggo Sa Ilaw, Cariñosa, Rigodon and Balitao are examples of these dances Filipinos are known for. Aside from these western-influenced dances, ethnic-created dances such as Tinikling made its way to nationwide recognition. Despite its apparent adaptation to western dances, still Filipinos Filipinos pay tribute to their cultural cultural roots. Every district district in the islands has its own folk dance, interpreted attractively in festivals and local shows, which have added to the country’s reputed contribution to world’s illustration of traditional arts. Choreographer Francisca Choreographer Francisca Reyes-Aqui Reyes-Aquino no is recognized recognized for pioneering pioneering research research in the documentation of Philippine folk dances and founding the Philippine Folk Dance Society. She codified the folk dances into steps, directions, and musical arrangements that are taught in   physical education classes in most schools. Among other folk dance troupes, the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company (formerly the Bayanihan Folk Arts Center) and the Far Eastern Univ Un iver ersi sity ty Fo Folk lk Danc Dancee Gr Grou oup p pe perf rfor orm m styl styliz ized ed ad adap apta tati tions ons of fo folk lk da danc nces es in lo local cal an and d intern internati ationa onall tours. tours. Inform Informal al folk folk dancing dancing is perfor performed med for a variet variety y of occasio occasions, ns, suc such h as harvests, weddings, and religious celebrations.

The following are examples of popular Philippine folk dances:

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Binasuan - Originated Originated in Pangasinan Pangasinan Province “meaning “meaning with the use of drinking drinking glasses”, this vibrant dance basically shows off balancing skill of the performers. Glasses filled with rice wine are placed on the head and on each hand carefully maneuvered with graceful movements. This dance is common in weddings, fiestas and special occasions.

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Rigodon - Originated Originated from Spain, this dance is commonly performed performed at formal affairs like inaugural balls where prominent members of the government participate and enjoy. Pand Pa ndan angg ggo o sa Ila Ilaw - The word panda dan nggo comes from the Spa pan nish da dan nce “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.

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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. Because of its unusual steps and fascinating interpretation, the audience began imitating her. 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. 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 dancer dancerss themse themselve lves. s. The costum costumee and the gracef graceful ul moveme movements nts of the perfor performer merss noticeably inspired by Spanish Culture. Sakuting - Originated in Abra, this dance interprets a mock fight between Ilokano Christians and non- Christ Christian ianss with with traini training ng sticks sticks as props. props. It is tradit tradition ionall ally y perfor performed med during 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. Banog –  Cordillera. In this dance, performers portray hunters shielding their chickens from – Cordillera. 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 respectivel respectively. y. The dance starts when each of them are given a  piece of cloth known as "ayob" or "allap".

 

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Palok  -   Kalinga, Cordillera. 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, planting, sowing and all the remaining 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.  Benguet. Thi Thiss dance, dance, which which is more known known as Bendian Bendian,, is perfo performe rmed d to

commemorate the arrival of headhunters in their district. Performers dance in a circle and show off their lively traditional steps. Binaylan –  Agusan.  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. Malakass at maganda –  Leyte. Malaka  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.  Palawan. Cuyo is a small island and capital of Palawan. There, the feast day of St St.. Augu August stin in is trad tradit itio ional nally ly ce cele lebr brat ated ed wi with th parad parades es,, pr proce ocess ssio ions ns and smal smalll   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

 

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out when Cuyo celebrates its festivals. Today, pretty young girls daintily swirl hats to the waltz wal tz and othe otherr Euro Europea pean n step stepss desig designe ned d to br brin ing g ou outt th thee fres freshne hness ss an and d gl glow ow of th thee  performers. Karatong – Palawan. A Muslim dance. During the festival of San Agustine in the island 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 an d 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 pop popular ular festival dance in Sulu. Alcamfor - Leyte comes this couples dance in which the girl holds a handkerchief laced with camphor oil, a substance which supposedly induces romance. Andaluz - Also known as Paseo de Iloilo, for its province of origin, this is one of the most sophisticated courtship and flirtation dances of the Spanish era. The gentlemen compete among each other to win the heart of the dalaga, or young lady, by exemplifying chivalry, grace, and confidence. Aray - A dance whose words are sung in "Chabacano-ermitense," a hybrid of Spanish that was only spoken in the Ermita district before the turn of the century and today is extinct. The dance itself is a flirtatious one that involves graceful use of the pañuelo, or shawl, and tambourines. Aray means "ouch" in Tagalog. Balse - Derived from the Spanish "valse" (waltz), this dance was popular in Marikina, Rizal   province, province, during the Spanish Spanish times. Balse was performed performed after after the lutrina (a religious religious   proces processio sion), n), and the music music that that accomp accompanie anied d the dancer dancerss was played played by the musiko musikong ng  bungbong (musicians using instruments made of bamboo). Cariñosa - This This flirt flirtati atious ous dance dance is known known through throughout out the Philip Philippin pines. es. Car Cariño iñosa sa means means affectionate, lovable, or amiable. With a fan or handkerchief, the dancers go through hideand-seek movements and other flirting acts expressing tender feelings for one another. There are many versions of this dance, but the hide-and-seek movements are common in all.

 

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Chotis - The Chotis (or "Shotis") was one of the ballroom dances learned by the Filipinos from the early European settlers. This dance, from Camarines Sur, has been adapted by the Bicolano people and is characterized by a brush-step-hop movement. Escopiton Malandog - According to legend, two boys named Esco and Piton introduced this dance during the inauguration of the founding of San Jose de Buenavista. Eventually the dance was called Escopiton. This beautiful dance originated from Malandog, a barrio of  Hamtic in Antique. Estudiantina - A very lively lively and gay dance. During the old days, this dance was a favorite favorite in social gatherings and was performed by the estudiantinas, women who were students of   private schools and colleges in Manila. Manila. They are seen holding a book in one hand throughout the dance. Habanera - A wedding party dance which originated in the town of Botolan in the Zambales Province. Typical sequences include the procession of the bride and groom's parents, lineup of the bridesmaids and groomsmen upstage, and a solo featuring the wedding couple. Imunan - A courtship courtship dance of Ilokano origin. origin. A beauty enters for an afternoon promenade with her suitors. suitors. At the end of the dance, the lovable and charming charming lady cannot select from any of her suitors. La Jota - The jota encompasses a variety of Spanish-influenced dances accompanied by the use of bamboo castanets, held loosely and unstrung. There are many forms of jota in the

Philippines whose names are derived from their regions of origin. A common progression in the jota is a quick & lively verse, followed by a slow bridge, and ending with a verse in the same lively tempo as in the beginning. Jota Española - Highlighted by castanets, abanicos, and tambourines. Jota Gumaqueña - Once very popular among the well-heeled families of Gumaca, Tayabas (now (no w Quezon) Quezon).. A well-k well-known nown local local musici musician an at the time, time, Señor Señor Hermin Herminigi igildo ldo Omana, Omana, introduced this dance. It became popular with the young people and was handed down  between generations. Jota Manileña (Manila) - It originated in the capital city around the 19th century. Jota Moncadeña Moncadeña (Moncada, (Moncada, Tarlac) Tarlac) - A combination of Spanish and Ilocano dance steps and music. Jota Pangasi Pangasinana nana (Pangas (Pangasina inan n provinc province) e) - Demo Demons nstr trat ates es th thee fl flai airr of st stom ompi ping ng fe feet et culminating with the cry of "Olé!" Jota de Paragua Paragua (Cuyo, (Cuyo, Palawa Palawan) n) - Displa Displays ys a Casti Castilla llan n influe influence nce with with Zapate Zapateado adoss (footwork), Lobrados (arms), and Sevillana style of dress. The ladies wave their mantón, or  decorative shawl, while the gentlemen keep brisk pace with bamboo castanets. Jovencita - A dance typical of a woman's debut or even her wedding. The accompanying love ballad was written by Maestro Nitoy Gonzales when he was courting Jovita Friese, who then choreographed the graceful and beautiful habanera dance that accompanies it. Jovencita means "young lady" in Spanish. Lanceros de Negros - During the Spanish time, this dance was one of the popular quadrille dances in the Philippines. It is similar to the stately Rigodon de Honor and is danced in import imp ortant ant social social affair affairss to formal formally ly open a big ball. ball. One versio version n from from Silay Silay,, Negr Negros os Occidental, is performed in a lengthwise formation. Mazurka Mazurk a Boholana Boholana  - This dance is a traditional ballroom dance popular in Bohol and in other provinces during the Spanish times.

 

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Panderetas - This dance, named after the jingle-less tambourines carried by the females, originates origi nates from Tanza, Tanza, Iloilo. Iloilo. From December December 16 to January 6, a group of people in the Visayan regions go from house to to house to sing Christmas called "Daigon." In some regions the song is usually followed by some dances, and "Las Panderetas" is one of those dances. Paso Doble - Meaning "two-step," the name is actually a misnomer, as it is an ordinary walking walkin g or marching marching step called the "one-step." "one-step." The term refers to the stirri stirring ng marching music played as background music at bullfights and fiestas throughout Spain. Polkabal - A dance influenced by two distinct European styles: polka and valse. Putritos - A festival dance from Atimonan, Tayabas (now Quezon province), featuring a couple'ss flirtatious couple' flirtatious and playful interaction interaction.. It is danced in alternating alternating slow and fast waltz tempos and culminates in a vivid twirling sequence by the girl. Rigodon de Honor - This elegant dance was brought to the Philippines by the Filipinos who returned from their travels abroad during the Spanish era. This dance takes its name from its opening performances at formal affairs such as the President's Inaugural Ball. Members of  governm gove rnment ent,, includ including ing the Presid President ent and Fi First rst Lady, Lady, dip diplom lomati aticc corps, corps, and other other state state officials usually participate in the Rigodon. Traditionally, a ballroom waltz dance would follow the Rigodon. Sabalan Lulay - The The dance dance "Lul "Lulay ay," ," like like the the ku kura rats tsa, a, jo jota ta,, panda pandang ngo, o, and polka polka,, is  performed  perfo rmed in many parts of the Philippine Philippines. s. This dance originated originated from Malamig Malamig barrio of 

the town Gloria, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro. Mindoro. It is part of a wedding wedding ritual which has four phases: phases: sabalan, sabala n, pamalaye, sabog and dapit. The dance begins with the gentle gentleman man dancing around his partner as she eventually gives in to dancing with him. Saguin-Saguin - From the Bicol region comes this courtship dance which tells the story of a lumberyard owner, who threw a dance for his workers. A girl who was related to one of the workers was offered to the owner as a dance partner. He took to her very kindly, and eventually serenaded her. Timawa - Meaning "forsaken lover," Timawa is a courtship dance, usually performed by women, and is originated in Lamot, a barrio in Capiz. The story recounts of a man and a woman, both timawas, who met at a social gathering and became acquainted with each other. In the course of their conversation, they discovered that they both had the same misfortune; therefore, turning to each other for sympathy and comfort.

 

Basic Dance Steps of Philippine Folk Dance  Dance  

Hopping - Springing into the air from one foot and landing on the same foot Jumping - Movement without a point of support or Spring into the air off both feet and

land on both feet Leaping - A transfer of weight from one foot to the other. Push off with a spring and land on the ball of the other foot, letting the heel come down Bend knee to absorb the shock  Pivoting - A traveling turn executed with thighs locked and feet apart in extended fifth  position Shuffling - A triple step similar to a Polka step wit with h no lilt for example step forward left and bring the right foot up yo the heel of the left foot.

Brushing -To brush, sweep or scuff the foot against the floor  Kumintang - a simple, classic gesture of rotating the hand and wrist and movement of  arms which was believed to have been inspired by arnis. Sarok or salok - is an elaborate bow which must have been inspired by the woman acitivity of fetching water from a well. Sway - A tilt of the chest to the side, without lowering the torso Stretching from the side upwards Waltz steps - A ballroom dance in 3/4 time which first developed in Vienna as a fast  paced dance to the Strauss music of the time, and eventually evolved into the slower 

version we now know as Waltz (or Slow Waltz).