“Surtido Cebuano”

The Surtido Cebuano is a square dance said to have originated in Bantayan,

Cebu. It is a cobbling together of Spanish, Mexican, and French influences along with
indigenous elements. Surtido (literally, assortment) is performed by several pairs of
dancers, with the head pair called cabeceras and the side pairs, costados, guiding the
other dancers in varied quadrille formations. It used to be a dance of long duration
performed by a big group to the tune of beautiful Visayan folk airs. The modern
arrangement is more lively and suitable for dancing by small groups.
Surtido Cebuano is another kind of folk dance that was inspired by the Spanish.
It is a Visayan folk dance particularly in the province of Bantayan, Cebu. Surtido
Cebuano also represents the rich culture of the Cebuanos and also the influence of
the race in Cebu. The music is similarly exciting and diverse. The tempo changes from
lively and sprightly 2/4 music to lively Waray melodies in 3/4 time. Surtido literally
means "assortment," and this square dance combines influences of French, Spanish
and Mexican dance. Traditionally the Surtido is performed by a head couple
accompanied by two other couples who lead all the dancers through various
formations that resemble an old-fashioned quadrille.
At first chorus, the dance will start with a 2/4-time signature dance steps which
is the waltz, from step close to step close. As it was forming a square form step, a waltz
characterized by variations in tempo. It also had a hop and step pattern at the end
part.