ARAY

Introduction

Aray is classified under Maria Clara dances. A dance whose words are sung in “Chabacano-ermitense”
a hybrid 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 pañuelo or shawl, and
tambourines. Aray means “ouch” in tagalog. Perhaps the most famous of all Filipino folk dance is the
Maria Clara suite. This style is composed of many different dances and steps that convey similar
themes and ideals. The Aray is similar to the Spanish jota dance. The dance is composed of jubilant and
sprightly steps. The hopping-style steps consists of leaping in the air on one foot then landing on both
feet. The style is flirtatious and often accented by the clap of a tambourine.

Etymology

It is a ceremonial dance performed by the people of San Joaquin, Iloilo, during the feast of
San Martin. It originated in a barrio of San Joaquin called Sinugbahan.

Dance Properties