PHILIPPINE FOLKDANCES and SOCIAL - The word dance come from the

DANCES German word damson , which

(P.E3) means “to stretch” or “to drag”
- Dance closely follows the development of
- Dance may be the oldest among the
human race. Since the earliest times of our
all the arts.
existence, far before the creation of first
modern civilizations, dance served as an
irreplaceable way of expressing human
- It developed as a natural expression
thought and emotion.
of united feeling and action.
- Actual dance forms appear to have been in
place in India around 6000 B.C. In studying - It is an art of precise expression of
the First Dynasty of Egypt, (around 3000 one’s emotion through graceful
B.C.), archaeologists have found relief's movement, performed with musical
showing a kind of dance or body language, accompaniment.
and as culture in Egypt advanced, paintings
were made showing musicians and dancers.
- Dance is considered the mirror of
the society because it responds to
Since dancing itself cannot leave clearly historical and religious events as
identifiable archaeological artifacts that can well as social and political
be found today, scientist looked for statements.
secondary clues, written word, stone
carvings, paintings and similar artifacts.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The oldest proof of existence of dancing

comes from the 9000 year old cave
- Learning, thought, creativity, and
paintings that were found in India, which
intelligence don’t just come from
depicts various scenes of hunting,
the brain alone, but from the entire
childbirth, religious rites, burials and most
body.
importantly, communal drinking and
- Movement combinations increase
dancing.
memory, order, and sequencing
skills.
- Creating dances also increases self-
Without a doubt, dancing remains one of
esteem which is so very important
the most expressive forms of
to learning. We already witness the
communications that we know.
need for children to move
throughout the day.
PREHISTORIC PERIOD
Dance closely follows the development of
human race. Since the earliest times of our
existence, far before the creation of first
modern civilizations, dance served as an
irreplaceable way of expressing human
thought and emotion.
Since the dawn of human civilization, dance
was incorporated as an important part of
our culture and religion. Its ability to
simulate or describe events or myths,
enchant the audience and dancers with
ecstasy, belief, happiness, and trance was
quickly implemented into many religious
ceremonies, rituals and celebrations of
ancient civilizations.
Dances in the Philippines can be categorized
in many ways. They can be classified
according to their nature. Geographical
location can be one. For instance, dance
that is local to a particular place, one that
has no other form variations of this dance-
can be classified as local or regional dance.
- There are also dances that depict
love and marriage. These are known
to be marriage and courtship
dances.
- Dances that depict rituals as part of
celebration of life, thanksgiving,
good harvest, and death are called
ritual dances.
- Dances that display the living and its
occupation can be classified as
occupational dances. Playful and gay
dances can be called as comic
dances.
War Dance - intended to incite the fighting
of the warriors, commonly performed to
the quick tempo of a drum.
Festival Dance - great and exciting
occasions for the primitive people
Courtship/Wedding Dance - performed
with intricate hand and body movements
The development of the folk dance in the
Philippines is a very big step to enriching its
culture not only because Filipinos can be
proud of it and also because it is their
culture. Here are the developments:
1. Folk dances are performed at different
countries.
2. Folk dances are danced by other people
all over the world.
3. It tells us that Filipino culture is rich.
The History of the Filipino Folk Dance
Philippine Folk Dance
- has a long and diverse history
- originality from pre-colonize era to
the Spanish occupation (1500s-
1800s)
 - tell stories about historical
happenings, ways of living, cultural
influences and
religion customs.
Northern Luzon (Ilocos Region-North,
Tagalog Region-South)
- Most of the folk dance here are
mixtures of indigenous and Spanish
elements and are usually performed
during special occasion such as,
weddings, and fiestas.
Southern Tagalog –Manila
- The major Government canters have
been located here so most of the
dances in the region reflect Spanish
and European influences.
Visayan Dances
- Visayas- central part of the Philippine
archipelago.
- Mostly tell stories of people’s lives and
frequently grow inspiration from animal
movements.
Muslim and Moro Dances
- Mindanao Region-Southern part of the
Philippine is a Muslim region never
conquered by Spaniards.
- Islam was introduced during the 12th
century and Muslims are also known as
“moros”
- Dancers typically mean allowing and
colourful costumes decorated with
jewels, swords and shields.
Philippine Culture is the one that separates
us from the rest of the world, our colorful
and lively culture that make us distinctly
Filipino. This includes traditions, languages,
arts, etc., which are found in museums,
churches and galleries, found within the
heart of key cities.
Most provinces have their own identifying
folk dances too wherein they showcase the
elegance and beauty of the way they do
things, the way they dress, the way they see
things as shown in different paintings, as we
have been influenced by various events as
that happened in our history.
- Sakuting came from the Abra
province in the northern part of the
island of Luzon. The Ilocos Region
officially includes Ilocos Norte, Ilocos
Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.
- Its original use was for combat
training. During the playful folk
dance, two teams, one representing
each side, circle and clash bamboo
sticks in a gentle imitation of martial
arts sparring. Its dance form is the
comedia.
- Introduced by Spanish missionaries
as religious ritual, the sakuting
dance portrays this struggle
between the lowland Christians and
the non-Christian mountain people.
The Five Fundament position of the ARMS
and FEET

COMMON DANCE TERMS

1. Arms in lateral position- both arms are at
one side, either sideward right or left, This
may be done at shoulder, chest or waist
level.
2. Brush- weight on one foot, hit the floor
with the ball or heel of the other foot (the
free foot) after which that foot is lifted from
the floor to any direction.
3. Clockwise- like the motion of the hands
of the clock. R shoulder is toward the center
of an imaginary circle.
4. Counter clockwise- the reverse direction
of clockwise. L shoulder is toward the
center of an imaginary circle.
5. Mazurka - Glide R (L) foot in second (ct.
1), cut R (L) sideward with the L (R) foot (ct.
2), hop on the L (R) foot and beat R (L) in
rear or in front the R (L) foot close to the
ankle of the L (R) foot (ct. 3). This step may
be executed forward or going around also.
(¾ mazurka time. Counts 1, 2, 3)
6. Do-si-do- the vis-à-vis (opposites) both
advance forward, pass each other’s right (or
left) side, step across to the right (or left),
move backward without turning around
pass each other’s left (or right) side to
proper places. This is of foreign origin and is 16. “Kumintang”- moving the hand from
used in many Philippine dances. the wrist either in a clockwise or counter
clockwise direction. This is an Ilocano term.
7. MINCING STEP - Starting position: R (L)
foot in fifth position in front, heels slightly 17. Outside foot- the foot away from the
raised or with the leading foot flat on the one’s partner, when partners stand side by
floor. Execute tiny steps sideward right (left) side.
as many times as necessary. In ¾ time take
18. Outside hand- the hand away from
one step for every count. In 2/4 time it
one’s partner, when partners stand side by
maybe 2 steps for every count.
side.
8. Papuri - Step R foot in second position
19. Place- to put foot in a certain or desired
(cts. 1, 2), step the L sideward right across
position without putting weight on it. The
the R in front (ct. 3). Point R foot sideward
sole of the foot rest on the floor.
left across the L in front (cts. 1, 2, 3) (2 M.).
¾ time. Counts 1, 2, 3. 20. Pivot- to turn with the ball, heel, or
whole foot, on a fixed place or point.
9. Hands on waist- place hands at the
waistline.
10. “Hayon-hayon”- to place one forearm in LAPAY BANTIGUE
front and the other at the back of the waist.
This is a Visayan term.
11. Waltz balance - count 1, 2, 3 to a
measure. Step R foot forward (ct. 1), close L
to R in third rear position and raise both
heels (ct. 2), lower heels with the weight of
the body on the R foot (ct.3)
12. Waltz – step R sideward (ct.1) then
close L to R (ct.2) and step R in place (ct.3).
13. Masiwak – Is an Ibanag dance term that
refers to the turning the hand from the
wrist halfway clockwise then raise and
lower your wrist once or twice.
14. Redoba – Slide R diagonally forward
(ct.1), cut R with L (ct.2) and cut L with R
(ct.3).
15. Hapay- Is to flourish or offer a
handkerchief, hat or glass of wine to
somebody as a sign of invitation.