CLASSIFICATION OF

PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES

CLASSIFICATION OF FOLK DANCE ACCORDING TO:

OCCCUPATIONAL DANCES

are those that depict the actions of a

particular occupation for example, planting
and pounding
BINATBATAN
DANCE
The Binatbatan dance is an occupational dance
from Paoay, Ilocos Norte. It depicts the beating of
cotton pods to separate the seeds from the fibers
with the use of two sticks called batbat in the
Ilocos region. Weavers in Paoay often engage
themselves in abel-making contest.
(Abel is a cloth
common among the
Ilocanos). Dancers
maneuver in and out of
parallel batbat sticks,
each about 18 inches
long. The rhythm and
speed of the beating of
the sticks make for a
lively and colorful
display.
MAG-ASIK
This is Tiruray dance for girls, performed in
Nuro, Cotabato. According to the natives’ word
“mag-asik” means “to saw seeds”. A large
kerchief or piece of bright colored cloth about a
yard square is spread in the middle of the floor.
The dancers go around the cloth with the small,
heavy steps but with the graceful hand and arm
movements.
MAG-ASIK

The dance consists of

two parts, which
natives call
“komaligue” and
“mag-asik”. Three
females identified as
Girl no. 1, Girl no. 2
and Girl no. 3
perform this dance.
RELIGIOUS/CEREMONIAL DANCES

are those associated with religion, vows and

ceremonies.
A religious dance may be performed to drive away
evil spirits and for having recovered from sickness,
favors granted, and vows fulfilled.
DUGSO
Dugso is a dance which originated from Bukidnon
in Northeast Mindanao. Dancers perform this as an
entertainment for deities to make them feel more
comfortable during the fiesta that was organized
for them and, consequently, more often to the
requests of the celebrants
DUGSO

It was originally thought that this dance was

performed only during harvest time or upon the
birth of male heir.
Woman would wear colorful feathered head dress,
plaid costumes, and anklets.
They rhythmically
around a bamboo arch
decorated with newly-
gathered palay (rice
stalks) and corn, and
their movement are
emphasized by tinkling
sounds from the
anklets.
GAME DANCES

 are those that are done with play elements. Lubi-

lubi Dance and Pavo dance belong in this
classification of Philippine Folk Dances.
LUBI-LUBI
Lubi-lubi os a Bicolano dance which is a
combination of simple folk and social steps.
Literally lubi means coconut. A game called Lubi-
lubi is played with coconut shells. According to
the Bikolanos this dance originated in Leyte and
Samar where it is dance like Balitaw.
WEDDING DANCES

are those dances that are performed during

wedding feast. The Pagkawain and
Panasahan dance belong in this category
PANASAHAN
PAGKAWIN
PAGKAWIN

The wedding ceremony is Pagkawin. The festivity

opens with the Pahanda or presentation of dowry.
Relatives of the groom present to the relatives of
the bride traditional dowries usually include the
Salap-pa, a brass box containing money, jewelry,
other valuables, and the all-important betel nut.
COURTH SHIP DANCES

 The sokat, paper money net arranged on sticks, is

also offered, is also offered.
depict the art of courtship. Included in this
category are, Pantomina, and Sua-sua.
PANTOMINA
SUA-SUA
SUA-SUA

This is a dance form a Jolo, Sulu. Literally means

“small orange plant” and is also name of a
courtship dance and a companying song.
According to the Moros of the older generation, the
movements of this dance have been modified and
modernized.
SUA-SUA

There for no doubt, however, that some parts are

based on typically old Moro dances. Dances sing
as they perform the dance. The natives often repeat
the dance as many times as they like or until they
are made to stop.
FESTIVAL DANCES

are those which are suitable for special occasions.

The Pandanggo and Habanera are example of this
kind of dance
PANDANGGO
Pandanggo sa Ilaw is a very popular folk dance in
the Philippines. It is said to have originated from
Mindoro, the seventh largest island in the
Philippines. This dance of lights simulates fireflies
at dusk and night. The word Pandanggo is from
Spanish “Fandango”.
PANDANGGO

The phrase “sa ilaw” is Tagalog for “in light” and

it refers o the three oil lamps that a dancer has to
balance – one on the head and one on the palm of
each hand. The oil lamp is called tinghoy.
Sometimes are glasses instead of oil lamp.
WAR DANCE

dances pertain to war, combat, or duel movements

common to dances for men. In the context of
Philippine dance, these dances symbolize
manhood. It can mean community acceptance in
the council of warriors as practiced in the
Mangayaw of the Bontoc – an ethnic group in the
Cordillera Region of Northern Luzon.
SAGAYAN
SAGAYAN

A Philippine war dance performed by both the

Maguindanao and Maranao depicting in dramatic
fashion the steps their hero, Prince Bantugan,
took upom wearing his armaments, the war he
fought in, and his subsequent victory afterwards.
Performers, depicting
fierce warriors,
would carry shield
with shell noise
makers in one hand
and a double-bladed
sword on the other
and attempting
rolling movements to
defend their master