MARIA CLARA

This dance is 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 dancers themselves. The costume and the graceful movements of the
performers noticeably inspired by Spanish Culture.

Maria Clara Dance Luzon and Visayas named after the chief female character of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere; Spanish
influenced "Filipinized" by the use of bamboo castanets and abanico La Jota, Paseo de Iloilo

Imunan- (San Jacinto, Pangasinan) Imunan, a courtship dance, means jealousy. The dance depicts a love triangle; two
girls and one boy. In this dance, the boy tries to please the girls who are trying their best to get his attention and favor. The
boy shows an admirable attempt to please both girls by paying attention, flirting, and dancing with them, one after the
other. The attempt is successful and at the end of the dance, all is sweetness and harmony among the three dancers.

 La Estudiantina- (Antimonan, Quezon) Performed by the daughters of privileged Filipinos during their days at the
convent schools. The "estudiantinas" or female students are seen holding a book in hand throughout this very gay and
lively dance.

La Jota Manileña- (Manila) Originating from the capital city of Manila, La Jota Manileña is an adaptation of the Spanish
jota. It is performed with the use of bamboo castanets.
RURAL DANCE

Rural Dance Northern Luzon dances to celebrate victories, festivals, religious rituals, thanksgiving, etc; musical
instruments include nose flute, bamboo guitar, drums, gongs and wooden sticks. 
Rural Dance Luzon dances illustrate the fiesta spirit and love of life; best known type of Filipino dance. dance attire: girls
- colorful balintawak and patadyong skirts, boys: camisa de chino and colored trousers. Binasuan, Tinikling. There
are dances which have managed to steer clear of European influences and to this day without visible foreign
characteristics. Such as dance like the “Maglalatik” a tagalong war dance. The subject matter of this dance is open
combat between Christian and Muslim soldier over “Latik” or coconut residue.

Bakya-Salakot
A dance performed with the use of a “salakot,” a typical hat, and “bakya,” the local wooden sandals.

Sayaw sa Bangko
A dance which requires skill while dancing on a narrow bench. The dancers twist and jump as shouts and applause
encourage them not to fall off the bench.

Binasuan
A difficult dance featuring women balancing glasses filled with “tuba” (rice wine) on their heads and one on each palm,
doing rolls on the floor and sometimes whirling in circles.
MUSLIM DANCE

Muslim Dance – They are known for their mysticism, royalty, and beauty which are evident in their music and dances.
Accompanied by the agong and kulintang, Filipino Muslim dance is marked by intricate hand and arm movement along
with shimmering costumes.
Muslim Dance Southern Mindanao characterized by vivid colors and rhythmic movements which reflect the influence of
Arabian and Indo-Malaysian cultures. Singkil, Vinta

Sangkil

This is the most exotic among muslim dances that transform into a fairy tail.

Vinta

Sailing vessels used as the sole means of transportation by the early malays.

Tahing Baila

A dance for three, in imitation of the undulations of fish in the water.

TRIBAL DANCE

Tribal Dance –  such as the T’boli, Bilaan, Manobo, Bagobo, and other groups inhabit the vast regions of Mindanao.  Like
their Northern Luzon counterparts, these groups honor pagan gods for the fruits and trials of daily life. What distinguishes
them from other tribes in the Philippines is their intricate craftsmanship in metal, clothing, and jewelry. These tribes pride
themselves in their concept of beauty and are known for creating colorful sets of jewelry and clothing out of dyed
pineapple and banana fibers with are showcased in their traditional dances.
Tribal Dance Mindanao tribal dances performed essential "for the gods" ceremonial and ritual type dances. Udol,
Mandaya

Tinikling
One of the most popular folk dances in the Philippines is the Tinikling. The traditional dance, which usually involves a
pair of two bamboo poles, is considered to be the oldest in the country and its appeal has spread across the globe—
particularly to the United States.

Kadal Tahaw

“Kadal Tahaw” Originating from South Cotabato, this tribal dance is performed by T’boli tribe. It mimics the hopping and
flying behavior of the Tahaw Bird. Malong and salakut (hat) is worn in this dance. This is performed to celebrate good
harvest.

Kadal Blelah
About Kadal-Blelah Style: A tribal dance where in the dancers perform simulation of movements of birds.