PE REVIEWER
the Left (or right), bend the body slightly
PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE AND TERM
• Folk dance is the indigenous dance of
any specific “folk” or the common
people. They are traditional customary
or recreational dance form of a given
country which have evolved naturally
and were handed down across
generations.
• Dance that reflects life of the people of
a certain country or region
• Not all Ethnic dances are folk dances.
Francisca Reyes-Aquino
- founder of Philippine folk dance
• Term Folk dance accepted Mid- 20th
century.
COSTUME
• Meant to complement the song and
create uniformity amongst the dancers,
which brings the entire dance to life
• Fits with the theme of the dance and
does not hinder the dancer’s
movement.
Philippine Folk Dance Terminologies
Saludo: partner bow to each other, to the
audience, opposite dancers, or to the neighbor.
Kumintang: Moving the hand from the wrist
either in a clockwise or counterclockwise
direction. This is an Ilocano term.
Point: Touch lightly with the toes of one foot,
weight of the body on the other.
Sarok: Cross the Right (or left) foot in front of
forward and cross the hands down in front with
the Right (Left) hand over the Left(Right).
Do-Si-Do(“Dos-a-Dos”) – The vis-à-vis
(opposite) 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
used in many Philippine dances
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.
Arms in Reverse “T” position – Arms are side
horizontal, elbows bent at right angles,
forearms parallel to head, palms forward or
facing inward, fists loosely closed.
Bilao – To turn hands up and sown alternately,
hands at waist level in front, elbows close to
waist.
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.
Clockwise – Like the motion of the hands of the
clock. Right shoulder is toward the center of an
imaginary circle. When facing center, the
movement is toward the left.
Cabeceras – When dancers are in square
formation, the couples occupying the width of
the hall are called “cabeceras” or head couples.
This is Spanish origin.
Counterclockwise – The reverse direction of
clockwise. Left shoulder is toward the center of
an imaginary circle. When facing center, the
movement is toward the right.
Hand on Waist – Place hands at the waist line
(at the smallest part of the trunk), knuckles in,
fingers pointing in rear.
Jaleo – Partners turn once around clockwise
(with right elbows almost touching) or counter
clockwise with left elbows almost touching)
using walking or any kind of dance step. The
hands near each other are on waists. This is a
tagalong term but is of Spanish origin.
Hapay – To flourish or offer a handkerchief, hat
or glass of wine to somebody as a sign of
invitation.
Cut – To displace quickly one foot with the
other, thus completely taking off the weight of
the body from the displaced foot.
Abracete – Girl at the right side, holds Right arm
of partner with her Left hand, free hands down
at the sides. This terms is of Spanish and is used
in Rigodon and in other dances.

Jump – Spring on one foot or both feet, landing

on both in any direction.

Tap – To tap lightly with the ball or tip of the

toe, placing weight of the body on the foot.
There is no change or transfer of weight here.

Step – To advance or recede by raising and

moving one foot to another resting place. There
is a complete transfer of weight from one foot
to the other.

Set – A dance formation like a quadrille or a unit

composed of two or more pairs.

Place – To put the foot in a certain or desired

position without putting weight on it. The sole
of the foot rests flat on the floor

Hop – A spring from one foot landing on the

same foot in place or any direction (in front, in
rear, sideward or across).

Hayon –Hayon – To place one forearm in front

and the other at the back of the waist. This is a
Visayan term.