Philippine Folk Dance

Folk dance refers to a variety of dances developed by groups or communities, as opposed

to being made up by a choreographer. Folk dances are often performed at social events.

What are the classifications of Philippine Folk Dance?

Cordillera dance- dances to celebrate victories, festivals, religious rituals, thanksgiving,

etc; musical instruments include nose flute, bamboo guitar, drums, gongs and wooden
sticks.

Rural Dance- Dances that illustrates 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.

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 Ex. La Jota, Paseo de Iloilo

Muslim Dance- Southern Mindanao characterized by vivid colors and rhythmic

movements which reflect the influence of Arabian and Indo-Malaysian cultures. Ex.
Singkil, Vinta

Tribal Dance- Mindanao tribal dances performed essential "for the gods" ceremonial
and ritual type dances. Ex. Udol, Mandaya

Nature of Philippine Folk dance

1. OCCUPATIONAL DANCES- depict actions of a particular occupation. (e.g. Planting,

Punding)

2. RELIGIOUS/CEREMONIAL- associated with religion, vows and ceremonies. (e.g.

Dugsu, Sua-sua)

3. COMIC DANCES depict funny movements for entertainment. (e.g. Kinotan, Makonggo)

4. GAME DANCES done with play elements. (e.g. Lubi-lubi, Pavo)

5. WEDDING DANCES performed during wedding feasts. (e.g. Panasahan)

6. COURTSHIP DANCES depict the art of courtship. (e.g. Hele-hele, Tadek, Pantomina)

7. FESTIVAL DANCES suitable for special occasions. (e.g. Pandanggo, Habanera)

8. WAR DANCES show imagery combat. (e.g. Sagayan, Palu-palo)

 FUNDAMENTAL POSITIONS OF ARMS AND FEET

ARMS IN FIRST POSITION- The arms make a circle in front of the chest with the back of
the hands facing front. The arms should be so rounded that the elbow is a little below the
shoulder.

ARMS IN SECOND POSITION- Arms slightly rounded are extended in a line just below the
level of the shoulders, so that the elbow is a little lower thanthe shoulder, and the wrist a
little lower than the elbow. The palms of the hands face front, the fingers are slightly
rounded.

ARMS IN THIRD POSITION- The R (L) arm makes a half-circle over and in front of the
head, the L (R) arm is in 2nd position.

ARMS IN FOURTH POSITION The R (L) arm makes a half-circle over and in front of the
head, the L (R) arm is in 1st position.

ARMS IN FIFTH POSITION- The arms are rounded above the head so that the fingertip are
just within the line of vision and the palms slightly downward.

FEET IN FIRST POSITION- Bring heels close to touch, toes apart

FEET IN SECOND POSITION- Bring feet apart sideward

FEET IN THIRD POSITION- Heel of one foot close to inset of other foot

FEET IN FOURTH POSITION- Bring one foot in front of the other foot to walk strike.

FEET IN FIFTH POSITION- Bring the heel of one foot to touch the toe of the other.

Common Dance Terms in Folk Dance

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. Counterclockwise- the reverse direction of clockwise. L shoulder is toward the center
of an imaginary circle.
5. Cut- to displace quickly one foot with the other, thus completely taking off the weight
of the body from the displaced foot.
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 used in many
Philippine dances.
7. Free foot- the foot not bearing the weight of the body.
8. Free hand- the hand not placed anywhere or not doing anything.
9. Hands on waist- place hands at the waistline.
10. “Hayon-hayon”- to place one forearm in front and the other at the back of the waist.
This is
a Visayan term.
11. Hop- a spring from one foot landing on the same foot in place or in any direction. The
other foot may be raised in any direction (in front, in rear, sideward or across).
12. Inside foot- the foot nearest one’s partner, when partner stand side by side.
13. Inside hand- the hand nearest one’s partner, when partner stand side by side.
14. “Jaleo”- partners turn once around clockwise (with R elbows almost touching) or
counterclockwise (with L elbows almost touching) using walking or any kind of dance
step. The hands near each other are on waists. This is a Tagalog term but of Spanish
origin.
15. Jump- spring on one foot or both feet, landing on both in any direction.
16. “Kumintang”- moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or
counterclockwise
direction. This is an Ilocano term.
17. Outside foot- the foot away from the one’s partner, when partners stand side by side.
18. Outside hand- the hand away from one’s partner, when partners stand side by side.
19. Place- to put foot in a certain or desired position without putting weight on it. The
sole of the foot rest on the floor.
20. Pivot- to turn with the ball, heel, or whole foot, on a fixed place or point.
21. Point- touch the floor lightly with the toes of one foot, weight of the body on the other
foot.
22. “Salok”- to swing the arm downward-upward passing in front of the body as if
scooping, the
trunk is bent forward following the movement of the arm doing the “salok”. This is a
Tagalog term.
23. “Saludo” -partners bow to each other, to the audience, opposite dancers, or to the
neighbors
with feet together. This term is of Spanish origin and is used in almost all Philippine
dances.
24. “Sarok”- Cross the R (or L) foot in front of the L (or R), bend the body slightly forward
and cross the hands (forearms) down in front with the R (or L) hand (forearm) over the L
(orR). This is a Visayan te
25. Slide- to glide foot smoothly along the floor. The movement may be finished with or
without
transfer of weight.
26. Stamp- to bring down the foot forcibly and noisily on the floor (like doing a heavy
step)
with or without transfer of weight.
27. Step- to advance or recede by raising or moving one foot to another resting place.
There is a
complete transfer of weight from one to another.
28. Supporting foot- the foot that bears the weight of the body.