L E S S O N 2 | Introduction to Philippine Folkdance

NATURE OF PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES

FOLK / ETHNIC DANCE

These are cultural art forms handed down from generation to generation. It communicates the
customs, beliefs, rituals, and occupations of the people of a region or country. Folk dancing belongs to
the people. It emanates from them. Ethnic tribes have their specific tribal art forms originated and
danced by the people of the tribe.

FOLKDANCES

Are traditional dances of a country which were evolved naturally and spontaneously in connection
with everyday activities and experiences of the people who developed them. Folk dancing is the
heartbeat of the people.

FRANCISCA REYES AQUINO

- In 1924, she became the Mother of the Philippine Folk Dances, and awarded as a National
Artist.

- She made a contribution by starting the collection of dances and songs in the country.

- In total, she has authored six (6) volumes of books about Philippine Folk Dances, categorized
as Christian and Non-Christian dances.

GEOGRAPHICAL EXTENT OF ORIGIN

NATIONAL DANCES are traditional dances throughout the Philippines with a common
basic movement or pattern but with slight variations. Examples: Carinosa, Kuratsa, Balitaw,
Rigodon, Pandanggo, Surtido.

LOCAL DANCES are dances found in certain localities or regions only. Examples:
Alcamfor (Leyte), Maglalatik (San Pablo, Laguna), Basulto (Pampanga).

DIFFERENT NATURE OF PHILIPPINE FOLKDANCES

1. OCCUPATIONAL DANCES

- are dances that depicts actions, characteristics, occupations, industries, and phrases of human
labor.

Examples:

• Pabirik – a dance from Paracale, Camarines Norte that depicts the provice’s gold mining
industry.

• Mananguete – a Visayan occupational dance in Tolambugan, Lanao.

2. RELIGOUS OR CEREMONIAL DANCES

- are performed in connection with religious vows, practices, and ceremonies. A religious
dance may be performed to drive away evil spirits ask for a favor to have a child, give thanks for
having recovered from sickness, favors granted and vows fulfilled.
 L E S S O N 2 | Introduction to Philippine Folkdance

Examples:

• Dugsu – a ceremonial dance among the Manobo people in Bukidnon, Agusan and Misamis
Oriental.

• Sta. Clarang Pinong-pino – a ritual dance that commemorates the Cebuano’s pagan origin.

• Putong – a dance which originated in Marinduque that depicts the unique custom of
welcoming people.

3. COURTSHIP DANCESDANCES
- are dances that depicts love-making or with a love theme.

Examples:

• Maramion – a dance showing courtship and is popular in the islands of Cebu and Bohol. It
means fragrant or beautiful.

• Tadek – a Balbalan ethnic dance.

• Hele-Hele – a flirting dance carrying out a courting figure but no touch since a part of Spanish
system.
4. WEDDING
DANCES - are
performed by newlyweds, by friends and relatives of the bride and groom or by the father of the bride
and the mother of the groom.

Examples:

• Panasahan – is performed during the desporio, a Catholic ceremony held at the dawn of the
wedding day between 2 and 3 am.
5. FESTIVAL
DANCES - are
performed in connections with the celebrations, a feast, barrio fiesta, good harvest, and good fortune.

Examples:

• Habanera – a genre of Cuban popular dance music of the 19th century.

• Jota Suntido – Jota is a genre of music and the associated dance known throughout Spain.

6. WAR DANCES
- are intended to
show imaginary combat or duel with the use of fighting implements like bolo, kris or spear.

Examples:

• Sagayan – a war dance performed by both the Maguindanao and Maranao, depicting in
dramatic fashion.

• Palu-palo – a ritual dance and classifies as a creative dance.

7. COMIC
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DANCES - are
dances with funny and humorous movements mainly intended for entertainment.

Examples:

• Makonggo – a comic dance which is cultured in Sta. Maria, Bulacan where a solo performer
mimics the movements and characteristics of a monkey.

• Kinotan – a comic dance from Ilocos Sur that depicts the action of a person bitten by ants.

8. GAME
DANCES - are
dances that some play elements and are for recreational purposes.

Examples:

• Lubu-lubi – a ballroom folk dance in Bicol Region.

• Pavo – a processional dance common in Europe during the 16th century.

9. SOCIAL
DANCES - are
dances during social gatherings.

Examples:Rigodon, Lanceros