Basic Steps in

Philippine Folk
Dance
An Introduction to the Culture and
Tradition of the Philippines through
Dances

ARCHIE TURINGAN
Learning Objectives
• identify the basic dance steps in folk dance;
• enumerate the basic dance steps in folk dance;
• execute the basic dance steps in 2/4 and ¾
time signature; and
• appreciate the basic dance steps of folk dance
as an alternative to exercise and a way to
achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Folk Dance in the Philippines
Most folk dances are based on several fundamental dance
positions. According to Lopez (2006), Philippine folk dances
should have a simple, basic rhythm that dominates the dance
and establishes the movement pattern. With this, reviewing and
learning the different fundamental dance steps is imperative to
perform several folk dances. The origin of these steps varies
and depends on the influences of the different cultures.
Common Dance Term used in
Folk Dancing
 Arms in Lateral Position
Both arms at one side, either right
or left; at should, chest, or waist
level.

Arms in Reverse T Position

Arms are side horizontal, elbows bent at the right
angles, forearms parallel to head, palms forward or
facing inward, fists loosely closed.
 Bilao
turn palms of hands up and down
alternately, hands a waist level in
front, elbows close to waist

Brush
Weight on the foot, hit the floor with the
ball or heel of the other foot and lift that
foot from the floor to any direction.
 Hayon-Hayon
Place one forearm in front and the
other at the back of the waist.

Kumintang
Moving the hand from the wrist either
in a clockwise or counterclockwise
direction.
 Salok
Swinging 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”

Saludo
Partners with the feet together boe to
each other, to the audience, opposite
dancers, or the neighbors.
 Sarok
Crossing the right (left) foot in front of the left
(right) bend the body slightly forward and cross
the hand down in front with the right (left) hand
over the left (right) hand.
Activity Time!
PERFORMANCE TASK #1