DANCE LITERATURE

Dance Sala ti mais

Meaning Dance of the corn
Dance Culture Lowland Christian
Place of Origin Province of Isabela
Ethnolinguistic Group Ilocano Ibanag
Classification Occupational
Isabela earned Its name as the corn granary of the
Philippines, owing to the vast expanse planted to com,
extending to as far as the eyes can see.

Specializing in the big yellow variety, Isabela has employed

the greatest number of com farmers in Cagayan Valley.
Between planting and harvesting the farmers return home to
other chores. Harvest time tums the entire cornfield into a
big festival ground.

Some days before the big harvest, long and healthy ears of
com are chosen and decoratively set on a sunburst totem pole
staked in the middle of big clearing. It serves as the festivals’
center ground. Tables and mats set with food and drinks are
arranged along the perimeter of the clearing to which the
revelers fill up. The field festival lasts for several days.

The first day is always the best and well-attended,

boisterous, and merry. Wine makes singers sing more and
dancers dance more, Farmers who come in costumes in the
colors of corn – yellow, green, and beige are delightful to
Background/Content behold. A moderately-tailed siete cuchillos, a wide-sleeved
topper and a be-ribboned hat take a stunning picture of a
farmer-lass. Well-scrubbed, fresh smelling young man looks
outstanding in his pinukpok shirt, pants, and hat.

As soon as the local rondalla strikes up the familiar music of

sala ti mais, many dash for a place in the dance area. Holding
two ears of corn each, the farmers playfully depict
everything that happens in a cornfield. Assembly of the
dance starts to manifest as soon as circle, lines and
serpentine follow-the-leader formations and other floor
patterns emerge to picture the placement of farmers working
in the fields. For a finale, the party-going farmers thankfully
raise ears of corn in reverence to the Great Corn Giver.