PED 110 PHILIPPINES TRADITIONAL DANCE

Topic: Philippine Dances: A Heritage from Early Filipino

Folk Dances
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.
Types of Folk dances:

 National – traditional dances of a given country.

 Regional – local. Character – created by individual or group.
 Folk dancing is the heartbeat of the people.
PHASES OF DANCE
1. Fundamental Rhythms
The Fundamental rhythm program sets the basis for rhythmic movements in all forms of
dance activities through its stress on fundamental skills done in rhythm. If centers on
locomotor, non-locomotor or axial movements, and manipulative skills, with most attention
given to the locomotor types.
A.) Locomotor Movements - are movements through space that bring the body from one
place to another. It involves special patterns namely:
1. Walk - a series of steps where one foot is always in contact with the floor and the
feet move alternately. The weight of the body is transferred from the heel to the ball
of the foot and then to the toes for the push-off for the next step.
2. Run - is a fast walk. Running as contrasted to walking, is to move more rapidly in
such a manner that for a brief moment both feet are off the ground.
3. Hop -is a spring from one foot landing on the same foot. In hopping, the body is sent
up and down by one foot. Hopping can be done in place or traveling in space.
4. Jump - a spring from one or both feet, landing on both.
5. Skip - is a series of fast step-hops done with alternate feet. Skipping should be done
on the balls of the feet.
6. Slide-a glide followed by a quick close. The movement should be done on the balls of
the feet.
7. Leap - a spring on one foot landing on the other foot. Leaping should emphasize
graceful flight through space.
8. Gallop - a series of stepping and cutting movements done either sideward or forward
with one foot always leading.

The locomotor movements are classified into:

Evene.g.. are walking, running, jumping, hopping, and leaping.
Uneven-e.g., are skipping, galloping, and sliding.
B) Non-locomotor or Axial Movements are movements done in place, with one part of the
body serving as an axis or base around which other parts move. The base of support may be
formed by standing. kneeling, sitting or lying on the floor.

1. Bending or Flexing - a movement around a joint, either forward. Black ward or

sideward.
2. Stretching - a full extension of the arms, legs, or trunk in any direction.
3. Swinging the arms, legs, head, and trunk are moved in an arc alternating the
directions, or in a full circle around a stationary center.
4. Twisting - the rotation of one part of the body around the base of support. It can
only take place at the spinal, neck, shoulder, hip, and wrist joints. (a rotation
movement).
5. Turning the rotation of the body around the base of support In a continuous line of
direction. (rotational).
6. Swaying - the weight is transferred from one base of support to another with a
rocking motion.
7. Resistive actions:

 Pushing an effort to move an object, real or imaginary. In space away from

the body against resistance.
 Pulling an effort to bring an object, real or imaginary, in space toward the
body against resistance.
 Lifting-change of body level or any part of the body or an object, real or
imaginary, from a lower to a higher level. Both the locomotors and non-
locomotors movements may be performed
 In a natural way, or they may be exaggerated to produce a desired effect.
Practice in these activities is directed toward:

C) Manipulative Object Handling is one in which a child handles some kind of play objects
usually with the hands, but it can involve the feet and other parts of the body. E.g.
tambourines, hoops, wands, sticks, balls, etc.

2) Creative Rhythms

Creative rhythms provide a special area in the rhythmic program where creativity is the goal
and functional movement is secondary. The goal is to communicate feelings through
movement guided by rhythm.

A) Fundamental Motor Rhythms - creativity can be developed through problem-solving

activities involving the incorporation of various locomotors movements into varied patterns,
changes in direction, and changes to other kinds of activities and the like.
B) Expressive Movements

Children can express moods and feelings and show their reaction to colors and sounds by
improvising dances, movements which demonstrate different aspects of force, and gestures
which depict different feelings. Moods which can be expressed are being happy, gay, sad,
brave, fearful, cheerful, angry, solemn, silly, stately. sleepy, funny, cautious, bold and
nonchalant.

C) Identification

There are endless sources of subjects for identification and interpretations with the child in
his own mind taking on the identity of a familiar character, creature, or object.

The following ideas will be found useful:

 Animals
 People
 Make-believe world
 Nature
 Machine
 Play objects
 The circus

D) Dramatization
Some ideas useful for dramatic rhythms are:
 Celebrating holidays like Christmas, Flores de Mayo, Dinagyang, etc.
 Acting out stories which include fairies, firemen, teachers, acrobats, etc.
 Interpreting familiar stories like Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots, The Three
Little Pigs, etc.

E) Singing Movement Songs include action songs and singing games. In these rhythmic
activities, the children usually sing verses, and the verses tell the children how to move.

 Hickory Dickory Dock

 The Thread Follows the Needle
 The Little Ducks
 Horsey-horsey
 Ten Little Indians
 Baa Baa Black Sheep

3) Folk Dance

A folk dance is defined as a traditional dance of a given people. In this form, a definite
pattern of dance routine is usually specified and followed.
Folk dances have been handed down from generation to generation in the manner of all
traditions. These dances are native to them and evolved by them instinctively and
spontaneously. Folk dance is communal in purpose and unique in that it is predicated upon
the principle of group participation.

Folk Dancing

The term "folk dance" is sometimes applied to dances of historical importance in European
culture and history; typically originating before the 20th century. For other cultures the
terms "ethnic dance" or "traditional dance" are sometimes used, although the latter terms
may encompass ceremonial dances.
The early Filipinos considered dancing as a religious activity. They performed dances in
thanksgiving for a fruitful harvest, a victorious battle and prosperous voyage or recovery
from sickness. During the Spanish period, dancing played an important part in the social
activities of the Filipinos.
Folk dance was invented several centuries back. About the origin of folk dance, very little
detail is available. Nobody can even imagine how folk dancing looked like about two
thousand years ago. Historians of folk dancing are very much sure that it already existed at
that time.

Who discovered folk dance in the Philippines?

Francisca Reyes-Aquino
(March 9, 1899 – November 21, 1983)
She was a Filipino folk dancer and academic noted for her research on Philippine folk dance.

DANCE TERMINOLOGIES
1. Dance - an elegant and regular movement harmoniously composed of beautiful body
attitudes and contrasted graceful posture of the body and parts thereof to the
accompaniment of the music.
2. Dance - an art form expressed in movement. It attempts to convey ideas or feelings
through carefully selected patterns which are arranged in a form judged to be best to meet
the needs of that particular communication.
3. Choreography - the art of creating dances
4. Design - patterns in shape and time.
5. Dynamics - variations, changes and contrasts within an existing time- space, bringing
about excitement and heightened interest.
6. Energy - strength, power of force for action
7. Ethnic - coming from or belonging to the distinctive cultural or aesthetic traditions of a
particular country or people.
8. Folk - originating among or representative of the common people.
9. Folk art - the traditional typically anonymous art of the people that is an expression of
community life.
10. Folk dance - a traditional dance of a given country which had been evolved by them
instinctively and spontaneously in conjunction with the everyday activities and experiences
of the people who developed them.
11. Gesture - movement used to emphasize idea or emotions.
12. Improvisation - to simultaneously compose or to perform or to extemporize.
13. Measure - grouping of beats
14. Modern dance - is a theatrical dance of contemporary approach, technique or style,
emerging from and reflective of the 20th century. Isadora Duncan and Ruth St. Denis are
considered the founders of American modern dance.
15. National dance - a folk dance which is popularly danced in most parts of a specific
country.
16. Set - a dance unit or formation.

VALUES OF DANCING

1. Dance is a highly educational activity which provides us with the knowledge and
information of other people's folklore, superstition, legends, rituals, customs, celebrations
and festivals. It also provides us with clues to the temperament, point of views and
philosophy of other people.
2. Dance is part of our culture and its inclusion in the physical education program will help
preserve social customs and traditions by passing them along from one generation to
another.
3. Dance is a splendid medium for the development of muscular endurance. Strength,
flexibility and organic vigor - in short, physical fitness.
4. Important attitudes and social learnings can be promoted through a well- conducted
program of dance activities. To be at ease with the opposite sex, to learn social graces, and
to make common elements of courtesy a practice, are important goals of a dance program.
5. Dance activities offer good opportunities for incidental and direct teaching in posture
which can result in the development of grace and poise.

OBJECTIVES OF TEACHING PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES

 To foster patriotism and nationalism through the study of our dance.

 To arouse better appreciation of Philippine music and folk dances.
 To provide through dancing, a healthful form of relaxation and recreation.
 To develop a graceful and rhythmic coordination of body movements that will
improve posture.
 To preserve for posterity, folk dances and music indigenous to the different regions
of the Philippines.
 To demonstrate the growth of Filipino culture through the evolution of Philippine
dances.

Characteristics of Philippine Folk dances:

 In general, dancers stand apart.

 There is little, if any, bodily contact.
 Most of the dances are done by pairs or couples.
 Hand movements play an important part.
 Most dances are in long formation.
 Most dances begin and end with “saludo.”
 Dances from the lowlands have more foreign elements those found in the uplands.
  War dances are found among non-Christian tribes.

Classification of Philippine Dances

I. General Classification

A. Geographical extent of origin

1. National dances-found throughout the islands with little or no modification.

Examples: Rigodon, Carinosa, Jota, Balitaw, Pandanggo.

2. Local dances-found in a certain locality.

Examples: Tinikling-Leyte

o Maglalatik-Binyang

o Esperanza-Nabua

o Subli-Batangas

o Biniganbigat-Abra

B. Nature

1. Occupational-depicting action of certain occupation, industry, or human labor.

Examples: Planting, Harvesting, Pounding, Winnowing, Pabirik, Mananguete, etc.

2. Religious or Ceremonial – performed in connection with religious vows and ceremonies.

Examples: Dugsu, Sua – sua, Putong, Sta. Clarang Pinong-pino, etc.
3. Comic dances – depicting funny movements for entertainment.

Examples: Kimbo – kimbo Makonggo, Kinoton

4. Game dances – with play elements (dance mixers)

Examples: Lubi – lubi, Pavo
5. Wedding dances – performed during wedding feast.

Panasahan, etc.
6. Courtship dances – depicting love making.

Examples: Hele – hele, Bago Quiere, Maramion, Tadek, Daling – daling

7. Festival dances – suitable for special occasion or any social gathering.

Examples: Pandanggo, Habanera, Jota, Surtido.
8. War dances: showing imaginary combat or duel.

Examples: Sagayan, Palu-palo, etc.

C. Movements

1. Active – with fast energetic movements.

Examples: Tinikling, Maglalatik, Sakuting, Polkabal, etc.

2. Moderate -

Examples: Cariñosa, Tagala

Habanera, Purpuri, etc.
3. Slow -

Examples: Pasakat, Amorosa

Tiliday, Kundiman, etc.
4. Slow and Fast –

Examples: Putritos, Ba-Ingles

Habanera Botoleña

Alcamfor, etc.

D. Formation

1. Square or Quadrille

Examples: Rigodon, Los Bailes de Ayer, etc.

2. Long formation (two or more parallel lines)

Examples: Lulay, Sakuting

3. Set – consisting of two or more pairs as a unit, partners facing each other or standing side by
side.

Examples: Binadyong, Haplik, Kakawati, etc.

II. Special Classification-Group dances having special distinctive features.

A. Dances with Songs

Examples: Aburaray, Manang Biday, Lulay, Rogelia, Lawiswis Kawayan, etc.

B. Old Ballroom Dances

Examples: Polka, Mazurka Chotis, Valse, etc.

C. Dances with Implements

 Examples:
 Maglalatik
 Sakuting
 Jota Moncaden
 Tinikling
 Salakot,

D. Dances of Combined Rhythm

Examples: Surtido, Pantomina, Los Bailes de Ayer

Do’s in Folk Dancing

1. Dance in a natural, simple and direct manner.

2. Dance with ease and smoothness.

3. Use the proper costume for the dance.

4. Follow directions and dance instructions as closely as possible.

5. Dance with feeling and expression.

Don’t’s in Folk Dancing

1. Do not exaggerate the dance steps.

2. Do not make the dances too dainty and graceful like ballet.

3. Don’t make entrance and exit long.

4. Don’t make steps too elaborate and complicated.

5. Don’t call a dance a folk dance unless steps come from traditional dances.