Philippine

Traditional
Dances

Angely Mae C. Caacbay BSBA - MM 2A

 Tinikling

HISTORY

The name tinikling is a

reference to birds locally known as
tikling, which can be any of a
number of rail species, but more
specifically refers to the slaty-
breasted rail (Gallirallus striatus),
the buff-banded rail (Gallirallus
philippensis), and the barred rail
(Gallirallus torquatus).[2] The term
tinikling literally means "to perform
it tikling-like." The dance originated in Palo, Leyte, Island in Visayas

COSTUME

For the dance, females traditionally wear a dress called balintawak or

patadyong, and males wear an untucked embroidered shirt called the barong
Tagalog. The balintawak are colorful dresses with wide arched sleeves and the
patadyong is a pineapple fiber blouse paired with checkered skirts.

DANCE STEP

It imitates the movement of the tikling birds as they walk between grass
stems, run over tree branches, or dodge bamboo traps set by rice farmers."[4]
Dancers imitate the tikling bird's legendary grace and speed by skillfully
maneuvering between large bamboo poles
 Kuratsa

HISTORY

Kuratsa (pronounced koo-

rah-cha) is a dance inspired by the
Mexican La Cucaracha folk dance.
The dance also features Flamenco-
like movements, reflecting the fact
that the Philippines were under
Spanish rule from 1565 to 1868.
Kuratsa Dance which originated
once again in the province of Leyte
and Samar. It is usually danced during fiestas, family reunions, weddings, and
even birthday parties! The version of the dance is slightly different from one
province to the other.

COSTUME

Girl wears patadyong with camisa or kimona, with a soft panuelo; white
or any colored trousers and barong tagalog or camisa de chino for the boy.

DANCE STEP

FORMATION: Partners stand side by side, Girl at right of Boy, when

facing audience. One to any number of pairs may take part in this dance
 Singkil

HISTORY

Singkil originated from the

Maranao people who inhabit the
shores of Lake Lanao. It is a re-
telling of an episode from the
Maranao epic legend Darangen
involving the rescue of Princess
Gandingan (abducted by diwata)
by the legendary Prince Bantugan.

COSTUME

A Maranaw costume is mainly worn in this form of dancing. In addition,

the female lead dancer wears an elaborate dress of a princess and holds
“decorated fans” in both hands, while the male lead dancer holds either
handkerchiefs in both hands and in some cases a sword and a shield.

DANCE STEP

Start the Singkil dance by using hopping and stepping patterns. Climb
onto a designated set of bamboos being held horizontally by two men. Continue
hopping and stepping patterns on the bamboo to move around while making
body and hand movements. Enter making slow point steps while a fan is in
each hand

Cariñosa
HISTORY

The cariñosa originated in

Panay Island and was introduced by
the Spaniards during their
colonization of the Philippines. It is
related to some of the Spanish
dances like the bolero and the
Mexican dance jarabe tapatio or the
Mexican hat dance.

COSTUME

The female dancer wears patadyong with a soft panhuelo. The male
dancer wears barong Tagalog or kamisa de chino in any colors. The props for
this dance are essential: The woman must have a fan, and the man must have
a handkerchief.

DANCE STEP

The basic footwork is similar to the steps used in a waltz: You move
around the floor by stepping to the side with your left foot, then moving your
right foot next to your left. You finish off this series of three movements by
tapping your left foot on the floor.

Itik-Itik
HISTORY

Itik-Itik is a Philippines folk

dance form created by imitating the
“movements of a duck” such as
wading, flying, and short steps and
splashing water on their backs like
the ducks do. This “mimetic” folk
dance is said to have originated from
the province of Surigao in
Philippines.

COSTUME

Itik-itik dance is composed of pair dancers, one male dancer and one
female dancer. The male dancer must wear barong Tagalog or camisa de
Camisa de Chino and White trousers while the female dancer must wear
balintawak style or patadyong.

DANCE STEP

Results revealed that the prominent dance steps in the Philippine local
dance Itik-itik are the (1) running, (2) cross step, slide close, slide close step,
(3) heel, close-ball, close arm, (4) step, slide-close, slide, (5) arms
extension/flexion, and (6) flapping of the arms

Pandanggo sa Ilaw
HISTORY

The word "pandanggo" is derived

from the Spanish word "fandango,"
which is also a popular dance in
Portugal. Similar to the original
fandango folk dance, Pandanggo sa
Ilaw is usually danced in couples, with
both the women and men wearing
traditional dresses. Pandanggo is said
to have originated from the province of
Mindoro but there are many versions scattered all around the country. All in
all, the Pandanggo sa Ilaw portrays the courtship of a young man to a maiden
who caught his love and interest.

COSTUME

For men: The attire worn includes a Barong Tagalog and a pant. For
women: The attire worn includes a Mestiza dress.

DANCE STEP

"Pandango sa Ilaw" (dance with oil lamps), this version from Mindoro, is
the most difficult of the all the Pandangos. It is quite unusual and colorful. The
female dancer gracefully and skillfully balances three lighted "tinghoy" or oil
lamps - one on her head and mone on the back of each hand. A few boys and
girls may take part as townsfolk or onlookers. They clap their hands in time to
the music, adding life and gaiety to the dance.

Maglalatik
HISTORY

Another popular folk dance of

the Philippines is called the Maglalatik
or sometimes, Magbabao. “latik” refers
to the sweet delicacy achieved by
boiling coconut milk. Another is
because the main prop and
instrument for the dance are called
the “bao” or coconut shell. Unlike all
of the other dances before, this one only includes male dancers. It is said that
the popular dance Maglalatik originated from the wonderful province of
Laguna, in Binan. Basically, the dance portrays the heroic battle between the
Christian and Muslim Moro tribesmen. Traditionally, it is also performed as a
homage to the patron saint of Binan Laguna, San Isidro Labrador.

COSTUME

The Maglalatik (also known as Manlalatik or Magbabao) is a folk dance

from the Philippines performed by male dancers. Coconut shell halves are
secured onto the dancers' hands and on vests upon which are hung four or six
more coconut shell halves.

DANCE STEP

Findings revealed that the prominent dance steps in the Philippine local
dance Maglalatik are the (1) jogging, (2) forward-backward step, (3) arm swing,
and (4) 8 quick clap cycles.

Sayaw sa Bangko
HISTORY

Sayaw sa Bangko is a
popular Pilipino folk dance in
which, as they dance on top of
a narrow bench, the dancers
have to use good skill and
balance. This dance dates back
to the Philippines before the
Spanish colonization, meaning
it is a solely Pilipino Ancestral dance. As they dance atop a small bench,
dancers demonstrate their talents, while continuously trading positions.
Dancers must complement each other to ensure they do not fall, as opposed to
fighting with each other to remain on the bench. Usually, this dance is
performed in city fiestas.

COSTUME

Men: camisa de chino with neckerchief around neck, trousers rolled up,
Women: Patadyong: Both are without shoes nor socks.

DANCE STEP

The "Sayaw sa Bangko" or dance on the top of the bench is a Philippine

folk dance that uses a wooden bench, and it is performed by a couple. Dancers
show their skills in staying up the bench and exchanging places by moving
their way around. It is usually performed during town fiesta or a cultural show.

Binasuan
HISTORY
Originating once again from
the province of Pangasinan is the
Binasuan folk dance. Just like the
famous Pandanggo sa Ilaw, this is
also a dance featuring the balancing
skills of the dancers. “Binasuan”
literally means “with the use of
drinking glasses”. The dancers
execute the routine with glasses
filled with rice wine placed on each of their hands and on top of their heads.
Usually, the Binasuan dance of Pangasinan is performed during weddings and
festivals as a way to express the Filipinos’ gratitude to the gods.

COSTUME
Costumes used in Binasuan dance: 'Balintawak' is a traditional Filipino
costume is used in this folk dance. It includes a shortened skirt, with puffy
butterfly short sleeves, plaid textile, low cut bodice, and at times plenty of
ornate embroideries.

DANCE STEP
Because the music is in three-quarter time, your steps should go like
this: step, kick, tap, step, kick, tap. To perform an arm balance, hold your
arms up and out to the sides, with your palms up and your elbows slightly
bent, held at about waist level.
 Pantomina

HISTORY
Pantomina is originally a
wedding dance performed by the
newlyweds themselves to show
their unwavering love to their
family and relatives. The visitors
usually throw coins at the couple
and sometimes a plate is placed
on the ground so people can put
money on it. The Pantomina
dance originated in Bicol, especially during weddings and festivals in the
province. It is said that weddings in Bicol are not complete without the
performance of Pantomina!

COSTUME
Kimona/camisa and patadyong/saya or baro't saya for the lady and
barong and dark pants for the man. Sandals for footwear.

DANCE STEP
Pantomina is a Bicolano folk dance that came from the Spanish word for
“pantomime”, because of its courting/wooing movements. Its old name is
"Salampati", Bicol term for doves, so the dance is sometimes referred to as the
“dance of the doves”
 Pandanggo Oasiwas

HISTORY
This one’s also similar to the
Pandanggo sa Ilaw, the difference is
just that the oil lamps are placed in
nets or cloths and the dancers swing
them around (“Oasiwas” means “to
be swung around”) as they sway and
circle around the dance floor. The
Pandanggo Oasiwas is traditionally performed as a symbol of fishermen’s
gratitude to the gods for their wonderful catch of fish.

COSTUME
"Filipiniana Dress" an official gown in the Philippines and the boys
should wear a pants and "Kamisa Chino".Kamisa Chino is just a plain long
sleeve upper dress for male.The female dancer gracefully and skillfully dances
with three "tinghoy" or oil lamps - one on the head and two on the back of each
hand.

DANCE STEP
The term ‘pandanggo’ which means ‘fandanggo’ in the Spanish language
is actually dance that is characterized by marking time with the use of clack of
castanets, the snapping of the fingers and the stomping of the feet in the triple-
time rhythm. The person that performs this graceful dance is often called as
the ‘pandanggera’. The ‘pandanggera’ then dances holding three oil lamps
which are called as the ‘tinghoy’
 La Jota Moncadeña

HISTORY
La Jota Moncadena dance
of Moncada, Tarlac. It is a
combination of Spanish and
Ilocano dance with Spanish
music and castanets dictating
the routine. This dance is
usually performed at festivals
and weddings but sometimes its
more solemn version is also used to accompany funeral processions. It is said
however that the people of Moncada, Tarlac, prefer to call the dance by a
different name which is Jota Florana. It is performed using an Ilocano
instrument called the tallelet. The dance is traditionally performed to
accompany the bereavement of a family who just lost a loved one.

COSTUME
La Jota Moncadena, Jota de Manila, and La Jota San Joaquina are
performed with a pair of bamboo castanets held in each hand by the dancers.
The Maria Clara style of costume for girls and the barong tagalog with black
trousers were the costume used by all Jotas

DANCE STEP
Cut, waltz balance, sway balance with a close are dance steps in Jota
Rizal only; slide cut, slide step, ekis, tortillier, foot circle on air, sarok with a
jump were the dance steps found in La Jota Sevillana
 Habanera Botolena

HISTORY
Another popular
folk dance in the
Philippines is yet
again performed
during weddings. The
Habanera Botolena
combines both Filipino
and Spanish techniques to showcase the beautiful love and happiness existing
between the newlyweds. The dancers, of course, are composed of the bride and
groom, and their respective bridesmaids and groomsmen. The Habanera
Botolena first originated in the beautiful province of Zambales, specifically in
the town of Botolan. Hence, the “Botolena”.

COSTUME
Dancers wear Ilocano costume. Girls may also wear Maria Clara style
costume and Boys, black trousers and barong tagalong.

DANCE STEP
Count one two, three to a measure in ¾ time and one, and, two, and or
one, two, and to a measure in 2/4 time. Formation. In entrance partners stand
side by side close to each other, Girl holding the Right arm of her partner with
her Left hand (abrasete), pair No. 2 behind No. 1 pair No.4, behind No.3. Four
pairs make a set and may be arranged in either of the formations given below.
One to any number of sets may take part in this dance. Basically, the dance is
performed in pair with quick-paced movements and footwork, hops, glides, and
slides. The participants perform the majority of the dance routine by
maintaining an upright posture and eye contact with their partners.
 Surtido

HISTORY
This one’s
probably one of the
most culturally diverse
folk dances in the
Philippines, perfectly
representing the
diverse culture and
history of the country
itself. The Cebuano dance Surtido, which literally translates to “assortment” is
a creative mix of dance routines featuring the cultures of Spain, Mexico,
France, and other indigenous influences. The dance is usually performed by
several pairs of dancers in varied quadrilateral formations under the wonderful
tune of Visayan folk music. Traditionally, the dance is performed in long
durations, but modern versions are now more suitable for smaller groups in
shorter durations.

COSTUME
Performed to a silent, resilient beat, the dancer performs this
supplicatory dance with no formal costume or audience.

DANCE STEP
Surtido (literally, assortment) is performed by several pairs of dancers,
with the head pair called cabeceras and the side pairs, costados, guiding the
other dancers in varied quadrille formations. It used to be a dance of long
duration performed by a big group to the tune of beautiful Visayan folk airs.
The modern arrangement is livelier and more suitable for dancing by small
groups.
 Kappa Malong-Malong

HISTORY
This beautiful dance
originating from the Maranao
tribes of Mindanao Island called
the Kappa Malong-Malong is
probably one of the most
aesthetically pleasing dance
routines on the list. This is
because the costumes, called the
malong, are all beautifully and
colorfully made by the Maranao tribes. The malong is a traditional “tube skirt”
that is hand-woven in multi-colored cotton cloth with geometrically pleasing
designs. Basically, the Kappa Malong-Malong, which is also called Sambi sa
Malong, is a Muslim dance used to portray the significance of Malong to their
lives. One example is that the Malong is used by a Marano tribesman from the
day he was born until the day he dies.

COSTUME
Kapa Malong-Malong is a Muslim dance. Also called Sambi sa Malong,
this Maranao dance is performed with women wearing malong and shawl,
mantle or head piece, whereas men wear sash or waist band, shorts or bahag
and head gear or turban traditionally worn in the fields.

DANCE STEP
Kapa Malong-Malong is a Muslim dance. Also called Sambi sa Malong,
this Maranao dance is performed with women wearing malong and shawl,
mantle or head piece, whereas men wear sash or waist band, shorts or bahag
and head gear or turban traditionally worn in the fields.