Beginnings of Philippine

Folk Dances

 Every nation all over the world has its own way of
showcasing their tradition and culture through
dance.
 These dances, complete with intricate movements
and colorful costumes of dancers, reflect the
uniqueness of the beliefs and values of a certain
country.
 Francisca Reyes Aquino- the “Mother of Philippine
Folk Dancing”
 Nature of Philippine
Folk Dances

 The Philippines is comprised of Luzon, Visayas, and
Mindanao.
 Each regions has different ways of narrating their
history, religion, language, arts, crafts, and
traditional dances.
Folk Dances from Luzon

 It is in the northern part of the country.
 It includes the different Cordillera tribes such as
Ifugao, Benguet, Bontoc, Apayao, and Kalinga which
contributed to the dance trove of the Philippines.
 IDAW
- Depicts the hunting ritual performed before a tribal war.
- Tribesmen would search and watch the scared idaw bird which is believed
to lead the tribe to victory.
 BANGA
- Shows the Cordillera women on their way to the river to fetch water for
their families.
- This dance projects the skill, grace, and agility of the women as they carry
five or six clay pots full of water on their heads.
 IDUDU
- Presents a typical Itneg/Tinggian couple who take turns in taking care of
their children while doing their daily work in their fields.
 Folk Dances from
Visayas

 The Visayas is a group of island in the central
Philippines.
 It is considered the melting pot of diverse cultures
and traditions.
 Most Visayan dances have Western, Arabian, and
Spanish influences.
 The upbeat rhythm of he dances reflects the happy
character and outlook of the people.
 Their dances frequently draw inspiration from
animal movements.
 TINIKLING
- Originated from the province of Leyte and is considered the national dance.
- It mimics the movement of a tikling bird hopping over shrubs, grasses, or
bamboo traps set by farmers.
- Dancers display remarkable grace while jumping and hopping between two
bamboo poles.
 KURATSA
- From the province of Bohol
- Is performed using moderate waltz style.
- It tells the story of a young, free-spirited couple who attempt to get each
other’s attention.
 INALIMANGO
- It is from Panay and Capiz.
- It depicts the mud crab’s movements.
 Folk Dances from
Mindanao

 It lies in the southern part of the country.
 Its dance often reflect the religion and culture of
Muslim Filipinos.
 SINGKIL
- It represents the epic legend “Darangen” of the Maranao people.
- It tells the fateful story of Princess Gandingan who was caught in the middle of a forest
during an earthquake caused by the fairies.
- The dancers wear serious and regal faces and dignified posture from a slow pace progressing
to a fast tempo while skillfully maneuvering the fans which symbolize the wind.
 KiniKini
- It is also called the Royal Walk
- It depicts the social elite upbringing of Maranao women.
- The dancers display grace in their movements with scarves.
 PANGALAY
- Is a Badjao dance and they are known as the sea gypsies.
- Their dance demonstrates the agility of the upper body, the rhythmic bounce
of the shoulders, and the simultaneous alternate waving of the arms.
- It is commonly performed at weddings and other social gatherings.
 ASIK
- Is danced solo by a maiden ornamented with fine beads, makeup, and a
long head scarf.
- She gives her whole heart and soul throughout the dance to soften and win
the favor of her Sultan master or to make up for a wrongdoing.
 
General Classifications
of Philippine Dances
 According to Nature

 Occupational Dances- show movements of a certain
industry or human labor
 Religious or Ceremonial Dances- performed in
connection with spiritual vows and ceremonies
 Game Dances- performed with play components
 Wedding Dances- performed during nuptial feast
 Courtship Dances- depicting a man expressing his love
for a woman
 Festival Dances- suitable for special occasions or social
gatherings
 War Dances- showing imaginary combat or duel
 According to
Movements

 Active- with fast energetic movements

 Moderate

 Slow

 Slow and Fast

 According to
Formations

 Square or Quadrille

 Long Formation

 Set
 According to Types of
Philippine Dances

 Cordillera Dances

 Muslim Dances

 Maria Clara Dances

 Rural Dances
 Benefits of Philippine
Folk Dances

 Help cultivate a sense of nationalism and patriotism
through dance.
 Increase appreciation of Philippine music and folk dances
 Serve as a healthy form of relaxation and recreation
 Develop and improve posture through graceful and
rhythmic coordination of body movements
 Preserve indigenous folk dance and music in the different
regions of the Philippines for future generation
 Show the development of Filipino culture through the
evolution of Philippine dances
 Characteristics of
Philippine Folk Dances

 Dancers generally stand away from each other.
 There is little body contact if any
 Pairs or couples do most of the dances
 Hand movements and gestures play a significant part
 Most dances are in long formation
 Most dances begin and end with a saludo or bow
 Dances from the lowlands have more foreign features than
those found in the uplands
 Non-Christian dances commonly depict conflict and rivalry
 Factors Affecting
Philippine Dances

 Geographic Location

 Economic Conditions

 Climatic Conditions

 Customs and Traditions

 Do’s in Philippine
Dances

 Perform in a natural, simple, and direct manner
 Execute steps with ease and smoothness
 Wear the proper and prescribed costume for the
dance
 Strictly follow directions and dance instructions as
closely as possible
 Perform the dances with suitable feeling and
expression
 Don’ts in Philippine
Dances

 Prevent exaggerating the dance steps
 Avoid dancing in a too flowing, graceful, and ballet-
like manner
 Avoid long entrances and exits
 Avoid performing too elaborate and complicated
steps
 Avoid calling a dance folk dance unless steps come
from traditional dances
 Steps in Learning
Philippine Folk Dances

 Know the title and background of the dance
 Listen and be acquainted with the rhythm
 Be familiar with the dance terms and practice the
basic dance steps
 Interpret the dance according to figures, and
continuously repeat before going to the next figure
 Perform first by counting, then with music
 After learning the entire dance, practice the
appropriate expression and interpretation