Selected Folk

Dances and their

Interpreted
Meanings
 WHAT IS FOLK
DANCE
 A type of dance that is a
vernacular, usually
recreational, expression
of a past or present
culture. 
 A form
of dance developed by a
group of people that
reflects the traditional life
of a certain country or
region.
 BINASUA
N
This spirited and animated Philippine folk dance
initiated in Bayambang, Pangasinan province displays
the balancing abilities of the entertainers. Glasses that
are half-filled with rice wine are held in the hand or
placed on the head while the dancers twirl and move
across the floor.
 CARIÑOSA
Using a flirtatious demeanor, this dance is
accomplished using fans and handkerchiefs to help the
dancers hide their movements. A friendly, affectionate,
lovable woman is often described as a Cariñosa.
 KURATSA

These steps in Philippine folk dances depict a young

mischievous couple as they try to get the attention of each
other and is normally carried out while celebrating
festivals in Bohol and other towns in the Visayan region.
 ITIK-ITIK
In Surigao del Norte province there was a young woman named
Kanang (Cayetana being the formal name), who was the foremost singer
and dancer at the time. At a particular party the guests asked her to
dance the Sibay, a Philippine folk dance. During her performance she
improvised the dance steps and started copying the movements of itik,
or a duck, which uses small jerky steps as it walks, splashing water on
its back and trying to appeal to its mate. Everyone enjoyed her version
of the dance so much that they all copied her.
 MAGLALATIK
Biñan, Laguna is the place of origin of this particular
dance which is a war dance portraying the battle between
Moros and Christians concerning latik, the remainder of a
coconut after the milk has been removed. Utilizing coconut
shells as a part of their costume the all-male dancers wear
red to symbolize the Moros and blue to symbolize the
Christians.
 PANDANGGO SA ILAW
Coming from Lubang Island, Mindoro in the Visayan
region , these steps in Philippine folk dances are a well-
known dance that requires grace and balance. Pandanggo
was coined from the Spanish 'fandango', a ¾ beat dance
defined by energetic strides and hand clapping. These
incomparable and vibrant steps in Philippine folk dances
necessitates skill to balance an oil lamp on the head while at
the same time having a lighted lamp on each hand that is
wrapped in cloth.
 PANTOMINA

Initially a wedding dance originating in Albay

province, it is now popular at many social functions.
This 'Dance of the Doves', portrays doves during
courting and making love.
 SAKUTING
In the beginning this dance was only performed by
males from Abra province and is a dance of the Ilokano
Christians and non-Christians. It represents an imitation
fight using sticks to train for battle. Performed at the town
plaza or house-to-house during Christmas, on-lookers
give the performer gifts, or 'aguinaldos', such as
refreshments or money.
 SUBLIAN
The word Subli is traced to the 2 Tagalog words 'subsub' (hunched
over or in a crouching position) and “bali” (broken). Consequently the
male dancers look to be crippled and twisted throughout the. These
steps in Philippine folk dances are a preferred dance of the people in
most of the populated areas of the district of Bauan, Batangas, during
the month of May and while the town and barrio fiestas are
celebrated.
 TINIKLING
Known as the national Philippine folk dance, Tinikling is a
Visayan dance originating in Leyte. This interpretation of the dance is
done with dancers jumping and skipping between a pair of bamboo
poles as the poles are banged together matching the rhythm of the
music. Dancers copy the tikling bird’s fabled gracefulness and
swiftness as they chase each other, hop over tree branches, or avoid
bamboo traps set by rice farmers. Therefore, the bird, tikling is its
namesake.
 Teach me how to
dance LA JOTA and
LAPAY
 LA JOTA
La Jota was among the most popular dances during the Spanish
colonnial period in the Philippines. It was originally performed by the
Spanish Señoritas and Caballeros in social gatherings like wedding, parties
and baptismal during the Spanish regime. The Filipinos imitated and
adapted this lively and delightful dance with different versions. These
versions are combinations of Spanish and Filipino dance steps and musics.
Being a visual representation, La Jota is dance and accompanied using
bamboo castanets and the interpreters tend to wear regional customes
LA JOTA DANCE STEPS
 LAPAY
The Lapay Bantigue Dance is a festival that’s culturally
distinct to Masbate City.
Hold during the 30th of September of every year to
commemorate the City’s Founding Anniversary, the Lapay
Bantigue Dance Festival serves as one of the main highlights of
the celebration.
 The  great-billed Heron, with the scientific name Ardea
Sumatrana or natively known as Lapay is the bird which the
dance is from. Out of a graceful flapping of the Lapay’s wings,
this dance was started by “Lola” Felisa Tupas who was
captivated by the Lapay’s graceful movements leading her and
the fisherfolks of barangay Bantigue to choreograph the dance by
imitating some of the movements.
 LAPAY DANCE STEPS
1st Step: Lupad
Flutter your arms gracefully and step sideways for 16 counts.
After this, face your partner and do this step again for 16 counts.
2nd Step: Kumintang
Raise your right arm and do a horizontal thumbs up. Rotate
your hand and wrist four counts clockwise, and another four
counts counter-clockwise. While doing this, your partner will go
around you while doing the “Lupad” step. After completing each
of the four counts, you and your partner will change postions,
meaning, your partner will do the kumintang and you will dance
around him.
3rd Step: Tuka
While facing your partner, place the back of your
palm on your forehead and do a pecking motion with
your back bent. Do this for 8 counts. Then, while doing
this step, go opposite ways, example, you going to the
front and your partner going to the back. Do this for 4
times.
4th Step:
You and your partner should bend and face opposite
directions while stomping for 8 counts then raise your
arms while twirling to face your partner. Do this for 4
times.
5th Step:
Move your arms in front of you up and down for 16
counts. Then, jump lightly in front of your partner and
move your arms up and down in synchronization. Do
this for 16 counts.
6th Step:
Again flutter your arms gracefully and step sideways
for 16 counts. After this, face your patner and do this
step again for 16 counts. Pose for your final position
right after.
DISCUSSANTS:
Lagua, Vanessa Elrose P.
Loayon, Clarisse
Elorde, Kennix E.
Arro, Dave S.