Classification of

Philippine Folk
Dances
 Francisca Reyes Aquino
o Philippine National Artist and Mother of
Philippine Folk Dances.
o Started the collection of dances and songs as
early as 1924.
o She authored six volumes of books on different
Philippine Folk Dance.
 These dances have been categorized into;
 Non-Christian or ethnic dances- the highest form of
art of the Filipino dances because of their unique and
beautiful movements.
Christian Dances- mostly influenced by the
Spaniards and other Europeans have been adopted
into our native culture.
 General Classification
A. Georaphical Origin
◦ 1. National Dances- These are dances found throughout
the islands with little or no modifications.
◦ Examples:
◦ Rigodon
◦ Cariñosa
◦ Jota
◦ Balitaw
◦ Pandanggo
 General Classification
2. Local Dances- these are dances found in specific
locality.
Examples:
 Tinikling- Leyte

 Maglalatik- Binyang
 Ezperansa- Nabua
 Subli- Batangas
 Binaganbigat- Abra
 B. Nature
1. Occupational Dances
These dances depict actions of a particular occupation,
industry or human labor.
Examples:
o Planting
oHarvesting
oPounding
oWinnowing
oPabirik
oMananguete
2. Religious/Ceremonial
 These are dances associated with
religion, vows and ceremonies.
Examples:
 Dugsu
 Sua-Sua
 Putong
 Santa Clarang Pinong Pino
3. Comic Dances
 These are dances which depict
funny movements intended for
entertainment.
 Examples:
 Kimbo-Kimbo
 Makonggo
 Kinotan
4. Game Dances
 These are dances done with
play elements (dance mixers)
 Examples:
 Lubi-Lubi
 Pavo
5. Wedding Dances
 These dances are
performed during wedding
feasts.
Example:
 Panasahan
6. Courtship Dances
 These dances depict the art of
courtship or dances with love themes.
Examples:
 Bago Quire
 Maramion
 Tadek
 Daling-daling
7. Festival Dances
 These dances are suitable for
special occasions or for any social
gathering.
 Examples:
 Pandanggo
 Habanera
 Jota Suntido
Habanera
8. War Dances
 These show imaginary combat
or duel among tribe members.
Examples:
 Sagayan
 Palu-palo
 Characteristics of Philippine
Folk Dance
1. In general, dancers stand apart.
2. There is little, if any, body contact.
3. Most of the dances are done by pairs
or couples.
4. Hand movements play an important
role.
 Characteristics of Philippine
Folk Dance
5. Most of the dancers are in long formation.
6. Most dances begin and end with “saludo”.
7. Dances from the lowlands have more foreign
elements than those found in the uplands.
8. War dances are found among non-Christian
tribes.
Basic Positions of the
Arms and Feet in
Dancing