This is an old and most popular dance of the

Visayan Islands. This version from San Joaquin, Iloilo.

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COSTUME: The Girl wears patadyong and camisa or kimona

with a soft panuelo, the Boy, barong tagalog

or camisa de chino and any color of trousers.

EQUIPMENT: comb, powder puff, and handkerchief.

MUSIC is derived into two parts: A and B.

COUNT: One, two, three, to a measure.

FORMATION: Partners face each other about six feet apart.

The Girl is at the right side of the Boy when

facing the audience.

The "Kuratsa" dance is the most popular dance

in the Visayan regions. There are many versions of Kuratsa.

Different regions have their own dance patterns, usually

the boy's steps are more difficult than the girl's. This

version comes from Bago, Negros Occidental.

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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.

MUSIC is derived into two parts: A and B.

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.

Sinulog is a ceremonial dance performed by the

people of San Joaquin, Iloilo during the feast of San

Martin and wedding celebrations. The dance originated in

Sinugbahan, a barrio of San Joaquin. It was believed that

the image of San Martin was found at the edge of a beach,

and that it could not be removed until the people dance the

Sinulog. From that day on, every November 10th at the feast

of St. Martin, the people dance the sinulog before the

procession comes from the house of the bride to the church

and from the church to the bride's house to be met by the

Sinulog dancers who dance around the wedding party. After

coming out from the church, the "madrina" is asked to put

silver peso coin between the teeth of the captain. They all

shout and dance around. The movements of the dance depict an

imaginary combat to drive the evil spirits away.

The dance was fashioned after the Suluan war dance

of the Sulu people, the native name of Sulu being Sulog which

means strong ocean currents frequent in Sulu.

EQUIPMENT: A spear about six feet long with a red kerchief

tied at the lower end; and a bolo about eighteen

inches long.

COSTUME: The male dancer wears any Filipino costume. The head is

covered with a red kerchief. A red band is placed over

the R shoulder knotted down to the L hips then the two

ends tied over at the R hips the ends hanging at the

sides.

In his right hand, he holds the spear, with a red

kerchief tied at the lower end; in his L hand, he holds

the bolo.

MUSIC is provided by men dancers who strike cans or kettles as

they dance, or by some men sitting down, tapping the

instruments alternately with two hands. The dancers

are accompanied with the beatings of the drum.

COUNT: One, and, ah, two, and, ah.

FORMATION: There is no definite formation. Seven or more

dancers may take part in this dance.

This dance originated from a dance called Sibay, which

was performed to the tune of Dejado. The present form got its

name in the following manner.

At one baptismal party in Carmen, Lanuza,Surigao, a

considered the best dancer and singer of her time, was asked to

dance the Sibay. She became so enthusiastic and spirited during

the performance that she began to improvise movements and steps

similar to the movements of ducks as they walk with short,

choppy steps and splash water over their backs while calling

to their mates.

The people around who saw her dance liked it so much

they all imitated her. The dance has since been called Itik-Itik

from the word Itik, which means duck.

This dance is now very popular among the Visayan settlers

of the province of Surigao, especially in the towns of Cantillan,

Lanuza, and Carrascal. It is usually performed as a ballroom dance

in social gatherings. There are many variations of Itik-Itik steps

from which the dancers make their selection and combination.

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The description below is for classwork or for demonstration.

COSTUME. Girls wear patadyong or balintawak style costume

and Boy wear barong tagalog or camisa de chino and

white trousers.

MUSIC is composed of two parts: A and B.

FORMATION. If performed s a ballroom dance, couples are

scattered around the room. For demonstration,

partner stand about six feet apart, Girl at

right side of partner when facing audience or

front. One to any number of pairs may take part

in this dance.

TINIKLING

This dance is a favorite in the Visayan Island, especially

in the province of Leyte. The "Tilkling" is a bird with long legs

and a long neck. The 'Tikling" birds as they walk between grass

stems or run over tree branches. This spectacular dance is usally

accompanied by a song.

The performers dance along the sides and between two bamboo

poles, about nine feet long, which are placed horizontally on the

ground. The poles are struck together in time to the music. Skill

is demonstrated in dancing between the bamboos, and in keeping the

feet from being caught when the poles are struck together. There

is much fun, however, when the bamboo players catch the feet of

the dancers.
 Two bamboo players sit opposite each other on the ground

holding the ends of the bamboo poles ( sometimes long pestles).

Two pieces of board or bamboo, about thirty inches long and two

inches thich, are placed under the poles, about one foot from the

ends.

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COSTUME. Girls wear "balintawak" or " patadiong." Boys

wear " barong tagalog" and long red trousers with

one leg rolled up. They dance barefoot.

MUSIC is divided into two parts: A and B.

COUNT one, two, three to a measure.

FORMATION. Dancers stand at the left side of the bamboo

poles, girls in front, facing the audience.