PHILIPPINE
TRADITIONAL DANCES
ETHNIC VS. FOLK DANCE
Ethnic dance is a general term that can include folk dance,
but not all ethnic dances are folk dances:
Ethnic dance
- Represents the culture, history, and traditions of an ethnic
group. Ethnic dances can help minorities and diasporas
express their ethnic pride and challenge mainstream values.
Folk dance
- A dance that reflects the life of the people of a specific
region or country. Folk dances are often passed down
through generations and developed without a
choreographer. They often originated in the 15th century as
a way for communities to celebrate and communicate
through movement.
TINIKLING
DANCE
- From Leyte, known as the Philippine national
dance, involves dancers skillfully stepping between
rapidly clapping bamboo poles, imitating the
movements of the tikling bird.
- Significance: Highlights agility and reflects rural life.
- Costume: Traditional attire such as patadyong skirts
and camisa for women, camisa de chino for men.
Cariños
a
-
DANCE
A courtship dance characterized by flirtatious
movements and the use of a fan and
handkerchief.
- Influenced by Spanish colonization.
- Significance: Represents romantic Filipino culture
and Spanish influence.
- Costume: Maria Clara dress is for women, and
barong Tagalog is for men.
MAGLALATIK
DANCE
- A mock war dance performed by men,
featuring coconut shells attached to their
bodies.
- Origin: Binan, Laguna.
- Significance: Displays Filipino valor and
ingenuity, highlights the highly symbolic
PANDANGGO
SA ILAW
- A lively dance where performers balance
oil lamps on their heads and hands while
gracefully moving.
- Significance: Symbolizes light and
perseverance in Filipino culture.
- Costume: Baro’t saya for women and
camisa de chino for men.
Jota
Moncadeña
- A dance influenced by Spanish fandango,
featuring castanets (round pieces of
shell, wood, or bone held in the fingers)
and fans.
- Popular in Moncada, Tarlac.
- Significance: Popular during festive
occasions and celebrations.
ITIK-ITIK
DANCE
- Mimics the movements of a duck (itik)
such as wading, flying, and preening.
- Origin: Surigao del Norte.
- Significance: Showcases Filipino
creativity in adapting natural movements
into dance.
SAYAW SA
BANGKO
- Danced on top of narrow benches,
requiring balance and precision.
- Origin: Pangasinan.
- Significance: Represents rural festivities
and teamwork.
- Costume: Traditional rural attire.
Singkil (Maranao): Features intricate footwork
and rhythmic clapping of bamboo poles, narrating
a princess's journey.
Pangalay (Tausug): A slow, graceful dance
showcasing hand and arm movements,
resembling traditional Asian court dances. Also
TADEK DANCE
Ethnic Group: Itneg/Tingguians of Abra and nearby areas in
Ilocos.
Description: A victory or celebratory dance performed during
community gatherings like weddings or peace pacts.
Significance: Represents communal unity and shared
success.
Costume: Traditional woven attire, often colorful and intricate.
