DIONGA, ZEEMAY ANN F.

AS12 Dance 102

BCAED 2 Prof. Blancaflor Rivera Jimeno

(ASSIGNMENT 1)
Major Classification of Philippines Dance
 Dances of Cordillera
They are often performed during important community events, rituals, and celebrations, serving as a
means of passing down stories, values, and customs from one generation to the next. Cordillera-
centered dances also serve as a form of expression, reflecting the beliefs, daily life, and history of
the Cordillera people.

1. Banga
Tribe: Kalinga
"Banga" literally mean pots. The Banga or pot dance is a contemporary performance of Kalinga of the
Mountain Province in the Philippines. This dance illustrates the languid grace of a tribe otherwise known
as fierce warriors. Heavy earthen pots as many as seven or eight at a time are balanced on the heads of
maidens as they trudge to the beat of the "gangsa" or wind chimes displaying their stamina and strength as
they go about their daily task of fetching water and balancing the banga.

2. Bendayan
Origin: Benguet Province, Northern Luzon
Also popularly called Bendian, this circle dance of the Benguet of Mountain Province is restaged, keeping
true to the dance’s context and meaning. Long known as a dance to celebrate the arrival of successful
headhunters, the Bendayan has taken a new face. It is part of every Benguet festivity with the circles
slowly giving way to other formations and interpretations.

3. Manmanok
Tribe: Bago
Three Bago Tribe roosters compete against each other for the attention of Lady Lien. They use blankets
depicting colorful plumes to attract her.

4. Turayen
Tribe: Gaddang
Origin: Cagayan Valley
is a Cordillera dance that originated from Gaddang Tribe in Cagayan Valley. and speak a language similar
to Ilokano. It is a type of occupational dance focuses on. the use of swidden agriculture which consists of
chopping down and burning existing.

5. Tarektek
Tribe: Benguet
is a Cordillera dance that originated in Benguet, where tarektek, or also known as <Woodpeckers=, once
influenced and dominated Mt. Data. It's a representational courtship dance in which a colorful blanket is
used as a prop to simulate the mating dance of woodpeckers.

6. Uyaoy/Uyauy
Tribe: Ifugao
The Uyaoy/Uyauy Dance is mostly performed in wedding festivals. This dance mimics the mighty.
animals such as the Sakpaya Hawk. The purpose of this dance is to reinforce one's social status in the.
community.

7. Salisid
A courtship dance that symbolizes a rooster trying to attract of the attention of a hen. This is performed and
portrayed by both male and female dancers as the rooster and hen respectively.

8. Lumagen/Tachok
Kalinga dance in Cordillera is to be a tribal dance. This is a traditional thanksgiving dance by the Kalinga
tribe performed to celebrate good harvest and events such as birth of first born child, victory in battles and
weddings. Browse through ther dance styles Gallery. More dance styles from Philippines.
 Dances with European and Western Influences
The peoples of the West—of Europe and of the countries founded through permanent European settlement
elsewhere—have a history of dance characterized by great diversity and rapid change. Whereas most
dancers of the East repeated highly refined forms of movement that had remained virtually unchanged for
centuries or millennia, Western dancers showed a constant readiness, even eagerness, to accept new vehicles
for their dancing. From the earliest records, it appears that Western dance has always embraced an enormous
variety of communal or ritual dances, of social dances enjoyed by many different levels of society, and of
skilled theatrical dances that followed distinct but often overlapping lines of development.

The Spanish colonization of the Philippines brought many Western influences including religion, social
customs, dress, dance and music. European dances like the waltz, mazurka, the Spanish jota, paso doble,
fandango and others were transformed to suit the climate and the temperament of the people.

European cultures have dances that are identity markers. Some examples include the Schuhplattler (“slap
dance”) of Germany and Austria, the jota of Spain, the jig of Ireland, the tarantella of Italy, and the hopak
(or gopak) of Ukraine.

 Dances of Muslim Groups

These "Muslim dances," recognized and identified as such by Filipino audiences, include the
Singkil, the Pangalay, Asik or Mag-Asik, the Kandingan, and the Kapamalongmalong, among
several others.

1. Singkil
is a folk dance of the Philippines that has its origins in the Maranao people of Lake Lanao, a Mindanao
Muslim ethnolinguistic group. The dance is widely recognized today as the royal dance of a prince and a
princess weaving in and out of crisscrossed bamboo poles clapped in syncopated rhythm.

2. Pangalay
A dance form traditionally performed by the Tausug people of the southern Philippines, this dance is
distinct because it is characterized by hand movements that resemble the movement of ocean waves,
enhanced by long, metal fingernails worn by the dancers.
3. Asik/Mag-asik
This is a Tiruray dance for Girls, performed in Nuro, Cotabato. According to the natives the word “mag-
asik” means “to sow seeds”. The dancers go around the cloth with small, heavy steps but with graceful
hand and arm movements.

4. Kandingan
Performed at Tausog weddings in Jolo, the Kandingan consists of figures and steps based on classical and
traditional Indian dance forms. Dancers perform with slightly bent knees turned outward, fingers held
stiffly together with the thumb outward and apart.

5. Kapa Malong-Malong
Also called Sambi sa Malong, this Maranao dance is performed with women wearing malong and shawl,
mantle or head piece, whereas men wear sash or waist band, shorts or bahag and head gear or turban
traditionally worn in the fields.

 Dances of Ethnic or Lesser Known Group

The Philippines is a diverse nation, home to various ethnic groups each with their own unique
traditions and cultural practices. One aspect that showcases this diversity is the wide array of
traditional dances performed by these ethnic or lesser-known groups. These dances not only serve
as a form of entertainment but also play a significant role in preserving and celebrating their rich
cultural heritage.

One such dance is the Kalinga Dance, originating from the Kalinga tribe in Luzon. This dance
portrays the strength and bravery of warriors through intricate footwork and rhythmic movements.
Another notable dance is the T'boli Dance, performed by the T'boli people in Mindanao. This dance
showcases their connection to nature, with dancers imitating birds or animals through graceful
movements.
 These dances are not only visually captivating but also deeply rooted in history and tradition. They
often tell stories about important events, rituals, or daily life experiences within these communities.
By performing these dances, ethnic groups are able to pass down their cultural knowledge from one
generation to another.

Furthermore, these dances serve as a means for these communities to express their identity and
pride in their heritage. They provide an opportunity for individuals to showcase their skills and
talents while fostering a sense of unity among community members.

 Dances of Country Side

1. Tinikling
Named after the long-legged tikling bird, which is here impersonated by alert dancers with magic
feet skipping among striking bamboos.

2. Sayaw sa Bangko
A dance which requires skill while dancing on a narrow bench. The dancers twist and jump as shouts and
applause encourage them not to fall off the bench.

3. Bulaklakan
A garland dance performed in the month of May by beautiful ladies who dance their way towards the town
church during the flower festival.
Kalapati
An amusing dance imitating the movements of the doves, or “kalapati.”

4. Sayaw sa Pag-Ibig
A courtship dance by two young lovers meeting without the consent of their parents.

5. Maglalatik
This dance originally depicted a mock fight for latik. Latik is the coconut meat residue. An all-male dance,
Maglalatik is unique because of the harness of the coconut shells worn on the bodies and legs of the
performers.

6. Sakuting
A ritual dance which depicts a mock fight celebrating a victory, usually performed in town plazas. This is of
Chinese influence.

7. Subli
The boys are “subli,” (sub-sub and bali), that is to say, bent down and contracted as they dance and click
castanets, while the girls wave their hats decorated with ribbons.

8. Ate-Ate sa Bukid
A very lively dance similar to the American square dance.

9. Kalatong
The “kalatong” is a hollow bamboo tube struck rhythmically by the men.

10. Bakya-Salakot
A dance performed with the use of a “salakot,” a typical hat, and “bakya,” the local wooden sandals.

(ASSIGNMENT 2)
Classification of Philippine Folk Dance

a.) Accorning to Geographical Location

- The Philippines is a country rich in cultural heritage, and one of the most vibrant expressions
of this heritage is through folk dances. These traditional dances vary from region to region,
showcasing the diversity and uniqueness of each locality. In order to better understand and
appreciate these dances, they can be classified according to their geographical location.
 - In Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, there are several notable folk dances. The
Tinikling from the province of Pangasinan is a popular dance that involves dancers skillfully
maneuvering between bamboo poles. Another well-known dance is the Binasuan from
Pampanga, where dancers balance glasses filled with water on their heads while gracefully
moving their bodies.

- In Visayas, an archipelago in central Philippines, there are also distinct folk dances. The
Kuratsa from Leyte showcases flirtatious movements accompanied by lively music.
Meanwhile, in Mindanao, located in southern Philippines, the Singkil dance tells the story of
a princess who gracefully avoids falling bamboo poles.

- By classifying Philippine folk dances according to geographical location, we gain a deeper

understanding of the diverse cultures within our country. These dances not only entertain but
also serve as a reflection of our history and traditions. They remind us of our roots and help
preserve our cultural identity for future generations to appreciate and cherish.

b.) According to Nature

- These dances are not only a form of entertainment but also a reflection of the people's way of
life and their connection to nature. In this essay, we will explore the classification of
Philippine folk dances according to nature.

- Firstly, we have the agricultural dances. These dances depict the daily activities of farmers in
the fields, such as planting rice or harvesting crops. The movements in these dances often
imitate the actions involved in farming, like sowing seeds or reaping grains. Examples of
agricultural dances include "Tinikling," where dancers skillfully avoid bamboo poles
representing rice paddies.

- Secondly, we have the animal-inspired dances. These folk dances imitate various animals
found in the Philippines, showcasing their characteristics and behaviors. For instance,
"Pandanggo sa Ilaw" mimics fireflies as dancers balance oil lamps on their hands and heads.
Another example is "Itik-Itik," which portrays a duck's movements through graceful steps
and arm gestures.

- Lastly, we have the environmental dances that celebrate natural elements like waterfalls or
mountains. These performances often incorporate props or costumes that represent these
landscapes. One well-known environmental dance is "Singkil," which tells the story of a
princess escaping from an enchanted forest filled with giant bamboo poles.

- In conclusion, Philippine folk dances can be classified according to nature into agricultural,
animal-inspired, and environmental categories. Each category showcases different aspects of
Filipino culture and highlights their connection to nature. Through these traditional
performances, Filipinos not only entertain but also preserve their rich heritage for future
generations to appreciate and learn from.