Brief History of The Philippine Folk Dances
Brief History of The Philippine Folk Dances
Brief History of The Philippine Folk Dances
FoJk dances are traditionally dances of a country which are evolved naturally and spontaneously
in connection with everyday activities and experiences of the people. These are traclitional dances
handed down from generation to generation that describe the traditions, belief, occupations,
ways of life and characteristics of people living in a certain nation through body movements.
When the Philippines was discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it had been inhabited by
different racial groups: the Indonesians, Malays and Pygmies. The offspring of the Pygmies were
the Negritos whose dances describe their daily activities like the sinulog, a dual dance
For centuries, dancing and singing have been the principal past time of the people. The early
Filipino’s considered dancing as a religious activity. They performed dances in thanksgiving for a
fruitful harvests, a victorious battle and prosperous voyage or recovery from sickness.
During tte Spanish period, dancing played an important part in the social activities of the
Filipinos. Kumintang, a pantomimed song and dance was the oldest recorded activity among
• Folk Dancing —a very wholesome form of recreation enjoyed ay everybody. Significantly, part of
the rich Filipino culture and arts is folk dance. There are several dances for all occasions, ie.
• Francisca Reyes Aquino – Philippine’s national artist and Mother of the Philippine Folk
Dances, started the collection of dances and songs as early as 1924. She authored six (6) volumes of
books. These dances have been categorized into non — Christian or either ethnic and
Christian dances. The ethnic dances are described as the highest form of art of the Filipino
dances because of their innate, unique and beautiful movements. The Christian dances mostly adopted
the Spanish and other European influences, and mixed the native Filipino culture. These Christian
Descriptions:
4. Religious or Ceremonial — dances being performed in connection with religious vows and
ceremonies.
9. Festival Dances — Dances fitting for special occasion or any social gathering
The fundamental positions of the arm in folk dancing include five position’s.
First Position
Place both arms in front of the chest in a circular position with the heels of the feet together and
Second Position
Place both arms sideward with the palm facing upward and stride the feet sideward.
Third Position
Place one arm on your side at shoulder level and raise other hand overhead with the heel of the
Third Position
Place one arm on your side at shoulder level and raise other hand overhead vrith the heel of the
Place on arm in front of the chest level with elbow slightly bent the other arm is raised overhead
Fifth Position
Raise both hands overhead with the elbows slightly bent. The heel of the foot is placed in front at
There are dance steps and positions among in many folk dances. Francisco Reyes Aquino, national
artist for dance, listed these common dance steps and positions in her book Fundamental Steps and
Music (1997 Edition). Below are some dance steps listed by Aquino.
Abrasete
The girl, positioned at the right Side of the boy, holds the right (R) arm of her partner with her
left (L) hand. Their free hands (the hand doing nothing or not placed anywhere) are down at
either side.
Arms in Lateral Position
Both arms are at one side (either sideward right or left), which may be done at shoulder, chest, or
waist Level.
Arms in Reverse T
Arms are side horizontal, elbows bent at right angles, forearms parallel to head, palms forward or
Bilao
To turn the palms up and down alternately, hands at waist level in front, elbows close to waist.
Brush
Weight on one feat, hit the floor with the ball or heel of the other foot (the free foot) after
Crossed arm
Partners are facing each other or standing side by side, girl at the right of boy. They join their L
hands together and their R hands together; either R over L or L over R hands.
Cross-over
Two couples (the vis-a-vis) are opposite each other. Each couple proceeds in a straight line to the
opposite place. The girls pass by their L shoulders between the boys. Boys bow to each other when
they meet at the middle or about one-third of the way, then proceed to the opposite place. Upon
reaching the opposite place, partners turn about girls stand at pa rtners' right side.
Cut
To displace quickly one foot with be other, thus completely taking off the weight of the body from
di-si-do
(das-a-dos)
The vis-a-vis (opposites) firth advance forward, pass each other's right (or left) side, step
across to the right (or left), move backward without turning around pass each other's left (or
Draw
To pull one foot along the floor close to the other which has the weight of the body. The weight may or
may not be transferred
”"
Hands on waist
Place hands at the waist line (at the smallest part of the trunk), knuckles in fingers pointing in rear.
Hapay
Hayon-hayon
To place one forearm in front and the other at The back of the waist. Hayon-hayon is a Visayan term
Jaleo
Partners turn once around clockwise (with R elbcws almost touching) or counter- clockwise (with L
elbows almost touching) using walking or any kind of dance step. The hands near each other are on
waists.
Kumintang
Moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or counter clock-wise direction.
Panadyak
To stamp in front or at the side with R (L feat and tap with same foot close to the L (R), weight
To bend fhe head downward and to support the forehead with the R
(L) forearm ot wit the ciook of the R (L) elbow while fhe L (R) hand supports lightly the pam of
the R (L) hand. This is usually done with the L feat nt in rear and knees sli
bent
Touch the fler lightly with the toes of one feat, weight of the body on the Qher foot.
To swing the arm downward-upward passing in front of the body as if scooping, the trunk is bent
Cross the R (or L) frot in front of the L (or R), bend the body slightly forward and cross due
Tap
whirl
To tap slighdy with the ball or toe of the free foot, flainq the anNe joint and keeping the weight
The ballroom Polka was famous in during dv Spanish Period. It was usually danced
during town fiestas and in big gatherings. In Glancing Polka sa Nayon, consider the following:
1. Costurru•. The gills wear the Maria Clara or style; the boys wear Barong Tagalog
and, black or white bousers.
4. Formation. The dance may de performed by pg group of four or in a scattered pc›sition when it is
1. Plain Polka. Step Pattern — Step Pattern — Step R ( swd bwd ; close Rio L; step R; raise L
2. Heel And Toe Polka: Step Pattern — Heel place R (in front); toe — point in rear; raise — step @
MBLI (YAGALOG)
IB£f is a favonte dance of the people in nearly all the barrios of the municipality of
worship dance performed in homage to the Holy Cross referred to in the verracular as sha/ &
inta Itoriginated some some three hundred years ago in fhe banio of @pgjg,
The name Subli was derived from two Tagalog words subsub(stooped or in a crouching position) and
(broken). Thus, the male-dancers are in trunk-forward- bend position throughout the dance.
1. Costume. The girls wear simple costume (with and gdgyg) and a .
hat while the boys wear Barong Tagalog and red trousers with a pair of bamboo castanets laid in
2. Nusic. The first part of the the individual auple dance, is accompanied ay a
kalaongt (a bamba instrument stuck with two bamba sticks) and drums various sizes made of goat‘s
skn. The second part of the dance has a Mo-part music. A and B.
3. Count one, two or one, and two to a measure in 2/4 and one, and, ah,
4. Formation. After the inclividual pair dances (if there is), the dancers form two lines the boys
stand about four feet behi‹ d their respective partners. All face the audience. Three or four paiis
make a good set. From one two any number of sets ma take rt in the dance
CARINOBA (YAGALOG}
€Bzz/z‹zsa is krown throughout the Philippine as the flirtation dance. Carinasa mean affectionate,
lovable, or amiable. With the fan and a handkerchief, fhe dancers go through hide-and-seek
movements and other flirting acts expressing tender feeling for one another.
There are many versions of this dance but the hide-and-seek movements are common in all. In dancng
1. Costurrte. The girls wear Balintawak or Patadyr}on and Camisa ashJmes. While, the boys wear
Barong tdgBf0g in any girls have fan hanging at R side of their waist,
while the boys have handkerchief in their pt
4. Formation. Partners stand op te and facing each Qher about six feet apart. When faong the
audience, the girls are at the right of the boys. One to any number of auples may take part of this
dance
Teacher's Insight
Traditional aai ces are practices that have been in existence for years. They have been passed on
or handed down fi om one generation to ai othei . These practices have also evolved thiough time
because of the vaiious experiences of ancient Filipinas, paiticularly their contact faith the aloi
izers.
Traditional dances can be classified as (1) religious, (2) imitative of animal life and activities
(3} peiformed during socialization and celebrations, (4) inherited horn colonial masters, and (5)
perfoimed for tourism prcqran s for both cultural and economics use. Traditional dances can also be
folk or ed nic. Folk dances are generally Those that express the past and present culture and
performed by Christianized rural or lowland folks. Ethnic dances are also folk dances in that d ey
also express the cultuie of a certain group; these dances, however, are performed by members of the
Chapter 2
In the previous module, you learned how the native Philippine dances were modified due to the
integration of culture brought about by the Spanish occupation. When the Amencans arnved in the
late 19” century and ruled over the Philippines for more than thiee decacles, they brought with
them a dance culture that further added to Philippine dance 0 aditions. It was during dais time
Is a foFI£aI foFm Df dance which came not from the United States but from Russia and The
term Chris related to the lalian word la//e, a variation of the word o, meaning ”dance” It
can also be attributed to the Latin Tal/ere which means"to dance.” Russia and France pioneeied
Ballets art api essions rely on its precise and highly formalized set of steps and gestures. Side
light, graceful, and fluid movements, ballet dancers perfoc en jade{on toe ) on the dancing area.
The en inte dat ce style became populai duiiiJg the early 19'” century, and it was reseixed
only far women during the time. WDrnen daiJcers wore an all-white dress and white, black, or pink
pain@d shoes. They also vore leotard, lights, and a bell-like wrap skirt. This classical style of
ballet, however, leaves liftle room foi creative expression because of rigid and premeditated style
of movements.
MODERN DANCE
The riqid and preireditated style of ballet made some dancers of the 19’^ centuiy to rebel and
apeiiment oil a was sfyle that is more loose and flexible. The iesult of this experimentation was
the birth of modern dance in the late 19ᵗ^century. It eventually flourished in the early 20‘^
• is moie free and relaxed as it focuses more on due dancer's o\vn interprefations of the music
can be divided iiJto three periods-one at the beqinning of 1900s, the other at due sfart 1930s,
and last after the Second World War. It was after the Seand \Yorld War ›vheiJ moslem dance became
contemporary dance.
The proponents of modem dance at the beginning of 1900s included the Ameiican dancers Isadora
Duncan aiJd Ruth St. Demis aiJd the GermaiJ dancer Mary Wigrrian. Early modern dancers there
influenced by the revolutionary thinking of the 19* century French philosopher of movement
countered the then popular artificial mannerisms usually seen iiJ Another
iiJfluence of early modern daiJcers is the system called eurhytlJmics, which was developed by
Duncan, St. Denis, and Wigman leaked beyond \Yestern daiJce traditioiJs to create new daiJce
styles. Duncan sought inspiiation from Greek sculptuie for leer movements. DaiJcing in bare
feet, she created danes that alternately yielded and resisted gravity. Her source of movement Seas
in her solar plexus. 2. Denis, Dancing iiJ a diverse range of styles, looked to the ethnic dance
sfyles of Egypt, India, aiJd Asia as her influence. tuined to Africa and Easter
Asia for leer choreoqraplJy, makng extensive use of masks in her dances.
It was in 193O when modem dance further developed with the second wave of mcdern dancers,
including Americans Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, and Martha Graham, They all danced with
Denis in 1915 and Hanya Holm, a German-born American dancer who came from
This seand wave of mcdern dancers transformed natural human actions such as waI!cng, running, and
breathing into dance movements. Humphrey's technique came from the natural dynamic of human
footfall (the sound of a footstep or footsteps). Her dance showcased fall and recovery from
for the relationship of an individual to a greater force such as a social group or a spiritual
presence. Humphrey partnered with Weidman in forming a modem dance company. Weidman's dance
style
was humorous and expressive of social amrnentary. Graham's dance technique, on the other hand, was
influenced by natural human breathing. Her early choreographs fc•cused on movements initiated in
the torso, and she
ate meanwhile, was similar Weidman's. It was also Holm who brought mcdern dance to the
Broadway stage.
According to Minneapolis public Schal, there are five elements of dance, and these elements are the
Understanding these elements will also help you describe the movements of any dance that you will
witness. These elements are body, action, space, time, and energy, or BASTE.
Is the first element of If dance is an art form, then the body is the instrument used by
the artist. In using his or her body, the dancer may be relatively still or anstantly moving
throughout the performance. In mcdern dance, the dancer usually starts his or her movement from the
middle of the txxly, using the abdomen musdes to bend or make a round shape at the center of the
torso while sitting. Floreover, a dancer deliberately changes his of her txxly‘s shape or size and
extends his or he limbs depending on the mocd and emotion he or she wants to express.
Further, the use of the whole body is often a preference in modem dance. Integration of movements
is important such that every single movement involves the entire body. For instance, upward
moverrx°nfs of the arms may involve the downward movements of the legs. Integrated movements of
arms, legs, spine, and torso create beautiful steps in modem dance.
Is the next dance element. Actions are the moverrx°nts that the body performs. It is the mcdern
dancer's adions that make rrodem dance distinct from ballet. For instance, mcdern dance makes
movement on feel Ballet creoles an illusion of freedom frc+n gravity by effortlessly jumping and
aii. Modern dance is different because it utilizes b•xIy weight to enhance movements. Hence, it is
ammon for modem dancers to deliberately fall to the floor and to bend and not remain
upright-movements that are the exact opposite of the erect posture and turned-out position of
ballet dancers.
Is the third element of dance. Spare refers to the area where the dane perhxTrs. It deso1bes how be
a she maximizes the use of q›ace-to slay in one pbce or move oxstandy to anotlw. dTws
variation to the movements of the darker. Nodem daxets usually assizne a multidimensional
o1entation, thus making use of all dimensions of q»ce. I4ost of the time, they turn their bad‹s to
the audience or stand sideways, both of which are gestures that ballet daxers do rat usually do as
The fourth element of dance, is when movements are done in a performarx:e. It is important to of
proper timing in every movement, which is cowzionly in aaordance to the rhythm of the music or
is synchronized with the actions of the otlw dam In rrodem dance, there is a parallelism between
the rhythm of the music ard the mxnentum ard irrgdses, but it is rot always the case; sometimes,
the dark:e is chora›graphed bef‹xe the nxisic to underscore the impulses of the dance movement
Dance mxuentum may am run counter to the rhythm. There are times when music is absent in rrodem
sourds of the dancers' movement become the music. In the case, timing becomes even rn‹xe important
to better highlight the mx›ds and errogons being expressed in every moyernenL
Energy
Is the last element of dance. it refers to the force of an action that brings charader to the
rmwement. In modern dance, energy an be shown in the variahon of movements. Steps, for example,
which refers to giving equal energy to two opposing body parts. For instance, extending y‹xJr
right leg backward and your left arm forward makes use of ciuiltertenson. Such movement
demonstrates powerful and energetic connection between your legs and arms.
also happens when two dancers hold hands and then pull away equal force without letting go.
accessed on 16 September 2016)]. For basic jazz positions). Put your arms at your
leak downward. Slowly, curl your spine over. Be careful not to collapse. Before you go down the
floor as you curl, bend your knees. As you reach your owed stop, and then go back upward slowly
After doing the Curl Davn and Up, do the sacond position of ]azz. Slo\*/ly slide your right leg
forward en pointe until you go back to first posi0on. TheM bnuh the same ten= baclarcl while
Position with your feet parallel and hip distance apart. Bend over and keep your spne as
sbaight as possible, then raise your arms with your palms facng each other. In a single fluid
then ba‹;kt• parallel position. Zio this again, with your fact moving to the side
The Emergence of Contemporary Dance
The third period of development of modern dance happened after the Second World War in 1945. By
this time, modern dance had emerged as contemporary dance. Contemporary dance integrated the
techniques and styles from social dance, ballet and modern dance. Among the contemporary dancers
of this time were Americans Merce Cunningham, James Waring, Twyla Tharp, Alwin Nikolais, Paul
Their revolutionary thinking changed the style of modern dance as they tackled unique expressions
such as the relationship of the present time to abstract space, humorous juxtapositions of
Some of them even jumped into the extreme limit of what was acceptable dance style.
By the mid-1980s, modern dancers were no longer interested with traditional techniques as they
pictorial devices on their dance styles. For instance, Karole Armitage's dances are characterized
by stabbing, insect-like motions, and savage confrontations. There was also the buto of Japanese
dancers group Sankai Juku. Buto is a form of dance theatre that avoids structured choreography. It
strives to express primitive emotions by making minimal use of costumes and actual movements.
Contemporary dance, just like moden dance, is emotionally-driven, thus, it is typical for
contemporary dancers to experiment in their dance steps based on how they feel and according to
the message that they want to convey. Contemporary dance, however, is also characterized by
flowing movements mixed with quick and exaggerated steps. The choreography is also normally edgy in
As mentioned in the previous module, safety protocols are important to secure safety in your
performances. The first thing that you should always remember is to do stretching, warm-up, and
Teacher's Insight
Protest to grid and structured steps of ballet gave rise to modern dance, and later, contemporary
dance. Modern dance, being a dance style that follows the emotion of the dancer rather than
structured steps, has no established and standard steps, unlike the ballet. Contemporary dance is
basically a revolutionized version of the modern dance that combines the distinct steps of ballet
Social dance has probably existed in some form sincethe beginning of human society. This is simply
a group of dancing for pleasure orrecreation. Most group dances were originally ceremonial rites
categorized from three basic aspects of human existence: food supply, sexual impulse and
The word ball’ is derived from the Latin word bolare’ meaning ‘to dance’. The word ‘ballroom’
denotes a room where balls may be held, that is, formal social dances. Balls were important social
events in the days before radio and television. Ballroom competitions became popular in the 20’s
and the Ballrom Branch of the Imperial Society of teachers of Dancing was formed. Its mission was
Dance competitions have kept ballroom dancing alive and popular. It is interesting that in 1995,
the Olympic Committee granted provisional recognition to Ballroom Dancing or “Dance Sport” the
internationally recognized world Ballroom Dancing Championship is the BRITISH OPEN DANCE
Amateur Dancer. A person whom dancing is a hobby and who does not seek financial gain from
2. Arm styling. Position and movement of the arm, reflecting the style of the character and the
3. Basic figure. A standardized step pattern, which together with other pattern constitute the
basics of a dance.
4. Choreography. A creation or compilation of steps, patterns and movements which make up the
6. Continuity movements. The continuous passing of the feet from one step to the next.
7. Dance sport. The official name given to the sport of competitive ballroom dancing. Relates
to the more athletic form of ballroom dancing.
8. Drop. A theatrical type of movement in which the follower's body weight is partially or
completely supported by the leader while atleast one part of the followers body remains in contact
9. Figure. A stardardized step pattern that, together with the other patterns, constitute the
dance.
10. Floor craft. The ability of the leader to maneuver around the dance floor in a skilled and
1 1. Following. The ability of the followers to react correctly to the signals given by the leader
12. Formation team. A group of three or more dancerswho perform ballroom style routines.
13. Hip motion. A very general term to mean any type of hip movement used in Latin dancing.
14. Line dancing. A type of non partner dancing where everyone starts in the line and learns a set
of pattern that repeats over and over again throughout the music.
15. Lift. A theatrical type of movement in which the follower's body weight is completely
18. Variation. A varied or more advanced pattern than the corresponding basic figure which still
19. Leading. Effective communication of intended actions by the leader through the use of leader's
own body movements and through one or more physical or visual connections to the follower.
As a partner dance, ballroom has a varieI:y of dance styles. The lang history of this dance has
brought diverse styles that couple dancers can choose from for a spectacular performance. Here are
h : d r: bo .
1. Waltz is one of the oldest and smoothest ballroom dance styles. It is characterized by "rise
and fall” movements in progressive, lang, flowing, continuous turns. WaIO shows the dancers
smoothly gliding on the flcor. Practice waID by following these basic steps;
Gentlemans steps in close baIIFOO!Tl Lady's steps in close ballroom positior::
1. Step forward diagonally with L fist. 2. Step backward diagonally v/ith L foot.
3. Bring L foot next to R flat. Follov the steps facing your partner.
utube.com watcl›?v=Yal7ZcZ5ANO
2. Viennese waID is a dance characterized by simple and elegant rotaLonal mDveicents with a subde
3. Cha-sha is a dance style that expresses the passion and energy of the dancers through
fiirtatious gestures. The cha-cha is one of the liveliest dance steps in balm m. Basic steps
foot.
Lady's steps:
5. Quickstep is essentially the quicker, swifter version of the foxtrot. P/hen y0u master foxtrot,
www. utube.com watch?v=sA-5DJmlOfw {last accessed on 22 July 2016} for a videc tutorial on the
quickstep.
6. Rumba is a nxnanllc and sensual Labn dance that d a story of love and passion.
at has a varieI:y of sexy darxe steps, making it as one of the rest of the bz2lroxn dances. Vsit
7. Tango is an animate, sensual dance that expresses ekxrerits of romarxe between the dancers shown
5. Bring right frx›t nexL to IeIt quiddy. The L fact holds the yreighL Paul.
Lady's steps:
1.StRpRfnotbackmandsk •4y.
5. Bring RfcoL nezt to IeIt quiddy. The L feat hoIrls the weighL Pan.
VF3farOPwE 1 2 u 2
8. Samba is a type of ballroom dance that came from Brazil and has a variety of styles partneFed
widi an assortment of Samba music. Nhiie it is usually performed with a partner, it can also be
danced in solo. Go to
9. Pasa dnb}e is a daix:e after the Spanish bul1figl t. It origiiated from southern
France. Fnr tutorials, visit https://www. outub .coWwatch.W=j2aFIvqguos (last accessad on 12 July
2016).
1g. Mambo is an emosonal Latin American dance characterized by swayin9 movements with sensual
ev. outube.com/watch?v=aeu30 ZIIV68 (last accessed an 22 July 2016} for a video tutorial.
11. Lindy hop is a swing dance characterized by its unique athletic style aerial jumps, twists, and
Teachers Insight
This module discusses the varied and artistic forms of ballroom dancing, which has evloved through
time. Some of its common forms and types are LA Walk, Waltz, Swing, Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, Samba,
Tango, Foxtrot, and various types of swing dances. Ballroom dancing can be classified as social
balkoom, where the dancers perform for each other; Competition ballroom, where the dancers perform
ti impress judges; and exhibition ballroom, where the dancers perform to entertain an audience.