WHAT IS DANCE?

To move rhythmically usually to music, using prescribed or improvised steps and gestures.
A series of movements that match the speed and rhythm of a piece of music.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF DANCE

Contemporary Dance History- Its figures are spread all over the world, eclectic use of modern and classical
techniques for the dancers training, eclectic use of choreographic vocabulary on stage, performance instead of show,
dance has a social and political function as much as an aesthetical function, names of dance trends associated: Postmodern dance, New dance, Youngdance, Dance-theater, Contemporary ballet.Also, Merce Cunningham, from the
Judson Church: (Simone Forti, Steve Paxton, Yvonne Rainer, Judith Dunn, Trisha Brown, David Gordon, Deborah et
Alex Hay, Elaine Summers, Lucinda Childs, Meredith Monk, Yvonne Rainer), Dominic Bagouet, Odile Duboc, Jean
Claude Gallota, Daniel Larrieu, Maguy Marin, Angelin Preljocaj, Karin Saporta, Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, Wim
Vandekeybus, Lloyd Newson, Sasha Waltz, Siobhan Davies, Akram Khan, Sidi Larbi, Rafael Bonachela.
Modern Dance History- Two simultaneous birthplaces (U.S.A. and Germany), anti-academism, liberation of body
and its expression, creation of renowned schools and masters, refusal or ignorance of ballet and its aesthetic
paradigms.Also, Francois Delsarte, mile Jacques Dalcroze, Rudolf Laban,Isadora Duncan, Mary Wigman, Loe
Fuller, Ruth Saint Denis, Ted Shawn,Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, Kurt Jooss, Oskar Schlemmer, Jose
Limon(Jos Limn), Martha Graham, Alwin Nikolas, Alvin Ailey, Lester Horton, Paul Taylor.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF DANCE?

Kekak Trance Dance- This Indonesian dance was originally performed in order to communicate with ancestral
spirits, but has since then been interwoven with the Indian epic known as the Ramayana.
Tango- Tango is an Argentinean dance known to be one of the most difficult to master. Nevertheless, it never fails to
amaze each time is performed.
Capoiera- A Brazilian half dance, half martial arts; Capoiera can be described as astounding, astonishing and
fascinating, among others adjectives.
Celestial Dance- This Cambodian dance enacts the sagas that have been in the country for thousands of years. It
was even carved into some parts of the Angkor Wat.
Aerial Dance- Aerial Dance is an interesting form of expression that involves getting attached to the ceiling, thus
letting performers explore space in three-dimensions.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT FUNDAMENTAL STEPS IN DANCE?

Arms Positions:
First position- raise arms to a circle in front of the chest.
Second position- open up arms sideward, raised below shoulder level with a graceful curve.
Third position- raise one arm overhead while other arm remains in 2nd position.
Fourth position- raise one arm in front of chest in a half circle, while one arm remains overhead.
Fifth position- raise both arms overhead in a graceful curve.

Feet Positions:
First position- bring heels close to touch; toes apart.
Second position- bring feet apart sideward.
Third position- bring the heel of one foot to touch the instep of the other foot.
Fourth position- bring one foot in front of the other foot to walk strike.
Fifth position- bring the heel of one foot to touch the toe of the other.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT FOLK DANCE IN THE PHILIPPINES? (20)

Dance: Idaw- This dance sometimes has many names and different versions. Most common is this dance depicts
the hunting ritual performed before a tribal war. The tribes men would go out and look up and watch for the scared
Idaw bird. Which is said to lead the tribe to victory. Also look at the clothing, Philippines being a very hot climate,
plus the use of as little material as possible, the traditional clothing was not made to cover much of the body....
Dance : Banga- This dance displays the Igorot women on their way to the river to fetch the daily water supply for
thier familys. It shows the skill and strength of the women as they would carry heavy laiden clay pots (Banga) full of
water. Their grace and agility while balancing the heavy pots, sometimes stacks 5 high, is a testiment of the Filipino
and how hardships become a art form and talent. As a young girl you would start with only one pot. Of course as you
become older and more experienced, along with the fact that you could provide more water for your family in one trip.
Pots could be stacked as high as 5 or 6. The more pots you could carry showed your skill and also you standing
amoung the women of that area. They would all gather and march to the river each day, singing a native song which is
represented by the flute and banging of bamboo on iron pots in the dance......
Dance : Idudu- The family is the basic structure of family life among the Itneg / Tinggian poeple. The caring for the
Children is shared by both the mother and father. While the men are clearing the fields, breaking the soil with
bamboo and their feet, the women watch the children. Soon as the men are done, they take care of the children while
the women do back breaking work. You can see in the dance how the women will take the bamboo baskets in a
shaking fashion like drying the rice, while the men are going in circles in background like they are toiling the land.
Then you will see the women put down the baskets fold the cloth into a baby while the husband stands aside. Then the
women will turn over the baby to the husband, pick up the bamboo and start toiling the land while the men hold and
cradle the babys.........
Dance : Ragsaksakan- The word means " Merriment". This dance would be performed after a successful headhunt
and also for a peace pact between waring tribles. The colorful hand woven blankets " blankets of life" are worn around
the neck while baskets to carry produce or rice are worn upon the head. Some versions of this dance use the " Banga "
instead of the basket.
Dance : Singkil- Sinkil dance takes its name from the bells worn on the ankles of the Muslim princess. Perhaps one
of the oldest of truly Filipino dances, the Singkil recounts the epic legend of the "Darangan" of the Maranao people of
Mindanao. This epic, written sometime in the 14th century, tells the fateful story of Princess Gandingan, who was
caught in the middle of a forest during an earthquake caused by the diwatas, or fairies or nymph of the forest.The
rhythmic clapping of criss-crossed bamboo poles represent the trees that were falling, which she gracefully avoids.
Her slave loyally accompanies her throughout her ordeal. Finally, she is saved by the prince. Dancers wearing solemn
faces and maintaining a dignified pose being dancing at a slow pace which soon progresses to a faster tempo skillfully
manipulate apir, or fans which represent the winds that prove to be auspicious. The dancers weave expertly through
criss-crossed bamboos.
Dance : Kini Kini- Kini means the Royal Walk. Maranao women performed this dance with scarves. The beauty of
the scarve and the talent and grace in which it is displayed. Shows their elite social upbringing.
Dance : Pangalay- A pangalay native to the Badjao, sometimes known as the "Sea Gypsies." Pangalay is a dance
that emphasizes the agility of the upper body. The rhythmic bounce of the shoulder with simultaneous alternating
waving of arms are the basic movement of this dance. The pangalay is commonly performed at weddings and other
social gatherings. You will also see some parts of the Sinkgil in this dance also. Another part of this dance is also
called the Muslium four Bamboos.

Dance : Asik- This is performed by a solo madien, adorned with fine beads and make up, long head scarf. She
would dance to win the favor of her Sultan master. Many time the girls would dance to win the hearts of her master or
to make up for a wrong she had done. She would give her whole heart and soul into this performance to soften the
heart of her master to accept her...
Dance : Sayaw Sa Banko- This dance is native to the barrio of Pangapisan, Lingayen, Pangasinan, and demands
skill from its performers who must dance on top of a bench roughly six inches wide.
Dance : Tinkling- Tinikling is considered the national folkdance with a pair of dancers hopping between two
bamboo poles held just above the ground and struck together in time to music. Originated from Leyte Province, this
dance is in fact a mimic movement of tikling birds hopping over trees, grass stems or over bamboo traps set by
farmers. Dancers perform this dance with remarkable grace and speed jumping between bamboo poles.
Dance : Subli-The term subli is from two tagalog words subsub meaning falling on head and bali, which
means broken. Hence, the dancers appear to be lame and crooked throughout the dance. This version is originally a
ritual dance of the natives of Bauan, Batangas, which is shown during fiestas as a ceremonial worship dance to the
towns icon, the holy cross
Dance : Maglalatik- Originally performed in Binan, Laguna as a mock-war dance that demonstrates a fight
between the Moros and the Christians over the prized latik or coconut meat during the Spanish rule, this dance is also
shown to pay tribute to the towns patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. It has a four-part performance such as the
palipasan and the baligtaran showing the intense battle, the paseo and the escaramusa- the reconciliation. Moro
dancers wear read trousers while the Christian dancers show up in blue. All dancers are male; with harnesses of
coconut shells attached on their chests, backs, thighs and hips.
Dance : Itik- Itik- The best description of the Itik-Itik is that the steps mimic the way a duck walks, as well as the
way it splashes water on its back to attract a mate. According to popular tradition, the dance was created by a lady
named Kanang who choreographed the steps while dancing at a baptismal party. The other guests copied her
movements, and everyone liked the dance so much that it has been passed along ever since.
Dance : Binasuan- The Binasuan is an entertaining dance that is usually performed at festive social occasions like
weddings and birthdays. Dancers carefully balance three half-filled glasses of rice wine on their heads and hands as
they gracefully spin and roll on the ground. The dance originated in Bayambang in the Pangasinan province, and
though it's usually performed alone, it can also become a competition between several dancers.
Dance : Pandanggo sa Ilaw- The Pandanggo sa Ilaw is similar to a Spanish Fandango, but the Pandanggo is
performed while balancing three oil lamps - one on the head, and one in each hand. It's a lively dance that originated
on Lubang Island. The music is in 3/4 time and is usually accompanied by castanets.
Dance : Pandanggo sa Oasiwas- The Pandanggo Oasiwas is similar to the Pandanggo sa Ilaw, and is typically
performed by fishermen to celebrate a good catch. In this version, the lamps are placed in cloths or nets and swung
around as the dancers circle and sway.
Dance : Kuratsa- The Kuratsa is described as a dance of courtship and is often performed at weddings and other
social occasions. The dance has three parts. The couple first performs a waltz. In the second part, the music sets a
faster pace as the man pursues the woman around the dance floor in a chase. To finish, the music becomes even faster
as the man wins over the woman with his mating dance.
Dance : La Jota Moncadea- The La Jota Moncadea is adapted by the Filipinos from an old Spanish dance. It's
a combination of Spanish and Ilocano dance steps set to Spanish music and castanets. A more solemn version of this
dance is sometimes used to accompany a funeral procession, but it is also performed at celebrations.
Dance : Habaera Botolea- The Habanera Botolena is a strongly flamenco-influenced dance that comes from
Botolan, Zambales. It combines Filipino and Spanish steps, and is a popular dance at weddings. It is also considered a
courting dance in some situations.
Dance : Cariosa- The Cariosa is a dance made for flirting! Dancers make a number of flirtatious movements as
they hide behind fans or handkerchiefs and peek out at one another. The essence of the dance is the courtship
between two sweethearts.

HISTORY OF EACH FOLK DANCE IN PHILIPPINES

Idaw- is one of Cordillere dance. This Bontoc dance depicts a war ceremony performed by warriors of rivaling tribes.
Idaw, meaning "bird," is celebrated because it was the omen bearer of war.
Banga- literally mean pots. The Banga or pot dance is a contemporary performance of Kalinga of the Mountain
Province in the Philippines. This dance illustrate the languid grace of a tribe otherwise known as fierce warriors.
Idudu- the family is the basic structure of family life among the Itneg / Tinggian poeple. The caring for the Children
is shared by both the mother and father. While the men are clearing the fields, breaking the soil with bamboo and
their feet, the women watch the children. Soon as the men are done, they take care of the children while the women
do back breaking work. You can see in the dance how the women will take the bamboo baskets in a shaking fashion
like drying the rice, while the men are going in circles in background like they are toiling the land. Then you will see
the women put down the baskets fold the cloth into a baby while the husband stands aside. Then the women will turn
over the baby to the husband, pick up the bamboo and start toiling the land while the men hold and cradle the baby.
Ragsaksakan- means Merriment. This dance portrays the walk of the industrious Kalingga women, carrying water
pots on their heads and wearing the colorful hand-woven "blankets of life" around their necks. Their walk imitates the
climb up the Rice Terraces in the Mountain Provinces of the Philippines.
This dance would be performed after a successful headhunt Some versions of this dance use the "Banga" instead of
the basket.
Singkil- a suitor courting the Princess dances opposite her bearing a kris and shield, the pace of the bamboo poles
between which closures they skillfully navigate quickens pace. Her main lady attendant some scholars list her role
as slave dutifully follows her mistress.
Kini-Kini- means the Royal Walk. Maranao women performed this dance with scarves. The beauty of the scarves
and the talent and grace in which it is displayed. Shows their elite social upbringing.
Pangalay- is a traditional dance of the Tausug wherein two warriors compete against each other for the attention of a
young woman. They use gongs to show their prowess and skill.
Asik- is a Bagobo Festival dance wherein the girl wears long metal fingernails while holding an umbrella and posing
with doll-like motions.
Sayaw sa Bangko- sayaw sa bangko history can be trace all the way back from the place where it came from, a
province located at the northern part of Philippines, Pangasinan. This folk dance demands skills from its performers
who must dance on top of bench roughly six inches wide. It is believed that Sayaw sa Bangko dance existed even
before the Spanish came to the Philippines. It means that the dance is purely made by Filipinos ancestors.
Tinikling- is a reference to birds locally known as tikling, which can be any of a number of rail species; the term
tinikling literally means "tikling-like." The dance originated in Leyte, an island in the Visayas in the central
Philippines.
Subli- is a traditional folk dance of the Philippines which is still quite popular today. It is a ceremonial worship dance
honoring the Holy Cross (or Mahal Na Poong Santa Cruz in Filipino) and is celebrated around a large crucifix which
has an image of the sun in silver at its center. Although the dancers are quite certain of the meaning behind different
portions of the dance and the steps, the origins of the Subli itself remain unclear. There are varying theories, but even
experts and researchers arent in agreement.
Maglalatik- originally performed in Binan, Laguna as a mock-war dance that demonstrates a fight between the
Moros and the Christians over the prized latik or coconut meat during the Spanish rule, this dance is also shown to
pay tribute to the towns patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. It has a four-part performance such as the palipasan and
the baligtaran showing the intense battle, the paseo and the escaramusa- the reconciliation. Moro dancers wear read
trousers while the Christian dancers show up in blue. All dancers are male; with harnesses of coconut shells attached
on their chests, backs, thighs and hips.
Itik Itik- according to folklore, this traditional dance was first performed by a young woman named Kanang who was
the best dancer in the province of Surigao del Norte. At a baptismal reception, she was asked to perform and she
improvised her dance steps to imitate the way a duck walks and splashes water on its back to attract a mate.

Binasuan- dance derived its name from a Pangasinan phrase that literally translates to mean "with the use of a
drinking glass." Though it is not known exactly when Binasuan dance originated, dance has been an important part of
Filipino culture for centuries, beginning as a way for people to express thanks to the gods, in festivals and traditional
celebrations, for blessings and prosperity.
Pandanggo sa Ilaw- is from the Spanish fandango, a dance in 3/4 time. The phrase sa ilaw is Tagalog for "in light"
and it refers to the three oil lamps that a dancer has to balance one on the head and one on the back each hand. The
oil lamp is called tinghoy. Sometimes, candles in glasses are used instead of an oil lamp.
Pandanggo sa Oasiwas- after a good catch, fishermen of Lingayen would celebrate by drinking wine and by
dancing, swinging and circling a lighted lamp; hence the name "Oasiwas," which in the Pangasinan dialect means
"swinging." This unique and colorful dance calls for skill in balancing an oil lamp on the head while circling in each
hand a lighted lamp wrapped in a porous cloth or fishnet. The waltz-style music is similar to that of Pandanggo sa
Ilaw.
Kuratsa- this dance was very popular throughout the country during the Spanish regime. It was one of the liveliest
and best liked dances. Different regions have their own version of this dance, as it is found in the Ilocos and Bicol
regions. The one performed nowadays is the Visayan version from Leyte. This dance commands a sense of
improvisation that mimics a young playful couple's attempt to get each other's attention. It is performed in a
moderate waltz style.
La Jota Moncadea- among the Foreign visitors that the Philippines had, Spanish are the one who leave the most
influence to them. One of the biggest influences of the Spanish are the dances that they taught to the Filipinos and
one of those dances is the la jota moncadena dance.
Habaera Botolena- is originated in Botolan, Zambales, it has a Spanish and Filipino dance steps combination.
Before it is being danced during the departure of the parish priest or important official of the town but as time pass by
it became a danced being performed during wedding, baptism and other special occasions.
Cariosa- is a Philippine folk dance of Hispanic origin. It is closely associated with the island of Panay and the
Visayas region in general. The word cariosa is from the Spanish cariosa meaning the affectionate one. Most Filipina
women can be described as karinyosa. This is a courtship dance that portrays acts of flirtation between a man and a
woman. The dancers perform steps resembling hide-and-seek movements. The woman holds a handkerchief or
sometimes a fan.

FAMOUS FOLK DANCERS IN THE PHILIPPINES (5)

Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company
Hiyasmin Cultural Dance Group
Indak Pambata
Tampa Dancers
Silayan Dance Company
The La Salle Dance Company-Folk (LSDC-Folk)

INTERNATIONAL HIPHOP GROUPS (5)

The Crew
Jabbawockeez
SNV
Nalasopara
Mega Crew

LOCAL ORGANIZATION IN THE PHILIPPINES (5)

PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE SOCIETY
Samahang tagapagtaguyod ng Katutubong Sayaw ng Pilipinas

HIYAS PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE COMPANY

Created in March of 2003, the Hiyas Philippine Folk Dance Company was formed by dance
enthusiasts that enjoy the beauty of Filipino folk dance. Following the statement of Philippine national
artist and folk dance research pioneer Francisca Reyes-Aquino.
BAYANIHAN: PHILIPPINE NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY
Bayanihan, the National Dance Company of the Philippines takes its name from an ancient Filipino tradition
called Bayanihan, which means working together for a common good. In 1956 Dr. Helena Z Benitez founded the
Bayanihan Folk Dance Group of the Philippine Womens University. The following year, 1957, it was formally
organized as the Bayanihan Folk Arts Center with the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company as its performing arm.
Both the center and the dance company were tasked to research on and preserve indigenous Philippine art forms in
music, dance, costumes and folklore; to restructure and enhance these research findings to evolve repertoires suited
to the demands of contemporary theater; and to promote international goodwill through performances at home and
abroad.

PHILIPPINE PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY

One of the primary missions of the company is to present, through public performances, the
exotic and diverse cultures, customs, and traditions of the Philippines through art, dance, costume, and
music. The Company also takes pride in Indak Pambata (Childrens Steps), its folk dance group for
children ages 6 to 13.
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DANCE COMPANY
(Office for Initiative in Culture and the Arts) OICA.,, a dance organization of UP.