PHASES OF DANCE PROGRAM

TRADITIONAL DANCE

I. FOLK/ ETHNIC DANCE

Traditional recreational dance of the indigenous society showing the cultural

characteristics of a specific people at a given time and place.

A dance developed by a specific folk, usually handed down from generation to

generation and following a fixed basic patterns.

FRANCISCA REYES AQUINO - mother of Philippine Folk Dances.

DANCES OF THE PHILIPPINES ARE CLASSIFIED INTO TWO MAJOR

CATEGORIES

1. Dances of the non- Christian Filipinos

a. Dances of the traditionalists or “pagan” groups
They focused on the movements of the feet.
The arm movements are simple and free.
Musical instruments include bamboo and wooden sticks, clappers, shields and native
lutes (kudyapi, kettle drums, mass metal drums, bronze gongs).
Dances are: rituals, flirtation, courtship, game dances, animal dances, and war dances
b. Dances of Muslim groups
Have cultural influences from Hindu, Japanese, Chinese, and Arab- Persian civilizations.
Are oriental, exotic, and stylized, e.g. Singkil
The musical instruments are gongs, kulingtangan, bamboo xylophones and drums.
2.The dances of the Christian and Lowland Filipinos
Dances are performed with or without music or melodic accompaniment
Geographical Locations
a) National Dances
-traditional dances throughout the Philippines with a common basic
movement or pattern but with slight variations.
1.Cariñosa. (affectionate Philippine dance) -the fan or handkerchief plays in
romance scenario.
2.Kuratsa. lively dance that is very common among the old folks of Waray.
Balitaw.
3.Rigodon.
4.Pandango/Pandanggo sa Ilaw.
5.Surtido. a square dance said to have originated in Bantayan, Cebu.
b) Local or Regional Dances
-dances found in certain localities or regions only.
 1.Alcamfor (Leyte)- a Philippine folk dance from Leyte.
2.Maglalatik (San Pablo,Laguna)
3.Basulto (Pampanga)- satirical/ humurous love song with an accompanying dance.
It is originated in Victoria, Tarlac and has Pampango influences.

Nature of the Dance

a) Occupational Dances- dances that depict actions, characteristics, occupations,
industries, and phases of human labor.
1. Rice Festival- the largest number of dances (pagtatanim, paglulugas,
paggapas, paghangin, paggiik, pagbabayo).
2. Pabirik- depicts the different stages of gold panning.
3. Mananguete- tuba gatherer.
b) Religious or Ceremonial Dances
-performed in connection with religious vows, practices, and ceremonies. A
religious dance may be performed to drive away evil spirits, ask for a favor to have
a child, give thanks for having recovered from sickness, favors granted and vows
fulfilled.
1.Obando- an ancient Filipino dance ritual to ask for fertility.
2.Dugso. (meaning 'dance')- usually performed during important occasions like
kaliga (feasts) or kaamulan (tribal gatherings).
3.Sinurog.
c) Courtship Dances
- dances that depict love- making or the love theme.
1. Rogelia.
2. Lulay.
3. Hele- hele Bago Quiere.

d) Wedding Dances

- performed by newlyweds, by friends and relatives of the bride and groom,

or by the father of the bride and the mother of the groom. Examples:
1. Pantomina- bride and groom
2. Pandang- pandang- bride and groom and friends or relatives of each side
3. Soryano- dance by the parents of the future groom, the visit of the parents of
the bride

e) Festival Dances
- performed in connection with celebrations, a feast, a barrio fiesta, good
harvest and good fortune.
 1. Kuratsa. Kuratsa is a popular and lively dance that is very common among
the old folks of Visayas and Ilocos regions. The Kuratsa is highly favored by
the Visayan people especially the Waray people of the Eastern Visayan
region in the Philippines.
2. La Jota.
3. Putong.
f) War Dances
- intended to show imaginary combat with the use of fighting implement like
bolo, kris or spear. Examples:
1. Inabaknon.
2. Sagayan.
g) Comic dances
- dances with funny and humorous movements mainly intended for
entertainment. Examples:
1. Makonggo- movements of a monkey
2.Kinoton- movements of person bitten by ants

h) Game dances
- dances that have some play elements and are for recreational purposes.
Examples:
1. Lubi- lubi,
2. Gayong- gayong,
3. Pabo
i) Social Dances
- dances performed during social gathering.