Filipino has boundless passion for dance. Traditional dances
show influences of the Malay, Spanish, and Muslim. Native
dances depict different moods of the culture and beliefs,
tribal rites or sacrifice, native feast and festivals, seek
deliverance from pestilence, flirtation and courtship,
planting and harvesting.
Philippines dances were performed by famed dance troupe such
as the Bayanihan, the Barangay, Kaanyag Filipinas and the
Filipinescas or Karilagan. These dance troupes have performed
around the world exhibitng the dances of our country. The
more popular dances are featured here.
Tinikling
Tinikling is widely thought of as the national dance of the Philippines. But according to the Philippine government, the cariñosa dance is. The Tinikling is a dance from the Philippines which includes two people hitting bamboo poles or piece of wood, using them to beat, tap, and slide on the ground and against each other in harmonization with one or more dancers who will step over and dance in between the poles. When the bamboo closes, the dancers must be fast enough to not get their foot or feet caught. As the tinikling dance continues the banging of the bamboo becomes faster and harder, the sound of clashing bamboo excites the crowd and the quickness of feet demonstrated by the dancers awes them. The tinikling name came from birds locally known as Tikling. The term tinikling literally means "tikling-like".
Pandango sa ilaw
This dance is called Pandango Sa Ilaw, "dance with lights". The dancers move gracefully with little cups of lights on their head and held on back of their fingers. This popular dance is of Malays' influence.
This dance is one of the most interesting ceremonial dances of the Muslim people. This thanksgiving offering is an appeal for continued protection and for a bountiful harvest
Pagdiwata is a dance originating from the Tagbanua tribe of Palawan which depicts rituals after a rice harvest. These rites are held as part thanksgiving and part an appeal for continued protection.
This dance is called HABANERA SOLTERA. This dance is performed by the bride-to-be and her close friends at the traditional social gathering on the eve of the wedding. On this occasion, the bride bids farewell to the state of single-blessedness.
Obando Dance (named after a town in Bulacan) is a dance of rural Philippines. Attire is the native "balintawak" and "salakot" for the ladies and "barong tagalog" and "buntal" hats for the gentlemen.
Jota Caviteña is a dance that shows strong Spanish influence. Costume is elaborately embroidered "Maria Clara" and "barong tagalog". Castanets fashioned from bamboo provide clacking sounds adding to the lifting music.
SIMPATIKA -The prettiest colegiala entertains four of her suitors at a time. She makes her choice knoown at the end of the dance.
Binanogbanog is a dance in imitation of the hawk which is held in reverence to the bird so as not to do harm to their community.
