UNIT II: Folk Dance

Exploring Philippine Masterpieces

Aim: To cultivate nationalism through the
study of folk dances.
Definition
• Traditional recreational dances of an indigenous society showing the cultural
characteristics of a specific people at a given time and place.
• Traditional, social expression through movements with rhythmic
accompaniment which are characteristics of a community life of the people of
different nationalities.
• The vivid intimate bond of customs, ideals, and traditions of the past through
which a multitude of national characteristics in music, steps, and costumes are
preserved.
• A dance developed spontaneously and naturally by specific folk, usually handed
down from generation to generation and following a fixed basic pattern.
Benefits of Dancing:
1. Physiological and neuro-muscular development of the organize
system of the body.
2. Cultural - depicting the culture of the people.
3. Social and Recreational
Types of Folk Dances
1. National - those that are widely danced throughout a country.
2. Regional - those popular only in a certain part of the country.
3. Character - created by individual or group.
 Objectives
Exploring Philippine Masterpieces
General:
1. To foster patriotism and nationalism through the study of Philippine
dances.
2. To arouse the interest and better appreciation of Philippine music and
folk dances.
3. To provide through dancing/dances, a healthful form of relaxation and
recreation.
4. To develop a graceful and rhythmic coordination of body movement
that will improve posture.
General:
5. To arouse and instil the interest of our children in taking part and
enjoying our own dances.
6. To preserve for posterity, folk dances and music indigenous to the
different regions of the Philippines.
7. To demonstrate the growth of the Filipino culture through the
evolution of Philippine dances.
Specific:
• To know the value of rhtyhm.
• To increase the student’s knowledge about fundamental rhythm and know
how to use them effectively.
• To interpret dances correctly.
• To develop timing and coordination.
• To develop social and physical poise and balance.
• To learn to make new friends through dances.
• To understand etiquette at the dance floor.
• To enjoy self-expression which comes from participants in rhythmic activities.
The Philippine folk dances are
characterized by the following:
• Most dances begin and end with a “saludo”, bow or curtsy.
• In general, dancers stand apart from each other at about 6 ft. or 8 ft.
• There is little, if any, bodily contact although holding hands is
common.
• Most of dances are done in pairs or couples.
• Hand movements play an important part or role.
The Philippine folk dances are
characterized by the following:
• Most dances are done in long open formation.
• Dances from lowlands have more foreign elements than those found
in the uplands.
• War dances are found among non-Christian tribes.
• Dances are performed by the young and olds.
Classification of Philippine
Dances
I. General
A. Geographical extent of origin:
• National dances - found throughout the island with little or no
modification.-traditional dances throughout the Philippines with the
common basic movement or pattern.
Examples:
Rigodon, Carinosa, Jota, Balitaw, Pandanggo, Surtido
I. General
• Local dances - Regional dances; found in certain locality or regions only.
Examples
1. Tinikling - Leyte
2. Maglalatik - Binan, Laguna
3. Esperanza - Balua, Camarines Sur
4. Subli - Batangas
5. Binigan-bigat - Abra
6. Pabirik - Bicol; panning of gold
7. Alcamfor - Leyte
I. General
B. Nature
• Occupational - depicting action of certain occupation, industry or
labor.
Examples: Planting, Harvesting, Pounding, Winnowing,Pabirik,
Mananguete, etc.
• Religious or Ceremonial - performed in connection with religious
vows, practices and ceremonies, and to drive the devil away.
Examples: Dugsu, Sua-sua, Putong, Sta. Clarang Pinung-pino, etc.
I. General
• Comic dances - depicting funny movements for entertainment.
Examples: Kimbo-Kimbo, Makonggo, Kinoton
• Game dances - with play elements (dance mixers)
- for recreational purposes.
Examples: Lubi-lubi, pavo, etc.
• Wedding dances - performed during wedding feast; to be performed
by newly-wed couples, friends, parents, of both sides.
Example: Panasahan
I. General
• Courtship Dance - depicting love-making; dances with love teams.
Examples: Hele-hele, Bagoquire, Maramion, Tadek, Carinosa,
Daling-daling, Rogelia, Dalulay, etc.
• Festival dances - suitable for specific occasion or any social gathering;
dances in connection with harvest, barrio fiestas, and some fortunes.
Examples: Pandanggo, Habanera, Jota, Surtido, etc.
• War dances - showing imaginary combat or duel; with the use of
bolos or swords.
Examples: Sagayan, Palu-palo, etc.
I. General
C. Movement
• Active - with fast energetic movements.
Ex. Tinikling, Maglalatik, Sakuting, Polkabal, etc.
• Moderate
Ex. Carinosa, Tagala, Habanera, Purpuri, etc.
• Slow
Ex. Pasakat, Ambrosa, Tiliday, Kundiman, etc.
• Slow and Fast
Ex. Putritos, Ba-Ingles, Habanera Botolena, Alcamfor, etc.
I. General
D. Formation
• Square or Quadrille
Ex. Rigodon, Los Bailes de Ayer, etc.
• Long Formation (two or more parallel lines)
Ex. Lulay, Sakuting, etc.
• Set - Consisting of two or more pairs as a unit, partners facing each
other or standing side by side.
Ex. Binadyong, haplik, Tiklos, Kakaoati, etc.
II. Special Classification - Group dances
having special distinctive features.
1. Dance with songs - Abaroray, Manang Biday, Lulay, Rogelia, etc.
2. Old Ballroom Dances - Polka, Mazurka, Chotis, Valse, etc.
3. Dances with Implements - Maglalatik, Sakuting, Jota Mocadena,
Tinikling, Salakot, etc.
4. Dances of combined rhythm - Surtido,Pantomina, Los Bailes de
Ayer, etc.
Factors Affecting Folk Dances:
1. Geographical Location - refers to a particular location where a
certain dance is performed. Dance steps are dependent on the
origin of the dance. For example, dances from lowlands - steps are
performed with variety of steps and long and open formation
while dances from upland - are performed with tiny steps and most
are monotonous.
2. Economic Conditions - refers to the resources needed for a
particular dance. Upland costumes for example depend only on the
available resources in the locality. Recycled materials are utilized
and maximized due to limited budget.
Factors Affecting Folk Dances:
3. Climate Conditions - this factor can also affect dances especially if
the dances are naturally performed outdoors like in river banks or
open fields. Unforeseen weather conditions (heavy rain or hot
temperature) may affect the performance of the dancers.
4. Customs and Traditions - Beliefs and practices of the people from
the upland and lowland areas very from each other. Rituals or
ceremonial dances are common among upland settlers while in the
lowlands, festival dances are common and with western influences
like the wide use of props and other implements. Dance steps and
costumes are also elaborated.
Some Reminders in Folk Dancing
1. Dance in a natural, simple, and direct manner.
2. Dance with ease and smoothness.
3. Use proper costume for the dance.
4. Follow direction and instructions as closely as possible.
5. Dance with feelings and expressions.
Some Reminders in Folk Dancing
6. Do not exaggerate the dance steps.
7. Do not make the dance too dainty and graceful like ballet.
8. Do not make entrance and exit long.
9. Do not make steps too eleborated and complicated.
10. Do not call a folk dance unless steps come from traditional dances.
Fundamental Principles of
Arm Movements in
Dancing
1. The arm position follows the “Rule of Opposition.” When one foot is
in front of the other, the arm of the rear foot is raised.
2. The arms move from the shoulders.
3. The arms make a round soft curve.
4. The elbow must not sag but must be lifted high and out of sight so
to avoid sharp angles.
5. Coordinate the head with the movements of the arms. The head
turns and the eyes look at the hand that moves. When both hands
move at the same time, the head turns toward the hand which is
near the object.
6. In overhead positions, the arms must be slightly in front of the head
so that they are visible when the eyes glance upward.