The National

Artist in the
Philippines for
Dance
Members:
Diasanta, Cesar
Aro, Ashley
Dela pena
Graellos, Mary joy
Matullano, Jezza Mae
Rondina, Faye Rezzele
 Dance in the Philippines
• Dance scholar B.E.S. Villaruz explains
that the diversity of Philippine
dances, seen in their varying
dynamics and forms, stems from the
diverse contexts and experiences of
the people, with movement and
choreography shaped by the different
environments across the archipelago.
”manifested in different dynamics and
 Dance in the Philippines
• Tinikling is one of the oldest
dances in the Philippines, inspired
by the movements of the tinikling
bird as it steps on grass stems and
breaks branches. Dancers
gracefully skip between two
bamboo poles, avoiding getting
their feet caught. Other well-
known dances include Binasuan,
 Dance in the Philippines

• The Cariñosa, a popular dance in

the Philippines, comes from the
Spanish word meaning “the loving
or affectionate one.” This courtship
dance, believed to have Hispanic
roots, is closely associated with
the Panay islands in the Visayas
 Dance in the Philippines

• Mindanao, home to most of the

country’s Muslims, is known for its
spirituality, royalty, and splendor,
reflected in its dances. Muslim
dances feature vibrant costumes
and precise, regal movements.
Popular dances include the
NATIONAL ARTICE FOR DANCE
 Francisca Reyes-Aquino
• Fondly called the
“Mother of Philippine
Dancing,” Francisca
Reyes-Aquino lived a
life dedicated to
preserving Filipino
heritage through
studying and
teaching folk dances.
Reyes-Aquino is the
first National Artist
• Francisca R. Aquino (1899-1983), a pioneer
of Filipino folk dances, was the first Filipina
awarded the Order of National Artists for
Dance in 1973. In the 1920s, she conducted
extensive research on Filipino dances in
remote areas of Luzon. Her 1926 thesis,
“Philippine Folk Dances and Games,”
became a key resource for educators and
students. Aquino also received numerous
awards, including the Republic Award of
Merit from President Ramon Magsaysay
and a Cultural Award from United Nations
 Contribution
Extensive Research: Documented traditional
dances, songs, and games across the
Philippines.
“Philippine Folk Dances and Games” (1926):
Groundbreaking thesis on local celebrations
and rituals.
Popularization of Folk Dances: Introduced
dances like tinikling and maglalatik into
Philippine dance education.
 Works
“Philippine Folk Dances and Games” (1926):
Foundational text on Philippine folk dances
and games.
“Philippine National Dances” (1946):
Collection of regional dances.
“Gymnastics for Girls” (1947): Integrated
folk dance into physical education.
• “Fundamental Dance Steps and Music”
(1948): Guide to basic dance steps and
 Leonor O. Goquingco
• Known as
“Trailblazer”
, “Mother of
Philippine
Theater
Dance” and
“Dean of
Filipino
Performing
Arts Critics”
• Leonor O. Goquingco (1917-2005), also
known as Cristina Luna, was a National
Artist for Dance, recognized as the
Trailblazer, Mother of Philippine Theater
Dance, and Dean of Filipino Performing Arts
Critics. Talented in multiple fields, she
pioneered the fusion of folk dance and ballet.
Her notable works include The Firebirds,
The Clowns, and Noli Dance Suite. In 1960,
she produced Filipinescas: Philippine Life,
Legend and Lore in Dance, inspired by
 Contribution
Blending Folk and Modern Dance: Merged
Philippine folk dance with Western
techniques to create a unique style.
Innovative Choreography: Explored Filipino
themes, history, and mythology, expanding
dance expression.
“Filipiniana Dance Suite” (1958): A
collection of dances representing various
aspects of Philippine life, defining her style.
• Critical Analysis: Advocated for Philippine
 Works
Trend: Return to Native" (1950):
Explored Filipino themes and aesthetics.
"In a Javanese Garden" (1951):
Drew inspiration from Javanese culture.
"Sports" (1953): Incorporated
elements of Philippine sports.
"Vinta!" (1954): Celebrated Filipino
sailing traditions.
 Ramon Obusan
• Obusan is credited for
his work in promoting
Philippine traditional
dance and cultural
work. He is also an
acclaimed archivist,
researcher and
documentary
filmmaker who
focused on Philippine
culture. He also
• Ramon Obusan (1938-2006) was a
National Artist for Dance, recognized
for his work as a dancer,
choreographer, stage designer, and
artistic director. In 1972, he founded
the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group
(ROFG), a dance company showcasing
Filipino culture through dance and
music. The ROFG performed rituals
and dance productions from various
 Contribution
Archivist and Researcher: Documented
and preserved traditional dances for
future generations.
Choreographer and Artistic Director:
Founded the Ramon Obusan Folkloric
Group in 1972, blending traditional and
innovative dance elements.
Stage Designer and Filmmaker:
Designed sets and created
documentaries on Philippine dance.
 Notable works
“Vamos a Belen!” Series (1998-2004):
Celebrated Christmas with “pastores”
performances.
“Noon Po Sa Amin”: A historical tableau
through song, drama, and dance.
“Obra Maestra”: A collection of
Obusan’s dance masterpieces.
• “Unpublished Dances of the
Philippines, Series I-IV”: Documented
 Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula
• She was the
founding
director of the
Bayanihan
Philippine
National Folk
Dance Company
and was named
National Artist
of the
Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula (1929-1999),
conferred as a National Artist for
Dance in 1988, was the dance
director of the Bayanihan Philippine
National Folk Dance Company, the
oldest dance company in the
country. She choreographed
creative dances inspired by her
extensive research on cultural
dances. Some of her most notable
 Contribution
Founding Bayanihan: Her passion grew while
working with Francisca Reyes-Aquino,
leading her to establish the Bayanihan
Philippine National Folk Dance Company in
1957, where she became the founding
director.

Theatrical Transformation: Reyes-Urtula

adapted folk dances for the modern stage,
turning traditional performances into
acclaimed theatrical art.
 W o rk s :

Singkil”: A Maranao epic dance featuring

intricate movements.
“Vinta”: Celebrates Filipino sailing traditions
with graceful motions.
“Tagabili”: Depicts tribal conflict through
intense dance.
“Pagdiwata”: Condenses a harvest festival
into a vibrant six-minute performance.
• “Salid Sid”: Showcases the elegant
movements of a mountain wedding dance.
 Alice Reyes
Ballet Philippines
(BP) is a ballet
company in the
Philippines founded
in 1969 by Alice
Reyes with the
support of Eddie
Elejar and the
Cultural Center of
Alice Reyes (1942-), conferred as a
National Artist for Dance in 2014, founded
Ballet Philippines, the country’s leading
ballet company. Trained abroad, she
received grants from the John D.
Rockefeller III Foundation and the Music
Promotion Foundation of the Philippines.
Reyes choreographed well-known
productions like Cinderella, Romeo and
Juliet, and Filipino works such as Amada,
Itim-Asu, and Bayanihan Remembered. Her
 Contribution
Founder of Ballet Philippines:
Established in 1969, crucial in
advancing contemporary dance in the
Philippines.
Choreographer and Artistic Director:
Created works blending Filipino themes
with modern dance techniques.
• Teacher and Mentor: Trained and
inspired new generations of Filipino
dancers and choreographers.
 Notable works
“Amada” (1969): Merged traditional
Filipino elements with modern dance.
“I Tim-Asu” (1971): Explored Filipino
mythology through dance.
“Tales of the Manuvu” (1977):
Highlighted the cultural heritage of the
Manuvu people.
“Rama Hari” (1980): A contemporary
take on the Ramayana epic.
• “Bayanihan Remembered" (1987):
 Significance of Dance
The works of the National Artists for
Dance highlight our rich cultural
heritage. Francisca R. Aquino
documented and preserved various
dance forms, while the dance groups of
Ramon Obusan, Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula,
and Alice Reyes stand as living
monuments to our diverse dance
traditions. Dance, like in other