FOLK DANCE

Folk/Ethnic Dance

These are cultural art forms handed down from generation to generation. It communicates the customs, beliefs, rituals, and occupations of the people of a region or country. Folk dancing belongs to the people. It emanates from them. Ethnic tribes have their specific tribal art forms originated and danced by the people of the tribe.

Folkdances

Are traditional dances of a country which were evolved naturally and spontaneously in connection with everyday activities and experiences of the people who developed them. Folk dancing is the heartbeat of the people.

Francisca Reyes Aquino

In 1924, she became the Mother of the Philippine Folk Dances, and awarded as a National Artist.

National Dances

are traditional dances throughout the Philippines with a common basic movement or pattern but with slight variations. Examples: Carinosa, Kuratsa, Balitaw, Rigodon, Pandanggo, Surtido.

Local Dances

are dances found in certain localities or regions only. Examples: Alcamfor (Leyte), Maglalatik (San Pablo, Laguna), Basulto (Pampanga).

Occupational Dances

are dances that depicts actions, characteristics, occupations, industries, and phrases of human labor.

Examples:

• Pabirik – a dance from Paracale, Camarines Norte that depicts the provice’s gold mining industry.

Religious/Ceremonial Dances

are 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.

Examples:

• Dugsu – a ceremonial dance among the Manobo people in Bukidnon, Agusan and Misamis Oriental

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Courtship Dances

are dances that depicts love-making or with a love theme.

Examples:

• Maramion – a dance showing courtship and is popular in the islands of Cebu and Bohol. It means fragrant or beautiful.

• Tadek – a Balbalan ethnic danc

e.

Wedding Dances

are 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:

• Panasahan – is performed during the desporio, a Catholic ceremony held at the dawn of the wedding day between 2 and 3 am.

Festival Dances

are performed in connections with the celebrations, a feast, barrio fiesta, good harvest, and good fortune.

Examples:

• Habanera – a genre of Cuban popular dance music of the 19th century

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War Dances

are intended to show imaginary combat or duel with the use of fighting implements like bolo, kris or spear.

Examples:

• Sagayan – a war dance performed by both the Maguindanao and Maranao, depicting in dramatic fashion

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Comic Dances

are dances with funny and humorous movements mainly intended for entertainment.

Examples:

• Makonggo – a comic dance which is cultured in Sta. Maria, Bulacan where a solo performer mimics the movements and characteristics of a monkey

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Game Dances

are dances that some play elements and are for recreational purposes.

Examples:

• Lubu-lubi – a ballroom folk dance in Bicol Region.

Social Dances

are dances during social gatherings.

Examples:Rigodon, Lanceros