Philippine Traditional Dances - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, concepts, and specific Philippine traditional dances and classifications from the lecture notes.

DANCE

An art performed by individuals or groups in time and space, with the human body as the instrument and movement as the medium (as described by Richard Krauss).

Use of the human body

The body is the primary instrument in dance; movement is expressed through the body.

Extends through time

Dance exists and unfolds over a period of time.

Exist in space

Dance occurs within a defined physical area or stage space.

Accompanied by rhythm

Dance movements are coordinated to a beat or tempo.

Serves to communicate

Dance conveys feelings, ideas, or messages to an audience.

Has movement and style

Dance features distinctive movements and a recognizable stylistic expression.

Ballet

A formal, theatre-based dance form with classical technique and often pointe work.

Modern Dance

A 20th-century dance form emphasizing expressive, experimentation and individual movement vocabulary.

Classical Dance

Traditional, often courtly dances with established technique and repertoire.

Ethnic Dance

Dances that reflect the cultural heritage of specific ethnic groups.

Folk Dance

Dances that originate from and are performed by communities, passed down generations.

Ballroom Dance

Social partner dances typically performed in pairs, for social or competitive settings.

Exercise Dance

Dance forms primarily focused on fitness and health.

Dance Drama

A dance form that combines narrative, acting, and movement.

Allied Movement Form

Movement-based forms related to dance, sharing techniques or goals.

Street Dance

Urban, contemporary dances developed in public spaces and youth culture.

Interpretative dance

Dance aiming to interpret music, themes, or emotions artistically.

Carinosa

A Philippine dance of Hispanic origin from the Maria Clara suite; features a fan or handkerchief and a romantic mood.

Idaw

A traditional hunt-themed dance depicting the hunting ritual; often minimal clothing due to hot climate; various names/versions.

Banga

Igorot woman’s dance of carrying heavy clay pots (banga) to demonstrate balance, strength, and grace.

Binasuan

Dancers balance three half-filled glasses of rice wine on their heads and hands, often performed in Bayambang, Pangasinan.

Maglalatik

Mock-war dance from Biñan, Laguna; features latik (coconut meat) imagery and a fight between Moros and Christians.

Sayaw sa Bangko

Dance performed on a narrow bench (about six inches wide), native to Pangasinan.

Sakuting

Ilokano Christmas dance of mock combat with sticks; shows Chinese influence and festive context.

Tinikling

National folk dance of the Philippines; dancers hop between two moving bamboo poles, imitating tikling birds.

Mazurka Boholana

Spanish-inspired mazurka from Bohol; a ballroom/partner dance with European roots.

Polkabal

Polka-like dance with nine steps and various movements, including bullfight reenactment; shows European influence.

Singkil

Mindanao/Maranao epic-inspired dance with bells on the ankles; navigates criss-crossed bamboo as depicted in the Darangan epic.

KiniKini (Kinikini)

Royal Walk; Maranao women perform with scarves, highlighting elite social upbringing.

Pangalay

Dance of the Badjao (Sea Gypsies); emphasizes upper-body agility with shoulder and arm movements, common at weddings.

Asik

Solo dance where a maiden performs to win the favor of a sultan or master; elaborate attire and expressive gesture.

Cordillera dances

Dances from the Cordillera region in North Luzon, reflecting highland culture.

Muslim dance

Dances associated with Muslim communities in the southern Philippines (Mindanao region).

Maria Clara dance

Dances reflecting Central Visayas’ Maria Clara theme or esthetic rooted in colonial-era social dances.

Rural dance

Dances from barangays or rural communities, often depicting everyday life.

Basilio Esteban S. Villaruz

Philippine dance scholar; outlines four general categories of Philippine dances: propitiating spirits, animal-life imitation, socializing/celebrating, and inherited from colonial masters.

National Dances

Traditional dances performed across the Philippines with common basic movements, but with regional variations.

Local or Regional dances

Dances found in specific localities or regions rather than nationwide.

Occupational dances

Dances that depict movements of a particular industry or labor activity.

Religious or ceremonial dances

Dances performed in connection with spiritual vows, ceremonies, or rites.

Game dances

Dances that incorporate play components or competitive elements.

Wedding dances

Dances performed during nuptial celebrations.

Courtship dances

Dances illustrating a man expressing love or courtship.

Festival dances

Dances performed for special occasions or social gatherings.

War dances

Dances depicting imagery of combat or duels.

Comic Dances

Dances featuring humorous and entertaining movement.

Social Dances

Dances performed during social gatherings and community events.

Saludo

A bow or greeting performed at the start and end of Filipino dances.