Philippine Traditional Dances and Their Significance

Folk Dance

Traditional communal dancing handed down through generations, expressing a country's cultural ideals and identity.

Elements of Dance

Body, action, space, time, and energy are fundamental components of dance.

Choreography

The art of determining how dancers will move in a performance.

Direction

The line of movement taken, such as forward, backward, sideward, diagonal, upward, or a combination.

Level

The height at which movement is performed, whether high, low, or medium.

Range

The area covered as the body moves during a dance.

Floor Pattern

The path or design created while moving through space during a dance.

Folkdance Purpose

Includes expression of prayer, ritual, superstition, ceremony, social pleasure, entertainment, and art.

Philippine Folk Dance History

Reflects the country's diverse customs and traditions, influenced by foreign cultures like the Spaniards and Europeans.

Christian Filipino Dances

Influenced by Western culture, particularly by the Spaniards and Europeans.

Non-Christian Filipino Dances

Not affected by Western culture, preserving customs, traditions, religious beliefs, and cultural identity.

Cordillera Groups Dances

Include dances from Bontoc, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayao, Kalingga, Ilonggot, Etneg, and Gaddang.

Western-Influenced Dances

Examples are Pandanggo, Habanera, Lanceros, Rigodon de Honor, Balse Rizal, Jota, Mazurka, Paseo, Kuratsa, and Polka.

Muslim Groups Dances

Include Maranao, Maguindanao, Badjao, Yakan, Samal, Jama-Mapon, and Tausug dances.

Tribal or Indigenous Group Dances

Include dances from Bagobo, Manobo, Talaingod, Tagakaulo, Mansaka, Mandaya, T'boli, B'laan, Bukidnon, Tiruray, and Subanon.

Countryside Dances

Feature occupational dances like Pagtatanim, Pag-aani, Pagbabayo, Pagtatahip, and Pabirik in Camarines Norte.

Imitative Dances

Include Itik-Itik, Kalapati, Tinolabong, Makonggo, and Ingkoy-Ingkoy.

Courtship/Wedding Dances

Include Pantomina, Sayaw sa Pag-Ibig, Maskota, and Pandang-Pandang.

Dances with Implements

Include Maglalatik, Binoyugan, Sayaw sa Bangko, Binasuan, Salakot, Subli, and Tinikling.

Nature of Philippines Folkdances

Categorized into occupational, religious or ceremonial, comic, wedding, game, courtship, festival, and war dances.