Dance Terms used in Philippine Folk Dance

Vocabulary flashcards covering key Philippine folk dance terms and their definitions.

Abracete

Girl on the right side holds her partner's right arm in her left hand while lowering her free hands to the sides. Spanish origin; used in Rigodon.

Arms in Lateral Position

Arms extended to one side (sideward) at the waist, shoulder, or chest level.

Arms in Reverse T position

Arms are side by side with elbows bowed at right angles, lower arms aligned with the head, palms forward.

Bilao

Alternately raise and lower the hands with elbows kept close to the waist at waist level.

Brush

With weight on one foot, strike the floor with the other foot's ball or heel, then lift that foot in any direction.

Cabeceras

Head couples occupying the width of the hall when forming a square; term from Spain.

Clockwise

Movement direction similar to clock hands; right shoulder toward the focal point, development toward the left when facing focus.

Counterclockwise

Opposite of clockwise; left shoulder toward the focal point, development toward the right when facing focus.

Costados

Side pairs; couples lining the length of the hall when forming a square; term from Spain.

Crossed arms

Partners face each other or stand side by side; girl to the boy's right; join right and left hands (right over left or left over right).

Cross-Over

Two opposite couples move to the opposite location in a straight line; the girl passes the boy between their left shoulders; couples switch spots.

Cut

Displace rapidly one foot with the other, lifting the body's heaviness from the initial foot.

Do-Si-Do

Vis-a-vis move forward, pass on the right or left, cross to the right or left, then backward to proper positions.

Draw

Pull one foot along the floor toward the other foot that bears the weight.

Free Foot

The foot not bearing the body's weight.

Free Hand

The hand not placed or not doing anything.

Hand on Waist

Fingers point rearward and knuckles are at the waistline, the smallest part of the trunk.

Hapay

To flourish or offer a handkerchief, hat, or glass of wine as a sign of invitation.

Hayon

Forearm in front of the body and the other behind the waist; term from Visayas.

Hop

A spring when one foot hits the other foot, in the same location or in any direction.

Inside Foot

The partner's foot that is closest to the ground when standing side by side.

Inside Hand

The hand closest to one's partner when standing side by side.

Jaleo

Partners turn clockwise with the right elbows nearly touching or counterclockwise with the left elbows nearly touching; hands near midribs; Spanish origin.

Jump

Spring with one or both feet; land in any direction on either foot.

Kumintang

Moving the hand from the wrist in a clockwise or counterclockwise course; term used by Ilocano.

Leap

A spring from one foot to the other in any direction.

Masiwak

Raise and lower the wrist once or twice while turning the hand halfway clockwise; used by Ibanag.

Outside Foot

When standing side by side, one partner's foot is away from the other.

Outside Hand

When standing side by side, the hand away from the partner.

Place

To place the foot in a particular position with the sole resting flat on the ground.

Point

With weight on one foot, lightly touch with the toes.

Saludo

Partner bows to the audience, opposite dancers, neighbor, or the audience.

Sarok

Right or left foot crosses in front of the other; body bent forward; hands crossed in front with the other hand covering.

Set

A unit of two or more pairs or a dance formation like a quadrille.

Stamp

Place one's foot forcefully and loudly on the floor.

Star with the Right Hand

At least four individuals join right hands in the middle and circle clockwise.

Star with the Left Hand

Join left hands in a clockwise direction.

Step

Progress or move by raising and moving one foot to another resting place; weight transfers fully.

Tap

Lightly tap the ball or toe while bearing weight; weight does not shift.