Traditional Dances in the Philippines

Pre-Colonial Period

Indigenous dances developed from rituals, livelihoods, courtship, and community life.

Spanish Colonial Period

Spanish and other European influences blended with existing local traditions.

American Colonial Period

School-based physical education and systematic folk-dance research expanded.

Francisca Reyes-Aquino

Mother of Philippine Folk Dance.

Postwar Period

Cultural groups and dance companies helped promote Philippine folk dance nationally and internationally.

Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company

Oldest and official National Folk Dance Company of the Philippines.

Contemporary Period

Education, research, festivals, and cultural performances continue to preserve and develop folk dance.

Cordillera Groups

Composed of the Bontocs, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayao, Kalinga, Itneg, Ilonggot and Gaddang (BIBAKIIG).

Cordillera Groups

Each group has its own unique customs and traditions reflected in their dance. Most of the dances are reflections of daily living.

Ganza

Metal gongs used, along with other percussive instruments, to accompany their dances during rituals, festivities and other social gatherings.

Banga

Means pots. It is a contemporary performance of Kalingas of the Mountain Province in the Philippines. This dance illustrates the languid grace of a tribe otherwise known as fierce warriors.

Bendyan

This circle dance of the Benguets of Mountain Province is restaged, keeping true to the dance's context and meaning. Long known as a dance to celebrate the arrival of successful headhunters.

Ragragsakan

. It also portarys the Kalinga tribal women as they balance basket atop of their head and walk carefully along the mountainous rice terraces to not wander of the path through the morning fog. Their bright and colorful handwoven fabric help to keep them warm.

Muslim

Found down in the southern part of the country. The ethnic groups are Maranao, Yakan, Badjao, Maguindanao, Samal, Tausug, and Java Mapun.

Muslim

Fingers are used to express feelings and emotions.

Malay and Indonesian influence

The Muslim dances are influenced by cultures due to the region's geographical setting.

Singkil

A Maranao dance derived from the sounds of the bell anklets worn by the Princess as she leaps in and out of the crisscrossed bamboo poles.

Mag-asik

Another important character in Singkil. Her significant accessory is a silk umbrella embellished with traditional Maranao embroidery patterns and adorned with either old coin dangles or tassels.

Janggay

A Tausug female dance using extended fingernails.

Sua-ku-sua

A fan dance from Jolo, Sulu of the Tausug Tribe with an influence of Chinese movements, meaning "my pomelo tree."

Dances of the Ethnic or Lesser-Known Groups

Dances that reflect rituals and animals, and belief in "spirits" and shamans. Also known as Ethnic nature, or "anito" dances.

Lumads

Show intricate craftsmanship in metal, clothing, and jewelry.

Kadal Tahu

A traditional dance from the T'boli tribe, from Lake Cebu in the South Cotabato province. This dramatic dance is performed during their planting and harvesting seasons and depicts the movements of an injured bird among its flock.

Binanog

A Manobo hawk dance. A courtship dance that imitates the movement of the "banog," or "hawk."

Binaylan

A typical dance of the Higaonons depicting a mother hen and her chicks being attacked by a ferocious hawk. Three hunters save the hen from the clutches of the "Banog," or hawk.

Western-Influenced

Philippine folk dances are traditional dances that developed through the influence of foreign cultures, particularly Spanish and other European traditions, during the colonial period.

La Jota Moncadeña

A festive dance from Moncada, Tarlac, which was originally danced during a funeral procession in the early times.

Jota

Performed during fiestas and usually by the elite.

Pandanggo

A lively Spanish dance done to slow-to-quick music. It is usually performed for merrymaking and entertainment.

Pandanggo sa Ilaw

Oil lamps in hands.

Valse

A Philippine folk dance influenced by the European waltz, which became popular during the Spanish colonial period.

Cariñosa

The famous National Dance of the Philippines, depicting the character of the Filipina maiden's modesty and humility. Men use a handkerchief and women use a fan.

Habanera

A piece of music named after Havana in Cuba. Most of these dances come from the Pangasinan and Ilocos regions.

Habanera Botolena

A colorful couple dance from Botolan, Zambales, performed during in the earlier days in honor of a departing priest, and later became a dance performed during social gatherings in Botolan, Zambales.

Dances of the Countryside

Dances that typically characterize the nature and kind of work of the people. They are commonly performed by an ordinary group of the people depicting daily activities.

Maglalatik

Originated in Biñan, Laguna. The subject matter of this dance is open combat between Christian and Muslim soldiers over "latik," or coconut residue. What is unique is that no sword or dummy is used. Instead, each combatant has eight coconut shells tied to his body on the chest, behind the shoulders, above the knees, and on the hips. In addition, each combatant has a piece of shell in each hand.

Binasuan

Originated from Pangasinan. Meaning "with the use of drinking glasses," this vibrant dance shows off the balancing skill of the performers. Glasses filled with rice wine are placed on the head and on each hand, carefully maneuvered with graceful movements.

First position (arms)

Both arms raised in a circle in front of the chest, with fingertips about an inch apart.

Second position (arms)

Both arms raised sideward with a graceful curve at shoulder level.

Third position (arms)

One arm raised in front as in 2nd position, the other raised upward.

Fourth position (arms)

One arm raised in front as in 1st position, the other raised overhead.

Fifth position (arms)

Both arms raised overhead.

Feet positions

First position (feet)

Heels close together, toes apart at an angle of about 45 degrees.

Second position (feet)

Feet apart sideward, about a pace distance.

Third position (feet)

The heel of one foot close to the instep of the other foot.

Fourth position (feet)

One foot in front of the other, a pace apart.

Fifth position (feet)

The heel of the front foot close to the big toe of the rear foot.