PATHFIT 3 DANCE REVIEWER - Philippine Dances (Islands, Groups, and Implements)

Vocabulary flashcards covering dance elements, Philippine dances by region and group, and related dance concepts.

Dance

Body movement with rhythmic pattern or music.

Body

The human body is what others see when they look at dance.

Action

Movement involved in the act of dancing.

Non-locomotor (axial) movement

Movement that occurs in one spot, such as bend, stretch, swing, rise, fall, shake, turn, rock, tip, suspend, and twist.

Locomotor movement

Movement that travels through space, such as run, jump, walk, slide, hop, skip, somersault, leap, crawl, gallop, and roll.

Space

The area where the action of dance takes place; dance moves through space.

Time

The rhythm, tempo, and duration of movements.

Energy

The force or quality of movement (sharp, smooth, light, heavy, strong, gentle).

Rituals and Dances

Influences from Hindu, Arabic, and Malay rituals that shape dances.

Babaylan

Healer/fate doctors and the early dancers in Filipino culture.

Lafluence dance

Spanish-influenced dance example listed under Spaniards’ influence.

Pamaypay

A dance associated with Spanish influence (listed among examples).

Americans – Ballroom dances

American influence introducing ballroom dancing.

Contemporary Dance

Modern forms of dance; can include street dancing; varies by culture (sacred elsewhere, exercise in Europe).

Philippine DANCE

Dance in the Philippines reflecting Filipinos’ lives, religion, rituals, and imitation of things.

Traditional Dances vs Folk Dance

Traditional are older, culturally rooted; folk dances have their own timeline and community origins.

Island Dances in the Philippines

Dances from various Philippine islands, with distinct regional styles.

Cordillera Dances

Dances from the Cordillera region (Highlands of Luzon).

Bibakiig

A victory dance performed after headhunting or successful battles; shows bravery and strength.

Bontoc – Mangayaw

A war dance before or after headhunting expeditions; movements imitate warriors preparing for battle.

Ifugao – Uyauy

A festival or social dance performed at weddings and big feasts; expresses wealth, prestige, and unity.

Benguet – Bendian

A circle dance performed during community celebrations; the circle symbolizes unity.

Apayao – Pingpingaw

A courtship dance where men and women express love and affection.

Kalinga – Ragragsakan

Means ‘merrymaking’; women balance baskets or jars on their heads, imitating welcoming warriors.

Itneg – Idudu

A family dance showing division of labor (father plows, mother cares for children, older siblings help).

Ilongot – Tagem

A headhunting dance symbolizing bravery and manhood of the warriors.

Gaddang – Bumbuak

A war dance where warriors carry shields and spears; performed in rituals before battles.

Mangyan – Tarok Bakal

A courtship dance showing playful teasing and affection between young men and women.

Palawanun – Pagdidiwata

A ritual dance to honor diwata (spirits/deities) during healing and thanksgiving ceremonies.

Maranao – Singkil

A royal dance depicting a princess avoiding clashing bamboo poles; symbolizes resilience.

Maguindanao – Sagayan

A war dance with warriors wearing colorful costumes, shields, and swords; invokes ancestral spirits.

Yakan – Pindulas

A courtship dance where men show agility to win the admiration of women.

Samal – Maglangka

A dance of royalty showing grace and nobility.

Tausug – Pangalay

The traditional fingernail/hand-and-arm dance; graceful gestures; common at weddings.

Jama Mapun – Lunsay

A fishing ritual dance, symbolizing gratitude for a good catch and safe journeys at sea.

Badjao – Tawte-tawte

A comic dance mimicking monkeys’ playful movements; performed at festive gatherings.

Bukidnon – Dugso

A thanksgiving ritual dance by priestesses to honor spirits during harvest or healing ceremonies.

Manobo – Pig-agawan

A playful tug-of-war dance symbolizing struggle, unity, and cooperation.

Mandaya – Kinabuwa

A ritual dance imitating birds, intended to drive away evil spirits.

Mansaka – Pagtanun

A courtship dance where a man expresses affection toward a woman.

Subanon – Buklug

A ceremonial dance on a raised platform as thanksgiving to spirits.

T’boli – Kadal Blelah

A mimetic dance of birds in flight, symbolizing freedom and nature.

Tagakaulo – Udol

A ritual dance for healing and thanksgiving, marked by rhythmic stamping.

Talaingod – Pandamggo

A shamanic dream dance believed to connect with spirits for guidance.

Local Dances with Foreign Steps: Jota Moncadeña

A lively adaptation of the Spanish jota with bamboo castanets.

Mindoro – Pandanggo sa Ilaw

A balancing dance with lighted lamps on the head and hands.

Los Bailes de Ayer

Spanish-inspired dances performed at fiestas (Dances of the Past).

Pangasinan – Valse Vieja

“Old Waltz,” a traditional Spanish-style waltz for social gatherings.

Rice Festival

Occupational dance celebrating planting and harvesting; steps imitate farm activities.

Itik-itik

An imitation dance of duck movements (waddling, wing-flapping).

Ilocos Sur – Kalapati

A courtship dance imitating doves; symbolizes love and fidelity.

Pantomina

“Dance of the Doves”; wedding dance imitating doves’ affectionate movements.

Laguna – Maglalatik

A mock battle dance using coconut shells to depict clashes.

Pangasinan – Binasuan

A balancing dance with glasses of rice wine on head and hands.

Batangas – Subli

A devotional dance honoring the Holy Cross, performed with hats and chanting.

Leyte – Tinikling

A famous bamboo dance; dancers step between moving bamboo poles.