Sublian Dance

Background of Sublian Dance:

  • Sublian is a religious folk dance of the Tagalog ethno-linguistic group in the Philippines.

  • It is mostly performed in Batangas during town and barrio fiestas in May.

  • It is a ceremonial worship dance in honor of the Holy Cross (Mahal na Poong Santa Cruz).

  • Origin: Around 300 years ago in Dingin, Alitagtag, Batangas.

  • The term “Subli” comes from:

    • "Subsub" (stooped/crouching position).

    • "Bali" (broken), describing the bent and crooked posture of male dancers.

Basic Dance Steps and Terms:

Footwork Movements:

  • Mincing Step

  • Change Step

  • Hop Step

Arms/Hand Movements:

  • Kumintang

  • Hayon-Hayon

  • Salok

Directions and Movements:

  • Right, Left, Center

  • Clockwise, Counterclockwise

  • Forward, Backward

  • Turn, Pivot Turn

  • Chasing, Sway, Drive

Costume:

  • Girls: Balintawak costume (with tapis and panyo) and a buri hat.

  • Boys: Barong Tagalog and red trousers, holding bamboo castanets.

  • Both: Dance barefoot.