Philippine Folk Dance: Classifications & Costumes

What is Dance?

  • a form of expression of oneself through rhythmic movement

What is Folk Dance?

  • oldest form of dance and earliest form of communication

  • traditional dance of a country; evolves from everyday activities (occupations, rituals, customs, festivals)

  • handed down from generation to generation

  • movements have a fixed pattern but may vary by region

5 Major Classifications of Philippine Folk Dances

  • Cordillera Dances

  • Spanish Influenced Dances

  • Muslim Dances

  • Tribal Dances

  • Rural Dances

Cordillera Dances

  • reflect rituals celebrating daily life (harvest, health, peace, war)

  • from Cordillera groups: Bontoc, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayo, Kalinga

  • traditional elements: gongs and ganas

  • long history before Spanish contact

Spanish Influenced Dances

  • reflect Christianity and European art and culture

  • Filipino adaptations of European dances (jotas, fandangos, mazurkas, waltzes)

  • performed by aristocrats; rondalla music

  • examples include Habanera and Jota

Muslim Dances

  • influenced by Malay, Javanese, and Middle Eastern traders

  • themes of mysticism, royalty, beauty

  • intricate hand and arm movements; shimmering costumes

  • examples: Tausug pangalay; Maranao singkil

Tribal Dances

  • ethnic minority dances (T vs Bol i, Manobo, Bagobo, etc.)

  • craftsmanship in metal, clothing, and jewelry

  • reflect rituals, animals, belief in spirits and shamans, nature

  • use animal sounds, human singing, indigenous materials

Rural Dances

  • reflect simple barrio life; depict common work and daily activities

  • convey gaiety, laughter; performed in fiestas to honor patron saints

  • emphasize harvest, health, perseverance; use indigenous materials, clapping, rondalla, percussion

  • examples: Saut sa Rarug, Maglalatik, Oasioas

COSTUMES IN PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE

Typical Spanish Elite

  • Female: Maria Clara

  • Male: Barong Tagalog & Black Pants

Rural (Tagalog)

  • Female: Balintawak with soft panuelo and tapis

  • Male: Camisa de Chino and trousers in different colors

Rural (Visayan)

  • Female: Kimona and Patadyong with soft kerchief

  • Male: Barong or Camisa de Chino and trousers of any color

Cordillera/Tribal

  • Male: bahag (G-string), short jacket, shoulder band, feathered head dresses

  • Female: hinabi na tela (hablon); beads as accessories

Muslim

  • Sigpit or Sablay, patadyong, Malong pants

Rural (Ilocano)

  • Female: Cham bra (Chambra) blouse

  • Siesgo: A-line skirt

References

  1. Catacutan, Allen. Fundamentals in Philippine Folk Dance + Filipino Cultural Communities. 5 October 2010.

  1. Philippine Folk Dance Society, Cultural Center of the Philippines. A Classic Collection of Philippine Folk Dances Series III, 28th National Folk Dance Workshop. 19 - 23 May 2008