Traditional Dance (Folk & Ethnic)
can be another term for ceremonial dance. The term ‘Traditional’ is more
frequently used when the emphasis is on the cultural roots of the dance. A Traditional
dance will therefore have arisen from a people’s cultural traditions (Ethnic Groups
Philippines, 2016).
Folk Dance - According to Marbella (2014), folk dancing is a form of social dancing that has
become part of the customs and traditions of people. Most folk dances developed among
people in villages and were passed on from generation to generation in a particular
region. In many of these dances, group of dancers from such basic pattern as a circle, line
or curved, moving the line called a chain.
Examples:
1. The Itik-Itik
the steps mimic the way a duck walks, as well as the way it splashes
water on its back to attract a mate. According to popular tradition, the
dance was created by a lady named Kanang who choreographed the steps
while dancing at a baptismal party. The other guests copied her
movements, and everyone liked the dance so much that it has been
passed along ever since.
2. The Tinikling
is considered by many to be the Philippines' national dance. The
dance's movements imitate the movement of the tikling bird as it walks
around through tall grass and between tree branches. People perform the
dance using bamboo poles. The dance is composed of three basic steps
which include singles, doubles and hops. It looks similar to playing jump
rope, except that the dancers perform the steps around and between the
bamboo poles, and the dance becomes faster until someone makes a
mistake and the next set of dancers takes a turn.
3. The Sayaw sa Bangko
is performed on top of a narrow bench. Dancers need good balance as
they go through a series of movements that include some impressive
acrobatics. This dance traces its root back to the areas of Lingayen and
Pangasinan.
4. The Binasuan
is an entertaining dance that is usually performed at festive social
occasions like weddings and birthdays. Dancers carefully balance three
half-filled glasses of rice wine on their heads and hands as they gracefully
spin and roll on the ground. The dance originated in Bayambang in the
Pangasinan province, and though it's usually performed alone, it can also
become a competition between several dancers.
5. The Pandanggo sa Ilaw
is similar to a Spanish Fandango, but the Pandanggo is performed
while balancing three oil lamps - one on the head, and one in each hand.
It's a lively dance that originated on Lubang Island. The music is in 3/4
time and is usually accompanied by castanets.
Ethnic Dance - is a dance formed originating from an ethnic culture that expresses the aesthetics of a
particular culture (Shistine, 2018).
- Ethnic dance is a term used to denote the general body of all dances of ethnic minorities in any
given nation. Such dances would include classical and contemporary (Satapathy, 2019).
Examples:
1. Binanog
A Typical Dance of the Talaandig tribe mimicking the movement of the
bird up in the air called "Bano”
2. Saut
A dance of male Talaanding tribe presenting their expertise in style
and arts in fighting their opponents or enemies with their ritual dances for
offering to their magbabaya (GOD).
3. Tinambol
A dance performed by male and female Talaandig for entertainment
and sometimes in their ritual dances for offering to their Magbabaya.
4. Talupak
A dance depicting the way and style in planting, harvesting and winnowing
palays. This is performing for public entertainment.
5. Dugso
Ritual dance performed by women during religious celebration, kaligaon.
Modern and Contemporary Dance
Modern Dance - is a style deprived of the restrictions of classical ballet that focuses on free interpretations
derived from inner emotions. Contemporary dance is a specific genre of concert dance that concerns non-
choreographic movements influenced by compositional philosophy.
Contemporary Dance – is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres
including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet.
Examples:
1. Ballet
Ballet is a theatrical dance that features highly formalized steps and
movements. It uses body movements, music, and stage scenery to speak
emotions, a story, an atmosphere, or a theme.
2. Ballet Burlesque
Ballet burlesque is a performance that combines the grace of ballet
with the sultry style of burlesque. Bella Ballerina, a UK-based company,
creates ballet burlesque performances that feature a variety of themes and
costumes.
3. Ballroom
Ballroom dancing is a partnership dance where couples, using step-
patterns, move rhythmically, expressing the characteristics of music.
Ballroom dancing consists of two styles: the Smooth, or Standard, and the
Rhythm, or Latin. The Smooth, Standard style focuses on the elegance,
grace and fluidity of movement.
4. Belly Dance
Some people consider the 'Oriental dance' to be a dance of seduction,
whilst others believe that belly dance originated as a fertility ritual.
Throughout Middle Eastern history, belly dance has been performed at
special celebrations and occasions like weddings, birth announcements,
and festivals.
5. Jazz
Jazz dance is a social dance style that emerged at the turn of the 20th
century when African American dancers began blending traditional African
steps with European styles of movement. Though Jazz dance was born
through intimate religious and social gatherings, it has always had a
performative feel.
Ballroom (Recreational & Competetive)
Recreational ballroom dancing - A fun and social activity that focuses on the joy of dancing. There's no real
structure or training, and dancers focus less on technique and form.
Competitive ballroom dancing - A more intense activity that requires more skills, discipline, and
commitment. Competitive ballroom dancing has rules and different styles that are decided by the World Dance
Council and the World Dance Sport Federation. Competitions have many events, each with a specific dance
style and skill level. Competitors perform one or more dances from a given division, and must perform
additional dances as they move up skill levels.
Examples:
1. Waltz
The waltz is a ballroom and folk dance that is performed in triple time
(3/4) and is characterized by a rise and fall action.
2. Tango
Tango is a ballroom dance, musical style, and song that originated in
the late 19th century in the port areas of Argentina and Uruguay.
3. Samba
Samba is a Brazilian dance that originated from African influences and is
characterized by a syncopated rhythm, a basic step pattern, and a dip and
spring at each beat.
4. Viennese Waltz
The Viennese waltz is a classic ballroom dance characterized by its fast
tempo, graceful turns, and elegant flow.
5. Quickstep
The quickstep is a light-hearted dance of the standard ballroom dances.
The movement of the dance is fast and powerfully flowing and sprinkled
with syncopations. The upbeat melodies that quickstep is danced to make it
suitable for both formal and informal events.
Cheer Dance
Cheer dance is a high-energy and spirited dance class that combines elements of dance, cheerleading, and
gymnastics. It focuses on sharp movements, jumps, stunts, and dynamic choreography.
Examples:
1. Diaggonal
A diagonal in cheerleading is a motion where one arm is extended in a high V shape
while the other arm is extended in a low V shape. The motion can be performed to the left
or right, depending on which arm is in the high V position. For example, if the right arm is
in the high V position, it's a right diagonal.
2. Punch
A punch in cheerdance is a motion where one arm is extended straight up while
the other is placed on the hip, with both hands in a fist. The arm in the air should be
close to the ear, with the fist flat across the top and a small circle facing
forward. The arm in the air determines whether the punch is a "right" or "left"
punch.
3. L motion
In cheerleading, the L motion is created by extending one arm in a high
touchdown and the other in a T. A low L motion is created by extending one
low touchdown arm and the other in a T.
4. Box
From the Elbows on the Table, just bring your arms up to make a frame around your
face. Make sure your arms are parallel to the floor. Muscles: From Box, bring your arms
to the side - like muscle arms.
5. Overhead clasp
In cheerdance, an overhead clasp is a motion where the arms are extended straight
above the head in a clasp.
Hip-hop/Street Dance
Hip hop dance is a style of street dance that evolved from hip hop culture and music. It borrows elements
from a number of different styles, including African dance, tap, and ballet.
Examples:
1. Popping
Popping is a hip hop dance style that involves the sudden contraction and
release of muscles to the beat of the music. It's also known as "hitting". Popping is
often performed in battles and cyphers, or incorporated into choreography.
2. Locking
Locking is a hip hop dance style that involves freezing in the middle of a
quick movement and holding the position for a moment before continuing. It's
characterized by large, exaggerated, and rhythmic arm and hand movements,
along with relaxed hips and legs. Locking is often performed to funk music, and
is known for its performance-oriented style, which can include audience
interaction.
3. Krumping
Krumping is a hip-hop dance style that is characterized by its aggressive,
energetic, and freestyle nature. It originated in the South Central
neighborhood of Los Angeles in the early 2000s. Krumping is often performed
in battles or sessions, rather than on a stage.
4. Liquid dance
Liquid dance is a hip hop dance style that is fluid, interpretive, and gestural, and is
often associated with rave culture. The name comes from the dancer's body and
appendages moving in a fluid-like motion, which creates the illusion that the body
is as movable as liquid.
5. Breakdancing
Breakdancing consists mainly of four kinds of movement—toprock,
downrock, power moves, and freezes—and is typically set to songs containing
drum breaks, especially in funk, soul, and hip-hop. Its modern dance
elements originated among the poor youth of New York during the early
1980s.
Festival Dance
A festival dance is a traditional dance performed by a community to celebrate a significant occasion, such as a
harvest or religious festival. Festival dances are a form of cultural expression that convey a community's values,
traditions, and identity. They are characterized by their vibrant nature, intricate choreography, colorful
costumes, and rhythmic music.
Examples:
1. Ati-Atihan festival dance
A dance performed at the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan, which
is one of the oldest festivals in the Philippines. The festival dates back
to the 13th century when the indigenous Ati people and Malay settlers
formed a friendship.
2. Sinulog Festival
A festival that features traditional processions and dances, street
parties, historical plays, and parades. The festival is centered around
the Santo Niño, and the dances and processions are a way for religious
devotees to seek blessings from the Santo Niño. The festival ends with
a final performance by the dance groups at the Cebu City Sports
Complex.
3. Dinagyang Festival
The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural festival held
annually in Iloilo City, Philippines. It's one of the largest festivals in the
country, attracting hundreds of thousands to over a million visitors
each year. The festival is known for its street performances, tribal
dancing, and devotion to Santo Niño, the Holy Child.
4. MassKara Festival
The MassKara Festival is a yearly celebration in Bacolod City,
Philippines that features colorful masks and costumes, street dancing,
live music, and a grand parade. The festival's name comes from the
Spanish word cara, which means "face", and the word mass, which
means "crowd". The festival's title literally translates to "many faces".
5. Kadayawan Festival
Kadayawan Festival is Davao Region's most popular and most
anticipated festival. It is celebrated annually in Davao City every
August. It serves as a thanksgiving event for the gift of nature, the
wealth of culture, and bounties of the harvest and serenity of living.
