Folk Dance: Characteristics and Origins

Philippine Folk Dances

• The main characteristic of Philippine folk dances is their emphasis on expressing the daily life and occupation of a particular region or community.
• Occupational dances depict actions of a particular occupation, such as farming, fishing, or mining.
• Hand movements in Philippine folk dances are significant, as they convey emotions, tell stories, and provide context to the dance.
• Dancers usually stand with a relaxed posture, with knees slightly bent and weight evenly distributed between both feet.

Types of Dances

• War dances are usually found in the mountainous regions of the Philippines, particularly in the Cordillera and Mindanao.
• Game dances are depicted as playful and entertaining, often mimicking activities such as fishing or catching ants.
• Courtship dances, such as the Rigodon, are performed to depict the art of courtship and are usually elegant and refined.
• Pantomina is a Bicolano folk dance that originated from the French word "pantomime", and is a dramatic and mimetic dance.

Regional Dances

• The Sinulog celebrations in Cebu City honor the Santo Nino (Child Jesus).
• The 'Maglalatik' is a mock war dance that depicts a fight over coconut meat, a highly-prized food.
• The 'Takiling Dance' is a Kalinga dance performed as part of a religious ritual to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.
• The 'KuratSa' is a dance traditionally performed in Leyte and Samar province, and is a type of war dance.
• The 'Pandanggo sa Ilaw' is a dance that depicts the movement of a person bitten by ants and originates from Ilocos Sur.

Festivals and Games

• The 'binaylan' festival dance recognizes gold mining in Paracale, Camarines Norte.
• The 'Sagayan' dance mimics fish catching and gathering, and is performed by the Cebuano people.
• The traditional Filipino game played during 'laro ng lahi' or recreational activities is called 'Luksung Baga'.

Ethnicity and Region

• The term 'ethnic group' or 'ethnicity' refers to a group of people who share a common identity, culture, and tradition, often associated with a particular region or geographic area.
• The Philippines is a country with a rich cultural diversity, with many ethnic groups and regions having their own unique folk dances and traditions.