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.

Explore the characteristics and origins of folk dance in Lesson 1. Learn about its expression through rhythmic movement, its role as a form of communication, and its connection to cultural traditions and rituals. Discover how folk dance evolves and is passed down from generation to generation.