Folk Dances

Abaruray

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Quezon Pronounciation: (ah-bah-ROOH-rahy)

The name of this dance came from a contraction of the words Aba and Ruray. Such dance is performed by the girls who balances the glass of wine on their head from which the young man drinks.

Alcamfor

Type: Muslim Dance Origin: Leyte Pronounciation: (ahl-kahm-FOHR)

This is a couple’s dance in which the girl holds a handkerchief laced with camphor oil, a substance that supposedly induces romance.

Aray

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Ermita, Manila Pronounciation: (ah-RAHY)

The Aray is a Filipino form of the Spanish jota accompanied by sprightly steps. The dance, itself, is flirtatious and involves the graceful use of tambourines by women.

Asik

Type: Muslim Dance Origin: Lanao del Sur Pronounciation: (ah-SIHK)

A Bagobo Festival dance wherein the girl wears long metal fingernails while holding an umbrella and posing in doll-like motions.

Bagobo Rice Cycle

Type: Tribal Dance Origin: Davao del Norte

A tribal dance from the Bagobo Tribe which portrays the cycle of planting and harvesting of rice.

Balse

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Rizal Pronounciation: (BAHL-seh)

Derived from the Spanish word "valse," that means waltz, the dance was popular in Marikina and Rizal province during the Spanish times. Balse was performed after the Lutrina - a religious procession, and the music that accompanied the dancers was played by the musikong bungbong or musicians using instruments made of bamboo.

Banog

Type: Cordillera Dance Origin: Ifugao

This dance depicts hunters protecting their hen and chicks in Binaylan from a hungry hawk. The hunters trap the hawk and kill it in the end.

Bendayan

Type: Cordillera Dance Origin: Benguet

This is a circle dance, which is being performed to celebrate the arrival of successful headhunters. It is also popularly known as Bendian.

Binaylan

Type: Tribal Dance Origin: Agusan Pronounciation: (bih-NYE-lahn)

This is a ritual dance, which originated from the Bagobo tribe living in the central uplands of Mindanao, imitating the movements of a hen, her banog or baby chicks, and a hawk. The hawk is sacred and is believed that it has the power over the well being of the tribe. The hawk tries to capture one of the baby chicks and is killed by the hunters.

Danza

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Cuba

A folk dance originated from Cuba that became popular in the late 19th century. It is also known as habanera or danza habanera which is a social dance and performed either in a ballroom or on a stage and makes use of Afro-Cuban rhythms.

Dinuyya

Type: Cordillera Dance Origin: Ifugao Pronounciation: (dih-NOOH-yah)

This is a festival dance from Lagawe. It is performed by the Ifugao men and women during a major feast. Accompanying the dance are three gangsa or gongs: the tobtob, a brass gong about ten inches in diameter and played by beating with open palms, and the various hibat or gongs played by beating the inner surface with a stick of softwood.

Dugso

Type: Tribal Dance Origin: Bukidnon Pronounciation: (DOOHG-soh)

A thanksgiving dance from the Talaindig Tribe.

Gayong Gayong

Type: Muslim Dance Origin: Aklan, Capiz

In rural gatherings, this dance offers much fun. Gayong is a pet name for Leodegario. According to the legend and to the words of the song, Gayong and Masiong (pet name for Dalmacio) once attended a feast commemorating the death of a townsman. While eating, Masiong choked on a piece of Adobo so he called, "Gayong! Gayong!" to ask for help to dislodge a bone from the Adobo meal from his throat. In this dance, Masiong's liking for feasts and the consequence of his voracity are held up to playful ridicule

Habanera Jovencita Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Zambales Pronounciation: (ah-bahn-NYER-rah deh hoh-vehn-SEEHtah)

A graceful and beautiful habanera dance usually performed at a women's debut or wedding. Jovencita means "young lady" in Spanish.

Itik-Itik

Type: Rural Folks Origin: Surigao del Norte Pronounciation: (EEH-tihk-EEH-tihk)

This dance is performed at a baptismal party held in the province of Surigao del Norte. Such dance improvises the movements and steps that is typical of how an itik or the duck acts and walks.

Jota Cagayana

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Cagayan

This dance originated from Spain and found its way into many places in the islands. Although it is “Filipinized” in many ways, Jota Cagayana still displays the fire and fury of its European origin. It is performed by the Ibanags situated in the Cagayan Valley. The steps are similar to that of the famous European dance steps such as the mazurka, polka, gallop and waltz.

Jota Isabela

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Isabela

An Ilocano dance performed by Ilocano settlers of the woodlands of old Isabela.

Jota Paragua

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Palawan Pronounciation: (pah-RAHG-wah)

A dance originating from Zamboanga which makes use of Philippine bamboo castanets being held loosely and displays steps with very strong Castillian influence.

Kadal Tahaw

Type: Tribal Dance Origin: South Cotabato

A T'boli bird dance. This is being done to celebrate the good planting and harvesting which simulates the flights and hops of the tahaw bird.

Kapa Malong Malong

Type: Muslim Dance Origin: Cotabato Pronounciation: (KAH-pah MAH-long MAH-long)

A traditional Maranao dance performed by women wearing a malong, shawl, mantle or a head-piece whereas the men's version uses a sash or waist-band, shorts or bahag, and a head-gear or a turban which can also be used while working in the fields.

Karatong

Type: Muslim Dance Origin: Palawan

The annual parade of San Agustine includes the celebration of blossoming mango trees that grow abundantly on the island of Cuyo, the former capital of the Palawan province. Starting at the church patio and ending at the town plaza, groups of ladies sway their colorful "bunga manga," which are meant to represent the flowers of the mango tree while the men strike lively, syncopated beats with their karatong.

La Simpatika

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Pangasinan

Simpatika means demure, charming, and lovable, which are the qualities of a señorita deeply in love. The flavor and context of La Simpatika centers on love exploits of gentlemen suitors who are after the love of their life. In the Philippines where moral rules are strict and binding, society calls for the ladies to be impeccably demure and gentlemen to be prim and proper.

Lumagen

Type: Cordillera Dance Origin: Kalinga Pronounciation: (looh-MAH-gehn)

A dance performed at Kalinga festivals to celebrate Thanksgiving and occasions such as the birth of a first-born child, victories in battle, and marriage.

Maglalatik

Type: Rural Folks Origin: Laguna Pronounciation: (mahg-lah-lah-TIHK)

A native dance, which makes use of coconut shells as props. All the male dancers were using harnesses of coconut shells positioned on their backs, chests, hips and thighs.

Malaguena

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Quezon

A favorite dance of the people from Laguna and Quezon during the Spanish times.

Malakas at Maganda

Type: Tribal Dance Origin: Leyte

This is a legend and ancient tradition dance wherein it has been said that a weary bird perched on a huge bamboo because it heard some strange noises inside. It pecked the bamboo, split open and there came from the inside, 'Malakas' the first man and 'Maganda' the first woman. Malakas (The Strong) and Maganda (The Beautiful) are the parents of all the people of the island.

Manmanok

Type: Cordillera Dance Origin: Ilocos Norte Pronounciation: (mahn-mah-NOHK)

A dance featuring tribe roosters from the Bago Tribe competing for the attention of Lady Lien. They use blankets designed with colorful plumes as a means to attract her.

Oasiwas

Type: Christian Dances Origin: Pangasinan Pronounciation: (wah-SEE-wahs)

After a good catch, fishermen of Lingayen would celebrate by drinking wine and by dancing, swinging and circling a lighted lamp hence the name "Oasiwas," which in the Pangasinan dialect means "swinging." This unique and colorful dance calls for skill in balancing an oil lamp on the head while circling in each hand a lighted lamp wrapped in a porous cloth or fishnet. The waltz-style music is similar to that of Pandanggo sa Ilaw.

Pagapir

Type: Muslim Dance Origin: Lanao del Sur

This dance is being performed by the ladies of the royal court in preparation for an important event. These ladies gracefully manipulate the Apir or fan while doing small steps or the so-called "kini-kini" which for them is a sign of having a good upbringing.

Pangalay

Type: Muslim Dance Origin: Zamboanga del Sur Pronounciation: (pahng-AH-lahy)

A popular festival dance in Sulu. This is a traditional fingernail dance being performed at wedding celebrations held by the affluent families.

Pangalay ha Pattong

Type: Muslim Dance Origin: Tawi-Tawi Pronounciation: (pahng-AH-lahy-hah-pah-TOHNG)

A dance performed by a royal couple balancing on top of bamboo poles and imitating the movements of a southern boat with colorful sails or the so-called "vinta".

Pangalay sa Agong

Type: Muslim Dance Origin: Sulu

A Tausug's traditional dance wherein two warriors compete against each other for the attention of a young woman. They use gongs to show their prowess and skill.

Pangsak

Type: Muslim Dance Origin: Basilan

A dance performed by a couple who wears woven costumes and whose faces are dotted with white paint in order to hide their identity from evil spirits.

Pantomina

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Bicol

A dance imitating the complex stages of love and courtship. This is also a popular dance at any social gathering.

Paseo de Iloilo

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Iloilo Pronounciation: (PAH-say-oh deh eeh-loh-EEH-loh)

The most sophisticated courtship and flirtation dance of the Spanish Era. This dance portrays the men competing against each other in order to win the heart of a young lady.

Pasigin

Type: Rural Folks Origin: Pasig

Pasigin came from the word Pasig that is mentioning the name of the river. The dance was interpreting and inspiring the life of the fishermen.

Paso Doble

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Pronounciation: (PAH-so-DOH-bleh)

Meaning "two-step," the name is actually a misnomer as it is an ordinary walking or marching step called the "one-step." The term refers to the stirring marching music played as background music at bullfights and fiestas throughout Spain.

Paypay de Manila

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Manila

A dance performed by lovely young ladies carrying scented fans and flirts with young men with canes and straw hats. Ladies dances their way to the heart of the men they desire through the use of a fan.

Polkabal

Type: Christian Dances Origin: Atimonan, Quezon Pronounciation: (POHL-kah-bahl)

A dance influenced by two distinct European styles: polka and valse.

Sagayan

Type: Muslim Dance Origin: Cotabato

A Maranao war dance performed by fierce warriors. They carry a shield elaborately painted with curlicues, rounds, twirls and mirrors. This is also performed before any celebration or gathering as a means to drive away the evil spirits as well as to welcome the good fortunes or omen.

Salip

Type: Cordillera Dance Origin: Kalinga Pronounciation: (SAH-lihp)

A Kalinga wedding dance that depicts a warrior claiming his bride presenting her with a matrimonial blanket. The woman responds by balancing several clay pots upon her head.

Salisid

Type: Cordillera Dance Origin: Kalinga

A courtship dance being done to symbolize a rooster trying to attract the attention of a hen. This is performed and portrayed by both male and female which serves as the rooster and hen respectively. The dance starts when each of them are given a piece of cloth known as "ayob" or "allap".

Sublian

Type: Rural Folks Origin: Batangas

Subli came from two Tagalog words, the “subsub” means stooped or in a crouching position and “bali” means broken. The dance was first seen many years ago in the barrio of Dingin, Alitagtag, Batangas. It was done during the town and barrio fiestas in the month of May. This is sacred and dance as ceremonial worship performed in homage to the Holy Cross that referred to Mahal na Poong Santa Cruz.

Takiling

Type: Spanish Influence Origin: Lubuagan, Kalingga

The homecoming of triumphant headhunters after a successful kayaw of headhunting, done to avenge the death or evil done to a family member or relative, is celebrated with the playing of special gongs called gangsa. The minger or successful warriors are honored by their female relatives with gift of feather of lawi, beads or bongon and colorful g-string s called ba-ag. Victory songs are sung by the by the villagers while the minger dance with closed fists while the bodan or the unsuccessful members of the headhunting group are demoted to playing the gangsas.

Tarektek

Type: Cordillera Dance Origin: Benguet

A woodpecker courtship dance which imitates the movements of the birds, with a colorful blanket for a prop.

Tiadot

Type: Christian Dances Origin: Samar

A South American inspired dance. Gaily-dressed couples show off the fashion of the period, long tailed skirts and American Serrada suits.

Turayen

Type: Cordillera Dance Origin: Cagayan

Gaddang originated from the word 'ga' and 'dang' which means heat and burned respectively. The Gaddangs live in the middle of the Cagayan Valley. Their dialect is similar to that of the Ilokanos. Most of them are Christian converts and into agriculture. In this dance, the Gaddang imitates the birds attracted to tobacco trees.

Uyaoy / Uyauy

Type: Cordillera Dance Origin: Ifugao Pronounciation: (OOH-yah-OOHY)

An Ifugao wedding festival dance, which makes use of gongs and is usually performed by the affluent wealthy people. Those who have performed this dance are entitled to the use of gongs at their death.

Source: http://www.globalpinoy.com/ch/index.php