3. HISTORY OF PHILIPPINE FOLK
DANCE
The history of Philippine Folk Dancing incorporates
influences from immigrants and conquerors while at the
same time maintaining distinctly Filipino roots. Philippine
folk dancing is a true reflection of daily life in past centuries
while enchanting modern audiences at the same time.
There is no recorded "start" to Philippine folk dance - as
long as there have been people on the islands they have
been dancing. In fact, their mythology is filled with many
different gods and goddesses that needed to be placated,
implored, or thanked for various natural events like rain
and harvests. Many of these festivals still feature ancient
folk dances performed in costume of the tribal period.
4. It is impossible to know when exactly dancing became a
part of life in the Philippines. Many traditional dances
were designed to thank the gods for natural and
agricultural events, such as rain and harvests. The dances
were performed during festivals and remembrances of
past military victories, and still are performed at
celebrations of births and weddings in modern times.
Philippine folk dance mirrors the culture and tradition of
the Filipinos. It has also been a source of culture identify
of the people. In this diversified country, there are also
great diversity of dances in different forms and dynamics
that grow out of various times, situation and
experiences.
5. Values Derived from Studying Philippine
Folk Dances
Folk arts, specifically folk music and dance, embody
fundamental values of great worth to our culture, our
nation, and our children. There is no better way to share
time together as families and friends. Our job is to
preserve the joyful tunes we've inherited from our
ancestors and to pass them on to others.
Importance of Philippine Folk Dance
Folk dances are important because they preserve
the Philippine culture and pass it on to the next
generation. They are a uniting force to the
Philippine people.
6. PHASES OF THE
DANCE PROGRAM
1.Creative Rhythms - Are sometimes called fundamental
rhythms or natural dances. A creative rhythm is an end
product of exploration and improvisation of movements as
children learn to move the parts of their body and to use
them as instruments of expression.
2.Folk/ Ethnic dances - a cultural art form handed down from
generation to generations. It communicates the customs,
beliefs, rituals, and occupations of the people of a region or
country. Folk dancing belongs to the people. It emanates from
them. Ethnic tribes have their specific tribal art forms
originated and danced by the people of the tribe
7. 3.Social and Ballroom Dance - The setting of the social
and ballroom dance is a social gathering with the
more formal atmosphere than the simple and
informal parties in which the recreational dances are
the usual forms. Social and ballroom dancing are
generally held in the evenings. The participants are
usually in formal attire.
4.Recreational Dance - Includes dance mixers, square
dance round and couple dances. Many of these
dances have simple patterns and combinations of
walking steps, polka step and the waltz step. The
setting is usually informal gatherings and parties,
reunions etc.
9. • Cordillera Dances
• Spanish Influenced Dances
• Muslim Dances
• Tribal Dances
• Rural Dances
5 Major Classifications of Philippine
Folk Dances
10. Cordillera Dances
• Bontoc, Ifugao,
Benguet, Apayo, &
Kalinga tribes
• a people whose way of
life existed long before
any
• a good foot on the
harvest, health, peace,
Philippines war, and
other
• Gongs, ganza
symbols of living
• Dances reflects
rituals Spaniard or
other which
celebrate their
foreigners stepped
daily lives
12. Spanish Influenced Dances
• Philippine
aristocrats
created Filipino
adaptations of
European
dances
• jotas,
fandangos,
mazurka,
waltzes
• dances by
the young
• Dances reflects
socialites to the
Christianity, and
stringed music of
European art and
the rondalla
culture
14. Muslim Dances
• Influenced by
Malay, Javanese
& Middle
Eastern Traders
(Islam)
• mysticism,
royalty, and
beauty
• Uses intricate
hand & arm
movement
• the fingers
express feelings
& emotions
16. Tribal Dances
• intricate craftsmanship
in metal, clothing, and
jewelry
• reflects rituals &
animals, belief in
“spirits” & shamans,
• Also known as Ethnic
nature – “anito”
dances; Ethnic
minorities
• animal sounds, found in
different parts of human
singing, the Philippines
(T’boli, Bilaan, Manobo,
Bagobo, indigenous
materials etc.)
18. Rural Dances
• Shows gaiety &
laughter,
festivities
• Performed in
fiestas to honor
patron saints
giv
e homage to the
barrios namesake
for a good
harvest, health,
&
• Indigenou
s
materials,
• Reflects the simple life of
perseverance the people
in the barrio
• Depicts common work,
clapping, rondalla, daily
activities of the
percussion peasants
instruments
