CARINOSA

GROUP 4 – Del Mundo

Yannele Apuada

Angelyn Agustino

Khay Dichoso

Ariane Aquino

a. History

The cariñosa is a popular folk dance that was introduced to the Philippines by the
Spaniards when they arrived in the 16th century.

It belongs to the Maria Clara suite of Philippine folk dances. These are so named in honor of
Maria Clara, who was the main character in Jose Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere, ('Don’t Touch
Me’), about the colonization of the Philippines by the Spanish.

In it, Maria Clara is portrayed as a noble and loyal woman, who after the publication of the
novel in the 19th century became the female symbol of virtue for Filipinas.

b. Geography

It is believed that Panay Island, located in the Visayan Islands group was the original
home of the cariñosa. The Spanish first arrived on the island in 1569. The dance soon spread
around the Philippines, giving rise to different versions in different regions, such as in Bicol, where
both dancers carry handkerchiefs.

c. Features

It was traditional for a Spanish ‘Maria Clara’ costume to be worn, which consisted of a
long dress and a long-sleeved short embroidered dress. Now more traditional Philippine dress is
usual. Men wear white shirts and colored trousers, while the women wear native dresses.

The music is Spanish-influenced, with three-quarter rhythms that resemble a bolero or a

waltz in both speed and style. Ensemble orchestras comprising banjos, mandolins, strings and
drums are typical. The musical instrument mainly used in this dance form is the Rondella, a string
instrument ensemble. In addition, instruments such as bandurrias, mandolins, guitars, basses, drums,
and banjos are also used.

d. The dance

To dance the cariñosa, a man and a woman dance together, taking slow steps around the
room, similar to those of a waltz ad performing using ‘’hide and seek feet movements’’. The
female holds a fan, which she coyly hides behind. The dance itself is intended as a courtship
dance, and is of a flirtatious nature. Cariñosa literally means "she that is loving" as the verb
ending indicates it refers to a woman.

e. Misconceptions

During the Marcos regime, the cariñosa was named the national dance of the Philippines.
To this day school text books still claim this; however, the Philippine government maintains it is
another dance called "tinikling," which is a native dance. Today, the cariñosa is performed at
social gatherings and festivities.