Tinikling

(Activity #1)

c a D . Salum bre
han ti J a m a e
As
ST EM C
 H isto n d
ric al B a c k g r o u

Origin
Tinikling refers to the long-legged bird colloquially known as tikling. It began
during the Spanish occupation of the country, particularly on the island of Leyte
in the Visayas. According to folklore, the dance began when the indigenous locals
were compelled to work for the haciendas (plantations, mines, or factories) by
the Spanish monarchy and lost land ownership during the Spanish regime.

Ceremonial, Festival, or Gathering

Filipino locals who disobeyed orders or worked too slowly were punished by being
forced to stand respectively two bamboo poles that were clapped together to hit
the Filipino local folks' feet. To avoid this severe punishment, Filipinos would jump
when the two poles were about to have clapped on their feet. Whenever the
indigenous villagers returned to their neighbourhoods, they began to practice
trying to avoid the hits of the bamboo poles in preparation for a competition.
This method of hopping in between poles evolved from an endeavour to an
artistic dance.
 H isto ric
al B ac k g ro
Costumes and Props
Female dancers typically wear a Balintawak
(a colorful dress with arched sleeves) or a
Patadyong (a checkered loose skirt that is
often worn with a thin-fibered blouse)
traditional dress.
u n d
Male dancers wear a Barong Tagalog (the
country's national outfit for Filipino men),
which is typically a light long-sleeved shirt
paired with red pants.

The Tinikling is performed barefoot by all dancers.

 H isto ric u n d
al B ac k g ro

Costumes and Props

Influences
The dance can also be used in schools for physical education classes as an aerobic exercise
that helps expand movement patterns such as hand coordination, foot speed, and rhythm.
Tinikling is typically performed in schools and at special events such as the Philippines
Independence Day to commemorate Philippine culture and honour. There are now
different versions of this Filipino traditional folk dance all over the world, with some
increasing the number of dancers or poles and even changing the music or choreography.
Some schools in the United States incorporate this dance into their curriculum, using pop
music to keep the dance current.
Dancing the Tinikling mainly consists of four people – two male and two female
dancers.
One couple takes the position to dance while the other couple holds the bamboo
sticks either by sitting or kneeling – they are called the “clappers.”
Clappers beat, tap, and slide bamboo poles on the ground.
The bamboo poles, which are around 6 and 12 feet long, serve as both a
percussion instrument and a part of the dance itself.
Traditionally, when the dancers are executing the dance, the rondalla music will
be played in the background as the bamboo poles are producing music too.
Tinikling dancers should carefully follow the rhythm to avoid getting a foot
caught between the poles as they snap closed.
The dance is usually started through their hands placed at their hips or clasped
behind their backs.
During the performance, the rhythm becomes faster and harder.
The dancers’ movements get faster, adding the challenge to “escape” the
sticking of bamboo poles, making the audience feel excited.
At the last part of the dance, the dancers hold hands when the tempo is the
fastest.
To end the dance, they let go of each other’s hands and move out entirely of the
beating bamboo poles.
 Tinikling, Cariñosa and other traditional dances in the
Philippines are the reflection of the culture and preferences of
its own countrymen. Even though it was rarely done in today's
generation due to the limitation in physical interaction,
Filipinos, particularly the youth, have been cherishing the
traditions that were passed down on us. We have experienced
doing it thanks to the activities that we need to do in our old
subject M A P E H. The adrenaline rush you feel when you step
in between the bamboo poles. Tinikling's significance can be
seen in its unique props, attire, and entertaining dance moves,
as it represents many of the values that are important to the
Philippines, such as nature and life. Tinikling is also said to
represent most of the Filipinos' main character traits, such as
resilience and fun-loving. The Tinikling, along with the
Cariñosa dance, is recognized as a national dance in the
Philippines, and most Filipinos know how to perform it.
Promoting it would be a significant move in continuing the
legacy to the next generation.
https://kidskonnect.com/social-studies/tinikling/

Photo Courtesy:
https://www.facebook.com/345706730384/photos/tinikling-is-
the-national-folk-dance-of-the-philippines-the-dance-
involves-two-p/10158789381325385/

http://www.philippinebaranggay.com/