Instruction: Answer the following:

Meaning of Folk Dance

 Folk dance is a genre of dance that is typically performed for recreational purposes and is a
vernacular reflection of a past or present culture. Folk dance also preserves a people's history. A
community can celebrate a significant occasion or historical date by dancing. People with little to no
formal training typically hold dances at folk dance meetings or social events, frequently to
traditional music. When highlighting the cultural origins of the dance, the labels "ethnic" and
"traditional" are utilized.

1. Objectives
 to promote patriotism and national pride through studies into our dances.
 to promote a greater understanding of Philippine folk music and dance.
 to offer a beneficial type of leisure and relaxation through dance.
 to train your body to move with grace and rhythm, which will enhance your posture.
 Folk songs and dances from the many regions of the Philippines are being preserved for
future generations.
 To show how the development of Filipino dances reflects the development of Filipino
culture.
2. Characteristics of folk dance (Picture supported)
 In general, dancers stand apart.
 There is little, if any, bodily contact.
 Most of the dances are done by pairs or couples.
 Hand movements play an important part.
 Most dances are in long formation.
 Most dances begin and end with "saludo."
 Dances from the lowlands have more foreign elements those found in the uplands.
 War dances are found among non-Christian tribes.
3. Dance terminologies (10 to 15 sample)
 Cabeceras - When dancers are in square formation, the couples occupying the width of
the hall are called "cabeceras" or head couples.
 Cut - To displace quickly one foot with the other, thus completely taking off the weight of
the body from the displaced foot.
 Free Hand - The hand not place anywhere or not doing anything.
 Hapay - To flourish or offer a handkerchief, hat or glass of wine to somebody as a sign of
invitation.
 Crossed arms - Partners are facing each other or standing side by side, girl at the right of
boy. They join their Left hands together and their Right hands together either right over left
or left over right hands.
 Do-Si-Do("Dos-a-Dos") – The vis-à-vis (opposite) both advance forward, pass each other's
right (or left) side, step across to the right (or left), move backward without turning around
pass each other's left or right) side to proper places.
 Free Foot - The foot no bearing the weight of the body.
 Draw - To pull one foot along the floor close to the other which has the weight of the body
The weight may or may not be transferred.
 Hop - A spring from one foot landing on the same foot in place or any direction (in front, in
rear, sideward or across).
 Inside Foot - The foot nearest one's partner, when partners stand side by side.
 Jaleo - Partners turn once around clockwise (with right elbows almost touching) or counter
clockwise with left elbows almost touching) using walking or any kind of dance step.
 Place - To put the foot in a certain or desired position without putting weight on it. The sole
of the foot rests flat on the floor.
 Set - A dance formation like a quadrille or a unit composed of two or more pairs.
 Step - To advance or recede by raising and moving one foot to another resting place.
There is a complete transfer of weight from one foot to the other.
 Saludo -partner bow to each other, to the audience, opposite dancers, or to the neighbor.

4. Classifications
 GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
A. Geographical Extent of Origin
1. National dances - found throughout the islands with little or no modification
Examples: Rigodon, Carinosa, Jota, Balitaw, Pandanggo
2. Local dances - found in a certain locality
Examples: Tinikling (Leyte) Maglalatik (Binyang) Esperanza (Nabua) Subli (Batangas)
Biniganbigat (Abra)

B. Nature
1. Occupational - depicting action of certain occupation, industry, or human labor
Examples: Planting, Harvesting, Pounding, Winnowing, Pabirik, Mananguete
2. Religious or Ceremonial – performed in connection with religious vows and ceremonies
 Examples: Dugsu, Sua - sua, Putong, Sta. Clarang Pinong-pino, etc.
3. Comic dances - depicting funny movements for entertainment
Examples: Kimbo - kimbo Makonggo, Kinoton 4. Game dances – with play elements
(dance mixers)