Serapion C. Basalo Memorial Colleges, Inc.

(SCBMCI)

MODULE 3

PATHFIT 202
(Dance, Sports, Outdoor, and Adventure)

S.Y. 2023-2024

Prepared by: Tejada, Jaskier S., 2nd year BSED-English

Submitted to: Dary Jean J. Verallo, LPT
 Philippine Folk Dance

TINIKLING

Why is the dance called Tinikling?

Wondering how this type of dance got its name? The Tinikling is said to be named after the long-legged bird
called the tikling in the Philippines. This bird belongs to a number of rail species, but the name typically
refers to the slaty-breasted Rail (Gallirallus striatus), the buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis), and
the barred rail (Gallirallus torquatus).

Someone who dances the Tinikling imitates the movements of a tikling bird (hence, tikling-like) as the bird
walks over the grass or dodges bamboo traps set by Filipino farmers on vast rice fields.

Stories behind the dances’ origin

According to historical accounts, the Tinikling dance originated

during the Spanish occupation in the Philippines – particularly on
the island of Leyte. Rice farmers on the Visayan Islands usually set
up bamboo traps to protect their fields, yet tikling birds dodged their
traps. Locals imitated the birds’ movement, and supposedly, that’s how this dramatic traditional folk dance
was born.

However, according to legend, the dance originated during the Spanish colonial era when locals were
ordered by the King of Spain to work on large plantations. Those who did not follow his orders or worked
too slowly were given a punishment: to stand in between two bamboo poles.
These poles were then clapped together in an effort to beat the Filipino natives’ feet. To escape this
punishment, the Filipinos would jump when the two poles were about to be clapped. This practice of
jumping between the poles eventually transformed from a challenge into an artistic dance.

The Costumes and Props

Costumes

For Women For Men

Balintawak (a colorful Barong Tagalog

dress with arched sleeves)
or a Patadyong (a
checkered loose skirt
that’s often worn with a
thin-fibered blouse).
(embroidered formal shirt
that’s untucked) —which
is the country’s national
outfit for Filipino men
usually paired with red
trousers.

All dancers perform the Tinikling while barefoot.

Props

two pairs of bamboo poles that are

each 6-12ft long (about 1.8-3.7m)
Why did I choose Tinikling?
"I chose the Tinikling dance because it spoke to me on a deeply personal level. Growing up, I always
felt a strong connection to my Filipino heritage, but I hadn't found a way to express it creatively until I
discovered Tinikling. Watching the dancers move gracefully between bamboo poles, their feet tapping out
intricate rhythms, stirred something inside me.
The dance's cultural significance resonated with me deeply. It's not just about the movements; it's a
reflection of Filipino history and tradition. By learning Tinikling, I felt like I was honoring my roots and
preserving a piece of my cultural identity.
Moreover, I was captivated by the challenge of mastering Tinikling's complex footwork. The
precision required to dance between rapidly moving poles demanded both physical dexterity and mental
focus. It was a thrilling and rewarding endeavor that pushed me to grow as a dancer.
Ultimately, Tinikling became more than just a dance for me. It became a way to connect with my
heritage, express myself artistically, and challenge myself to reach new heights. Choosing Tinikling was a
decision that has enriched my life in countless ways."