Lesson 3

Traditional Dance
for Fitness
What is Traditional Dancing?
Traditional dancing can be another term for folk dance,
or sometimes even for ceremonial dance. The term
‘traditional’ is more frequently used when the emphasis is
on the cultural roots of the dance. A traditional dance is
therefore have arisen from a people’s cultural traditions.
Philippines has many popular traditional dances which
have evolved and changed as they have been passed down
from generation to generation. Although a particular
dance might be performed slightly differently from one
region to the next, it remains true to its roots.
 The five major classifications of
Philippine Folk dance
• Cordillera dances
• Spanish influence dances
• Muslim dances
• Tribal dances
• Rural dances
Cordillera Dances
• Theyare the Bontoc, Ifugao, Benget, Apayao, and
Kalinga Tribes.
• They are the pagan people, living simple lives to appease
their gods. Their rituals celebrate their daily lives, a good
harvest, health, peace, war, and other symbols of living.
• Theirtraditions have survived the changing scope of the
Philippines and the tribes continue to maintain their
culture that are part of the colorful cultural fabric known
as the Philippine culture.
Cordillera Dances
Banga Dance
“Banga" literally mean pots. The
Banga or pot dance is a
contemporary performance of
Kalingas of the Mountain
Province in the Philippines. This
dance illustrates the languid grace
of a tribe otherwise known as
fierce warriors.
 Cordillera Dances

Bendyan Dance
Also popularly called Bendian, this circle dance
of the Benguets of Mountain Province is
restaged, keeping true to the dance's context and
meaning. Long known as a dance to celebrate
the arrival of successful headhunters, the
Bendayan has taken a new face.
Other Cordillera dances are:
Ragragsakan, Salisid, Salip, Turayen, Trektek,
Manmanok and Uyaoy
Spanish-Influenced Dances
• Dances reflect to the socialites of
Christianity, and the stringed music of
European art and the rondalla culture.
• Philippinearistocrats created Filipino
adaptations of European dances.
• Jotas,
fandangos, mazurkas, waltz are some
of European influenced dances
Spanish-Influenced Dances
Jota
The Philippine Jota was among the
most popular dances during the
Spanish colonial period in the
Philippines and up to the early 20 th
century. It was originally performed
in social gatherings, like weddings,
parties, and baptism.
Spanish-Influenced Dances

Habanera
It is a social dance in duple time
and performed in a ballroom or
on a stage. This dance first
became popular in the town of
Botolan, Zambales. This dance
performed at weddings and
includes a procession of the bride
and groom’s parents.
Muslim Dances
• Influenced by Malay, Javanese and Middle Eastern
Traders (Islam)
• Theseare known for their mysticism, royalty, and
beauty which are evident in their music and
dances.
• Accompaniedby the agong and kulintang, Filipino
Muslim dance is marked by intricate hand and arm
movement along with shimmering costumes.
Muslim Dances
Pangalay
A pangalay native to the Badjaos,
sometimes known as the "Sea
Gypsies." Pangalay is a dance that
emphasizes the agility of the
upper body. The rhythmic bounce
of the shoulder with simultaneous
alternating waving of arms are the
basic movement of this dance.
Muslim Dances

Singkil
Singkil dance takes its name from the
bells worn on the ankles of the Muslim
princess. Perhaps one of the oldest of
truly Filipino dances, the Singkil recounts
the epic legend of the "Darangan" of the
Maranao people of Mindanao.
Other Muslim dances are:
Asik, Pangsak, Tahing Bayla, Pangalay
Ha Pattong, Pangalay sa Agong,
Sagayan, Kapa Malong Malong, Pagapir.
Tribal Dances
• Mindanao, the Philippines' southernmost island, is the country's
cultural melting pot. It houses influences from Spain, China,
Indonesia, and the Middle East.
• Tribes
such as the T'boli, Bilaan, Manobo, Bagobo, and other
groups inhabit the vast regions of Mindanao.
• These groups honor the pagan gods for the fruits and trials of daily
life.
• Thesetribes pride themselves in their concept of beauty and are
known for creating colorful sets of jewelry and clothing out of dyed
pineapple and banana fibers with are showcased in their traditional
dances.
Tribal Dances
Kadal Tahaw
A bird dance performed
by the T'boli during
planting and harvesting
which simulates the
flights and hops of the
tahaw bird.
Tribal Dances
Dugso
This is a dance to show
thanksgiving.
Other tribal dances are:
Binaylan, Kadal Blelah,
Malakas at Maganda
Rural Dances
• Reflectthe simple life of perseverance of the
people in the barrio.
• These depict common work, clapping, rondalla,
daily activities of the percussion peasant’s
instruments
• Show gaiety and laughter, festivities
• Were performed in fiestas to honor patron saints
Rural Dances
Palu Palo
In Laguna, the village
Labanderas or washerwomen,
spend relatively calm day by
doing their laundry when tsismis
or gossip among them gets out of
hand and drama ensues. Through
fighting with their palos (laundry
paddles) to resolve their disputes,
their dance come to life.
Rural Dances
Binasuan
This colorful and lively dance
from Bayambang in the
Pangasinan province shows off the
balancing skills of the dancers.
The glasses that the dancers
gracefully yet carefully maneuver
are half-filled with rice wine.
Binasuan, meaning “with the use
of a drinking glass” in Pangasinan.
Rural Dances
 Nature of Philippine Folk Dance
1. OCCUPATIONAL DANCES - depict 5. WEDDING DANCES - performed
actions of a particular occupation. during wedding feasts.
(e.g. planting, punding) (e.g. Panasahan)
2. RELIGIOUS/CEREMONIAL - associated 6. COURTSHIP DANCES - depict the art
with religion, vows and ceremonies. of courtship.
(e.g. Dugsu, Sua-sua)
(e.g. Hele-hele, Tadek, Pantomina)
3. COMIC DANCES - depict funny
movements for entertainment.
7. FESTIVAL DANCES - suitable for
special occasions.
(e.g. Kinotan, Makonggo)
(e.g. Pandanggo, Habanera)
4. GAME DANCES - done with play
elements. 8. WAR DANCES - show imagery
combat.
(e.g. Lubi-lubi, Pavo)
(e.g. Sagayan, Palu-palo)
Movements
1. ACTIVE - fast energetic movements. (e.g.
Tinikling, Maglalatik, Polkabal)
2. MODERATE - (e.g. Carinosa, Tagala)
3. SLOW - (e.g. Pasakat, Amorosa)
4. SLOW AND FAST - (e.g. Putritos,
Habanera)
Formation
1. SQUARE - (e.g. Rigodon, Los Bailes de
Ayer)
2. LONG FORMATION - dancers form 2
or more parallel lines. (e.g. Lulay,
Sakuting)
3. SET - consists of 2 or more pairs as a
unit. (e.g. Binadyong, Haplik)
Basic Dance Step