Folk, Indigenous,

Ethnic,
Traditional and
Creative Dances
MAGLALATIK DANCE
This Indigenous Dance was originally executed in
Biñan, Laguna as a mock-war dance that demonstrates a
fight between the Moros and the Christians over the prized
latik or coconut meat during the Spanish rule. This dance is
also used in paying tribute to the town's patron saint, San
Isidro Labrador.
The name of the dance comes from the Filipino word
"Latik", which means "fried coconut milk curd", a coconut
product that is used in Filipino cooking, particularly in
snacks.
The Maglalatik is a dance in which coconut shell halves
that are attached to the torso of dancers, tied to their hands
and 4-6 coconut shells are hung on their vests.
Here are the steps of Maglalatik Dance:
1. 6 8-counts jogging to get to place
2. 4 steps forward while striking the coconut shell
on the chest
3. 4 basic clap cycles in place
4. 4 basic clap cycles to get to two rows
5. 8 quick clap cycles to do the sequence effect
6. 8 quick clap cycles to circle around partner
7. circle up 2 8-counts + 14-count for first clap
(clap after 1 8-count 3X Finishing clap)
8. 8 high-low clap cycles to move to position
9. 8 cycles of 6 hit clapping
10. 16 counts for tricks with clapping in the
background
11. 4 basic to get to two sides
12. 8 quick clap cycles for the battle
13. 4 quick clap cycles to get to end after last
clap POSE
Choose the letter of the best answer.
1. Which of the following descriptions best defines Folk Dancing?
a. dance for all time
b. inherited from iconic idol/personality
c. oldest form of dance and earliest expression of communication
d. a dance that can used in praising spirits.
2. __________ mirrors the culture and tradition of the Filipinos.
a. Long-live Dance c. Spiritual Dance
b. Traditional Dance d. Philippine Folk Dance
3. This dance is performed by using dried coconut shell halves that
secured onto hands and on vests upon which are hung four or six more
coconut shell halves.
a. Tinikling c. Itik-itik
b. Maglalatik d. Sayaw sa Ilaw
4. Where was the Maglalatik Dance originated?
a. Biñan, Laguna c. Ilocos Sur
b. Kawit, Cavite d. Laguna
5. Which of the following about Maglalatik is not true?
a. A dance that demonstrate a fight between the Moros and the
Christians over the prized latik or coconut meat during the Spanish rule
b. A dance to show and pay tribute to the town's patron St. San
Isidro Labrador.
c. A dance to prepare a feast for everyday celebration
d. A dance that uses half of the coconut shell.
6. A folk dance is a form of dance that reflects their daily living,
good harvest, health, peace, war and other symbols of living.
a. False b. Half-true c. Maybe d. True
7. What is the best benefit of dancing?
a. gain audiences c. can attain health and wellness
b. become rich d. can become popular
8. What is the first dance step of Maglalatik?
a. jogging in place c. hitting the shell
b. running around the corner d. making a quick cycle to circle around
9. Which picture shows the first step of Maglalatik? (6-8 counts jogging to
get to place)
10. Which step of Maglalatik shows 8 quick clap cycles to circle around
partner?
Try to arrange the basic folk dance positions of arms and feet. Write
letters A – E on the blank before each number.

A. Basic Positions of Arms

______ 1. Raise one arm overhead while other arm
remains in the 2nd position.
______ 2. Bring one arm in front of the chest in a half
circle while one arm remains overhead.
______ 3. Raise arms to a circle in front of the chest.
______ 4. Raise both arms overhead in a graceful curve.
______ 5. Open arms sideward, raised below shoulder
level with a graceful curve.
Try to arrange the basic folk dance positions of arms and feet. Write
letters A – E on the blank before each number.

B. Basic Positions of Feet

______ 1. Bring the heel of one foot to touch the instep
of the other foot.
______ 2. Bring one foot in front of the other foot to
walk strike.
______ 3. Bring heels close to touch, toes apart
______ 4. Bring the heel of one foot to touch the toe of
the other.
______ 5. Bring feet apart sideward.
ITIK-ITIK
Itik-itik is an imitative folk dance and was
originated in Surigao. Itik-itik was discovered in this
town by National Artist for Dance Francisca Reyes-
Aquino. According to the historian, during a baptismal
party, Cayetana, an expert young dancer, had become so
carried away with the rhythm that she began to create
short, choppy steps similar to a duck walking and
wading. It became known in the province for stage
performances and social dancing. Mr. Antonino Arreza, a
native of Cantilan and a grandfather of Prospero Pichay,
Jr., was said the one who composes the lyrics of Itik-itik.
Identify the basic arm and hand position. Choose your answer
from the box.
_____1. Your one arm is bent in front at the waist level
and the other is bent behind at waist level.
_____2. To glide foot smoothly along the floor.
_____3. Your arms are more open in the 1st and 5th
position.
_____4. Swinging the arm downward-upward passing in
front of the body as if scooping.
_____5. Your both arms are raised at one side parallel to
each other.