Dance Origin in the Philippines

Dance is an integral part of Filipino culture that dates to the period before Ferdinand
Magellan stepped foot in the Philippines. The traditional dances of the Filipinos are
vibrant and colorful, capturing the history of the archipelago.
Before the Spanish
Various tribes were scattered across the more than 7,000 islands, each with its own
unique traditions and dances. The Igorot tribes lived in the mountains of Luzon; a
handful of these tribes still reside in the mountains, having successfully resisted
Spanish colonization. Many of the dances have been handed down through the
generations. Dance expresses this tribe's love of nature and gratitude to the gods.
To imitate the wonders of nature, dancers often swoop their arms like birds and
stomp their feet to represent the rumbling of the Earth.
However, many other tribes in other regions are disappearing, and only a few of
their dances survive. Thanksgiving, worship and prayers for a bountiful harvest
mark the style of these dances.
Voyage to Mindanao
In the 12th century, traders and seafarers came to the Philippines long before the
Spanish, bringing the Islamic faith with them. The inhabitants of the southern region
converted to Islam, incorporating their new religion into the fabric of their existing
culture. The dances of the Muslims, known as Moros, are alluring and colorful.
Female dancers wear costumes studded with jewels, while male dancers brandish
swords and shields. The Moros use languid arm movements to imitate the world
around them such as the wind, the sea and the fish. Each dance is punctuated by
the haunting sounds of the kulintangan, a set of small gongs.
Like the Igorots, the Moros were able to resist Spanish rule, which is why many of
their dances continue to flourish.

Maria Clara
In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan came to the archipelago, signaling the start of Spanish
colonization. However, the Spanish didn't get a foothold in the Philippines until
1565. Three centuries of Spanish rule left an imprint on the Filipinos. Many of them
were converted to Catholicism and forced to take Spanish surnames.
During this period, Western culture spread through the islands, including such
Western dances as the waltz, fandango and polka. With a little Filipino flare, they
quickly became part of the culture. This "new" style of dance was named Maria
Clara after the tragic character in Jose Rizal's novel "Noli Me Tangere."
Barrio Fiesta
After toiling in the rice paddies, countryside farmers would gather to sing and
dance. These dances revolve around everyday items, such as glasses, candles,

benches, hats and bamboo poles. Because the dances are a celebration, they are
often referred to as "a barrio fiesta." One of the more complicated dances is
pandanggo sa ilaw, meaning "dance of lights," which imitates wandering fireflies. To
accomplish the illusion, women delicately balance three "tinghoy," or oil lamps, on
their heads and palms.

The National Dance

Tinikling, the national dance, is considered the oldest of the Philippine folk dances.
The dance, which comes from the countryside, takes its name and movements from
the "tinikling" bird as it roams between grass steams, crushes tree branches and
avoids traps set by rice farmers. Dancers skip gracefully back and forth while trying
to avoid getting their feet caught by two bamboo poles.
There are many tall tales about the dance's origins. According to one story, Filipino
farm workers who displeased their Spanish masters had their feet smashed by two
bamboo poles. When the poles were apart, the workers would jump to avoid getting
hurt. Thus, this dance was born.
Legacy
Many of these dances survive today, thanks to dance troupes in the Philippines and
abroad. Filipino student organizations at many U.S. universities and colleges put on
a yearly celebration of cultural dances.
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I.

Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:

a.

discuss the history of Philippine Culture giving emphasis on Dance;

b.
identify the various regions of the Philippines and its distinction from each
other; and
c.
value the importance of this Historical Developments in our culture especially
on dance.

II.

Overview:

Philippine Culture is the one that separates us from the rest of the world, our
colorful and lively culture that make us distinctly Filipino. This includes traditions,
languages, arts, etc., which are found in museums, churches and galleries,
found within the heart of key cities.

Most provinces have their own identifying folk dances too wherein they showcase
the elegance and beauty of the way they do things, the way they dress, the way
they see things as shown in different paintings, as we have been influenced by
various events as that happened in our history.

III.

Learning Content:

In Prehistoric times, dance was usually a communal affair and remained essential
with the emergence of high civilizations, social/caste made it felt and developed
into a form of art. Specially, the aristocracy created the professional dancer and the
spectacle, or theater, dance limiting its own dancing to a simple exercise that
eventually led to ballroom dancing. The common people excluded from enjoyment
of those past times, continued their communal dancing.

Primitive Years

Among early people, dancing was a popular and common activity with almost all
occasions celebrated by dancing. They danced to the accompanying of gong and
drums to appear the evil spirit whom they believed caused them sickness. Dance
was a part of their religious offerings to their God in nature.

War Dance- intended to incite the fighting of the warriors, commonly performed to
the quick tempo of a drum.
Festival Dance- great and exciting occasions for the primitive people
Courtship/Wedding Dance- performed with intricate hand and body movements

The development of the folk dance in the Philippines is a very big step to enriching
its culture not only because Filipinos can be proud of it and also because it is their
culture. Here are
the developments:
1. Folk dances are performed at different countries.
2. Folk dances are danced by other people all over the world.
3. It tells us that Filipino culture is rich.

The History of the Filipino Folk Dance

Philippine Folk Dance

-has a long and diverse history

-originality from pre-colonize era to the Spanish occupation
(1500s-1800s)
-tell stories about historical happenings, ways of living, cultural
influences
and religion customs.

Pre-Hispanic Times
-long before the Spaniards came to the Philippines, the
indigenous people who
mostly live in the mountainous regions used folk
dances in cultural celebration, worships and rituals.
-they used music and dance to: connect with the Gods-appease
their ancestors.
-pray for bountiful harvest and favourable weather.
-ask for healing.
-seek guidance during wars, ward off bad luck and natural
calamities, to socialize,
and to express feelings

Northern Luzon (Ilocos Region-North, Tagalog Region-South)

-most of the folk dance here are mixtures of indigenous and
Spanish elements and
are usually performed during special occasion
such as, weddings, and fiestas.

Southern Tagalog
-Manila
-the major Government centers have been located here so most of the dances in
the region reflect Spanish and European influences.

Visayan Dances
-Visayas- central part of the Philippine archipelago.
-mostly tell stories of peoples lives and frequently grow
inspiration from animal
movements.

Muslim and Moro Dances

region never

-Mindanao Region-Southern part of the Philippine is a Muslim

conquered by Spaniards.

also known as

-Islam was introduced during the 12th century and Muslims are
moros

-dancers typically mean allowing and colourful costumes decorated with jewels,
swords and shields.