There are many different types of Philippine traditional dances, each with its own unique history and meaning. Here are 10 of them.
If there’s one thing that the Philippines is known for, it’s definitely our traditional dances. Each province has its set of dances, and each one is uniquely beautiful. If you’re ever in the Philippines, be sure to check out a traditional dance performance – it’s definitely an experience you won’t forget!
1. Tinikling
- Introduced: Spanish Colonial Era
- Originated: Leyte
- Pole length: 6ft. (sometimes longer)
- Attire: Patadyong or baro’t saya for women, Barong Tagalog or camisa de chino for men
One of the most popular traditional dances in the Philippines is the tinikling. This dance is often performed to music played on bamboo poles, and involves two people tapping the poles together while dancers move in and out of the space between them.
The tinikling is said to represent the movements of a bird called the tikling, which is known for its ability to deftly avoid traps set by farmers.
This Filipino folk dance originated during the Spanish colonial era. The tinikling involves two people hitting bamboo poles together in rhythm with the rondalla ensemble. As they move, they also weave in and out of each other, creating an intricate pattern.
The dance is performed by two people, who hop, jump, and turn their way through a bamboo framework. The bamboo poles are rapidly moving, and the dancers have to be careful to avoid getting their ankles caught.
Performers dance with their hands clasped behind their backs. As the dance progresses, the tempo of the bamboo poles becomes faster and forces the dancers closer together. The dancers hold hands at the last part of the dance when it is its fastest. They end by letting go of each other’s hands and stepping out of the bamboo poles quickly.
Modern adaptations have been made to the dance and attire of those performing the tinikling.
2. Cariñosa
- Introduced: Spanish Colonial Era
- Originated: Panay Island
- Accessories: Fan and handkerchief (In Bicol, they have 2 handkerchiefs)
- Attire: Maria Clara for women, Barong Tagalog for men
Another popular traditional dance in the Philippines is the cariñosa. This dance is a courtship dance and is often performed by couples. The cariñosa is a slow and graceful dance and is said to represent the beauty and affectionate side of Filipinos (or preferably the Panayanons – specifically, the Ilonggos who are already known for their sweetness).
It became the unofficial National Dance of the Philippines in 1992. The replacement of Cariñosa with Tinikling in 1992 was met by many objections, including the claim that it did not represent Filipinos well.
The dance is influenced by the Spanish and has led to an argument between those who wanted something more authentic versus others wanting change in the popularity of the dance.
What is the National Dance of the Philippines?
According to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the “cariñosa is not the national dance of the Philippines, neither is it Tinikling.” There was a movement in the House of Representatives back in 2014 to make cariñosa the national dance of the Philippines. It was under House Bill 3926 or the Act Declaring the National Symbols of the Philippines. This house bill never came to light as of December 2021.
3. Pandanggo sa Ilaw
- Introduced: Spanish Colonial Era
- Originated: Lubang Island, Mindoro
- Accessories: Three oil lamps or three candles in glass containers, castanets (or dancers simply use their hands for clapping), and a handkerchief
- Attire: Patadyong or baro’t saya for women, Barong Tagalog or camisa de chino for men
Pandanggo sa ilaw is one of Philippine traditional dances that involves candles balanced on the heads and hands of each dancer. Some variations of the dance are accompanied by castanets than simply the clapping of the hands. This dance is said to originate from the Spanish fandango, which was brought to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.
There are many variations of the pandanggo, but the most one is pandanggo sa ilaw. The dance starts with women balancing candles on their hands, while the man will balance one in each hand. As the dancers move, they will occasionally exchange candles with each other, creating an intricate web of lights.
The dance ends with all three dancers holding a candle in each hand and making a series of movements that symbolize the flickering of flames.
Pandanggo sa ilaw is often performed at Filipino festivals and celebrations, and it is considered to be one of the most popular Philippine traditional dances. The combination of candlelight, music, and movement makes for a truly mesmerizing experience.
The light from the lamps creates a beautiful effect, and the movement of the dancers is said to resemble the flickering of fireflies on a summer night.
4. Maglalaltik
- Introduced: Spanish Colonial Era
- Originated: Binan, Laguna
- Accessories: 4-6 coconut shells
- Attire: Colored trousers and shirt to depict the difference between Moros and Christians
Maglalatik is a traditional Philippine dance that involves dancers hitting coconut shell halves against each other in time to the music. The Maglalatik is traditionally performed by two groups of dancers, who represent two religious groups engaged in battle.
The battle is over latik, a coconut product that was once used as currency. The Maglalatik dance is broken into a couple of parts: the war and the reconciliation. The dance originated as a way for enemies to resolve their differences without resorting to violence.
The dance is usually performed by men, but modern variations include women in mock warfare. Whatever the origins, the Maglalatik is now a beloved part of the Philippine culture; and its intricate rhythms are sure to delight any listener.
5. Sayaw Sa Bangko
- Originated: Pangasinan
- Accessories: A couple of 6ft benches
- Attire: Patadyong or baro’t saya for women, camisa de chino for men
Sayaw sa Bangko is a traditional Filipino dance that originated in the province of Pangasinan. The dance is typically performed by a group of three to five pairs, with supporting characters from the back, mimicking a barrio festival. The other characters circle around the dancers while clapping and singing.
At the start of the dance, there are usually 3 to 5 pairs, before downing it to a pair of dancers while stacking the benches higher. This calls for skill, coordination, and balance from dancers when jumping, turning, and swaying to the rhythm.
The dance gets its name from the Bangko, or bench, that is used as a prop. Sayaw sa Bangko is often performed at Filipino festivals and celebrations and is a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions. The dance is usually performed to upbeat Filipino folk music in a rondalla ensemble.
6. Itik-itik
- Originated: Surigao Province
- Attire: Patadyong or baro’t saya for women, camisa de chino for men
Itik-Itik is a traditional Philippine dance that involves imitating the movements of ducks. The dance is often performed by couples, with the man playing the role of the duck and the woman playing the role of the female duck.
The goal of the dance is to attract a mate, and the dancers often flap their arms and elbows to mimic the movements of ducks.
Itik-itik was formed when a young dancer named Kanang (Cayetana in some versions) was dancing to Sibay (a dance that imitates a bird’s movement) during a baptismal party. She began to improvise short steps similar to that of a duck’.
7. Kuratsa
- Originated: Leyte and Samar Provinces
- Attire: Maria Clara, patadyong or baro’t saya for women, Barong Tagalog camisa de chino for men
Kuratsa is one of the Philippine traditional dances. It is usually performed at weddings and other special events. The dance is characterized by its fast pace and rhythmic steps. Kuratsa is often considered to be a courtship dance, as it involves couples dancing closely together.
Traditionally, the man would lead the woman around the dance floor, showing off his strength and dexterity. The woman would follow his lead, responding to his movements with her own graceful steps. Today, Kuratsa is still enjoyed by many people across the Philippines.
It is a popular choice for weddings and other celebrations and is often performed by professional dancers. Kuratsa is a fun, lively, and elegant dance that provides a great way to enjoy the company of friends and family while celebrating special occasions.
8. Subli
- Introduced: Spanish Colonial Era (others argued it was done pre-Hispanic)
- Originated: Batangas
- Accessories: Straw hats for women and castanets for men
- Attire: Patadyong or baro’t saya for women, camisa de chino for men
Subli is one of the Philippine traditional dances that originated in Batangas. The word Subli is derived from the word subsob which meant “bent” depicting how the men adopted the bent posture when dancing.
The women wear straw hats with ribbons, and the men carry castanets. The music for this dance is usually fast-paced and lively, and it often features instruments such as drums.
The dance is characterized by quick and agile movements set to the fast rhythm of kulintang music. Although it is traditionally a folk dance from the Philippines, subli has gained popularity in recent years as a performance art form.
9. Binasuan
- Originated: Pangasinan
- Accessories: three glasses filled with water
- Attire: Patadyong or baro’t saya for women, camisa de chino for men
Binasuan is a Philippine traditional dance that originated in Bayambang, Pangasinan. The name Binasuan comes from the Filipino word “binasuan,” which means “to drink from a glass.”
The dance is performed by dancers who balance three glasses filled with water on the top of their heads and hands. The glasses are then swirled around in time with the music. The dance is traditionally performed at weddings and other festive occasions.
10. Binanog
- Introduced: Pre-Hispanic
- Originated: Panay
- Accessories: tubok kerchiefs
- Attire: Tinubok costume (panubok refers to the traditional embroidery making)
Binanog is a traditional Philippine dance that originated from the Panay Suludnon – Tumandok – Bukidnon tribe in Lambunao, Calinog, and Tapaz Capiz. The dance imitates the banog or hawk’s movement, to the beating of the bamboo sound and gongs.
On big occasions or special events, the dance is accompanied by a chant vocalizing together with the movements. The dance concludes with an enkwentro (encounter) wherein the girl will catch the boy using the handkerchief.
The dance has three forms: Binanugan (imitation dance), Inagong sayaw-sayaw (celebratory dance), and Dinagmay (courtship dance). The traditional hand-woven costume called the tinubok is usually worn during the performance.
Panay Bukidnon is an indigenous group from Panay Island in the Philippines. They are known for their epic poetry and chanting, as well as their panubok. In recognition of the preservation of their unique culture and heritage, Frederico Caballero has been declared one of the National Living Treasures by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
The Panay Bukidnon continues to maintain their traditions and cultural identity, despite the challenges of modern life. Various movements have been made for upholding the culture of the Panay Bukidnon for the younger generation.
Conclusion
Philippine traditional dances are an important part of the country’s culture. These dances are often steeped in history and meaning, and provide a glimpse into the diverse culture of the Philippines.
This is part one of the series, stay tuned when we update our posts for the next 10 dances!
