Philippine
Folk Dance
JHON DENVER A. PEDREGOSA
MAPEH TEACHER
MSU-WAO COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT IS DANCE?
- a form of expression of
oneself through rhythmic
movement
SO, WHAT IS FOLK DANCE
- the oldest form of dance and
the earliest form of
communication
- the traditional dance of a given
country which evolved
naturally and spontaneously
with everyday activities
e.g. occupations, customs,
festivals, rituals
SO, WHAT IS FOLK DANCE
 It is handed down from
generation to generation
 It has more or less a fixed
movement in their pattern,
but may differ in various
areas or provinces
5 MAJOR CLASSIFICATIONS OF PHILIPPINE
FOLK DANCES
1. Cordillera Dances
2. Spanish Influenced Dances
3. Muslim Dances
4. Tribal Dances
5. Rural Dances
CORDILLERA DANCES
 Bontoc, Ifugao,
Benguet, Apayo, &
Kalinga tribes
 a people whose way

Dances reflects rituals
which celebrate their
daily lives - a good
harvest, health, peace,
war, and other symbols
of living
of life existed long
before any Spaniard
or other foreigners
stepped foot on the
Philippines
 Gongs, ganza
CORDILLERA DANCES
Kalinga – “Banga”
Bontoc – “Pattong”
Spanish Influenced Dances


Dances reflects
Christianity, and
European art and culture
Philippine aristocrats
created Filipino
adaptations of
European dances
 jotas, fandanggos,
mazurkas, waltzes
 danced by young
socialites to the
stringed music of the
rondalla
Spanish Influenced Dances
“Jota”
“Habanera”
MUSLIM DANCES





Influenced by Malay,
Javanese & Middle Eastern
Traders (Islam)
mysticism, royalty, and
beauty
Uses intricate hand & arm
movement
the fingers express feelings &
emotions
Uses shimmering costumes
MUSLIM DANCES
Maranao – “Singkil”
Tausug – “Pangalay”
Tribal Dances
 intricate craftsmanship
in metal, clothing, and
jewelry
 reflects rituals &

Also known as Ethnic
dances; Ethnic minorities
found in different parts of
the Philippines (T’boli,
Bilaan, Manobo, Bagobo,
etc.)
animals, belief in
“spirits” & shamans,
nature – “anito”
 animal sounds, human
singing, indigenous
materials
Tribal Dances
T’boli – “Madal Tahaw”
Manobo – “Bangkakaw”
RURAL DANCES
 Shows gaiety &
laughter, festivities
 Performed in fiestas to
honor patron saints
 give homage to the

Reflects the simple life of the
people in the barrio
 Depicts common work, daily
activities of the peasants
barrio's namesake for a
good harvest, health, &
perseverance
 Indigenous materials,
clapping, rondalla,
percussion instruments
RURAL DANCES
“Maglalatik”
“Saut sa Rarug”
“Oasioas”
COSTUMES
IN
PHILIPPINE
FOLK DANCE
TYPICAL SPANISH ELITE
Female:
MARIA CLARA
Male:
Barong Tagalog &
Black Pants
RURAL (TAGALOG)
Female:
BALINTAWAK with
soft panuelo & tapis
Male:
Camisa de Chino &
trousers of different
colors
RURAL (VISAYAN)
Female:
Kimona & Patadyong
with soft kerchief
Male:
Barong or Camisa de
Chino and trousers of
any color
Cordillera/Tribal
Male:
- G-string, short jacket &
shoulder band,
feathered head dresses
- “bahag”
Females:
- Hinabi na tela (hablon)
- Accessories (beads)
Muslim
 “Sigpit” or “Sablay”
 patadyong
 Malong
 pants
Rural (Ilocano)
“Chambra” – blouse
“Siesgo” – A-line skirt
THE END.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING.
REFERENCES
 2010. Catacutan, Allen. Fundamentals in Philippine Folk
Dance + Filipino Cultural Communities. 5 October 2010.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/38738236/Fundamentals-inPhilippine-Folk-Dance-Filipino-Cultural-Communities
 2008. Philippine Folk Dance Society, Cultural Center of the
Philippines. A Classic Collection of Philippine Folk Dances
Series III, 28th National Folk Dance Workshop. 19 – 23 May
2008