Name: Arlette Gayle D. Rubin
CARIÑOSA
The cariñosa is a popular folk dance introduced to the country by the Spaniards when
they arrived in the 16th century. It belongs to the Maria Clara suite of Philippine folk dances.
These are so named in honor of Maria Clara, who was the main character in Jose Riza’s novel
Noli Me Tangere, (Don’t Touch Me’), about the colonization of the Philippines by the Spaniards.
In it, Maria Clara portrayed as a noble and loyal woman, who after the publication of the novel
of the novel in the 19th century became the female symbol of virtue for Filipina women. It is
believed that Panay Island, located in the Visayan Islands Group was the original home of the
cariñosa. The Spanish first arrived on the island in 1569. The dance soon spread around the
Philippines, giving rise to different versions in different regions, such as in Bicol, where both
dancers carry handkerchiefs.
The cariñosa is a much-loved folk dance in the Philippines. Spanish in origin, it is
regarded as a national dance by scholars, and the characteristics shy behavior of the female
dancer is said to represent the mannerisms of Philippine women. It was traditional for a Spanish
“Maria Clara” costume to worn, which consisted of a long dress and a long-sleeved short,
embroidered dress made from pineapple fibers. Now more traditional Philippine dress is usual.
Men wear white shirts and colored trousers, while the women wear native dresses. The music is
Spanish influenced, with the three-quarter rhythms that resemble a bolero or a waltz in both
speed and style. Ensemble orchestras compromising banjos, mandolins, strings, and drums are
typical. The orchestras were once mainly composed of men, however more women are starting to
take part. To dance the cariñosa, a man and a woman dance together, taking slow steps around
the room, like those of waltz. The female holds a fan or handkerchief, which the coyly hides
behind. The dance intended as a courtship dance and is of a flirtatious nature. Cariñosa means
“she that is loving” as the verb ending indicates it refers to a woman.
Dances embody fundamentals values of great worth to our culture. It preserves the joyful
tunes we have inherited from our ancestors and to pass them on to next generations. Dance in
Filipino culture helps us to connect to our ancestors and traditions. It helps preserve the cultural
unity of the people especially to the Filipino people.
In every culture, dance is a cherished art form that expresses the values, history, and
traditions of the people. Getting to know the dance Cariñosa is interesting as we gain knowledge
and wonderful meaning of that dance as it provides knowledge of the historical and cultural
testimony. It exposes us not only to the cultural values associated with courtship, but also to one
of the abilities to make creativity, and it improves sensitivity, understanding, appreciation and
consideration for others, both for the similarities and differences.