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How do you dance alitaptap folk dance?

The Awitin or Alitaptap is a courtship dance which originated from the island of Panay in the Visayas region of the Philippines. It is performed using oil lamps or lighted candles, and is usually performed during Christmas caroling.

Steps:

1. Partners stand knee-length apart. The women hold their candle or oil lamp in their right hand, close to the right shoulder, while the left hand is held loosely on the left side. The men hold their candle or oil lamp in the right hand, close to right shoulder and holds the woman’s left hand with the left hand.

2. Move forward 4 counts.

3. Take 4 counts to move backward to starting position.

4. Swing partner clockwise one round going towards the right side for 8 counts.

5. Swing partner counter-clockwise one round going towards the left side for 8 counts.

6. Move forward and twirl partner twice while turning counterclockwise for 4 counts.

7. Move backward to the starting position for 4 counts.

8. Repeat Steps 2-7 with the following variations:

- On Step 2, move sideward right with the right foot on the count of 1 and close the left foot on the count of 2.

- Repeat moving feet sideward left on Step 3.

- On Step 4, move forward right one step on the count of 1, cross the left foot in front of the right on the count of 2, then move forward with the right foot on counts of 3 and 4.

- On Step 5, move backward left on counts 1 and 2 and close right foot on count 3-4.

- Steps 6 and 7 will be the same.

Repeat and finish the dance.

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