1. Basic Footwork:
- The Pandanggo sa Ilaw involves fundamental steps like walking, turning, and stamping.
- Dancers balance oil lamps placed on plates on the palm of their hands or fingertips, adding an element of balance and control to the dance.
2. Turns and Twirls:
- Dancers spin around with lighted oil lamps in hand, keeping them lit throughout.
- These spins and twirls vary in speed and direction, showcasing the dancer's skill and balance.
3. Footwork Patterns:
- The footwork patterns in Pandanggo sa Ilaw are characterized by intricate steps that create various rhythmic patterns.
- Some steps include "tinikling" (simulating the footwork used to avoid sharp sticks in rice farming) and "salok" (catching the lighted lamp with the feet or hands).
4. Balancing and Catching:
- Dancers exhibit precise movements as they balance and gracefully catch the lighted oil lamps throughout the dance.
- The movements are designed to keep the lamps lit and prevent them from going out.
5. Synchronization:
- Multiple dancers may perform the Pandanggo sa Ilaw together, requiring synchronization in their footwork and movements while handling the oil lamps.
- Coordinating their steps and turns creates a mesmerizing spectacle of dancing fire.
6. Expression:
- Pandanggo sa Ilaw is not just a display of skill but also a form of artistic expression.
- Dancers showcase their emotions and interpret the music through delicate movements and gestures while maintaining the dance's complexity and danger.
7. Musicality:
- The Pandanggo sa Ilaw is performed with lively and upbeat music that often features traditional instruments such as the bandurria, guitar, and castanets.
- Dancers move in time with the music, making the dance a fusion of rhythm, balance, and coordination.
It is important to note that performing Pandanggo sa Ilaw requires training, practice, and concentration to master the intricate steps while ensuring safety and the preservation of the dance's cultural roots.