Steps to dance the Sagayan:
_1. Opening Ritual "Pagay-o"_
- The performer enters the dancing area and holds the "Sagay" (a wooden gong).
- The drummer performs a short and intense beat while walking around the ritual site.
_2. "Iggod"_ (Walking Backwards)
- The performer walks backwards while holding the Sagay to the center of the ritual area.
- The steps are small, measured, and graceful.
- The drummer follows the performer from the back.
_3. "Pangngamang"_ (Prayer Invocation)
- The performer holds the sagay in front while standing at the center.
- He starts to perform prayer invocations by raising the Sagay to the sky and then pointing it to different directions.
_4. "Ullalim" (Story Recital)
- After the invocation, the performer recites an "Ullalim" or historical events, epics, or stories.
- The dancer gestures with the Sagay and moves around the ritual area while reciting the stories.
_5. "Bumadyi"_ (Free Dance)
- After the Ullalim, the performer freely dances around the ritual area.
- The dance movements become lively, energetic, and more flexible at this stage.
- The dancer may spin, jump, and showcase their unique dancing skills.
_6. "Pangalay"_ (Conclusion)
- The dancer slows down and gradually finishes the dance with graceful movements.
- The ending is marked by the performer holding the Sagay up high one last time.
- The performer exits the dancing area, and the drummer concludes with a final beat.