Origin: Leyte
Tinikling is a traditional Philippine folk dance that involves dancing between two bamboo poles that are rhythmically clacked together. The dance is named after the tikling bird, known for its ability to walk gracefully through tall grass and avoid obstacles. Dancers imitate the tikling bird's movements by skillfully stepping between the bamboo poles as they are clapped together.
2. Pandanggo sa Ilaw
Origin: Visayas region
Pandanggo sa Ilaw is a graceful dance that incorporates fire and balance. Dancers hold lighted candles in each hand while balancing lit oil lamps on their heads. The dance requires intricate footwork and movements that showcase agility, grace, and coordination.
3. Maglalatik
Origin: Manila and its neighboring provinces
Maglalatik is a lively and energetic dance that tells the story of a coconut harvest festival. Dancers mimic the movements of coconut farmers during the harvest. They use bamboo poles and wooden coconut shells as props to create rhythmic patterns and simulate the sounds of coconut husking and harvesting.
4. Itik-Itik
Origin: Surigao del Sur
Itik-Itik is a fun and playful dance that imitates the movements of ducks. Dancers wear duck-like costumes and perform movements such as waddling, flapping their wings, and swimming. The dance is characterized by its light and lively steps, making it a crowd-pleaser during festivities.
5. Binasuan
Origin: Pangasinan
Binasuan is a unique and challenging dance that involves balancing filled glasses of water on different body parts, including the head, hands, and feet. The dance showcases the dancers' balance, coordination, and grace as they move around without spilling the water.
6. Sayaw sa Bangko
Origin: Cebu and Bohol
Sayaw sa Bangko, literally meaning "dance on a bench," is a traditional dance that is performed on a long wooden bench. The dancers display their agility and balance as they perform various acrobatic moves and graceful steps on the bench.
7. Carinosa
Origin: Panay Island
Carinosa is a courtship dance that showcases elegance and charm. Partners face each other and perform graceful steps, including tapping their feet together and twirling around each other. The dance is characterized by its romantic and delicate movements.