Diane Marie C, Videna

II-6 Bachelor of Culture and Arts

Pre-colonial period

The Philippines have many popular folk dances which have evolved and changed as they have
been passed down from generation to generation. Although a particular dance might be
performed slightly differently from one region to the next, its remains true to its roots.

Dancing plays an important role in Filipino culture, telling their history and preserving traditions
through folk dances and music. These dances are entertaining to observe, and even more fun
to learn and perform yourself.
Diane Marie C, Videna
II-6 Bachelor of Culture and Arts

Spanish Period

Paseo de Iloilo The Jota brought by the Spaniards from

Southern Spain found its way into many
This is one of the most sophisticated places in the islands. One such jota is
courtship and flirtation dances of the named after the valley it adapted. Though
Spanish era. The gentlemen compete Filipinized in many ways that one, Jota
among each other to win the heart of Cagayana still displays the fire and fury of
the dalaga, or young lady, by exemplifying its European origin.
chivalry, grace, and confidence. One of the
most sophisticated courtship and flirtation
dances of the Spanish era. The gentlemen
compete among each other to win the heart
of the dalaga, or young lady, by
exemplifying chivalry, grace, and
confidence.

Malaguena

This dance was a favorite dance of the

people of Laguana and Quezon during the
Spanish Era.

Paypay de Manila
Diane Marie C, Videna
II-6 Bachelor of Culture and Arts

The young ladies carry scented fans, or

"paypay" and flirt with young men with
canes and straw hats, once more giving
evidence of the Kastilian influence.

Abaruray

Abaruray is a contraction of the words Aba

and Ruray. Aba is an exclamation which is
equivalent to “Hey!” or “Hi!” in English.
Ruray is a nickname for Aurora.
Diane Marie C, Videna
II-6 Bachelor of Culture and Arts

American Period

In 1898, the United States colonized the

Philippines. The Americans’ entry into the
country brought with it their cosmopolitan
and commercial culture. Social dances also
became part of the repertoire on stage,
such as the Charleston, foxtrot, big apple,
one-step, slow-drag, the Latin-influenced
tango, rumba, samba, mambo and cha-cha.
John Cowper was called “dean
of Philippine vaudeville,” and with him came
other American and European artists.in a
dance.

The Polkabal
The Polkabal shows some European
influence in its steps. The dance is
composed of nine different steps which
include various movements such as
fluttering, stepping heel-to-toe, a
reenactment of a bull fight, and even a
leisurely walk.
Diane Marie C, Videna
II-6 Bachelor of Culture and Arts

Contemporary

“Budots” is a combination of a tribal dance

and a Pinoy’s imagination that gave the first
its modern twist. The steps look freestyle
but they’re actually based on the Badjao
dance. Badjao drum beat mixed with
techno music equals “Bistik” or Bisayan
Tikno (how a person that speaks Bisaya
would pronounce techno

Hiphop- which originated in America refers

to street dance styles performed to hip hop
music. It includes dance styles such as
breaking, locking and popping. What
distinguishes hip-hop from other styles is
that it is often freestyle or improvisation.