History of Philippines Folk Dance

The Spanish colonization of the Philippines from 1521 had a profound impact on Filipino dance traditions, resulting in a unique fusion of indigenous and European styles, giving rise to new dance forms. The Spanish introduced dances like Fandangos, Lanceros, Rigodon, Carinosa, and Curacha.

Lanceros

Lanceros is a dance that portrays the elegance and formality of Spanish court dances. It was introduced during the Spanish colonial period and often performed at social gatherings and fiestas. The dance involves intricate footwork and formations, typically performed by pairs or groups, reflecting the influence of European quadrilles and other courtly dances.

Rigodon

The Rigodon, also known as Rigodon de Honor, is another dance that was brought to the Philippines by the Spaniards. It is a formal dance often performed at grand balls and state functions. The Rigodon features a series of figures and formations, showcasing the dancers' grace and coordination. It symbolizes the blending of Filipino and Spanish cultures, as it was adapted by the Filipino elite and became a staple in social events.

Cariñosa

Cariñosa, meaning "affectionate" or "loving," is a traditional Philippine courtship dance that also has Spanish roots. It is characterized by flirtatious movements and the use of fans or handkerchiefs, which the dancers use to express affection and courtship. The dance is performed to a lilting waltz rhythm, reflecting the influence of Spanish dance forms like the waltz and fandango.

Curacha

Curacha, also known as Kuratsa, is a lively and energetic dance that originated in the Visayas region. It combines elements of Spanish and indigenous Filipino dance styles. The Curacha is often performed at weddings and other festive occasions, featuring fast-paced steps and playful movements that mimic the courtship behavior of birds. It highlights the adaptability of Filipino dancers in incorporating foreign influences while maintaining a distinct cultural identity.

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

The folk dances of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao exhibit distinct characteristics reflecting the unique cultural influences and traditions for Philippine folk dance which was influenced by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century.

• Luzon folk dances often have strong connections to indigenous rituals and beliefs. They are typically classified into categories like Maria Clara dances, Cordillera dances, and rural dances, showcasing the region's diverse cultural heritage.
• Visayan folk dances reflect the region's maritime traditions. They often feature lively and energetic performances, such as Maglalatik, which depicts a mock war using coconut shells, and Sayaw sa Bangko, performed on narrow wooden benches.
• Mindanao folk dances showcase the influence of Islam and tribal cultural practices. They are characterized by graceful movements and often tell stories of love, bravery, and mythical legends. Examples include Asik, a solo dance to entice a Sultan, and Pangalay, which emphasizes upper body movements reflecting the Badjao people's connection to the sea.

While the folk dances of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have distinct characteristics, there are indeed some common themes and motifs that can be observed across these regions:

1. Cultural heritage: Folk dances across all three regions serve as a means to preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of the Philippines. They often depict traditional customs, beliefs, and ways of life.
2. Nature and environment: Many dances across the regions incorporate movements and themes inspired by nature, such as mimicking birds (Tinikling in Visayas) or depicting the connection to the sea (Pangalay in Mindanao).
3. Religious and spiritual elements: Dances often have spiritual or religious significance, reflecting the diverse religious influences in the Philippines. This is evident in dances like the Subli from Visayas, which honors the Holy Cross.
4. Courtship and romance: Many folk dances across the regions depict courtship rituals or romantic themes, showcasing the importance of love and relationships in Filipino culture.
5. Daily life and occupations: Dances often portray everyday activities, work, and occupations of the people. For example, the Maglalatik from Visayas depicts a mock war using coconut shells.
6. Festivity and celebration: Across all regions, many dances are performed during festivals and celebrations, reflecting the joyful and festive spirit of the Filipino people.
7. Historical influences: The impact of various historical periods, including pre-colonial times, Spanish colonization, and American influence, can be seen in dances from all three regions.
8. Use of props and costumes: Many dances incorporate unique props (like bamboo poles in Tinikling or coconut shells in Maglalatik) and colorful costumes that are integral to the performance.

Spanish influence on Filipino Dance

In 1521, the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer, marked the beginning of Spanish influence. In 1565, Miguel López de Legazpi established the first Spanish settlement in Cebu. Spanish colonization began to spread throughout the archipelago.

Here are some key ways Spanish history influenced Filipino dance

1. Introduction of European dance forms: The Spanish introduced dances like the waltz, polka, fandango, and jota to the Philippines. These were gradually adapted and incorporated into Filipino culture, giving rise to new hybrid dance forms.
2. Religious influence: Catholic rituals brought by the Spanish influenced dance traditions. Religious processions and festivals integrated dance and music, as seen in modern folk dances like Sinulog.
3. Creation of fusion dances: The blending of Spanish and Filipino elements led to the development of unique dances. For example:
4. • Rigodon: A formal dance that incorporates European courtship rituals.
   • Cariñosa: Features Spanish guitar accompaniment.
   • Jota: Filipino versions evolved from the Spanish jota, often simplified and adapted to local tastes.
4. Musical instruments: Spanish colonizers introduced instruments like the guitar, which became integral to many Filipino dances. The Philippine guitar, octavina, and bajo de uñas are adaptations of Spanish instruments.
5. Regional variations: Different regions in the Philippines adapted Spanish dances in unique ways. For instance, the Jota Moncadeña from Tarlac combines Spanish and Ilocano movements.
6. Social context: Spanish dances were often performed at special occasions and became part of Filipino social life. For example, the jota was performed during the guling-guling (eve of Ash Wednesday).
7. Costume influence: Spanish colonial fashion influenced the costumes worn in many Filipino folk dances, particularly those with strong Spanish heritage.
8. Cultural preservation and resistance: While adopting Spanish influences, Filipinos also used dance as a means of preserving their cultural identity and, at times, as a form of subtle resistance to colonial rule.

Several Spanish dances were adopted and adapted by Filipino communities during the colonial period. Here are some key examples:

1. Jota: This lively Spanish dance was widely adopted in the Philippines. The Filipinos created their own simplified versions, such as the Jota Moncadeña from Tarlac, which combines Spanish and Ilocano movements.
2. Fandango: This Spanish dance was adopted by Filipinos and adapted to local tastes.
3. Habanera: Mentioned as one of the dances from Spain that was adopted in the Philippines.
4. Malagueña: This lively dance from Malaga, Spain, was adapted by Filipinos. It became a favorite jota dance among older people in San Pablo, Laguna.
5. Waltz (Balse): The waltz became popular in the Philippines by the 19th century and is seen in almost all Philippine dances. The balitaw, a lively courtship dance popular in Tagalog and Visayan regions, is typical of the waltzes adapted in the Philippines.
6. Rigodon: This formal dance, resembling French dances of the Middle Ages, was one of the first dances introduced by the Spaniards.
7. Lanceros: Another early dance introduced by the Spanish colonizers.
8. Polka: Became popular towards the end of the Spanish regime.
9. Mazurka: Also gained popularity in the later period of Spanish rule.
10. Escotis (from Schottische): Adopted and adapted by different social classes in the Philippines.
11. Paseo: Became fashionable among various social classes during the late Spanish colonial period.

These dances were often simplified and adapted to suit Filipino tastes and cultural contexts. The Filipinos incorporated elements of these dances into their own traditions, creating unique fusion dances that blended Spanish and indigenous Filipino elements.

Tinikling Dance - Oldest Dance?

The oldest folk dance in the Philippines is believed to be the Tinikling. The Tinikling dance is believed to have originated during the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines, specifically on the island of Leyte in the Visayas region.

Historical accounts suggest that it developed as early as the Spanish occupation, which began in the 16th century.The dance is named after the "tikling" birds, which are known for their agility in dodging bamboo traps set by rice farmers. The movements of the Tinikling dance mimic these birds' actions, as dancers skillfully step in and out of clapping bamboo poles

Key Differences between traditional Filipino dances and Spanish-introduced dances

There are key differences between traditional Filipino dances and Spanish-introduced dances

The 16th century was a period of significant cultural exchange and transformation for Filipino folk dance. The arrival of the Spanish and the subsequent colonization led to a fusion of indigenous and European dance traditions, laying the foundation for many of the traditional dances celebrated in the Philippines today.