Folk Dance

• Folk Dances


  The traditional recreational dance of an indigenous society showing the cultural characteristics of a specific people at a given time and place
• Definition of Folk Dances

  • Traditional, social expression through movements with rhythmic accompaniment which are characteristics of the community life of the people of different nationalities
  • The vivid intimate bond of customs, ideals, and traditions of the past through which a multitude of national characteristics in music, steps, and costumes are preserved
  • A dance developed spontaneously and naturally by specific folk, usually handed down from generation to generation and following a fixed basic pattern

  
• Benefits of Dancing

  • Psychological and neuro-muscular development of the organize system of the body
  • Cultural- Depicting the culture of the people
  • Social and recreational
• Types of Folk Dances

  • National - those that are widely danced throughout a country
  • Regional - those popular only in a certain part of the country
  • Character - created by individual or group
• Objectives of Teaching Philippine Folk Dances (General)

  • To foster patriotism and nationalism through the study of philippine dance
  • To arouse the interest and better appreciation of philippine music and folk dance
  • To provide through dancing/dances, a healthful form of relaxation and recreation
  • To develop a graceful and rhythmic coordination of body movement that will improve posture
  • To arouse and instil the interest of our children in taking part and enjoying our own dance
  • To preserve for posterity, folk danced and music indigenous to the different regions of the philippines
  • To demonstrate the growth of the filipino culture through the evolution of philippine dances

  
• Objectives of Teaching Philippine Folk Dances (Specific)

  • To know the value of rhythm
  • To increase the students' knowledge about fundamental rhythm and know how to use them effectively
  • To interpret dances correctly
  • To develop timing and coordination
  • To develop social and physical poise and balance
  • To learn to make new friends through dances
  • To understand etiquette at the dance floor
  • To enjoy self-expression which comes from participants in rhythmic activities

  
• Characteristics of Philippine Folk Dances

  • Most dances begin and end with "saludo", bow or curtsy
  • In general, dancers stand apart from each other at about 6 feet or 8 feet
  • There is little, if any, bodily contact although holding hands is common
  • Most of the dances are done in pairs or couples
  • Hand movements play an important part or role
  • Most dances are done in long open formation
  • Dances from lowlands have more foreign elements that those found in the uplands
  • War dances are found among non-Christian tribes
  • Dances are performed by the young and olds

  
• Classification of Philippine Dances (Geographical Extent of Origin)

  • National dances - found throughout the island with little or no modification.-traditional dances throughout the Philippines with the common basic movement or pattern
  • Local dances - Regional dances; found in certain locality or regions only

  
• Classification of Philippine Dances (Nature)


  • Occupational - depicting action of certain occupation, industry or labor
  • Religious or Ceremonial- performed in connection with religious vows, practices and ceremonies, and to drive the devil away
  • Comic dances - depicting funny movements for entertainment
  • Game dances - with play elements (dance mixers) - for recreational purposes
  • Wedding dances-performed during wedding feast; to be performed by newly-wed couples, friends, parents of both sides
  • Courtship dance - depicting love-making; dances with love teams
  • Festival dances - suitable for special occasion or any social gathering; dances in connection with harvest, barrio fiestas, and some fortunes
  • War dances - showing imaginary combat or duel; -with the use of bolos or swords

  
• Classification of Philippine Dances (Movement)

  • Active- with fast energetic movement
  • Moderate
  • Slow
  • Slow and Fast

  
• Classification of Philippine Dances (Formation)

  • Square or quadrille
  • Long formation (two or more parallel lines
  • Set – consisting of two or more pairs as a unit, partners facing each other or standing side by side