PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE TERMS AND STEPS

These dance terms are used all throughout the Philippine folk dances. By familiarizing
yourself with these term, it will surely help you interpret the dance literature faster and more
accurate.

Common Dance Terms

Abrasete – girls at the right side, holds R arm of partner with her L had, free hands down at
the sides. This term is of Spanish origin and is used in Rigodon and in other dances.

Arms in Lateral Position – both arms are at one side, either sideward right or left. This may be
done at shoulder, chest, or waist level.

Arms in Reverse “T” – arms are side horizontal, elbows bent at right angles, forearms parallel
to head, palms forward or facing inward, fists loosely closed.

Bilao – to turn palms of hands up and down alternately, hands at waist level in front, elbows
close to waist.

Brush – weight on one foot, hit the floor with the ball or heel of the other foot (the free foot)
after which that foot is lifted from the floor to any direction.

Cabeceras – when dancers are in square formation, the couples occupying the width of the
hall are called “cabeceras” or head couples. This of Spanish origin.

Clockwise – like the motion of the hands of a clock. R shoulder is towards the center of an
imaginary circle. When facing center, the movement is towards the left.

Counterclockwise – the reverse direction of clockwise. L shoulder is towards the center of

Costados – when dancers are in square formation, the couples occupying the length of the
hall are called “costados” or side pairs. This is of Spanish origin.

Crossed Arms – partners are facing each other or standing side by side, girl at the right of boy.
They join their L hands together and their R hands together, either R over L or L over R hands.

Cross-over – two couples (the vis-à-vis) are opposite each other. Each couple proceeds in a
straight line to the opposite place. The girls pass by their L shoulders between the boys. Boys
bow to each other when they meet at the middle or about one-third of the way, then proceed
to the opposite place. Upon reaching the opposite place, partners turnabout, girls stand at
partners’ right side.
Cut – to quickly displace one foot with the other, thus completely taking off the weight of the
body from the displaced foot.

Do-si-do (dos-a-dos) – the vis-à-vis (opposites) both advance forwards, pass each other’s
right (or left) side, step across to the right (or left), move backward without turning around
pass each other’s left (or rigt) side to proper places. this is of foreign origin and is used in
many Philippine dances.

Draw – to pull one foot along the floor close to the other which has the weight of the body.
The weight may or may not be transferred.

Free Foot – the foot not bearing the weight of the body.

Free Hand – the hand not placed anywhere or not doing anything.

Hands on Waist – place hands at the waistline (at the smallest part of the trunk), knuckles
in, fingers pointing in rear.

Hapay – to flourish or offer a handkerchief, hat, or glass of wine to somebody as a sign of

Hayon-hayon – to place one forearm in front and the other at the back of the waist. This a
Visayan term.

Hop – a spring from one foot landing on the same foot in place or in any direction. The other
foot may be raised in any direction (in front, in rear, sideward or across).

Inside Foot – the foot nearest one’s partner when partners stand side by side.

Inside Hand – the hand nearest one’s partner when partners stand side by side.

Jaleo – Partners turn once around clockwise (with R elbows almost touching) or
counterclockwise (with L elbows almost touching) using walking or any kind of dance step.
The hands near each other are on waists. This is a Tagalog term but of Spanish origin.

Jump – spring on one foot or both feet, landing on both in any direction.

Kumintang – moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or counterclockwise
direction. This is an Ilocano term.

Leap – a spring on one foot, landing on the other foot in any direction (forward, sideward,
backward, or oblique).

Masiwak – to turn the hand from the wrist half-way clockwise then raise and lower wrist once
or twice. This is an Ibanag term.
Outside Foot – the foot away from one’s partner when partners stand side by side.

Outside Hand – the hand away from one’s partner when partners stand side by side.

Panadyak – to stamp in front or at the side with R (L) foot and tap with same foot close to the
L (R) foot, weight of the body on L (R) foot. This is a Tagalog term.

Place – to put foot in a certain or desired position without putting weight on it. The foot sole
rests on the floor.

Pivot – to turn with the ball, heel, or whole foot, on a fixed place or point.

Patay – to bend the head downward and to support the forehead with R (L) forearm or with
the crook of the R (L) elbow while the L (R) hand supports lightly the palm of the R (L) hand.
This is usually done with the L (R) foot pointing in rear and knees slightly bent. This is an
Ilocano term, and the movement is commonly found in Ilocano dances.

Point – touch the floor lightly with the toes of one foot, weight of the body on the other foot.

Salok – to swing the arm downward-upward passing in front of the body as scooping, the
trunk is bent forward following the movement of the arm doing the “salok”. This is a Tagalog
term.

Saludo – partners bow to each other, to the audience, opposite dancers, or to the neighbors
with feet together. This term is of Spanish origin and is used in almost all Philippine dances.

Sarok (or Saroc) – cross the R (or L) foot in front of the L (or R), bend the body slightly forward
and cross the hands (forearms) down in front with the R (or L) hand (forearm) over the L (or
R). This is a Visayan term.

Set – a dance formation like a square or a unit formation composed of two or more pairs.

Slide – to glide foot smoothly along the floor. The movement may be finished with or without
transfer of weight.

Stamp – to bring down the foot forcibly and noisily on the floor (like doing a heavy step) with
or without transfer of weight.

Star with Right Hand – four or more people join R hands at center and circle around clockwise
using walking or any kind of dance step.

Star with Left Hand – same as “star with right hand” but joining L hands and turning
counterclockwise.

Step – to advance or recede by raising or moving one foot to another resting place. There is a
complete transfer of weight from one foot to another.
Supporting Foot – the foot that bears the weight of the body.

Tap – to tap slightly with the ball of the free foot, flexing the ankle joint keeping weight of the
body on the other foot. There is not change or transfer of weight.

Whirl – to make fast turns by executing small steps in place to right or left.