HISTORY AND GENERAL
CLASSIFICATION OF
PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES
LESSON 2
Set your Goals
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
■ Identify the basic concepts of rhythm and dance
■ Enumerate the values derived from the different forms and
classifications of dances
■ Appreciate the variety and uniqueness of Filipino values and
traditions, beliefs and the characteristics of people living on it.
■ Physical Education is defined as an integral part of educational
program designed to promote the optimum development of an
individual physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually
through total body movement in the performance of properly selected
physical activities.
■ Through active participation in properly selected physical education
activities, students will develop good health and maintain their high
level of physical fitness that enables them to enjoy good life. Students
may enjoy expressive and constructive activities in physical
education, like sports, gymnastics and rhythms or dances. Rhythmic
activities refer to bodily responses to any type of rhythmic
accompaniment that will provide leeway to the student’s
opportunities to develop rhythmic accuracy and coordination that
serve as an agent in improving and maintaining their good posture.
Varied dance activities avenues of students’ social adjustments.
■ Philippine fold dances have increased popularity and obtained world
culture when some Philippine dance troupes performed in foreign
nations. The Philippines have dances entertained and delighted
people from all walks of life. Folk dances promote national goodwill
describing the habits, customs and beliefs of the people all over the
world.
■ Social dances give opportunities to develop the individual’s ability to
communicate, mingle and socialize with other people. Social dances
also prepare the person to basic dance steps, positions, movements
and rhythms.
■ Moreover, ballroom dancing has unique history which contributed to
its current popularity as a recreational and competitive dance sport.
19th century. Ballroom dancing is particularly among the upper classes
who participated in social events at the balls.
■ Ballroom Dancing has sustained its popularity through ballroom clubs
opened for the enjoyment of the public. Anyone can enjoy ballroom
dancing since there are no restrictions to gender and age. Woman can
best express through ballroom dancing. Likewise, men can also enjoy
the social benefits of ball room dancing.
INTRODUCTION OF PHILIPPINE
FOLK DANCES
■ Folk dances are traditional dances of a country which were evolved
naturally and spontaneously in connection with everyday activities
and experience of the people. These are traditional dances handed
down form generation to generation that describe the traditions,
belief, occupations, ways of life and characteristics of people living in
a certain nation through body movements.
Values Derived from Studying
Philippine Folk Dances
Philippine folk dances minor the culture of Filipino ancestors. Thus,
studying Philippine folk dances is likewise. Studying the Filipino heritage.
In this manner, students will realize the significance of Philippine Folk
Dance in various ways:
■ Strengthen patriotism and nationalism.
■ Appreciate the aesthetic value of Philippine folk dances.
■ Preserve the Filipino heritage through folk dancing.
■ Promote the Filipino culture through folk dancing.
■ Gain healthy posture through graceful and rhythmic coordination of body movement.
■ Provide a healthy form of relaxation and recreation.
Brief History of the Philippine
Folk Dances
When the Philippines was discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it
had been inhabited by differential groups. The Indonesians, Malaysian
and Pygmies. The offspring of the Pygmies were the Negritoes whose
dances describe their daily activities like the Sinulog, a dual dance where
two men use bolos.
For centuries, dancing and singing have been the principal past time of
the people. The early Filipinos considered dancing as a religious activity.
They performed dances in thanksgiving for a fruitful harvest, a victorious
battle and prosperous voyage or recovery from sickness.
During the Spanish period, dancing played an important part in the social
activities of the Filipinos. Kumintang, a pantomimed song and dance was
the oldest recorded activity among the Christianized Filipinos.
The Spaniards introduced different dances such as Fandangos, Lanceros,
Riodon, Carinosa and Curacha. Western cultures and dances of other
European countries during the 16 th century were also introduced, absorbed
and blended in our native culture which later became our traditional folk
dances.
Nowadays, folk dancing has been increasing in popularity. There are
numerous fascinating Philippine dances which have already been document
and performed not only in school but also in various dance groups, both for
amateurs and professionals
The University of the Philippines’ Folk Song and Dances paved the way for the
birth of Philippine dances and the dance troupe as well Organized by Mrs.
Tolentino, the UP Folk Song and dances have performed and showed their
prowess in several towns and provinces nearby Manila.
Furthermore, the Bayanihan, Filipinescas, Filipiniana, Barangay, Ramon
Obusan Folkloric Dance troupes have performed outside the country, their
success obtain admiration and appreciation of Filipino culture through dances
from foreigners. Thus, they have brought pride and prestige to the country.
ACTIVITY
