CULTURE & ARTS – Revival of folk dances

By Henrylito D. Tacio
I have been to various parts of the world. Aside from tourist attractions and food, another thing that makes a country more vibrant and alive is its folk dances. Consider the following: China’s Dragon dance, Japan’s ancestral dance called Bon Odori, and yes, the Square dance of the Americans.
The Philippines, with more than 7,000 islands, has its own folk dances. The most popular is the “Tinikling.” The steps of the dance are direct imitation of the movements of the endemic bird called “tikling” (usually found in rice fields) that hops to escape the traps set by hunters.
Made popular by those from province of Leyte, the dancers – moving with poise and grace – try to “skip in-between two bamboo poles that are held to pound rhythmically against each other.”
Another popular folk dance is the “Pandanggo sa Ilaw.” The term “pandanggo” is borrowed from the Spanish word “fandango.” A dance of grace and balance, it is characterized by “lively steps and clapping that varies in rhythm in 3/4 time.” What makes this dance exciting is the use of three glasses with lighted candles inside; one is placed on the head and two others are at the back of each hand.
From the south comes “Singkil,” a dance whose name is taken from the bells worn on the ankles of the Muslim princess. There are several versions of this dance. One interpretation has the princess going into her garden, accompanied by her slave. The princess “plays with the butterflies, which are represented by the fan dancers. The movements of the fans supposedly represent those of the butterflies.” In another popular version, the prince uses a scarf instead of a sword.
There are several other popular folk dances in the Philippines. But I am sure not too many of today’s generation know them well. In fact, some of them may have never heard or seen those folk dances.
This was one of the main reasons the municipality of Bansalan in Davao del Sur has included Folk Dance Competition as one the main events of its anniversary celebration every September.
“We want to educate our elementary pupils and high school students about our culture,” explained Hope Geraldine E. Batal, the municipal tourism officer. “They need to know that we have our dances we should be proud of. Instead of endorsing modern dance, break dance, and other dances from the West, why don’t we promote our very own?”
In the recent anniversary celebration, eight schools from elementary and four schools from secondary level participated in the contest. “We started this event last year and we were surprised that many schools became interested,” Batal said. “We thought the school heads won’t support us but it turned out that they were just waiting for the right opportunity,” Batal said.
In our interview with Mayor Edwin G. Reyes last year, he said: “(The folk dance competition) is a different way of showcasing talents and individualities. (It is also) a way of showing love and praises (to our culture).”
In the Elementary Division, the Villa-Doneza Central Elementary School won first place. The pupils interpreted the “Saut sa Rarug.” It is a dance portraying the use of bamboo container, primarily in fetching water. 
The New Clarin Elementary School won second place for dancing the “Pasigin,” a fish net used by the fisherfolk from Capiz. “The pasigin dance would have been an ordinary and playful dance had it not been for a comic relief where at the end, the ring-net reveals a hole big enough for the fish to escape,” my source said.
Kumakaret was the dance interpreted by the third placer, the Bansalan Central Elementary School. It is a courtship dance of the so-called “kumakaret,” a person who makes wine from a palm tree. My source said: “The dance shows their ability, skill and good balance while dancers perform the dance with half-filled glasses of wine.”
In the secondary division, Marber National High School won first place for doing the “Sinakiki.” Second place went to Nazareth High School for “Habanera Botaleña,” while St. Mary’s College of Bansalan won third place for “Arigay.”
I tried to do some research on the folk dances performed by the winners. “Sinakiki” is a dance that originates from Rapu-Rapu island in Albay, which is known for its lively fiestas. 
My source said: “During these fiestas, a playful and lively dance called the Sinakiki is performed. The Sinakiki illustrates the flirtatious movements of a rooster as his ladylove evades his every move.”
This was what I found about the second placer’s dance (Habanera Botaleña): “(It’s) a combination of Spanish and Philippine steps with flamenco influence. This is a social popular dance in the North among the Ilocanos. It is a courtship dance but sometime it is also performed during weddings and other social gatherings.”
I didn’t get much information about the Arigay. What I know is that it’s a playful chicken dance.
How did the judges come up with the winners? Well, they were given criteria to follow. These were: performance (which included skill and mastery, stage projection, and showmanship), 50 percent; authentic interpretation, 30 percent; and authenticity of costume, music, and equipment, 20 percent.
Research conducted by the author showed that the term folk dance describes dances that share some or all of the following attributes: dances performed at social functions by people with little or no professional training, often to traditionally based music; dances not generally designed for public performance or the stage, though may be later arranged and set for stage performances; and execution dominated by an inherited tradition rather than innovation (though folk traditions change over time).