Philippine Folk Dance

Different Kinds of Folk Dance

Philippine folk dances  are traditional dances that originated from different regions of the country and performed by Filipinos all over the country. Filipinos are known for having a rich culture and tradition. Folk Dances are the most common dance in the Philippines. Because of the tradition of the Filipinos, Philippines is popular all over the world.

Kuratsa

        Kuratsa is classified as a national dance because it is performed in different regions all over the country with few variations. Its roots can be traced in the Mexican Curacha. Agility and dexterity are used by expert dancers in performing complicated dance steps.

The Basic Steps for Kuratsa

•  Sway balance with raise
•  Mincing Step
•  Waltz Step

    Example:

Pandanggo

       Pandanggo  is a folk dance that has a Spanish origin and may be danced in any social gathering. This particular version comes from Moncada, Tarlac.

The Basic Steps for Pandanggo

•  Change Step- step,close,step 3/4
•  Kumintang
•  Arms in reverse T

Example:

                     



 Cariñosa

          Cariñosa is our national dance. The word cariñosa means affectionate or amiable which are positive characteristics that are evident among Filipinos. Dancers use fans and handkerchiefs and play hide and seek.

The Basic Steps used in Cariñosa 

•  Waltz Step- step,close,step (counts 1,2,3)
•  Three Steps and Point
•  Touch Step

Example

          





Jazz Dance

Jazz Dance

Jazz has become one of the most popular dance styles in recent years, mainly due to its popularity on television shows, movies, music videos and commercials. People enjoy watching jazz dancers, as the dancing is fun and energetic.
Jazz dancing is a form of dance that showcases a dancer's individual style and originality. Every jazz dancer interprets and executes moves and steps in their own way. Jazz dancing is energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. To excel in jazz, dancers need a strong background in ballet, as it encourages grace and balance.

Kinds of Jazz Dances

Contemporary Dance

          Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. Contemporary dance stresses versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of ballet. Contemporary dancers focus on floorwork, using gravity to pull them down to the floor. This dance genre is often done in bare feet. Contemporary dance can be performed to many different styles of music.

Example:



Lyrical Dance

        Lyrical dance is a dance style that blends ballet and jazz dance. Lyrical is generally smoother and a bit faster than ballet, but not quite as fast as jazz. A lyrical dancer uses movement to express strong emotions such as love, joy and anger. Movements in lyrical dance are characterized by fluidity and grace, with the dancer flowing seamlessly from one move to another, holding finishing steps as long as possible. Leaps are exceptionally high and soaring, and turns are fluid and continuous.

Example: