Philippine Folk Dances: Basic Terms and Steps

The dance of this place includes the different Cordillera tribes such as Ifugao, Benguet, Bontoc, Apayao, and Kalinga which contributed much to the dance trove of the Philippines.

• Luzon

• Visayas

• Mindanao

The dances of this place often reflects the religion and culture of Muslim.

• Luzon

• Visayas

• Mindanao

The dances of this place have Western, Arabian, and Spanish influences. Dances reflect the happy character and outlook of the people and draw inspiration from animal movements.

• Luzon

• Visayas

• Mindanao

It is the dance that originated from Leyte which mimics the movement of the tikling bird hopping over the bamboo traps set by farmers.

• Itik-itik

• Tinikling

• Kuratsa

It is a dance from Bohol which tells the story of a young, free-spirited couple who attempt to get each other's attention.

• Itik-itik

• Tinikling

• Kuratsa

A dance step in which partners turn crosswise and bow to each other, to the audience, or to the opposite dancers with feet together.

• arms in lateral position

• hayon-hayon

• saludo

A dance step where both arms are at one side, either sideward right or left, this may be done at shoulder, chest or waist level.

• Arms in lateral position

• Kumintang

• Cross Waltz

A dance step where heals raised, take as many steps as desired.

• Step swing

• Mincing step

• Change step

Step R foot across the L foot in front and raise slightly the L foot across in rear (ct.1), step the L foot close to R in rear( ct.2), step R foot in front (ct. 3). Step on the ball of the rear foot on the second count.

• Cross Waltz

• Change Step

• Bleking Step

Place R heel in front (count 1) and place the R heel back close to your L foot (count 2)

• Cross Waltz

• Touch Step

• Bleking Step