Background of the Philippine Folk Dance “Tinikling”
TINIKLING – Here is a background of this Philippine folk dance including its origin.
Every country has its own set of folk dances, folk songs, beliefs, and a lot more. In the Philippines, when it comes to traditional dances, “tinikling” would surely pop on the mind of a lot of people first.
The said Philippine folk dance is one of those that is discussed in the elementary and secondary years of education. Furthermore, it is also part of some college curriculum like the one set for the students of an education course major in MAPEH (Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health).
In this article, we will talk about the said Philippine folk dance including its origin. We will also cite some basics on how it is danced.
Tinikling is said to have originated from a type of bird – the tikling. This Philippine folk dance is believed to have started in Leyte which is part of the Visayas region.
In performing this dance which resembles the movement of the bird, at least two (2) parallel pairs of bamboo poles are needed. For some expert performances, four (4) parallel pairs are being used.
Aside from the dancers, there are two (2) people sitting or kneeling on the edge of the bamboo poles. Known as clappers or clickers, they are the ones moving the bamboo poles while the dancers weave rapidly through it. The dancers and clappers can interchange roles during the dance.
The movement of the bamboo poles which are considered as percussive instruments during the dance produce a clapping sound. During the dance, a rondalla music with some string instruments like guitar, ukulele, and banduria is played.
Tinikling started in Leyte but made its way to be known around the Philippines. In fact, this Philippine folk dance is now one of those dances performed for cultural shows.
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