Folk Dance

Folk dance is a traditional form of dance that is deeply rooted

in the culture and history of a particular community, region,
or ethnic group. It is typically passed down through
generations informally, often through oral tradition and
experiential learning rather than formal dance training. Folk
dances reflect the customs, rituals, stories, and social
practices of a specific cultural group, making them an
important aspect of cultural heritage.
 History of Folk Dance
Folk dances share some or all of the following attributes:
• Dances are usually held at folk dance gatherings or social functions by people with
little or no professional training, often to traditional music.
• Dances not generally designed for public performance or the stage, though they
may later be arranged and set for stage performances.
• Execution dominated by an inherited tradition from various international cultures
rather than innovation (though folk traditions change over time).
• New dancers often learn informally by observing others or receiving help from
others.
More controversially, some people define folk dancing as dancing for which there is no
governing body or dancing for which there are no competitive or professional institutions.
The term "folk dance" is sometimes applied to dances of historical importance in European
culture and history; typically originating before the 20th century. For other cultures the
terms "ethnic dance" or "traditional dance" are sometimes used, although the latter terms
may encompass ceremonial dances.
There are a number of modern dances, such as hip hop dance,
that evolve spontaneously, but the term "folk dance" is
generally not applied to them, and the terms "street dance" or
"vernacular dance" are used instead. The term "folk dance" is
reserved for dances which are to a significant degree bound by
tradition and originated in the times when the distinction
existed between the dances of "common folk" and the dances
of the modern ballroom dances originated from folk ones.
Why Folk Dance is Important?
Primarily, it keeps a culture of people alive, by sharing and
teaching younger generations the dances. Dance keeps the
history of people alive as well. Dances are ways a
community celebrates a special event or important date in
time.

We need to study and learn folk dances because it is the

way of preserving our culture and a way of passing the
tradition from one generation to another. Being able to
learn how a folk dance is danced the way it must be is an
obvious indication that a culture still lives on.
Folk Dance in Europe
• A barn dance is any kind of dance involving
traditional or folk music with traditional
dancing, occasionally held in a barn, but,
these days, much more likely to be in any
suitable building.

• Circle dance, or chain dance, is a style

of social dance done in a circle, semicircle
or a curved line to musical accompaniment,
such as rhythm instruments and singing,
and is a type of dance where anyone can
join in without the need of partners.
Folk Dance in Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia
• Attan is a traditional dance originating from the tribal
Pashtun regions of Afghanistan and North Western
Pakistan. It is considered the national dance of
Afghanistan and is performed in circular formation
during weddings or other celebrations such as
engagements and informal gatherings.

- Attan holds cultural significance, symbolizing unity

and communal spirit within Afghan and Pashtun
communities, making it a vibrant expression of their
cultural identity and heritage.
- The dance is also conducted by Pashtuns in times of
war, such as the British occupation and the Pashtun
resistance movement, when Pashtuns used the dance
to instill confidence and energy among warriors
readying to battle the colonizers.
Folk Dance in Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia
• Dabke is a Levantine Arab folk dance that is popular in Lebanon,
Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
▪ Dabke involves participants forming a line or circle,
performing synchronized footwork and handclaps to
traditional music played on instruments like the oud and
tabla.
▪ The dance often includes lively and energetic movements,
and it serves as a symbol of unity, pride, and cultural identity
for the people of the region.

• Israeli Folk Dance, also known as “Rikudei Am”, is a form of dance

that is usually performed to songs in Hebrew or to other songs
that have been popular in Israel, with dances choreographed for
specific songs. Israeli dances include circle, partner, and line
dances, celebrating joyous occasions like weddings and holidays
while expressing a profound sense of unity and cultural identity.
Folk Dance in East and Southeast Asia
• Tinikling (Philippines - Southeast Asia):
A popular dance in the Philippines,
Tinikling involves dancers moving
gracefully between bamboo poles
that are rhythmically clapped
together, creating a challenging and
visually impressive performance.

• Awa Odori (Japan - East Asia):

A lively and colorful dance from
Japan, particularly associated with
the Tokushima Prefecture. It features
large groups of dancers, often in
traditional clothing, moving in
synchronized patterns to traditional
music.
Folk Dance in South America
• Cueca:
The Cueca is often considered the national dance of Chile,
although it is also popular in other South American countries
such as Argentina and Peru. It is a lively and flirtatious dance that
involves a male and female dancer who engage in a playful
courtship ritual. The dancers wave handkerchiefs in the air while
performing intricate footwork and graceful movements. The
dance symbolizes the pursuit of love and can vary slightly in style
and steps depending on the region.

• Chacarera
Chacarera is a lively folk dance originating from rural Argentina,
particularly the Andean and northwestern regions. Dancers form
circles or lines, engaging in rhythmic foot stomping, heel tapping,
and hand-clapping steps. Accompanied by instruments like
guitars and drums, Chacarera celebrates rural life and traditions.
It's a joyful dance often performed at rural festivals and
gatherings across Argentina and South America.
 Folk Dance in Africa
• Ambasse bey, a folk music and dance style from Cameroon, features guitar-
based music and percussion from sticks and bottles. Dancers mimic bird-like
movements, wearing traditional sawa outfits. Originating with the Yabassi
ethnic group, it gained popularity in Douala after World War II. In the 1950s
and 1960s, it evolved in the Cameroonian Littoral. Eboa Lotin's mid-1960s
performance on harmonica and guitar marked the early makossa style,
overshadowing ambasse bey. It was later revived to some extent by
Cameroonian singer Sallé John.

• Kizomba, originating in the late 1970s in Africa, is often associated with Angola.
It features a slower, more romantic rhythm compared to traditional Angolan
semba music, blending Semba, Angolan Merengue, Kilapanga, and other
influences. Eduardo Paim is credited as the "father/creator of Kizomba music."
Most Kizomba songs are in Portuguese or African dialects. Semba, originating in
the 1950s in Angola, evolved in the 1990s with Kizomba's rise, adapting its
steps to the new beats. Kizomba is a couple's dance, emphasizing graceful
footwork and fluid body movements, guided by the leader. It's enjoyed in
various settings, from casual to formal, with appropriate attire that allows
freedom of movement.
Folk Dance in North America
• Square dancing is a lively and social dance form that is often
associated with rural and Western American culture. In square
dancing, four couples form a square and follow a caller's instructions
to perform a series of coordinated moves and patterns. The caller
calls out the steps, and the dancers respond in time with the music.
Square dancing is known for its energetic and spirited atmosphere
and is often performed at community events, weddings, and festivals.

• Contra dancing is another social folk dance that involves lines of

couples facing each other. A caller guides the dancers through a
sequence of movements, which include swinging partners,
allemandes, and do-si-dos. Contra dancing is characterized by its
friendly and inclusive atmosphere, making it accessible to both
beginners and experienced dancers. It's a popular activity in many
parts of North America, particularly in New England and other regions
with strong folk dance traditions.
Folk Dance in Oceania
• Hula From Hawaii
Hula is a Hawaiian dance form expressing chant (oli) or song (mele). It was
developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Native Hawaiians who settled
there. The hula dramatizes or portrays the words of the oli or mele in a
visual dance form. Traditional female dancers wore the everyday pāʻū, or
wrapped skirt, but were topless while traditional male dancers wore the
everyday malo, or loincloth. Hula performed for spontaneous daily
amusement or family feasts were attended with no particular ceremony.
• Haka from new Zealand
The earliest Europeans to witness haka described them as being
"vigorous" and "ferocious". Haka are a variety of ceremonial dances
in Māori culture. Haka are often performed by a group, with vigorous
movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted
accompaniment. Haka have been traditionally performed—by both men
and women—for a variety of social functions within Māori culture. They
are performed to welcome distinguished guests, or to acknowledge great
achievements, occasions, or funerals.
Famous Filipino
Folk Dances
Tinikling
Pandanggo sa Ilaw
Cariñosa
Binasuan
Sayaw sa Bangko
Pantomina
Singkil
Itik-Itik
Maglalatik
Habanera Botolena
Maglalatik
 Tinikling
Tinikling is a traditional Philippine folk
dance which originated during the Spanish
colonial era. The dance involves at least two
people beating, tapping, and
sliding bamboo poles on the ground and
against each other in coordination with one or
more dancers who step over and in between
the poles in a dance. It is traditionally danced
to rondalla music, a sort of serenade played by
an ensemble of stringed instruments which
originated in Spain during the Middle Ages; that
is why unlike other bamboo dances found
around the world, Tinikling is the only bamboo
dance that has a Spanish influence. The
locomotor movements used in this dance are
hopping, jumping, and turning.
Pandanggo sa Ilaw
Pandanggo sa Ilaw is a very popular folk
dance in the Philippines. It is said to have
originated from Mindoro, the seventh-
largest island in the Philippines. This dance
of lights simulates fireflies at dusk and at
night.

The word pandanggo is from the

Spanish fandango, a dance in 3/4 time. The
phrase sa ilaw is Tagalog for “in light” and it
refers to the three oil lamps that a dancer
has to balance — one on the head and one
on the back each hand. The oil lamp is
called tinghoy. Sometimes, candles in
glasses are used instead of an oil lamp.
 Carinosa
The cariñosa is a Philippine folk dance of
Hispanic origin. It is closely associated with
the island of Panay and the Visayas region
in general. The word cariñosa is from the
Spanish cariñosa meaning the affectionate
one. Most Filipina women can be described
as karinyosa.

This is a courtship dance that portrays acts

of flirtation between a man and a woman.
The dancers perform steps resembling
hide-and-seek movements. The woman
holds a handkerchief or sometimes a fan.
 Binasuan
Binasuan is a traditional folk dance from
the Philippines. It is classified as a “glass
dance” because the dancers balance three
glasses or cups filled with rice wine in each
hand while performing intricate footwork
and graceful movements. The dance is
typically performed at celebratory events
and festivals, and it is known for its colorful
costumes, lively music, and impressive
display of skill and coordination by the
dancers. Overall, binasuan is a popular and
important part of Filipino cultural heritage.
Sayaw sa Bangko
Sayaw sa Bangko, also known as the
"Bench Dance," is a traditional Filipino folk
dance that hails from the Pangasinan
province in Luzon. This lively and visually
impressive dance involves a group of
dancers balancing and performing intricate
footwork on top of a narrow bench or
"bangko."
The dancers skillfully move in coordinated
patterns, gracefully stepping on and off the
bench, while maintaining balance and
precision. Sayaw sa Bangko is a captivating
dance that requires agility, timing, and
teamwork, making it a popular and
memorable performance in Filipino cultural
events and celebrations.
Filipino folk dance is a vibrant and integral part of the
country's cultural identity. It has evolved over
centuries, blending indigenous, Spanish, and
American influences to create a diverse array of
dance forms. These dances continue to be cherished
and performed, ensuring the preservation of the
Philippines' rich cultural heritage for generations to
come.
Done!