From 19th to 20th century, the Cariñosa gained popularity. So much so that it replaced Tinikling as the National Dance of the Philippines in 1992. But many objected, saying that the country’s National Dance must represent the emotions and identity of Filipinos. Moreover, it was influenced by Spanish folk dance. 

Like the waltz, Cariñosa is performed by two people. It is one of the dances from the Maria Clara Suite, a collection of dances with the theme of love and courtship in the Spanish colonial Philippines. The courtship-festival dance has three versions.

While some are wearing blindfolds, dancers perform on the increasingly tall structures of narrow wooden benches. The dance, a native dance from Pangasinan, is known as Sayaw sa Bangko. The dancers must keep their balance while gracefully doing their routine on top of benches.

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Another Filipino folk dance that needs steadiness and grace is the Pandanggo. Popularised during the Spanish period, the Pandanggo is performed with castanets or tambourines.

There are different types of the Pandanggo dance, namely: the famous Pandanggo sa Ilaw (Fandanggo of Lights), Pandanggo sa Paño (Fandanggo of Kerchiefs), and Pandanggo sa Sambalilo (Fandanggo of Hats). It’s much like the waltz, however, the dancers must balance lighted oil lamps on their heads and on the back of each hand.

Itik-Itik is believed to be created by Kanang, a young Filipina dancer from Surigao del Norte. Kanang, who was asked to dance the Sibay at a baptismal party, improvised a routine that was similar to the movements of a duck (itik in Filipino).

Imitating the movements of ducks, performers of the popular Visayan dance move in short, choppy steps, while swaying hands and wading. 

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In the past, the people of the barrios of Loma and Zapote in Biñan, Laguna danced the Maglalatik. Performers—who are usually male—would strap empty coconut shells to their bodies while rhythmically hitting them with coconut halves held in their hands. 

The Maglalatik is a war dance that portrays the conflict between two religious groups, the Christians and Muslims. The name is derived from the group’s fight over latik, a residue of boiled coconut.

Enacted during a Waray marriage event, the Kuratsa is a folk dance that is performed with dexterity. The dance has three parts wherein the couple performs a waltz. The music gradually speeds up, depicting a courtship between two lovers.

Lilting steps and elegant gestures comprise the routine, where the woman is portrayed to be romantically pursued by a man. 

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