Cover Dancers perform the Dinuya at Tam-Awan Village, Baguio (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
Dancers perform the Dinuya at Tam-Awan Village, Baguio (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
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These traditional dances defined generations and the people who performed them
The Philippines is a melting pot of diverse cultures, with a big chunk harbouring Chinese, Spanish, American, and Japanese influences. Our traditional dances are no exception, with the Tinikling, Cariñosa, and Rigodon coming from the colonial era. However, some remain untouched by the world’s advancements, preserved in time and passed down through generations. While these were once celebrations of victory in battle or performed to attract potential suitors, their meanings have transformed to signify something more.
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In continuing the spirit of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we list down some of the other enduring Filipino traditional dances that have stood the test of time:
Taduk
Above Taduk courtship dance (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
Taduk courtship dance (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
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Originating from the Isneg tribe of the Apayao Province, Taduk is a courtship dance that highlights traditional gender roles in romantic relationships. The crowd gathers in a circle as the men play gongs while skipping—the women skip to the beat and match the men’s pace. Only unmarried women are expected to join the dance, but the men can partake despite being married before.
Salidsid
Above Salidsid courtship dance (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
Salidsid courtship dance (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
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Another courtship dance—this time only involving one man and woman—the Salidsid imitates the gestures of a rooster and a hen. The dance starts with both dancers holding a small cloth called an ayob or allap as they playfully entice each other.
Dinuya
Above Dinuya, an Ifugao community dance (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
Dinuya, an Ifugao community dance (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
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Popular in the province of Ifugao, the Dinuya is often performed during important events such as the Cañao festival and weddings in the municipality of Lagawe. The dance is accompanied by three instruments—gongs, tobtob, and hibat.
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Balangbang
Above Balangbang community dance (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
Balangbang community dance (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
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Performed in the Mountain Province, the Balangbang celebrates victory in battle. Historically, the dance was performed after headhunting skirmishes, but its meaning was transformed into a festival dance. The Balangbang requires multiple dancers and musicians to be staged—usually five or more gong players and a varying number of dancers.
Kadal Tahu
Above Dancers perform the Kadal Tahu (Photo: Courtesy of Gintong Kultura at Sayaw website)
Dancers perform the Kadal Tahu (Photo: Courtesy of Gintong Kultura at Sayaw website)
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Coming from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, the Kadal Tahu is considered the ‘True Dance of the T’Boli’. It features a flock of Tahaw birds, one of which has a broken leg. The dance focuses on this narrative as the dancers mimic the actions of the Tahaw, encouraging the lame bird to fly.
Igal
Above Tanghalang Ateneo’s ‘Sintang Dalisay’ using Igal as a dance form (Photo: Facebook / Tanghalang Ateneo)
Tanghalang Ateneo’s ‘Sintang Dalisay’ using Igal as a dance form (Photo: Facebook / Tanghalang Ateneo)
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A gentle dance of the Sama-Bajau people from Tawi-Tawi, Mindanao, Igal features improvised movements—nothing is choreographed and repeated. It maximises the movement of the hands instead of the body, making sure that they don’t stop until the end of the dance. Its almost ethereal motions have been adapted into Tanghalang Ateneo’s Sintang Dalisay, which was staged earlier this year.
Ragragsakan
Above Kalilayan Folkloric Group February 1997 performing the Ragragsakan (Photo: Facebook / Kalilayan Folkloric Group of Catanauan, Quezon)
Kalilayan Folkloric Group February 1997 performing the Ragragsakan (Photo: Facebook / Kalilayan Folkloric Group of Catanauan, Quezon)
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A borrowed Ilocano word meaning ‘merriment,’ the Kalinga’s Ragragsakan is often performed for the return of successful headhunters and acts of peace between rival tribes. The dancers balance labba baskets on their heads, wear colourful woven sheets, and sing salidumay songs as they skip through the rice terraces.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
