Philippine Folk DancesAlvarez, Josua G.IV-CAVITE

LUZONAbaruray"Abaruray" is a contraction of the words "Aba" and"Ruray". "Aba!" is an exclamation which is equivalent to "Hey!","Hi!", or "Hail!" in English. "Ruray" is a nickname for Aurora.This dance is known in the Philippines be several names, suchas "Hapayan", "Tagayan", "Pandango sa Baso", and "Abaroray".In any social gathering in the remote "barrios" of the Philippines,it is customary to offer wine to the visitors. The offering isusually made by a young lady. She goes around with a glass and abottle of native wine offering a drink to the visitors. This wineoffering is a signal for the beginning of folk dancing and singing.The musicians play the introduction of "Abaruray" music. The girlwho is offering the wine picks out a young man from among the guestsand offers him a drink. This is her way of hinting at her desireto dance with him. The young has to accept it or he commits a breachof etiquette and the girl is offended. His acceptance of the drinkwill signify that he will dance with the girl. He then stands andthey begin dancing, with the girl leading him on. The girl danceswith the glass of wine on her head from which the young man drinks.Her dancing skill is shown in her ability to keep the glass on herhead and in not spilling a drop of the wine. The audience sing andclap their hands in time with the music. The description given belowis the "Abaruray" from Tayabas.

ChotisChotis (or Shotis) was one of the ballroom dances introduced by early European settlers. This dance, from Camarines Sur, has been adapted by the Bicolano people and is characterized by a brush-step-hop movement.

VISAYAS

KuratsaThis is a dance that originated from Bohol, Visayas but it is also popular at Ilokano festivals.This dance commands a sense of improvisation which mimics a young playful couples attempt to get each others attention. It is performed in a moderate waltz style.

MINDANAO

PangalayA pangalay native to the Badjao, sometimes known as the "Sea Gypsies." Pangalay is a dance that emphasizes the agility of the upper body. The rhythmic bounce of the shoulder with simultaneous alternating waving of arms are the basic movement of this dance. The pangalay is commonly performed at weddings and other social gatherings.SingkilSinkil dance takes its name from the bells worn on the ankles of the Muslim princess. Perhaps one of the oldest of truly Filipino dances, the Singkil recounts the epic legend of the "Darangan" of the Maranao people of Mindanao. This epic, written sometime in the 14th century, tells the fateful story of Princess Gandingan, who was caught in the middle of a forest during an earthquake caused by the diwatas, or fairies or nymph of the forest.The rhythmic clapping of criss-crossed bamboo poles represent the trees that were falling, which she gracefully avoids. Her slave loyally accompanies her throughout her ordeal. Finally, she is saved by the prince. Dancers wearing solemn faces and maintaining a dignified pose being dancing at a slow pace which soon progresses to a faster tempo skillfully manipulate apir, or fans which represent the winds that prove to be auspicious. The dancers weave expertly through criss-crossed bamboos.When performed by ladies of the royalty of Lanao, the dancer is usually accompanied by a waiting lady, who holds a beautifully decorated umbrella over the Princess' head wherever she goes. Royal princesses to this day in the Sulu Archipelago are required to learn this most difficult and noble dance.