This document categorizes and classifies Philippine folk dances. It discusses how these dances are categorized based on their geographical origin, nature, and characteristics. The dances are divided into national/local dances, occupational/religious/comic/game/wedding/courtship/festival/war dances based on their nature. The document also provides examples for each category and describes characteristics like dancers standing apart, little body contact, importance of hand movements, and beginning/ending with saludo.

1. Classification of
Philippine Folk
Dances

2. Francisca Reyes Aquino
o Philippine National Artist and Mother of
Philippine Folk Dances.
o Started the collection of dances and songs as
early as 1924.
o She authored six volumes of books on
different Philippine Folk Dance.

4. These dances have been categorized
into;
 Non-Christian or ethnic dances- the highest form
of art of the Filipino dances because of their unique
and beautiful movements.
Christian Dances- mostly influenced by the
Spaniards and other Europeans have been
adopted into our native culture.

5. General Classification
A. Georaphical Origin
◦1. National Dances- These are dances found throughout
the islands with little or no modifications.
◦Examples:
◦ Rigodon
◦ Cariñosa
◦ Jota
◦ Balitaw
◦ Pandanggo

7. General Classification
2. Local Dances- these are dances found in specific
locality.
Examples:
 Tinikling- Leyte
 Maglalatik- Binyang
 Ezperansa- Nabua
 Subli- Batangas
 Binaganbigat- Abra

9. B. Nature
1. Occupational Dances
These dances depict actions of a particular occupation,
industry or human labor.
Examples:
o Planting
oHarvesting
oPounding
oWinnowing
oPabirik
oMananguete

10. 2. Religious/Ceremonial
 These are dances associated with
religion, vows and ceremonies.
Examples:
 Dugsu
 Sua-Sua
 Putong
 Santa Clarang Pinong Pino

12. 3. Comic Dances
 These are dances which depict
funny movements intended for
entertainment.
 Examples:
 Kimbo-Kimbo
 Makonggo
 Kinotan

14. 4. Game Dances
 These are dances done
with play elements (dance
mixers)
 Examples:
 Lubi-Lubi
 Pavo

16. 5. Wedding Dances
 These dances are
performed during wedding
feasts.
Example:
 Panasahan

18. 6. Courtship Dances
 These dances depict the art of
courtship or dances with love themes.
Examples:
 Bago Quire
 Maramion
 Tadek
 Daling-daling

20. 7. Festival Dances
 These dances are suitable for
special occasions or for any social
gathering.
 Examples:
 Pandanggo
 Habanera
 Jota Suntido

21. Habanera

22. 8. War Dances
 These show imaginary combat
or duel among tribe members.
Examples:
 Sagayan
 Palu-palo

24. Characteristics of Philippine
Folk Dance
1. In general, dancers stand apart.
2. There is little, if any, body contact.
3. Most of the dances are done by
pairs or couples.
4. Hand movements play an important
role.

25. Characteristics of Philippine
Folk Dance
5. Most of the dancers are in long formation.
6. Most dances begin and end with “saludo”.
7. Dances from the lowlands have more foreign
elements than those found in the uplands.
8. War dances are found among non-Christian
tribes.

26. Basic Positions of the
Arms and Feet in
Dancing