The document outlines the evolution of dance in the Philippines from the post-World War II era, highlighting the rise of nationalism and the formation of various dance troupes in the 1950s and 1960s. It details popular dance trends, the influence of American and European styles, and the contributions of key figures in Philippine dance history. Additionally, it notes the role of dance education in schools and the ongoing cultural significance of dance in Filipino festivals and leisure activities.

1. MODERN
DANCE
PHILIPPINE

2. Rising from the rubbles of WWII and freed from
American domination, the Filipinos surged in creativity. The
’50 and ’60s saw dance revival and choreographic
invention.

3. In the ‘50s, a stirring of nationalism amidst a widening
American cultural influence resulted in the formation of
several native dance troupes among which were the:
LEONOR GOQUINGCO’S
FILIPINESCAS DANCE COMPANY
BAYANIHAN PHILIPPINE DANCE
COMPANY
“Oldest Dance Company in
the Philippines”
FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
DANCE COMPANY

4. TERESA PIL’S
LEYTE KALIPAYAN DANCE
COMPANY
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
FILIPINIANA DANCE GROUP
RAMON OBUSAN FOLKLORIC
GROUP
MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY
DARANGAN CULTURAL TROUPE

5. After the
sarswela, the
vaudeville,
known locally
as “bodabil” or
“stage show,”
brought in the
fast-paced
slickness of
Broadway or
the French or
English music
hall.

6. In the ‘60s and 70’s, dances came and went in the
Philippines, like the mashed potato, twist, boogaloo, bossa nova,
frug, pachanga, watusi and hustle.

7. In the idiom of jazz, Douglas Nierras and his Powerdance
are the most prominent, following the groups Hotlegs, of Julie
Borromeo, Metropolitan Dance Theater, etc.

8. The new groups are Whiplash and several others dancing
for television. They have graced the shows of Vilma Santos, Nora
Aunor and Sharon Cuneta, following up those of Pilita Corrales,
Nida Blanca and Nestor de Villa in their time.

9. Television has
also provided
exposure for the
popularization
of ballroom
dancing, earlier
served by
Dance Time
with Chito
(Feliciano) and
the Penthouse
editions.

10. The Dance Sports Council has also helped standardize
dance competitions and dance instructions. The Old and
new dance forms are the boogie-woogie, rock ‘n roll,
mashed potato, twist, boogaloo, bossa nova, frug,
pachanga, watusi, hustle, lambada, swing, hip-hop and the
free-for-all disco-dancing.

11. MASHED POTATO DANCE
Dance move which was a
popular dance craze of 1962.
Begins by stepping backward
with one foot with that heel
tilted inward. The foot is
positioned slightly behind the
other (stationary) foot. With
the weight on the ball of the
starting foot, the heel is then
swiveled outward. The same
process is repeated with the
other foot: step back and
behind with heel inward, pivot
heel out, and so on

12. TWIST DANCE Performed by standing with the
feet approximately shoulder
width apart. The torso may be
squared to the knees and hips,
or turned at an angle so one
foot is farther forward than the
other. The arms are held out
from the body, bent at the
elbow. The hips, torso, and legs
rotate on the balls of the feet as
a single unit, with the arms
staying more or less stationary.
The feet grind back and forth
on the floor, and the dance
can be varied in speed,
intensity, and vertical height as
necessary.

13. BOOGALOO DANCE

14. BOSSA NOVA DANCE

15. PACHANGA DANCE

16. WATUSI DANCE

17. At the same time that
ballet was gaining a
headway, the revolutionary
modern dance broke into
the Philippines.
Modern dance is a free,
expressive style of dancing
and is often considered to
have emerged as a
rejection of, or rebellion
against, classical ballet.

18. American
popular dances
were followed by
European classical
ballet due to the
visiting of different
performing dance
troupes in the
country.
Ballet in the Philippines present folktales
based on local fables for example, Lola
Basyang as well as epics from neighboring
regions, such as India’s Ramayana. Lola
Basyang and Rama Hari are additions to the
usual Western ballets presented by Philippine
ballet companies.

19. In dance education, physical education departments
continue to teach dance (mostly folk) from the grade school
to college level. Dance degree programs are offered at
University of the Philippines and De la Salle University.

20. During the leisure time Filipinos can be found dancing more.
This include the battalas (choreographed skirmishes) in the moro-
moro or comedia that still exist.

21. Dances is also present in difference festivals in the Philippines like:

22. Sinulog

23. Dinagyang

24. Karakol

25. Sayaw sa Obando

26. FILIPINO
DANCERS
FAMOUS

27. FRANCISCA REYES AQUINO
Mother of Philippine Dancing
She was the very first woman to receive
National Artist Award for her
contributions in dance in 1973
She founded the Philippine Folk Dance
Society

28. LEONOR OROSA-GOQUINGCO
Mother of Philippine Theater Dance
She was known as “Trailblazer”
She founded the Filipinescas Dance
Company

29. LUCRESIA REYES-URTULA
She became the National Artist for
Dance in 1988
She received Republic Cultural Heritage
Award for her research in folk dance
She founded the Philippine National Folk
Dance Company

30. REMEDIOS DE OTEYZA
In 1947 she founded her own ballet school in
Manila, called Classic Ballet Academy.
She was also the boss of the ballet group
Hariraya Ballet Company.
She was a choreographer for the Cultural
Center of the Philippines (CCP).
She was known for her abstract neo-classical
ballet performances. At the end of her career
she taught at the CCP Dance School and the
ballet Foundation of the Philippines.

31. MODERN
DANCE
PHILIPPINE