The Itik Itik sa Sibonga dance is a mimetic folk dance from Sibonga, Cebu that imitates the movements of brown ducks found in rice paddies. The waddling movements of ducks inspired the creation of this light and springy dance typically performed by young boys and girls. The dance consists of gestures and figures that mimic the walk of ducks, known as "lakaw itik", as well as other movements like turning, hopping, and brushing hands. It celebrates the important role of ducks and rice farming in the culture of Sibonga.

1. Itik Itik
Sa
Sibonga

4. If work is imaginatively transformed
into dance, the animals and fowls
associated with work are sure to be
included in the dance.
Symbolic and mimetic dances are the
most popular because graphical
image is what we experience and
imitate.

5. Itik are brown ducks found in paddies.
Their waddling and wiggling fired the
imagination of a colorful mind and a
dance was created, the Itik Itik sa
Sibonga.

6. Sibonga is a town in the southeast
part of Cebu known for its green fields
and verdant hills.
Though rice farming occupies most of
the farmers’ time, caring for ducks
takes second attention.

7. It is by watching the lakaw itik (duck
walk) that gave inspiration to create a
duck dance called Itik Itik.
Light and springy, the dance is best
interpreted by young boys and girls.

8. Itik Itik Sibonga means
“brown duck of
Sibonga”

9. Dance Culture – Lowland Christian
Place of Origin – Sibonga, Cebu
Ethnolinguistic Group – Cebuano
Classification – Mimetic/Festival

11. Music – Provided by
the rondalla (string
ensemble)
Time Signature – 3/4

12. Props - none
Mood – jovial; playful
Stance – erect
Performers – all girls/or B and G pair

13. Girl:
Camisa – blouse with stiff butterfly
sleeves or with wide bell sleeves
(a kimona can be worn in place of the
camisa)

14. Patadyong – calf-length tube skirt of
bold checks
(note: camisa and patadyong may be
of matching material)
Bandana – triangular cloth worn on
the head and folded to resemble
duck’s bill

15. Boy:
Camisa Chino – white collarless shirt
Kalsones – loose pants, preferably
red in color
Panyu – red or any color, folded into a
triangle and worn as neckerchief

17. Lakaw Itik (duck step) – duck waddle
Korriti
Cross step and double hops

18. Gesture 1 - Arms diagonally down, flip
hands inward once) and flip outward
twice
Gesture 2 - R in reverse T; L in T
position; komintang with closed fist
once per measure; reverse arm
position after every measure

19. Gesture 3 - R arm bent upward, back
of L hand touching R elbow; finger
flutter; reverse arm position per
measure

20. Figure 1- Girls’ Dance
8M – Lakaw itik; gesture 1
4M – Lakaw itik, turning R in place;
gesture 3
4M – Lakaw itik, turning L in place;
gesture 3

21. Figure 2 – Boys’ Entrance
8M - Cross step and double hop ,
following G; gesture 1
(G – same figure)
8M – facing partner – cross step and
double hop; gesture 3

22. Figure 3
4M – moving into two separate groups
(G and B groups), korriti; gesture 2
4M – Lakaw itik, turning R in place;
gesture 1
8M – korriti facing audience; gesture 2

23. Figure 4
Approaching partner
4M – Lakaw itik; gesture 1
4M – Lakaw itik; gesture 3
8M – repeat (exchanging places
passing R to R)

24. Figure 5
Facing partner , extend arms to 2nd
position, two hand hold
2M – Brush twice (B with R; G with L)
2M – four step turn (B to R; G to L)
4M – repeat (B with L; G with L)
8M – three hops R/3 hops L to exit

25. PFDS Sayaw
Volume 3
pp. 43-45
Dance Researcher –
Araceli Campos
 Formally presented at the CCP-FAT during the
National Folk Dance Festival 1986