This document provides an overview of traditional dances among the Muslim population in Mindanao, Philippines. It describes several distinct dances including the Singkil dance which recounts an epic legend, the Yakan dance which imitates fish movements, and dances that involve balancing on bamboo poles or manipulating fans. The dances are accompanied by instruments like the agong and kulintang and feature intricate hand movements and colorful costumes. They often depict stories, celebrations, or courtship rituals and are an important part of the cultural heritage of the Mindanao Muslims.

1. Muslim Mindanao
The Landof Promise
MELODYV. BABIA

2. Aside from the colorful
contributions of its regional
tribes, Mindanao is home to the
largest cultural minority in the
Philippines - the Muslims.
Brought by Javanese and
Middle Eastern traders, Islam is
the religion of approximately 20
percent of the Philippine
population.
They are known for their
mysticism, royalty, and beauty
which are evident in their music
and dances. Accompanied by
the agong and kulintang,
Filipino Muslim dance is
marked by intricate hand and
arm movement along with
shimmering costumes.

4. A form of self defense. The dance like
movements show a fight between a hawk
and a cat.

5. A solo slave dance
performed by the
umbrella-bearing
attendant to win the
favor of her sultan
master. The girl
wears long metal
fingernails and
dances and poses in
doll-like motions.

6. 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.

7. Yakan dance for a
bountiful fish catch
where they imitate
their movements

8. In this dance, a man
unties a wrap from his
wife-to-be's waist to
wrap around her body
and dance with. Both
of their faces are
dotted with white
paint, to hide their
identity from evil
spirits.

9. a popular festival dance in Sulu. This is a
traditional fingernail dance that is
performed at wedding celebrations held by
affluent families.

10. a dance performed by a royal couple
balancing on top of bamboo poles and
imitating the movements of a southern boat
with colorful sails or the so-called vinta

11. a traditional dance of
the Tausug wherein two
warriors compete
against each other for
the attention of a young
woman. They use
gongs to show their
prowess and skill

12. . Ladies of the royal court perform
this stately dance in preparation
for an important event. The ladies
gracefully manipulate the Aper
(apir) or fan, while emphasizing
their small steps, or "kini-kini",
which is a sign of good upbringing.

13. Performed by very fierce warriors
carrying a shield elaborately painted
with curlicues, rounds, twirls and
mirrors which are attached with shell
noisemakersThis dance is
performed before any celebration or
gathering to drive away evil spirits
(tunong) and to welcome good
fortunes or omen.

14. This dance shows the
many ways of wearing a malong, a simple tubular yet
highly
functional piece of cloth.