Dance Literature

1. SALA TI MAIS
Dance Literature

2. Dance Researcher: EVANGELINE E. MARTINES
Resource Person: MILA R. ANCHETA
1995 National Folk Dance Workshop
Meaning : Dance of the corn
Dance Culture : Lowland Christians
Place of Origin : Province of Isabela
Ethnolinguistic Group: Ilocano Ibanag
Classification : Occupational

3. Background / Context:
Isabela earned its name as the corn granary of the Philippines, owling to the vast
expanse planted to corn, extending to as far as the eyes can see.
Specializing in the big yellow variety, Isabela has employed the most number of corn
farmers in Cagayan Valley. Between planting and harvesting the farmers return home to other
chores. Harvest time turns the entire cornfield into a big festival ground.
Some days before the big harvest, long and healthy ears of corn are chosen and
decoratively set on a sunburst totem pole staked in the middle of big clearing. It serves as the
festivals center ground. Tables and mats set with food and drinks are arranged along the
perimeter of the clearing to which the revelers fill up. The corn field festival lasts for several
days.
The first day is always the best and well-attended, boisterous and merry. Wine makes
singers sing more and dancers dance more. Farmers who come in costumes in the colors of
corn-yellow green and beige are delightful to behold. A moderately-tailed slete cuchillos, a
wide sleeved topper and a be-ribboned hat make a stunning picture of a farmer-lass. Well-
scrubbed, fresh smelling young man looks outstanding in his pinukpot shirt, pants and hat.
As soon as the local rondalla strikes up the familiar music of sala ti mais, many dash of
place in the dance area. Holding two ears of corn each, the farmers playfully depict
everything that happens in the cornfield. A semblance of a dance stats to manifest as soon as
circle, lines and serpentine follow-the-leader formations and other floor patterns emerge to
picture the placement of farmers working in the fields. For a finale, the party-going farmers
thankfully raise ears of corn in reverence to the Great Corn Giver.

4. Dance Properties:
Costume:
Female:
Top (Baro) : Blouse of pinukpok abaca; 3/4 moderate bell-sleeves
Without decoration, bodice short waist; cotton or the like
Scarf (Alampay ) : Chosen version of mantilla over shoulders
Skirt (Saya) : Siete cuchillos cut, slender on the waist, seven panel
inserted on the hemline to achieve a flare; material of
pinukpok or abaca.
Accessories : Simple gold or fancy jewelry
Footwear : None
Male:
Top: Local color camisa de chino, the camiseta type; other
versions fit for rural activities will do.
Pants: Colorful
Footwear: None
Props: Two ears of corn
Musical Accompaniment: Rondalla
Music: 3/4 Composed of two parts: A and B
Count: One, two, three to a measure
Dance Equipment: Each dancer holds a corn cob in each hang.
Formation: Partners stand opposite each other about six feet apart. Girl stands
at the right side of Boy when facing the audience. One to any
number of pairs may take part in the dance.