Tinikling

Tinikling is a traditional Philippine dance that originated from the Leyte province, and is characterized by its unique use of bamboo poles. The dance is often performed to the rhythm of Rondalla music, which features instruments such as the bandurria and the laud. Francisco Santiago, a renowned Filipino composer, is known to have incorporated Tinikling rhythms into his works, including the famous Pakiusap. The dance has been showcased in various Cultural festivals, including the Sinulog festival in Cebu and the MassKara Festival in Bacolod.

Introduction

The Tinikling dance is a significant part of Philippine culture, and is often performed during special occasions such as fiestas and weddings. The dance requires a great deal of skill and coordination, as the dancers must jump and step in between the bamboo poles, which are tapped together in rhythm by the pandero. The University of the Philippines Diliman has a folk dance troupe that regularly performs the Tinikling, along with other traditional Filipino dances such as the Itik-Itik and the Pandanggo sa Ilaw. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts has also recognized the importance of the Tinikling dance, and has included it in its list of Intangible cultural heritage.

History

The origins of the Tinikling dance can be traced back to the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, when it was performed as a form of entertainment for the Spanish colonizers. The dance is believed to have been influenced by the Malay and Chinese cultures, which were introduced to the Philippines through trade and commerce. The Tinikling dance was also performed during the American colonial period, when it was showcased in various expositions and fairs, including the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. The dance has been featured in various Filipino films, including Himala by Ishmael Bernal and Dekada '70 by Lino Brocka.

Technique

The Tinikling dance requires a great deal of skill and coordination, as the dancers must jump and step in between the bamboo poles, which are tapped together in rhythm by the pandero. The dance involves a series of intricate steps, including the paseo and the zapateado, which are similar to those found in Spanish flamenco and Mexican folk dance. The Tinikling dance is often performed to the rhythm of Rondalla music, which features instruments such as the bandurria and the laud. The dance has been taught in various dance schools, including the Philippine High School for the Arts and the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music.

Cultural Significance

The Tinikling dance is a significant part of Philippine culture, and is often performed during special occasions such as fiestas and weddings. The dance is a symbol of Filipino hospitality and friendship, and is often performed as a form of welcome to foreign dignitaries and guests. The Tinikling dance has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as an important part of Intangible cultural heritage. The dance has been featured in various Cultural festivals, including the Sinulog festival in Cebu and the MassKara Festival in Bacolod. The Tinikling dance has also been performed by various Filipino artists, including Lea Salonga and Regine Velasquez.

Variations

There are several variations of the Tinikling dance, including the single bamboo pole version and the double bamboo pole version. The dance has also been influenced by other Filipino dances, such as the Itik-Itik and the Pandanggo sa Ilaw. The Tinikling dance has been performed in various countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The dance has been featured in various television shows, including Eat Bulaga! and ASAP. The Tinikling dance has also been performed by various dance companies, including the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company and the Philippine Ballet Theatre. Category:Dance