The name tinikiling is derived from the Ilokano word tingkaling which means “dance of movement”. It evolved from a type of folkloric ritual called gintong kakantaan (“song-and-movement ritual”) that originated in northern Luzon and Bicol regions during the precolonial era.
It is characterized by rhythmic movements, often including some stamping and footwork. Its origin is related to the traditional native Philippine dances such as batág, sampaguita, and panabas.
In contrast with other local styles of modern ballroom dancing, it has no defined partner style; rather, dancers perform within a framework of basic moves and turns. The primary focus is on rhythm, not necessarily technicality or precision. Modern tinikling was first popularized by artists from the late 1920s, early 1930s like Ramon Santos, Romeo Puno, and Cipriano Amable.
What is Tinikling Dance?
The Tinikling dance is a national dance of the Philippines. It is a two-person dance in which each dancer holds hands and dances together. There are three basic steps of the Tinikling:
1. The first step, called “the Tinikling”, consists of one person facing the other, with the right hand touching the left shoulder, and the left hand touching the right shoulder.
2. The second step, called “the Kita”, consists of a turn of 180 degrees, while the dancers maintain their positions.
3. The third step, called “the Balik”, is a 180-degree turn from the previous position.
In the performance, the dancers perform several variations of these basic steps.
History and Origin of the Tinikling Dance:
According to the cultural history of the Philippines, this traditional folk dance of the Philippines form is said to have originated on the island of Leyte located in the Visayas region. It was developed during the colonial rule of the Spanish. Apparently, this dance was created by imitating body movements seen in a bird called Tikling, and hence has aptly been named Tinikling. Furthermore, this dance over the years has become so popular that it is being taught in schools in the United States of America as a form of aerobic exercise. The tinikling dance is considered the national dance of Philippines and is performed during special occasions such as Independence Day and Filipino festivals.
When you watch the tinikling dance, you will notice that there is no music playing in the background. The dancers use their bodies to create a rhythm by moving around. This type of movement comes from the Philippines.
In the past, this style was used as a way for men to show off to women. Nowadays, it’s still popular, but it’s mostly done at festivals.
A lot of people don’t know the history behind the tinikling dance. In fact, it wasn’t always associated with the Filipinos. For many years, the Japanese performed the same kind of dancing, and they brought the tradition over to the Philippines.
Nowadays, there are a few different styles that can be found in the country. However, most people agree that the traditional version is the best one to try.
Costumes Used in the Tinikling Dance:
It is important to understand that tinikling dances have different costumes. Some people like wearing bright colors while others prefer darker clothing. There are also certain kinds of music that can be played during the dancing.
The costume used in this dance form varies depending on the gender, and they are as follows:
1. For men:
The attire worn includes a traditional embroidered shirt known as ‘Barong Tagalog‘ and red trousers.
2. For women:
The attire worn includes:
- Balintawak: Colourful dresses possessing wide arched sleeves.
- Patadyong: A pineapple fiber blouse and checkered skirts.
Music Involved in the Tinikling Dance:
Music is an important part of any celebration. From weddings to birthdays, you can’t have a party without music playing. Nowadays, you don’t need to be a musician to enjoy great songs. You just need to know how to use the internet.
The musical instruments used in this dance includes stringed instrument such as bandurrias, guitars, laudes, octavinas, and ukuleles. Furthermore, the music in this dance style involves the use of a triple meter.
Here are some tips on how you can learn to create your own unique style.
First, you should start by looking at different genres of music. If you like classical, then you might want to look into that genre first. However, you shouldn’t limit yourself to one type of song.
You should also try listening to a wide variety of artists. This will help you to understand what makes each artist special.
When you’re creating your own music, you should make sure that it’s original. There are many online services that allow you to upload your work and get feedback from others.
Training Availability and Technique Involved in the Tinikling Dance:
Tinikling (pronounced t-nee-kiling) dancing is a traditional Filipino folk dance that originated from the Visayan Islands. The dancers wear colorful costumes, usually consisting of red skirts with gold trimming. This type of dress was inspired by the women who worked in rice fields.
In terms of technique, the performers dance to the rhythm of music used by passing through rapidly moving sticks made from bamboo. Furthermore, the performers while dancing hold their hands behind their back. In addition, as the tempo of the music increases the pace of the body movements becomes rapid. As for training centers/schools, training for this unique ‘folk’ dance is provided in schools all across United States of America.
There are two main styles of the dance: the biniwayan and the manggagawa. Both of these dances are performed by groups of men and women. There are also variations of this style of dance, such as the kulintang, the sajak and the pambansok.
The basic steps of the dance include a slow walk followed by a quick step. Next, there is a pause before the dancer begins to jump up into the air. After that, he or she will land on the ground. Then, the dancer repeats the process, jumping higher each time.
Although the exact origins of the dance are unknown, it has been around for centuries. It was popularized during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. Today, many people still practice this tradition.