2004
Philippine Dance Presentation
On Friday, January 23, Wilcox F had a real treat. Taylor's mom was able to arrange a professional Filipino dance presentation for the classroom. Here is Taylor's mom addressing the class in two different ethnic costumes. A big mahalo to Melissa and the other dancers: Warlo, Marie, and Kathleen.
These costumes are from the mountain tribes of the Philippines. The children learned that there are over 3000 islands in the Philippines. In addition, the three stars on their flag represents the 3 major groups of islands of the Philippines.
The first dance was from the southern part of the Philippines which has many Muslims. Their costumes are called "Yakan" (Black costume with extended fingernails). These people lived by the sea (originated in Basilan), and the dance interprets movements of the sea and fish.
The next dance is popular for festivals and for weddings (originated in Sulu). The instrument used in this dance is called the "agong".
The dance on the left is called "Maria Clara", and Taylor's mom is wearing Jota Cavitena (white and purple costume). This dance was influenced by Spanish rule for over 300 years, and is named after province of Cavite (originated in Luzon). On the right, Marie is performing a dance which is done in rural and barrio communities. Her costume is called "Binasuan" (green/multicolor costume). It comes from the region of Bayambang (originated in Pangasinan), and demonstrates balancing skills with glasses filled with rice wine. This was a definite crowd pleaser and is done at weddings and fiestas in the Philippines.
The last dance is called "Tinikling". Marie and Kathleen are wearing pink plaid and yellow/black plaid costumes. This is the Philippine's national dance, from Leyte (originated in Visayan Islands). The dance imitates movements of the "tikling" birds as they walk between grass or run over tree branches. As one can see it is done between two bamboo poles.
This dance was greatly appreciated by the class. Then some of the children tried the dance. Taylor is trying hard.
Then it was Matthew's and Tiffany's turn. After the performance the children were treated to a Filipino pastry, which was like a jelly roll. The afternoon was a wonderful educational experience for the Wilcox F "Global Kids".
Created by jyorck@punahou.edu
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