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The company has captivated audiences with their numerous
entertaining repertoire of Philippine dances and their colorful
and vibrant costumes. From the Igorots of the Mountain Provinces,
to the nostalgic memories of the Spanish influenced dances
of gallant gentlemen and their ladies, from the exotic dances
of Muslim Philippines to the skillful and agile “Tinikling”
and Pandanggos of rural Philippines, DANCE PHILIPPINES showcases
them all.
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Four centuries of Spanish colonization have greatly impacted
the social and economic lives of the Filipinos. To facilitate
the conversion of the native people, European dance styles such
as the Minuet, Fandango, Polka, Mazurka, and Waltz among others
were taught to the indigenous population. Eventually these dances
experienced regional transformation, became localized, and acquired
regional characteristics. Dance items such as bamboo castanets,
scented handkerchiefs and fans were adapted, and unique dance
techniques of hand gestures like the kumintang were further
developed. |
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Cordillera, a Spanish term meaning “knotted rope”
refers to the mountain ranges extending through the northern
part of Luzon. Long before the Spaniards or other foreigners
stepped foot on the Philippines, pagan people lived along these
mountainous terrain. The Bontoc, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayao and
Kalinga tribes live simple lives to appease their gods. Their
rituals celebrate a good harvest, health, peace, war and other
symbols of their daily lives. |
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Almost one million Pilipinos are Muslims who reside primarily
in the southern island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.
By the end of the 12th century, traders and settlers from the
Malay Peninsula and Borneo introduced Islamic faith to the islands.
The Muslims in the Philippines, also known as Moros, were able
to resist Spanish conquest. Thus, they preserved the Islamic
lifestyle that markedly differs from the majority of the Philippine
population. The ethno-linguistic groups who are primarily considered
Muslim are the Maranao, Maguindanao, Samal, and Tausug. The
dances are characterized by vivid colors and rhythmic movements
which reflect the influence of Arabian and Indo-Malaysian cultures.
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Perhaps the Filipino character, their hearts and souls, are
best reflected in the dances from rural Philippines, the Christian
lowlands. These dances, which are perhaps the best known and
closest to the hearts of the Filipinos, illustrate the Filipino
spirit and their love of life and celebration. This suite of
dances demonstrate their joy in work, their love for music and
pleasure in the simplicities of life utilizing everyday utensils
or items such as glasses, hats, tapis and bamboos. |
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In the hinterlands of Mindanao, the Philippine’s southernmost
island, live several tribes such as the T’boli, Bilaan,
Manobo, and Bagobos with their distinct cultures that have remained
unchanged despite the strong influences from other lands in
Mindanao.. Their religious beliefs stem from nature and they
honor pagan gods for the fruits and trials of daily life. |
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