4. Introduction
La Berde is a dance from the
mountain settlement of Bacayan,
Cebu City.
The dance combines two dances –
the Kuratsa and Valse hence its
name La Berde which refers to a
non-stop succession.
5. In a series of quick steps and quick
changes, the dance celebrates what
is lush and full of life.
The dance is performed by an
interesting cast of two girls and a
boy, instead of the usual pair of
dancers
6. Etymology
La Berde (literally, green) which
may refer to the lush greenery of
Bacayan, the dance’s place of origin.
La Berde also refers to a “non-stop
succession” much like vehicles
when the green traffic light is on.
7. Dance Properties
Dance Culture – Inland Christian
Place of Origin – Bacayan, Cebu City
Ethnolinguistic Group – Cebuano
Classification - Festival
10. Props – paypay
or abanico
(folding fan)
The original dance
had no use of any
prop but the fan
was added as
suggested by Mr.
Ramon A. Obusan
to the dancers of
Ms. Franceta
Pacana of USC
11. Mood – jovial
Stance – erect
Performers – one boy and two
girls/all girls in the modified
version
12. Costume
Girl:
Baro’t Saya Ensemble
1930s consisting of a
camisa with bell or
stiff butterfly sleeves,
saya with moderate
train and stiff panuelo
Leather shoes/sandals
14. Basic Steps
Kuratsa walk with arms swinging
naturally at the sides
Parallel tortillier
Native waltz
Step swing
15. Choreographed Sequence
Figure 1 - Kuratsa
4M – walking forward (B pass
between the girls)
4M – walking backward (G exchange
places moving backward)
8M – Repeat
End with boy’s back facing audience/girls
facing audience
16. Figure 2 – Valse
4M – Girls execute parallel tortillier;
arms in lateral position (B
executing waltz, clapping hands)
2M – Step swing R and L (B and G)
2M – Waltz turn R
End with everyone facing audience
17. Continued:
4M – Repeat parallel tortillier (B
executing waltz)
2M – step swing L and R
2M – waltz turn L
18. Figure 3
8M – Waltz moving CW; arms in
lateral position
8M – Waltz moving CCW
19. Figure 4
B between two G; hold the G
2M – Waltz R and L
2M – step swing R and L
12M – Repeat
20. Figure 5
4M – Waltz R and L alternately,
moving out of the circle
4M – Double waltz turn R
8M – Repeat moving in
21. End
B holding G
2M – 4 steps forward
2M – G cross turn under joined
hands
Curtsy