9. Dance forms or genres with its wide spectrum have various and different interpretations
on the concept -functions of dance, the perspective of the western dance culture - ballet, modern
dance, contemporary and jazz dance in one way or another are closely related if not similar that -
dance functions are: entertainment, communication, emotional expression, conveying of ideas, and
aesthetic enjoyment. However, it is relevant and ideal interesting to study the functions of dance in
folkdance (traditional dance) in context, perspective, and actual practices of the Filipino.
The different functions in folkdance based on the writings of the late National Artist for
Dance Ramon A. Obusan for the folkdance book series Sayaw Dances of Philippine Islands
Volume I-VI are as follows:
FUNCTIONS OF DANCE
10. RELIGIOUS/DEVOTION
AL
- folkdances that are performed for
regularly by a dancer to pay
homage a patron saint or in day of
the feast of saint or among ex:
Subli in Batangas (Agoncillo, Baun
and Talumpok); Sayaw sa Obando
in Bulacan; Sayaw ng Pagbati in
Angono, Rizal
https://youtu.be/kppJ010jNIg
11. RITUAL/CEREMONIAL
- are traditional dances or rites mostly of
“indigenous people” which connect the
material world to the spiritual as part
community socio-religiuos belief ex: ;
Pagdiwata(ritual of thanksgiving) of
Tagbanua in Palawan; Anituan (healing ritual)
of Aeta Pampanga and Zambales; Sangyang
(ritual dance over fire) in Alfonso Cavite;
Dugso (stamping dance) of Talaandig and
Higaonon in Bukidnon; Pamalugu(cleansing
ritual) of Bagobo in Calinan, Davao.
https://youtu.be/oYnht4cX7Ww
12. SOCIAL DANCE
- are dances of the lowland Christian that
typically of the quadrille type originally
perform in social gatherings by the ilustrados
during the Spanish era or the well-off and
social elite during American period. The
dances that falls on this category are Rigodon
-ex. Rigodon de Honor(national),Rigodon
Royal in Zamboangita, Negros Oriental; the
Lanceros (square dance) ex: Lanceros de
Negros, Lanceros de Tayabas.
https://youtu.be/vU1E4AKv_3M
13. MIMETIC DANCE
-variants of folkdance that imitate
gestures/movements of certain animals such
as fowls, monkey, fish among others.
Examples Lapay Bantigue(seagulls) in
Bantigue, Masbate; Inamo (monkey) of Tboli in
South Cotabato; Kinugsik-Kugsik(squirrel) of
the Manubo; Binanog (hawk) of the Sulod and
Kalapati (dove) in Ilocos.
https://youtu.be/FJIvlTR2HDI
14. OCCUPATIONAL
DANCE
- kind of folkdances characterized by variety
of daily activities pertinent to livelihood.
Examples: Pandanggo sa Bulig (catching
catfish) in Bulacan; Idudu( farming and infant
rearing)of Itneg in Abra; Sala Ti Mais in
Isabela ;Pulot Panilan ( honey bee gathering)
of Aeta in Zambales
https://youtu.be/RpYGbE4NfAI
15. ENTERTAINMENT
DANCE
- the dances performed to honor and welcome
special guests or dances performed in any
feast, merriment and social gatherings in the
community. Examples: Karatong in Cuyo
Palawan; Pastores Tubog in Oas, Albay;
Putong/Putungan in Marinduque
https://youtu.be/yuuoDi6HIsI
16. COURTSHIP DANCE
– couple perform to display affection toward
opposite partner mostly accompanied by a
hand props to accentuate the gestures of
restraint flirtation. Examples: Carinosa in
Rapu-Rapu Albay; Salip in Kalinga; Sua Ko
Sua in Sulu.
https://youtu.be/Sy18EXrueu0
17. COMBATIVE, WAR OR
MOCK-BATTLE
– an aggressive or warlike dance among male
channeling the assaultive gestures with the
use of hand props. Examples:
Kuntao/BurongTalo (matial arts dance) of
Tausog; Kayaw/Mangayaw (head hunting
dance w/shield and spear)in Kalinga; Mano
Soyaw (shield and sword); Sohten of Subanon
in Zamboanga Del Norte and Palo-Palo in
Batanes.
https://youtu.be/Gt6VI0UM1Pw
18. FESTIVAL DANCE
- a periodic dance celebration traditionally
performed by the entire community or village
for indigenous people. Example:
Bendian/Bendayan in Benguet; Uya-uy in
Ifugao; Pahid in Capiz and Pangalay in Sulu.
https://youtu.be/2oKGcoKNRBI
19. COMIC DANCE
- dances distinctly showing comical
characteristics in gestures or facial reactions
and mood. Example: Tarok in Tumambong
Quezon,Palawan; Ala Kayo in Cuyo,Palawan;
Lapay Bantigue in Bantigue, Masbate.
https://youtu.be/AIuPB6R_70k
