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Samahang Kapatid Dance Repertoire |
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From Noel’s Philippine Folkdance Glossary Maria
Clara/Spanish Influence Dance The coming of the Spaniards in the 16th
century brought a new influence in Philippine life. A majority of the
Filipinos were converted to Roman Catholicism. European cultural ideas spread
and the Filipinos adapted and blended to meet the local conditions. These
dances reached their zenith in popularity around the turn of the century,
particularly among urban Filipinos. They are so named in honor of the
legendary Maria Clara, who remains a symbol of the virtues and nobility of
the Filipina woman. Maria Clara was the chief female character of Jose
Rizal's Noli Me Tangere.
Displaying a very strong Spanish influence, these dances were, nonetheless,
"Filipinized" as evidence of the use of bamboo castanets and the abanico, or Asian fan. Typical attire for
these dances are the formal Maria Clara dress and barong tagalog, an
embroidered long-sleeve shirt made of pineapple fiber. The
jota encompasses a variety of Spanish-influenced dances accompanied by the
use of bamboo castanets. There are many forms of jota in the Philippines
whose names are derived from their regions of origin. A common progression in
the jota is a quick & lively verse, followed by a slow bridge, and ending
with a verse in the same lively tempo as in the beginning.
Mazurka
Boholana (mah-ZOOR-kah-boh-hoh-LAH-nah) This
dance is a traditional ballroom dance popular in Bohol and in other provinces
during the Spanish times. Paypay de
Manila
The
young ladies carry scented fans, called “paypay”
and flirt with young men with canes and straw hats, giving evidence of the
Spanish influence.
Paseo de Iloilo (pah-SEH-oh-deh-eeh-loh-EEH-loh)
Paseo
de Iloilo, also known As Andaluz, (ahn-dah-LOOHS) is named for its province
of origin. This is one of the most sophisticated courtship and flirtation
dances of the Spanish era. The gentlemen compete among each other to win the
heart of the dalaga, or young lady, by
exemplifying chivalry, grace, and confidence. A
dance influenced by two distinct European styles: polka and valse.
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