A significant factor in a human’s life is dancing. Dance is a form of art and entertainment that combines different sounds; creating an interesting rhythm that attracts the attention of individuals. There are different types of dance. The Philippines being colonized on various occasions throughout the span of multiple years led to the creation of Filipino folk dances.
Tinikling is one of these Filipino folk dances. This dance emerged during the Spanish colonial era and was eventually recognized as the national dance in the Philippines. This dance is a symbol that our descendants still have time to enjoy themselves despite the suffering they had to endure under the power of the Spaniards.
This dance also served as a form of awareness to young Filipinos who do not have knowledge about Filipino heritage. Additionally, those who perform the folk dance Tinikling gain many benefits.
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The month of August is the national language month in the Philippines. This is the time when various Filipino folk dances are showcased, such as Tinikling. The Tinikling dance is derived from the Filipino bird called Tikling. Farmers created this dance after observing the Tikling consume crops from their fields.
This dance is composed of two dancers beating, sliding and tapping against each other with bamboo poles stationed on the ground. The bamboo pole is a significant element of this dance and it has caused many dancers to bruise their ankles. The dancers imitate the Tikling by stepping between bamboo poles while dancing gracefully and skillfully without being caught. Effective teamwork is a necessity for this dance.
The Filipino folk dance, Tinikling, is unique because it is performed by people who do not necessarily reside within the native country. There are people all over the world of different ethnic backgrounds performing this folk dance.
The New York Times states that “since the Philippines scored its first international success at the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958, it has become a magnet for young Filipinos who love to dance and travel abroad” (Kisselgoff 61). For this reason, many young individuals want to learn folk dance as it is beneficial.
Since Filipino dance companies join foreign competitions, one of these benefits is traveling abroad. Additionally, by joining an international cultural contest, dancers are able to learn other dances from different countries.
Moreover, what made Tinikling an exceptional dance is how Filipinos preserved the originality of the dance and the manner in which this dance is portrayed. According to the Asian Influence in Dance Education, “Philippine folk dance presented well on stage is something to rave about; it tells of the beauty of the Philippines, the warmth of the Filipinos, and of course the richness of the Filipino heritage” (Lewis 17).
This depicts the outstanding nature of Tinikling. Although many years have passed, Filipinos still cherish this native folk dance despite the fact that in modern times, the art of dance is being revolutionized by choreographers which is evident in folk dance.
Another point to highlight is the significant influence the Tinikling folk dance has on an individual’s physical and mental awareness. An author named Constance Mayo expressed in an article that “Tinikling helps to develop rhythms, endurance, and coordination, all which are important objectives in any good physical education program” (Mayo 34).
Tinikling can be utilized in a physical education course as it can improve the condition of one’s body since it incorporates the consistent use of coordinated movement. Aside from physical fitness gains, performers will also have a fun experience which is the most important thing in every performance.
In conclusion, the Tinikling Philippine folk dance is well known to many people. Although this dance may be challenging, individuals of all age groups can participate. By participating, they will obtain many benefits. These benefits include acquiring additional knowledge about cultural heritage, improving physical fitness, and enhancing your mental capabilities.
As many other folk dances, Tinikling involves a significant cultural symbol, the Tinkling bird. Additionally, despite the evolution of dance throughout the years, Tinikling has preserved its originality.
Through this dance, in can strengthen teamwork within a group of participating individuals and allow for these individuals to improve their understanding with one another. Tinikling is not solely a type of dance, it is a significant element to the Filipino culture and represents the history of the Philippines.
