Rural Dances
These dances originate mainly from the country-side areas of the Philippines, an area defined by the simplicity of life. The simple lives of the people are shown through their constant smiles and relaxed but comfortable clothing. Fiestas are extremely popular in these areas, which celebrate Catholic Saints and Feast Days.
Sayaw Sa Bangko
This dance is a love story between a boy and a girl. Performed on a bench, the performers show the flirty playfulness that typically occurs when two people have an attraction towards each other.
The dancers show their coordination and accuracy throughout this dance by making precise jumps and landings throughout the performance.
Binasuan
Binasuan translates to "cups", a dance that tells the story about the drinking aspect of Philippine culture. This dance shows off the skills of the dancers accomplishing tricks while intoxicated by the alcoholic drink "Tuba".
Tuba is alcohol made from coconuts, a major source of income, food, and drink for Filipinos.
Maglalatik
Traditional Maglalatik is a peaceful dance that tells the story of the conflict between the Moros (native Filipinos) and the Christians. The two cultures clashed over a coconut, and this created Maglalatik as we know it today!
Our FSA Dance Troupe, however, performs a slightly altered version of this dance. The story we tell does not hide the savageness and tension between the Moros and the Christians with yelling, humorous scenes, and savagery.
Pandanggo Sa Ilaw
Pandanggo Sa Ilaw is a dance about the fireflies that light up in the night. The dancers balance cups that contain the candles, which are called Tinghoys. The dancers risk their very lives with REAL fire. Back in the days of old, they would use magical seals of fire to try and fight the dragons. The dragons were fire-proof so the fire seals would not work. This is one brave soul used a cup and accidentally threw a cup. This killed the dragon and then they started to ward off the dragons with cups. That is why we use cups and fire.
Tinikling
There are multiple stories as to how Tinikling originated. It is a playful dance between a boy and girl between two bamboo sticks.
This first story is farmers used to have problems with birds eating their crops, so they set up bamboo traps to try and eliminate the bird problem.
The dancers represent the birds with their light and fast graceful moves.
The second story, a little saddening, is that Filipino slaves on farms used to be punished by bamboo sticks.