- can be another term for folk dance, or sometimes even for

ceremonial dance. The term ‘Traditional’ is more frequently used

when the emphasis is on the cultural roots of the dance. A
traditional dance will therefore have arisen from a people’s
cultural traditions. Traditional dancing is generally more of a
social activity rather than competitive, but it is normally
choreographed. Depending on the dance type itself, traditional
dancing can be either partnered or solo, and are mainly danced in
formation.
The oldest form of dance and the earliest form of communication.
The traditional dance of a given country which evolved naturally
and spontaneously with everyday activities.
It is handed down from generation to generation.
It has more or less a fixed movement in their pattern, but may
differ in various areas or provinces.
Cariñosa is a Philippine dance of colonial era origin from the
Maria Clara suite of Philippine folk dances, where the fan or
handkerchief plays an instrumental role as it places the
couple in romance scenario. The dance originated in Panay
Island in the Visayan Islands and was introduced by the
Spaniards during their colonization of the Philippines.
Originally, the cariñosa was danced with Marla Clara dress
and Barong Tagalog for it is a Maria Clara Spanish Dance
when It was introduced. In addition, Filipino wore the
patadyong kimona and camisa de chino to reveal nationalism.
(a native dress of the Tagalog regions), camisa (a white
sleeve) or patadyong kimona (a dress of the Visayan of
people) and for boys is Barong Tagalog and colored pants.
Because it is the national dance, the dancers may wear any
Filipino costumes.
Tinikling is a traditional Philippine folk dance which originated during the
Spanish colonial era. The dance involves two people beating, tapping, and
sliding bamboo poles on tile ground and against each other in coordination
with one or more dancers who step over and in between the bamboo poles
in a dance. It is traditionally danced to rondalla music, a sort of serenade
played by an ensemble of stringed instruments which originated in Spain
during the Middle Ages.
 The Maglalatik (also known as
Manlalatik or Magbabao) is an indigenous dance
from the Philippines. Coconut shell halves are
secured onto the dancers' hands and on vests
upon which are hung four or six more coconut
shell halves. The dancers perform the dance by
hitting one coconut shell with the other;
sometimes the ones on the hands, the ones on
the body, or the shells worn by another
performer, all in time to a fast drumbeat.
Like many native Filipino dances, it is
intended to impress the viewer with the great
skill of the dancer, and in some "Filipino Martial
Arts" (FMA) circles, it has been noted that
the Maglalatik "consists of a trapping and boxing
method hidden in a dance."
Pandanggo sa ilaw (“Dance of
Lights”) is a Philippine folk dance
which has become popular in the
rural areas of the Philippines. The
dance evolved from Fandango, a
spanish folk dance, which arrived in
the Philippines during the Hispanic
period. This dance, together with the
Jota, became popular among the
illustrados or the upper class and
later adapted among the local
communities. In the early 18th
century, any dance that is
considered jovial and lively was called
Pandanggo.
Itik-Itik is a Philippines folk dance form
created by imitating the “movements of a
duck” such as wading, flying, and short steps
and splashing water on their backs like the
ducks do. This “mimetic” folk dance is said
to have originated from the province of
Surigao in Philippines. Apparently, this dance
form is said to have been popular in towns
such as Carrascal, Cantilan, Lanuza, and
Carmen. Furthermore, there are a few
alternate versions of this dance form found
in places within the country such as Visayas,
Samar, Cebu, and the Tibiao but Itik-Itik
Surigaonon remains the most popular.
Ethnic dance is any dance form which can be identified as originating with an
ethnic culture and expressing the movement aesthetics of that culture. This is
a dance that is indigenous to a certain race or country. The term ethnic is used
to distinguish religious dances, and designed as hymns of praise to a god, or to
bring on good fortune in peace and war. They are symbolic in meaning that can't
be understood easily by persons who don't belong to the ethnic group.

Ethnic dance includes:

•Expressive movement
•Incidental movement as from excitement or emotion
•Movement to rhythm
•Movement to music
•Movement for its own sake
•Movement outside the normal movements of life
The Dugso shows the Higaonon performing the ritual of hinaklaran
wherein the men and women hold hands while moving around in measured
steps named after a peculiar body movement. The women are also
dressed in colorful dresses and panikas or feathered combs full of
colorful yarns, mirrors, beads and gold spangles.
Pagdidiwata is a dance originating from the Tagbanua Tribe of Palawan
which depicts rituals after a rice harvest. These riles are held as part
thanksgiving and part an appeal for continued protection.
Mananagat is an occupational dance which originated from Bogo, Cebu. This
dance imitates the work of a fisherman and his companions.
Celebrate important events in life such wedding. A Kalinga wedding dance is an
important celebration. The bridegroom offers the bride the protection and
comfort of his blanket. He simulates the movements of a rooster at love play;
aspiring 10 attract and seize his love. The bride's friends are ready to help
prepare the bride by offering "bangas" (earthen pots) filled with fresh water
from the mountain spring.
Filipino ethnic dance that involves dancers balancing glasses of wine on their
heads and the palms of their hands.