History of the Tinikling Dance

The tinikling is an indigenous dance of the Philippines. The dance is inspired and named after the tikling (heron) bird and imitates the bird dodging the bamboo traps set by farmers. The tinikling is the Philippines' national dance.

Origins

The tinikling originated in Leyte in the Visayan islands of the Philippines. One legend has it that centuries ago, when Spain conquered the Philippines, peasants who did not work hard enough were punished by having to stand between two poles on the ground that were then beaten against their feet. Jumping to escape the beating evolved into the dance.

Characteristics

The dance involves two people hitting and sliding bamboo poles on the ground. Other dancers then step over and between these poles, in a manner similar to jumping rope.

Dance Steps

There are five steps in the tinikling dance. During the first four, the dancers stand opposite each other and, on the fifth step, they stand on the same side of the poles.

Dance Progression

As the dance continues, the tempo and the volume of the bamboo-beating increases and the dancers must be sure not to get their feet caught by the sticks.

Changes and Uses of the Dance

Filipino Americans have changed the time of the dance to 4/4 (four beats per measure). The dance also has been used in Filipino martial arts displays.

References

• Gian Cruz: Tinikling
• Steven A. Henkel, Ph.D.: Tinikling Ideas
• Quazen: Tinikling

Resources

• Dance Pinoy: Tinikling - Philippine Folk Dance