10-Jan-2010

MARIA CLARA SUITE

• ARAY

A dance whose words are sung in "Chabacano-ermitense," a hybrid of Spanish that was only spoken in the Ermita district before the turn of the century and today is extinct. The dance itself is a flirtatious one that involves graceful use of the pañuelo, or shawl, and tambourines. Aray means "ouch" in Tagalog.

• BALSE

Derived from the Spanish "valse" (waltz), this dance was popular in Marikina, Rizal province, during the Spanish times. Balse was performed after the lutrina (a religious procession), and the music that accompanied the dancers was played by the musikong bungbong (musicians using instruments made of bamboo).

• DANZA

A folkdance of Cuban origin which became popular in the late 19th century. The Danza is a social dance in duple time and performed in a ballroom or on a stage.

• JOTA DE PARAGUA

Displays a Castillan influence with Zapateados (footwork), Lobrados (arms), and Sevillana style of dress. The ladies wave their mantón, or decorative shawl, while the gentlemen keep brisk pace with bamboo castanets.

• MAZURKA BOHOLANA

This dance is a traditional ballroom dance popular in Bohol and in other provinces during the Spanish times.

• PANDARETAS

This dance, named after the jingle-less tambourines carried by the females, originates from Tanza, Iloilo. From December 16 to January 6, a group of people in the Visayan regions go from house to house to sing Christmas called "Daigon." In some regions the song is usually followed by some dances, and "Las Panderetas" is one of those dances.

• PASO DOBLE

Meaning "two-step," the name is actually a misnomer, as it is an ordinary walking or marching step called the "one-step". The term refers to the stirring marching music played as background music at bullfights and fiestas throughout Spain.

• POLKABOL

A dance influenced by two distinct European styles: polka and valse.

• RIGODON DE HONOR

This elegant dance was brought to the Philippines by the Filipinos who returned from their travels abroad during the Spanish era. This dance takes its name from its opening performances at formal affairs such as the President's Inaugural Ball. Members of government, including the President and First Lady, diplomatic corps, and other state officials usually participate in the Rigodon. Traditionally, a ballroom waltz dance would follow the Rigodon.