From Noel’s Philippine Folkdance Glossary
Muslim/Moro Influence Dance
Almost one million Filipinos are Muslims who
reside primarily in the southern island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.
By the end of the 12th century, traders and settlers from the Malay Peninsula
and Borneo introduced Islamic faith to the islands. The Muslims in the
Philippines, also known as Moros, were able to resist Spanish conquest. Thus,
they preserved the Islamic lifestyle that markedly differs from the majority
of the Philippine population. The ethno-linguistic groups who are primarily
considered Muslim are the Maranao, Maguindanao, Samal, and Tausug. The dances are characterized by vivid colors and
rhythmic movements which reflect the influence of Arabian and Indo-Malaysian
cultures
Kapamalong-malong (KAH-pah-MAH-long-MAH-long)
Also called Sambi sa Malong, this Maranao dance shows the many ways of
donning the malong, a tubular circle of cloth used as a
skirt, shawl, or mantle.
Katsudoratan
(kaht-sooh-doh-RAH-tahn)
Katsudoratan depicts a royal manner of
"walking" among the Maranao people who live mainly around Lake
Lanao. Ladies of the royal court perform this stately dance in preparation
for an important event. The bright colors and flowing handkerchiefs add to
the drama of the dance.
Singkil (seehng-KEEHL)
This dance takes its name from the bells worn on the
ankles of the Muslim princess. Perhaps one of the oldest of truly Filipino
dances, the Singkil recounts the epic legend of the "Darangan" of
the Maranao people of Mindanao. This epic, written sometime in the 14th
century, tells the fateful story of Princess Gandingan, who was caught in the
middle of a forest during an earthquake caused by the diwatas, or fairies of the forest.
The criscrossed bamboo poles represent the trees that were falling, which she
gracefully avoids. Her slave loyally accompanies her throughout her ordeal.
Finally, she is saved by the prince. Dancers skillfully manipulate apir, or fans which represent the winds that
prove to be auspicious. Royal princesses to this day in the Sulu Archipelago
are required to learn this most difficult and noble dance.
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