Cariñosa (“affectionate” or “loving” in Spanish) is a Filipino courtship
and the shy, flirtatious nature of romantic interactions. (Couple’s hide and
seek movements)
Figures of Cariñosa
The 1st figure is the “Three Steps and Point”. It starts with the
R foot, take three steps. Point L foot in front. R hand in reverse “T”
position and L hand on skirt/waist. Kumintang R hand when pointing L
foot.
The 2nd figure is “Pointing”. It starts with the R foot, take three
steps and meet at the center. Take four touch steps in front, R and L
alternately. Take four steps to partner’s place, passing each other by R
shoulder. Turn R about to face each other and close R to L.
The 3rd figure is “Back-to-Back”. The partners meet at the
center as in figure II. Turn R about to be in back-to back position, slightly
to R of partner. O holds skirt; X places hands on waist. Point R foot in front
and shake R index finger at partner over R shoulder by L shoulder; L hand
on waist. Steps to be side by side with partner by L shoulder; place R hand
on waist.
The 4th figure is the “Hide-and-Seek with Fan”. The O hold and
open fan with R hand. Point R foot in front and cover face with fan. The X-
point R and L foot alternately in front and look at partner from underneath
the fan, hands on waist.
The 5th figure is “Kneeling and Fanning”. Take three steps to
the center. O kneels while X passes around on R of O to stand behind her
and faces the same direction as girl. X points R and L foot four times
alternately in front, looking at O over her R and L shoulder alternately. O
looks at partner over her R and L shoulder alternately.
The 6th figure is “Hide-and-Seek with Handkerchief”. Partners
meet at the center as in figure II. X takes handkerchief at corners in a
perpendicular position between their faces with boy’s hands on top at face
level.
The 7th figure is “Flirting with Handkerchief”. Partners turn R
shoulders toward each other. Starting with R foot, take eight waltz steps,
moving. O holds handkerchief at one corner and place it over her R and L
shoulder alternately at every measure, looking back at the X at the same
time. X, in the meantime, follows behind O, stretching out R and L hand
alternately, as though they were trying to catch the free end of the
handkerchief.
The 8th and last figure is “Flirting”. Start by taking two waltz
steps to meet at the center. With O leading in front, partners take six
waltz steps around.
O – Men
X – Women
