TINIKLING

The dance originated in Leyte. It was created in the likeness of how

the tikling birds walk and jump over branches as well as dodge traps set by

farmers with its long stilt-like legs.

An urban legend also says that the

dance was a form of punishment

during the Spanish colonial era.

Where workers of a plantation who

disobeyed orders or worked too slow were made to stand in between two

bamboo poles. The poles would then clapped together to beat the feet of

the workers. They must jump to avoid the poles.

The term “Tinikling” translates to “to be/perform like tikling”. Which

is a local bird in the Visayas islands under the rail bird species, specifically

the slaty-breasted rail (Gallirallus striatus), the buff-banded rail (Gallirallus

philippensis), and the barred rail (Gallirallus torquatus). The term

“Tinikling” translates to “to be/perform like tikling”. Which is a local bird in

(Gallirallus torquatus).

Francisca Reyes-Aquino discovered and taught dances through her

books such as Tinikling, Maglalatik, Lubi-lubi, Polka sa Nayon. Her thesis

was made with teachers and playground instructors from both public and

private institutions in mind. This work was expanded with the official

support of UP President Jorge Bocobo in 1927.

In performing this dance which resembles the

movement of the bird, at least two (2) parallel

pairs of bamboo poles are needed. For some

expert performances, four (4) parallel pairs are being used.

The movement of the bamboo poles which are considered as percussive

instruments during the dance produce a clapping sound. During the dance,

a rondalla music with some string instruments like guitar, ukulele, and

banduria is played.
What You Need:

2 poles per set that are long enough for dancers – 9-12 feet should

work. PVC pipes work well for this. But bamboo is better.

For each set of poles, two

pieces of wood (2×4

should work) so that the

clickers can tap the poles

on something without

hurting their hands.

Jump bands are a good alternative for poles. If you use jump bands, the

clappers jump their feet together or apart.

How To:

Clappers:
 The pattern for these students with the poles is apart, apart,

together.

Tap (apart), Tap (apart), Slide (slide the poles together)

This slide part ends when the poles click together. It is important that they

slide and do not bring the poles upward.

Basic Steps:

1. Tapping – tapping right foot between the bars – R, R, up – 1, 2, up

2. Basic – starting with poles to the right of dancer – R (in), L (in), R (out –

to the right of the poles) then L (in), R (in), L (out to the left of the poles)

3. Cross – starting with poles to the right of dancer – R (in), R(in), L (out –

to the right of the poles) then R (in), R(in), L (out – to the left of the poles)

4. Turning – this is the same foot pattern as the cross except you turn your

body on the in steps so that you do not cross your leg over.

5. Slide – starting with poles to the right of dancer – R (in), L (slide along

side of R foot), RL (out) – jump so both feet are on the outside of the poles

and the poles run between the feet. Then L (in), R (slide along side of L

foot), RL (out).
 6. To go back to start from the Slide – Double in (both feet 2x in between

the poles), RL (out) as before, then double in 2x, L steps to the L side of the

poles so the poles are on the dancer’s right as before.

Tips:

 The foot that is up on the 3rd beat stays up. For example, on the RLR in the

basic step, the Left foot is up as the dancer is out of the poles. If they bring

that foot back down, they will be behind a beat when they cross back to

the other side of the poles.

 Use two parallel pieces of tape on the floor or a pair of rhythm sticks to

allow students to practice the dance steps before putting them between

poles.

 Music for tinikling is originally 3/4. There are 4/4 adaptions that have been

done, but if you want to stay true to the original, look for 3/4 music. This is

a great video with tinikling in 3/4 that shows the live instruments of

the rondalla at the beginning.

edge of the bamboo poles. Known as clappers or clickers, they are the

ones moving the bamboo poles while the dancers weave rapidly through

it. The dancers and clappers can interchange roles during the dance.

The said Philippine folk dance is one of those that is discussed in the

elementary and secondary years of education. Furthermore, it is also part

of some college curriculum like the one set for the students of an

education course major in MAPEH (Music, Arts, Physical Education, and

Health).

Tinikling: A Philippine Folk Dance

by Melissa Stouffer | Oct 12, 2021 | Dancing, General Music, Koda