Not your Ordinary Wedding Dance Performance | Featuring Philippine Folk Dances

Folk Dances have been an integral part of Philippine culture and have been with us throughout the centuries. Some dances have evolved and changed over time. Some famous folk dances are the Itik-Itik which mimics the ducks, the Tinikling which uses bamboo poles; and the Pandanggo sa Ilaw where dancers use glasses and balances one on their head. And some of these I've learned in school during my elementary and secondary years.

Although not anymore completely being danced by modern generation, people can still witness these beautiful traditional dances through cultural performances done by different Dance groups here in our country. One is the USC DANCE TROUPE from my alma mater University of San Carlos which my older brother and sister-in-law was a part of.

My brother and sister-in-law have been dancing their way through college because of the scholarship granted by joining this prestigious dance group. Prestigious? Well, they were really one of the best throughout the country and are still are. That was also how they first met with each other (Lets skip the love story). Yes, dancing and performing runs in our blood. I wouldn't be surprise if their soon-to-be-born baby boy will lean towards it as well.

In honor and respect for their love of these folk dances, their dance family; and their long time dance teacher and mentor (my sister-in-law's mom), they have shared their final and last performance on their wedding day! And we are sharing this to you so that it may bring inspiration and appreciation towards our Filipino culture and heritage.

The flow of Philippine folk dance on the video:

1. La Jota Manileña

• Name was derived from the capital city of the Philippines - Manila
• Influenced by the Spanish.
• Dancers use bamboo castanets and clack them together to create sounds and match it with their movements.

2. Sinakiki

• Originated in Rapu-Rapu, Albay, Philippines
• Lively and playful dance still performed during fiestas
• Mimicks the flirtatious movements of a rooster and his evasive lover

3. Habañera Botoleña

• Originated in Botolan, Zambales, Philippines
• Influenced by Spanish and Filipino dance movements
• Traditionally performed at weddings with the newly weds as the lead dancers