POLKABAL | HABANERA BOTOLEÑA - Philippine Spanish-Influenced Folk Dances


POLKABAL: Philippine Folk Dance from Atimonan, Quezon

This dance acquired its name from two well-known steps, polka and valse (waltz), corrupted into one word, polkabal, by the people of Atimonan, Tayabas, where it was found. Luksong Uak, Ensayo, Paseo, Contragansa, Punta y Tacon, Wagayway and Jardin are some of the lively steps and figures in this interesting discovery. In the original dance, the Paseo and the Ensayo are danced as intermission making it rather long and monotonous. These two steps are used as figures, not as interludes. Girls may wear any old-style costume (Maria Clara, serpentina, siete cuchillos, etc.). Boys wear barong tagalog with black trousers. HABANERA BOTOLEÑA: Philippine Folk Dance from Botolan, Zambales This is a very colorful, vivid, and gay dance from Botolan, Zambales. During the early days, this was performed in honor of a departing parish priest. In time, however, it lost that role and became more of a festival dance performed in wedding celebrations, baptismal parties, barrio fiestas, and other social gatherings. Dancers wear Ilocano costume. Girls may also wear Maria Clara style costume and Boys, black trousers and barong tagalog.

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