Folkdance Suites of the Philippines
Rural Suite |
Dances representing a way of life in the Christianized lowlands throughout the Philippines. These dances are usually the most well-known and loved of all traditional Philippine dances. They exemplify a love of life and work, utilizing bright and colorful costumes. PAMANA is renowned for its Rural repertoire bringing audiences to their feet at numerous performances. Combining several dances of skill into one lively, jaw-dropping performance, PAMANA is sure to amaze its audience with its signature suite.
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Muslim Suite |
In the Southern part of the Philippines, there lives approximately two million Filipino Muslims. This population, while distinct from the other major cultural groups in the Philippine archipelago, is not comprised of a homogenous people. The Muslim peoples in the Philippines are further subdivided into smaller ethnic groups according to their particular ritual, worldviews, and ways of dress. Such differences are translated into different styles of dance and movement. PAMANA captures subtle differences in the Muslim portion of their repertoire, bringing together the majestic characters, fluid movements, angular stances, and rich costumesinto one colourful performance that is sure to leave the audience in awe. From clicking bamboos, to twirling apir (fans), to graceful scarves, to powerful sword and shield, PAMANA captures it all in order to reveal the exquisite exoticism of the Muslim region in the Philippines.
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Northern Tribal (Cordillera) |
The dominant geographical feature is a chain of mountains, in which the Spanish conquistadores called the Cordillera. These mountains are home to the Philippine indigenous people. United in by their generally animistic religious worldview, the Cordillera people are divided into six large tribes, most known include: the Kalinga, Bontoc and Ifugao tribes. PAMANA’s Cordillera repertoire includes dances from these tribes, each emphasizing a communal way of life. Thanksgiving, peace offerings, courtship, and war declarations are all enacted through dancing and singing. PAMANA’s Cordillera Suite is captures the seeming contradiction of simultaneous serenity and vivacity.
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Maria Clara
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Four centuries of Spanish colonial rule left an indelible mark on the Philippine islands. As European ways of life found its way among the privileged illustrados; so too did its dances such as the waltz, mazurka, fandango, polka and jota. It was not long before these foreign dances were appropriated and became popular among the urban centres. Named in honour of the heroine in Dr. Jose Rizal’s novel, Noli Me Tangere, the Maria Claria Suite brings to life the elegance and charm of the mestiza Filipina as well as the gallantry and boldness of the mestizo Filipino from a bygone era. Familiar western dances with an added native flare are revived when PAMANA exhibits the courtship, love and flirtation characteristic of this romantic suite.
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Lumad (Southern Tribal) |
The Southern end of the Philippine archipelago is also home to other indigenous Filippino groups who have been virtually untouched by the waves of repeated colonization. On the island of Mindanao, live several animistic tribes, such as the T’Boli, Manobo, Bagobo, Bilaan, and Subanon. Often these groups live in forest and lake regions, and so their dances reflect the movements of birds, squirrels, and other forest animals. Other dances depict rituals of thanksgiving and supplication to the gods. Known for their skill in weaving and jewelry making, these groups are among those considered as the best dressed tribes in the Philippines. PAMANA’s Southern Tribal repertoire is one that features authentic costuming and movements. The intricate percussive beats used in this region of the Philippines have been faithfully replicated by PAMANA musicians in this Suite.
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The Music
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PAMANA’s repertoire does not only include dances. The music needed to perform these dances is just as diverse, and so PAMANA has developed its own in-house musical group. From the two types of percussive instruments needed for the indigenous dances of the North and South, to the stringed Rondalla instruments needed for the European-influenced dances, PAMANA has it all. For the first time in the city of Montreal, PAMANA has assembled and trained a Rondalla group, featuring the company’s own dancers who also perform as musicians. As part of its effort to blend authenticity and theatrical innovation with its standard of excellence, PAMANA has forged links with several different groups that are based in Canada and around the world. PAMANA members have received formal dance and music training from many individuals and different professional groups.
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