Filipino Traditions

Tinikling

What is "Tinikling"?

"Tinikling" is a traditional filipino dance that involves two bamboo poles held by 1 or 2 people on each sides of the pole and 1-2 people hopping over the poles. The pole are moved in a specific pattern and rhythm. This dance is an old traditional dance since March 9, 1899 and is still danced today on special occations and traditional days.

The Origin of Tinikling

Tinikling was named after a long-legged bird in the Philippines called "Tinikling". The Tinikling Dance imitates the movements of a tikling bird as it walks over the grass or dodges bamboo traps set by Filipino farmers on vast rice fields. People say that the dance originated during the "Spanish colonial era", when the King of Spain ordered the locals to work on large plantations. If people didn't follow orders or were working too slow would be punished by standing in between 2 bamboo poles. The poles were supposed to clap tpgether to beat the Filipino native's feet. To escape the punishment, they would have to hop when the poles clap. The punishment soon became thought of a challanging dance artistic dance. The dance is usually danced quickly and dramatically and the dance is danced barefoot. Some say the Tinikling dance represents most Filipinos’ two main character traits which are "being strong" and "fun-loving".

Pictures:

Filipino Bamboo Dance

Dancing the Tinikling | © Shubert Ciencia / Flickr

Tikling Bird in the Philippines

Bamboo Sticks

Source:
Tinikling Traditional Dance