(tih-MAH-wah) Meaning "forsaken lover," Timawa is a courtship dance, usually performed by women, and is originated in Lamot, a barrio in Capiz. The story recounts of a man and a woman, both timawas, who met at a social gathering and became acquainted with each other. In the course of their conversation, they discovered that they b [..]

(ahl-kahm-FOHR) From Leyte comes this couples dance in which the girl holds a handkerchief laced with camphor oil, a substance which supposedly induces romance.

(ahn-dah-LOOHS) Also known as Paseo de Iloilo, for its province of origin, this is one of the most sophisticated courtship and flirtation dances of the Spanish era. The gentlemen compete among each other to win the heart of the dalaga, or young lady, by exemplifying chivalry, grace, and confidence.

MIDI File (aray.mid) (ah-RAHY) A dance whose words are sung in "Chabacano-ermitense," a hybrid of Spanish that was only spoken in the Ermita district before the turn of the century and today is extinct. The dance itself is a flirtatious one that involves graceful use of the pañuelo, or shawl, and tambourines. Aray means " [..]

(BAHL-seh) Derived from the Spanish "valse" (waltz), this dance was popular in Marikina, Rizal province, during the Spanish times.   Balse was performed after the lutrina (a religious procession), and the music that accompanied the dancers was played by the musikong bungbong (musicians using instruments made of bamboo).

MIDI File (carinosa.mid) (kah-reehn-YOH-sah) This flirtatious dance is known throughout the Philippines. Cariñosa means affectionate, lovable, or amiable. With a fan or handkerchief, the dancers go through hide-and-seek movements and other flirting acts expressing tender feelings for one another. There are many versions of this dance, but the hide- [..]

(CHOH-tees) The Chotis (or "Shotis") was one of the ballroom dances learned by the Filipinos from the early European settlers.  This dance, from Camarines Sur, has been adapted by the Bicolano people and is characterized by a brush-step-hop movement.

(ehs-koh-PEEH-tohn-mah-LAHN-dohg) According to legend, two boys named Esco and Piton introduced this dance during the inauguration of the founding of San Jose de Buenavista. Eventually the dance was called Escopiton. This beautiful dance originated from Malandog, a barrio of Hamtic in Antique.

MIDI File (estudia.mid) (ehs-tooh-deeh-ahn-TEEH-nah) A very lively and gay dance.  During the old days, this dance was a favorite in social gatherings and was performed by the estudiantinas, women who were students of private schools and colleges in Manila.  They are seen holding a book in one hand throughout the dance.

Audio sample (habanera.wav) (hah-bah-NEH-rah) A wedding party dance which originated in the town of Botolan in the Zambales Province. Typical sequences include the procession of the bride and groom's parents, lineup of the bridesmaids and groomsmen upstage, and a solo featuring the wedding couple.