T I N I K L I N G

Tinikling involves five steps; during the first four steps, the dancers dance opposite each other, and during the last step, they start from the same side of the poles. The bamboo is also used as a percussive instrument as it is banged against the ground (or a piece of wood to make it easier to hold) and each other in a pattern. The bamboo has to be closed hard enough to make a sound, and the dancers must be quick enough to not get their foot (or feet) caught. As the dance continues, the banging of the bamboo becomes faster and harder, the sound of the clashing bamboo and the quickness of feet demonstrated by the dancers thrilling and awing the crowd. In the United States, this dance had been altered into a four-beat rhythm to adjust to popular music. In some cases, it has been used in conjunction with traditional Filipino martial arts to demonstrate fleetness of foot and flow of movement.

Dance Progression

As the dance continues, the tempo and the volume of the bamboo-beating increases and the dancers must be sure not to get their feet caught by the sticks.

Changes and Uses of the Dance

Filipino Americans have changed the time of the dance to 4/4 (four beats per measure). The dance also has been used in Filipino martial arts displays

ORIGINS

The tinikling originated in Leyte in the Visayan islands of the Philippines. One legend has it that centuries ago, when Spain conquered the Philippines, peasants who did not work hard enough were punished by having to stand between two poles on the ground that were then beaten against their feet. Jumping to escape the beating evolved into the dance.