Unpublished Folk Dances of Cuyo Island, Palawan: Documentation, Analysis, and Performance

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Dance has several yet distinct meanings. It is considered an art of expressing the inner impulse of humans using his/her body. This also portrays the community life, traditions, and culture of a certain society, therefore, dance is a reflection of the history of the people. Dancing has become an integral part of Filipino life, traceable from its roots and beginnings from periods of pre-colonization to the modern years.

METHODS

The study is a qualitative-ethnographic type of research and used a descriptive research design. Particularly, it aims to determine the folk dances of the Cuyonon, of Cuyo Island in Palawan. This method enabled the researcher to understand the purpose and characteristics of each dance. The study had also determined how the inhabitants value and preserve their dances.

RESULTS

Among the several unpublished dances in Cuyo, two have been documented. Pastoris de Cuyo came from the Spanish-Mexican term "Pastores" meaning shepherds. The dance is performed at the Christmas season to honor the Holy child in the manger or " Belen".Virginia is a square dance adapted from the American's "Virginia Reel" of Scottish-Irish descent.

DISCUSSIONS

The study shows how the Cuyonons value and preserve their folk dances. It is recommended that the newly-researched dances be presented to the Philippine Folk Dance Society for accreditation and publication. Through this, the preservation and dissemination of the dance tradition will somehow be attained.