Philippines is rich is culture and one of those culture that they are really proud of is their folk dances. This article will focus on one of the traditional dances in the Philippines, the Polkabal dance.
ALL ABOUT THE POLKABAL
Polkabal dance is another Spanish influenced dance being danced by the Filipinos. Polkabal is believed to be a combination of two old dances, the polka and the balse or waltz. Though balse exist on the name of the dance, Polkabal does not have any waltz steps in it.
The Polkabal dance is originated in the province of Atimonan, Quezon. It is being dance by female dancers and male dancers during special occasions. The female dancers wear a Maria Clara costume while the male dancers wear Barong Tagalog. Polkabal is being accompanied by the music played by the rondalla ensemble.
The steps of the Polkabal dance include jumping cow, fluttering, garden, bullfight, heel and toe, leisurely walk or Paseo, hop-cross or contragansa and the double hop-cross or contragansa doble.
The Polkabal has different version and each version depends on the province where it is being danced. In Batangas, it is called polka sa nayon; in Mindoro, it is called polka sala; in the Visayas, it is called polka antigo and in Negros Occidental, it is called polka italiana.
POLKABAL IN MODERN DAYS
Sadly, Philippine Folk dances is being phase out in the scene and the new generations do not have enough knowledge about it because of the modernization today and modern dances like hip hop, Krumping and jazz are the popular dances today which the young Filipinos are fond of doing.
There are some Filipinos who keep on making ways to introduce folk dances to the young generations and to remind other Filipinos that they have the dance they can call their own. Like other folk dances, Polkadance is being performed during cultural programs and become part of the MAPEH curriculum. You can also see videos of Polkabal being uploaded inYouTube and sometimes Filipino abroad usually dance folk dance like Polkabal dance during special occasions.