Mindanao folk dances are colorful and the dances are mostly consists of characters such as prince and princess. Just like other folk dances in other regions, Mindanao folk dance shows the culture of the locals like what the Singkil dance do whenever it is performed. Singkil dance is a very popular Mindanao folk dance.
THE SINGKIL DANCE
Singkil dance is a famous Maranao dance that tells a story of a princess who is trying to escape her abductor. Singkil dance narrates the story of Putri Gandingan on how she escapes her abductor, King Lawana and how she was lost in the Alangka forest then she was found.
In the Singkil dance the dancer should step in the criss-cross bamboo pole while manipulating a fan in her hands with the rhythm of the music. Singkil dance divided into four parts. Asik is the first part of the dance, wherein the slave enters the stage dancing with an umbrella. The second part is the entrance of Putri Gandingan, the entourage and Rajah Bantugan. The third part is Patay, the slow part of the dance. The last and the climactic part of the dance is wherein all dancers dance to the crescendo music.
EVERYTHING THAT IS NEEDED IN SINGKIL DANCE
To perform Singkil dance, the dance group should have four bamboo poles placed in a criss-cross position. A shiny colorful fan for the main female dancer and umbrella for the female dance who will dance as the slave, the dancers should wear a Singkil dance costume which is a satin traditional Muslim costume. Singkil dance costume is very colorful just like the Muslim’s culture and beliefs. Singkil costumes also added beauty to the dance and attracts more viewers.
SINGKIL DANCE TODAY
Today, Singkil dance became a well-known traditional dance when The Bayanihan Dance Company performed it. It became one of the favorite traditional dances to perform in every program. Performing Singkil in every public programs signify that we give importance to the Muslims’ culture.
In 2001, Singkil dance was became a part of an independent American film, The Debut, starred Dante Basco and directed by Filipino-American Gene Cajayon.