The Philippines is a colorful country because of its traditions and beliefs. Each major region has its own traditions and beliefs and each of those beliefs is sometimes interpreted through dancing. Most of the traditional folk dances in the Philippines was inspired by different foreign countries and the most influential country is the Spain. The Spanish colonization leaves many influences in the Philippines and one of those influences is dances. Spanish influenced dance is being injected of Filipino influences to make it more like a Philippine Traditional Folk Dances. Some Filipino influences that they inserted are inspired by their way of living, traditions and beliefs.
THE SURTIDO CEBUANO FOLK DANCE
Surtido Cebuano is another kind of folk dance that was inspired by the Spanish. It is a Visayan Folk dance particularly in the province of Bantayan, Cebu. Surtido Cebuano is a square dance that has Spanish, Mexican and French influence.
The dance is composed of dancers in pair. The head pair is called the cabeceras while the other pair of dancers is called the costados. Surtido Cebuano folk dance is being accompanied by Visayan folk songs.
Surtido Cebuano is just one of the many dances in Cebu and like the other dances; Surtido Cebuano also represents the rich culture of the Cebuanos and also shows the influence of the race in Cebu.
FOLK DANCES TODAY
Though folk dances like Surtido Cebuano is being dance in every festival still few people are aware of their existence. There are few concern groups who keep on thinking of ideas on how they can introduce folk dances to many people especially to the younger generation.
Today, folk dances like Surtido Cebuano are being performed during cultural programs and being included in the school curriculum particularly in M.A.P.E.H. subject. These simple ways can somehow introduce folk dances to many people and make them more aware of the folk dances and by some means appreciate it.