Post-War Dance

Post-war Philippine dance was characterized by efforts to preserve, revive, and stage indigenous and folk dances from various regions of the country, bringing them into national and international consciousness. Choreographers and researchers like Lucresia Reyes-Urtula, Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa, and Ramon Obusan immersed themselves in local communities to authentically document and adapt traditional dances for the stage. The period also saw the emergence of works that blended modern and traditional forms, using dance to celebrate Filipino identity, challenge social norms, and honor the cultural heritage that survived the hardships of war.

Featured Dance

Noli Dance Suite

Year: Late 1940s
Creator: Leonor Orosa-Goquingco
Origin: Manila, Philippines

Noli Dance Suite was choreographed to bring the key characters and scenes from Dr. Jose Rizal's novel Noli Me Tángere to life. It showcases Filipino cultural history and the strong Filipino spirit and resilience against oppressors like Spain, as depicted in the novel. The performance was achieved through a blending of ballet and traditional folkloric dance.

Singkil

Artist: Lucresia Reyes-Urtula
Year Created: 1950s
Origin: Maranao epic from Mindanao, Philippines

Singkil is from an epic that portrays a princess escaping an earthquake while stepping between clashing bamboo poles. Lucresia researched the traditional story and transformed it into a stage dance with the help of the Bayanihan Dance Company. Through her effort, the indigenous values and traditions are transmitted and recognized.

Pagdiwata (Stage Adaptation)

Artist: Ramon Obusan
Year Created: 1970s
Origin: Palawan, Philippines

Pagdiwata is a stage adaptation of a traditional ritual dance from Palawan. Ramon Obusan researched and adapted the indigenous ritual into a performance piece, preserving its cultural and spiritual significance. The work helped bring the indigenous traditions of Palawan into broader Philippine cultural awareness.

Amada

Artist: Alice Reyes
Year Created: 1969
Origin: Manila, Philippines

Amada is considered one of the first Filipino dance works that combines Philippine themes, music, and modern dance. It is based on Nick Joaquin's short story "Summer Solstice," which depicts a woman who experiences oppression and breaks free from societal expectations, gaining empowerment and challenging traditional gender roles.

Pangalay

Artist: Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa
Year Created: 1969–1970
Origin: Tausug people from Sulu Archipelago, Philippines

Ligaya stayed and lived with the Tausug people to study and research the dance, later documenting and preserving it for stage performance. This traditional dance is known for its graceful hand and arm movements, emphasizing flexibility, balance, and slow flowing motions. Her work showcased the beauty of Pangalay and promoted it as an important part of Philippine culture.

Salidsid

Artist: Lucresia Reyes-Urtula
Year Created: 1950–1960
Origin: Cordillera, Philippines

Salidsid is a mountain courtship dance that reflects the Cordillera courtship rituals, with movements that are flirtatious, playful, and rhythmic, highlighting the interaction between male and female dancers. Lucresia researched local Cordillera communities and adapted the dance for the stage while preserving the essence of the original folk movements. It stands as a meaningful effort to preserve Filipino folk dances after the war.