Common Terms in Folk Dance

Question 1

both arms are at one side, either sideward right or left, this may be done at shoulder, chest or waist level.

Answer 1

1. Arms in lateral position-

Question 2

weight on one foot, hit the floor with the ball or heel of the other foot (the free foot) after which that foot is lifted from the floor to any direction.

Answer 2

2. Brush -

Question 3

like the motion of the hands of the clock. R shoulder is toward the center of an imaginary circle.

Answer 3

3. Clockwise -

Question 4

the reverse direction of clockwise. L shoulder is toward the center of an imaginary circle.

Answer 4

4. Counterclockwise -

Question 5

to displace quickly one foot with the other, thus completely taking off the weight of the body from the displaced foot.

Answer 5

5. Cut -

Question 6

the vis-à-vis (opposites) both advance forwards, pass each other’s right (or left) side, step across to the right (or left), move backward without turning around pass each other’s left (or right) side to proper places. This is of foreign origin and is used in many Philippine dances.

Answer 6

6. Do-si-do -

Question 7

the foot not bearing the weight of the body.

Answer 7

7. Free foot -

Question 8

the hand not placed anywhere or not doing anything.

Answer 8

8. Free hand -

Question 9

place hands at the waistline.

Answer 9

9. Hands on waist -

Question 10

to place one forearm in front and the other at the back of the waist. This is a Visayan term.

Answer 10

10. “Hayon-hayon” -

Question 11

a spring from one foot landing on the same foot in place or in any direction. The other foot may be raised in any direction (in front, in rear, sideward or across).

Answer 11

11. Hop -

Question 12

the foot nearest one’s partner, when partner stand side by side.

Answer 12

12. Inside foot -

Question 13

the hand nearest one’s partner, when partner stand side by side.

Answer 13

13. Inside hand -

Question 14

partners turn once around clockwise (with R elbows almost touching) or counterclockwise (with L elbows almost touching) using walking or any kind of dance step. The hands near each other are on waists. This is a Tagalog term but of Spanish origin.

Answer 14

14. “Jaleo” -

Question 15

spring on one foot or both feet, landing on both in any direction.

Answer 15

15. Jump -

Question 16

moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This is an Ilocano term.

Answer 16

16. “Kumintang” -

Question 17

the foot away from the one’s partner, when partners stand side by side.

Answer 17

17. Outside foot -

Question 18

the hand away from one’s partner, when partners stand side by side.

Answer 18

18. Outside hand -

Question 19

to put foot in a certain or desired position without putting weight

Answer 19

19. Place -

Question 20

touch the floor lightly with the toes of one foot, weight of the body on the other foot.

Answer 20

20. Point -

Question 21

to swing the arm downward-upward passing in front of the body as if scooping, the trunk is bent forward following the movement of the arm doing the. This is a Tagalog term.

Answer 21

21. “Salok” -

Question 22

partners bow to each other, to the audience, opposite dancers, or to the neighbors with feet together. This term is of Spanish origin and is used in almost all Philippine dances.

Answer 22

22. “Saludo” -

Question 23

Cross the R foot in front of the L bend the body slightly forward and cross the hands down in front with the R hand over the L. This is a Visayan term it. The sole of the foot rest on the floor.

Answer 23

23. “Sarok” -

Question 24

to turn with the ball, heel, or whole foot, on a fixed place or point.

Answer 24

24. Pivot -

Question 25

to glide foot smoothly along the floor. The movement may be finished with or without transfer of weight.

Answer 25

25. Slide -

Question 26

to bring down the foot forcibly and noisily on the floor (like doing a heavy step) with or without transfer of weight.

Answer 26

26. Stamp -

Question 27

to advance or recede by raising or moving one foot to another resting place. There is a complete transfer of weight from one to another.

Answer 27

27. Step -

Question 28

the foot that bears the weight of the body.

Answer 28

28. Supporting foot -