FUNDAMENTAL DANCE STEPS

A-G | H-P | Q-S | T-Z |

The dance steps listed below are the fundamental or basic
steps most commonly used in Philippine folk dances. In some cases
the names of the steps are the same as those found in foreign dances,
but the manner of execution is entirely different. Some dance steps
have no English equivalent names, so the native names are retained,
such as "Kuradang", "Bacui", "Espunti", "Papuri", etc.

The steps are described as they are executed by our people.


BACUI STEP

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

This step is found mostly in the Visayan dances. To right
(4 measures).
("Sarok") Point R foot across the L in front, bend body
forward and cross hands down in front with the right hand over the
left hand (cts. 1, 2), step R foot in second position, raise trunk
up and raise R arm to fifth position amplified, left hand on waist
(ct. 3). Step the L foot across the R in rear, close the R arm to
fifth position (cts. 1, 2), step R in second position and open R arm
to fifth position amplified (ct. 3). Step L foot sideward right across
the R in front, close R arm to fifth position (cts. 1, 2), step R in
second position and open R arm to fifth position amplified (ct. 3).
Step L close R foot in first position, close R arm to fifth position
(cts. 1, 2, 3). The left hand remains on waist for three measures.

To left. (4 measures)
Repeat the same movements, starting with the L foot, going
sideward left. Reverse the position of the arms.
Note: This step may be done also this way: After the "sarok"
and step sideward (cts. 1, 2, 3), the L foot may step across the R
right in front instead of in rear on counts 1, 2. The rest of the
movements are the same.


BLEKING STEP

Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1,2.
(1) Place the R (or L) heel in fourth in front (ct. 1), step
R (L) close to L (R) foot in first position (ct. 2), or
(2) Place the R (L) heel in fourth in front (ct. 1), with a
jump, reverse the position of the feet (ct. 2), that is,
placing the L (R) heel in front and the R (L) in position
taking the weight of the body.
Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

(3) Place the R (L) heel in fourth in front (cts. 1, 2), step
R (L) close to L (R) foot in first position (ct. 3).


CHANGE STEP, TWO-STEP OR CATCH STEP.

Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2, or 1 and 2

Step R (L) foot forward (fourth in front) (ct. 1), step
L (R) close to R (L) foot in third in rear or in first position
(ct. and), step R (L) foot quickly in fourth in front (ct. 2).
This may be executed in any direction.


CLOSE STEP

Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.

(1) Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1), close
L (R) to R (L) foot in third in rear or in first
position (ct. 2). This may be executed in any direction.
Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

(2) Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (cts, 1, 2), close
L (R) to R (L) foot third in rear or in first position
(ct. 3). This may be executed in any direction.
(3) Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1), close L (R)
to R (L) foot third in rear or in first position (cts. 2,
3). This may be executed in any direction.

Note: When this step is executed sideward, the same foot is
leading always.


CROSS STEP

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

Step R (L) foot in second position (ct. 1), step or slide L
(R) foot sideward right (left) across the R (L) in front (cts. 2, 3).
Put the weight on the L (R) foot at the end of the slide on the third
count.


CROSS WALTZ

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

Step R (L) foot across the L (R) in front (ct. 1), step the
L (R) in third position in rear of R (L) foot (ct. 2), step R (L) foot
in fourth in front (ct. 3). Step on the ball of the rear foot on the
second count.


CUT STEP

Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.

Raise R (L) foot in fourth in front in preparation. Cut the
L (R) backward with the R (L) foot, thus displacing it at the same
time taking the weight of the body (ct. 1). This may be done forward
and backward, diagonally forward and backward, and sideward right and
left. Take one cut for every count.


"ENGAO"

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

This step is found mostly in the Bicolano dances. It is similar
to the sway-balance step.

(1)"ENGAO"WITH A CLOSE (2 measures.)
To right: Step R foot in second position (cts. 1, 2), step
L across the R foot in front (ct. 3). Step R (L) foot in
second position (ct.1), close L to R foot in first position
(cts. 2, 3). Do not put weight on the L foot when closing on
counts 2, 3. Arms in third position, right arm high.
To left: Start with the L foot, reverse the arm positions.

(2)"ENGAO"WITH A WALTZ
To right: Step R foot in second position (cts. 1, 2), step
L across the R (L), foot in front (ct. 3). Step R foot in
second position (ct. 1), step L close to R foot (ct. 2),
step R in place (ct. 3) (waltz step in place). Arms in third
position, right arm high.
To Left: Start with the L foot, reverse the arm positions.
Note: This is another way of holding the arms: raise right (left)
arm high in fifth position amplified and the left (right) bent
in front at shoulder-level.


"ESPUNTI" STEP

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

This step is found mostly in the Visayan dances.
(1) To Left: Starting position - feet in first position. Turn
the left heel to sideward left without lifting the toes
(pivoting or pushing on the ball of the L foot) and point
R foot sideward right (ct.1), lift the toe of the L foot
and turn it sideward left (pivoting or pushing on the heel
of the L foot) at the same time bringing the R foot to
pointing in fourth in front (cts. 2, 3). Repeat as many
times as desired.
(2) To right: Repeat (1) starting with the other foot moving
to sideward right. Pivot on the R foot and point with the
L foot.

Note: This may be done either moving right or left.

This step may be done also in the following manner: The first
movement, that is, the pointing of the R foot sideward is done in
two counts instead of one (cts. 1, 2), and the pointing in front
in one count instead of two described above (ct. 3).


GALOP STEP

Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, ah, 2, ah.

Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1) and cut the R (L)
foot with L (R) thus displacing it and at the same time taking the
weight of the body with the L (R) foot (ct. ah). There are two galops
to one measure. This is executed with one foot leading and may be done
in any direction.


GLIDE OR SLIDE STEP

Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.

(1) Glide or slide R (L) foot in second position (ct. 1),
close L (R) to R (L) foot in first position (ct.2). This
may be done in any direction.
Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.


(2) Glide or slide R (L) foot in fourth in front (cts. 1, 2),
close L (R) to R (L) foot in third position in rear (ct. 3).
This may be done in any direction.
The dance steps listed below are the fundamental or basic
steps most commonly used in Philippine folk dances. In some cases
the names of the steps are the same as those found in foreign dances,
but the manner of execution is entirely different. Some dance steps
have no English equivalent names, so the native names are retained,
such as "Kuradang", "Bacui", "Espunti", "Papuri", etc.

The steps are described as they are executed by our people.

HOP-STEP

Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.

(1) This is done in the manner as the step-hop in
the reverse order, that is, the hop is done on
the first count and step on the second.
To left. (4 measures)
Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

(2) Hop in count 1, step on counts 2, 3.


KURADANG STEP

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3 to a measure (2 M.).
Change step obliquely forward R (L) (cts. 1 and 2),
step L (R) across the R (L) in front (ct. 3); change step
obliquely backward R (L) (cts. 1 and 2), point L (R) in
front (ct. 3).


MAZURKA STEP

Music: mazurka time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

Glide R (L) foot in second (ct. 1), cut R (L)
sideward with the L (R) foot (ct. 2), hop on the L (R) foot
and beat R (L) in rear or in front the R (L) foot close to
the ankle of the L (R) foot (ct. 3). This step may be executed
forward or going around also.

Note: It is most important that the cut be finished
with an absolutely straight knee in order that the final action
may bring out the bended knee position.


MINCING STEP

Music: 2/4 or time. Counts 1, 2 in 2/4 time.
Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

Starting position: R (L) foot in fifth position in
front, heels slightly raised or with the leading foot flat
on the floor. Execute tiny steps sideward right (left) as
many times as necessary. In time take one step for every
count. In 2/4 time it maybe 2 steps for every count.
In non-Christian dances the mincing step is usually
done with both feet flat on the floor or the heel of rear
foot with slightly raised.



"PAPURI" STEP

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

To right: (4 measures).

(1) Step R foot in second position (cts. 1, 2), step
the L sideward right across the R in front (ct. 3).
Point R foot sideward left across the L in front
(cts. 1, 2, 3) (2 M.).

(2) Repeat (1) once more putting the weight of the
body on the R foot on the last three counts (2 M.).

To left: (4 measures).

Repeat (1) and (2) starting with the L foot.



PASO ESPAOL

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3 (4 measures).

Take one waltz-balance forward right (left) (cts. 1, 2, 3).

Take one waltz-balance backward left (right) (cts. 1, 2, 3).

Step-brush-swing hop forward with the R (L) foot (cts. 1, 2,
3), and with the L (R) (cts. 1, 2, 3).



POLKA STEP SERIES

(1) PLAIN POLKA.
Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2, and (1 measure).

Step L (R) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1), step R (L)
close to L (R) foot in third in rear (ct. and), step L (R) in
fourth in front (ct. 2), pause (ct. and). Bend the body to the
same direction of the step. This may be executed in any direction.




(2) HOP POLKA.
Music: time. Counts 1, and, 2, and.

It is a plain polka preceded by a hop before the first
count of the music. The hop may be designated in the music by
either a dotted or a grace note. Execute the step in the same
manner as the plain polka.

Hop on L (R) foot, and step or slide R (L) forward
(ct. 1), close L (R) in third in rear (ct. and), and step R (L)
foot forward (ct. 2) and pause (ct. and). This may be executed in
any direction.


(3) GLIDE OR SLIDE POLKA.
Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2, and, 1, and, 2, and
(2 measures).

Take two glides forward and a plain polka. Slide L (R)
foot in fourth in front (ct. 1), close R (L) to L (R) foot in
third in rear (ct. and), glide R (L) foot in fourth in front
(ct.2) close R (L) foot in third in rear (ct. and). Take one
plain polka forward starting with the L (R) foot (cts. 1, and,
2, and). This may be executed in any direction.


(4) HEEL AND TOE POLKA.
Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2, and, 1, and, 2, and
(2 measures).

Place the L (R) heel in fourth in front (ct. 1, and),
touch the L (R) toe in fourth in front in rear (ct. 2, and).
This may be executed forward and backward only.
SCHOTTISCHE (NATIVE CHOTIS)

Music 4/4 time. Counts 1, 2, 3, 4.

Brush or slide R (L) obliquely forward or sideward
(ct. 1), raise R (L) in fifth in front or rear (ct. 2), brush
or slide R (L) again as in count 1 (ct. 3), raise up as in
count 2 (ct. 4). Take three steps in place turning right (left)
about (cts. 1, 2, 3), pause (ct. 4).

The turn may be a complete or half turn around either
to right or left.


SLIDE STEP

The same as Glide Step.


SKIP STEP

Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.

The movements are the same as in step-hop. The only
difference is that it is done in one count only, so that there
are two skip steps in a measure of 2/4 time. This is executed
in any direction.


SPANISH DRAW

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

Step R (L) foot in second or in fourth in rear (ct. 1),
draw or glide the L (R) foot slowly to R (L) in third in rear
raising up the heels (ct. 2), and lower heels (ct. 3).


STEP-BRUSH-SWING-HOP

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1), brush L (R)
foot against the floor and raise it across the R (L) in front
(ct. 2), hop on the R (L) (ct. 3). This may be executed in any
direction.


STEP-HOP

Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.

(1) Step L (R) foot in fourth in front (ct. 2), hop on
the same foot and raise the R (L) foot in front or
in rear (ct. 2). This may be executed in any direction.
Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

(2) Step L (R) foot in fourth in front (cts, 1, 2), hop on
the same foot, and raise the R (L) foot in front or in
rear (ct. 3). This may be executed in any direction.


STEP-SWING

Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.

(1) Step R (L) foot in second position (ct. 1), raise and
swing the L (R) foot in fourth in front or across the
R (L) in front (ct. 2). The toes of the raised foot
are pointed downward and the knee is straight or slightly
bent. This is done in any direction.
Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

(2) The movements are the same as above, but take two
counts for stepping and one count for raising.


STEP-SWING-HOP

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

Step R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1), raise the L (R)
knee in front (ct. 2), hop on R (L) foot swing the L foot outward at
the same time (ct. 3). This may be executed in any direction.


SWING-BALANCE SERIES:

A.(1) SWAY BALANCE WITH A POINT (2 M.).

To Right:
(a) Step R foot obliquely forward right (cts. 1, 2), step L
across the R foot in front (ct. and), step R obliquely
backward (ct. 3).
(b) Point L foot in fourth position in front (cts. 1, 2, 3).
Hold arms in fourth position, R arm high. Execute a
"Kumintang" with the right and left hands while pointing
with the L foot on counts 1, 2, 3.

To Left:
Start with the L foot and reverse the arm positions.


(2) SWAY BALANCE WITH A BRUSH (2 M.).

To right:
(a) Repeat the same movements as in (a) above (cts. 1, 2, and,
3).
(b) Brush L foot forward on the floor (ct. 1), let the L foot
remain raised for counts 2, 3 (cts. 2, 3). Arms as above.

To Left:
Start with the L foot and reverse the arm positions.


(3) SWAY BALANCE WITH A HOP (2 M.).

To Right:
(a) Repeat the same movements as in (a) above (cts. 1, 2, and,
3).
(b) Raise the L foot across the R in front (cts. 1, 2), hop on
the R foot (ct. 3). Arms as above.

To Left:
Start with the L foot and reverse the arm positions.


(4)SWAY BALANCE WITH A RAISE (2 M.).

To Right:
(a) Repeat the same movements as in (a) above (cts. 1, 2, and,
3).
(b) Raise the L knee in front with toes pointed downward. The
body is slightly bent forward (ct. 1), and raise gradually
upward to erect position (cts. 2, 3). The left arm is bent
forward and is made to follow the movement of the body. The
R arm is bent forward in level with the shoulder.

To Left:
Start with the L foot and reverse the arm positions.

Note: The Ilocano way has the body straight and the "kumintang"
is done quicker on the last count only.


(5)DOUBLE SWAY-BALANCE STEPSfont face="Verdana">

To Right:
(a) Repeat the same movements as in sway balance with a point
(a) and (b). Arms as above (2 M.).
(b) Step L sideward across the R foot in front (cts. 1, 2),
step R sideward in second position (ct. 3) (1 M.).
(c) Point L foot in fourth in front (cts. 1, 2, 3) (1 M.).
Girls holding their skirts, boys' hands at waist for the
last two measures (b and c).

To Left:
Start with the L foot and reverse the arm positions.

The sway-balance series may also be done in the following
manner. This was found fitted to some Filipino folk music and easier
for small children and beginners to perform.


B.(1) SWAY BALANCE WITH A POINT (2 M.)

To Right:
(a) Step R foot obliquely forward right (cts. 1, 2), step L
across the R foot in front (ct. 3).
(b) Step R obliquely backward (ct. 1), point L in fourth in
front (cts. 2, 3). Execute a "kumintang" with the right
and left hands while pointing with the L foot on counts
1, 2, 3 of the second measure.

To Left:
Start with the L foot and reverse the arm positions.


(2) SWAY BALANCE WITH A BRUSH (2 M.).

To Right:
(a) Repeat the same movements as in B (a) above (cts. 1, 2,
3).
(b) Step R obliquely backward (ct. 1), brush L foot forward
(cts. 2, 3). Arms as above.


(3) SWAY BALANCE WITH A HOP (2 M.).

To Right:
(a) Repeat the same movements as in B (a) above (cts. 1, 2,
3).
(b) Step R obliquely backward (ct. 1), raise the L foot
across the R in front (ct. 2), hop on the R foot
(ct. 3). Arms as above.


(4) SWAY BALANCE WITH A RAISE (2 M.).

To Right:
(a) Repeat the same movements as in B (a) above (cts. 1, 2,
3).
(b) Step R obliquely backward (ct. 1), raise the L knee in
front with toes pointed downward (cts. 2, 3). The body
and arm movements are the same as above.


(5) DOUBLE SWAY-BALANCE STEPS (4 M.).

To Right:
(a) Repeat the same movements as in B (a) above (cts. 1, 2,
3, 1, 2, 3).
(b) Repeat the same movements as in A (b) and (c).

To Left:
Start with the L foot and reverse the arm positions.

TOUCH STEP

Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, 2.

(1) Point R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1), step R
(L) close L (R) in first position (ct. 2). This may
be done in all positions.

(2) This may be taken in this manner also. Point R (L)
foot in fourth in front (ct. 1), with a jump reverse
the position of the feet, that is, pointing the L (R)
in front and the R (L) in position taking the weight
of the body. This is taking one count for every change
of position of the feet.
Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

(3) Point R (L) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1), step R
(L) close to L (R) in first position (cts. 2, 3).

(4) This may be done also by giving two counts in pointing
and one for closing the feet together.


TURNS

1. BRUSH-STEP-TURN

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

To Right:
(a) Step R foot in second position in making a quarter turn
at the same time (ct. 1), brush L forward (ct. 2), step
L close to the R foot in first position (ct. 3) (1 M.).

(b) Repeat (a) three times more making a quarter turn every
measure (3 M.). The turn is complete after the fourth step.

To Left:
Repeat all, starting with the L foot and turning around in
place to the left.


2. CHANGE-STEP-TURN

Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2, or 1, 2.

(a) If a moderate turn is desired, execute two change steps
(R, L or L, R) around in place, clockwise (to R) or counter
clockwise (to L) (2 M.).

(b) If a fast turn is desired, execute only one change step to
make a complete turn either to left or right (1 M.).

(c) If a slow turn is desired, execute four change steps around
in place, either to right or left (4 M.).


3. CROSS-STEP-TURN OR PIROUETTE

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

Step R (L) foot in second position (ct. 1), cross the L (R) in
front of the R (L), rise on toes of both feet and make a complete turn
on the balls of the feet (ct. 2), lower heels and finish the turn with
the R (L) foot in fifth position in front. Pause (cts. 1, 2, 3).


4. CROSS-TURN

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

Cross L (R) foot in front of R (L) (ct. 1), turn (or pivot)
right (left) on the balls of the feet (ct. 2), lower heels down (ct. 3).
Pause (cts. 1, 2, 3). Bend the knees slightly and swing the left (right)
arm from second position and bend the body slightly to the left on count
1, swing the arm across the body in front to help proper balancing when
turning on count 2, finish the turn with the body straight and feet
together on count 3. The other hand may be on waist or holding the skirt
or "barong tagalog".


5. PIVOT-TURN

Music: 2/4 time. Counts 1, and, 2, and.

To Right: (2 M.).
(a) Step R foot in fourth in front (or a little close to fifth
position) and bend the knee slightly (ct. 1), execute a
quarter-turn right with a push on the ball of the L foot
(heel of the L foot is raised), and raise the R foot slightly
from the floor (ct. and). Repeat all once more (ct. 2, and).

(b) Repeat all (a) (cts. 1, and, 2, and). Finish at the starting
position.

To Left: (2 M.).
Repeat (a) and (b) with the L foot in front making four quarter-
turns to left always on the ball of the R foot.


6. PIVOT-TURN WITH A POINT

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

To right or clockwise: (4 M.).
Weight of the body on the L foot. Point R foot obliquely forward
(cts. 1, 2), point R close to L foot in first position (ct. 3). Pivot on
the L foot (heel) making a quarter turn right and at the same time pointing
R foot obliquely right forward (cts. 1, 2), point R close to L foot in
first position (ct. 3). Repeat twice more until a full turn is made. Finish
facing to the front.

To left or counterclockwise: (4 M.).
Repeat the same movements pointing with the L foot and pivoting
with the R.

Note: This step can be done in this manner - take one count for
pointing in front and two counts for pointing close to the
other foot.

The turn can be done also in eight points for eight measures.


7. PIVOT-TURN WITN "SAROK" AND POINT

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

"Sarok" with R (L) foot across L (R) in front (cts. 1, 2), point
R (L) foot close to L (R) in first position (ct. 3). Proceed as in pivot
turn above (3 M.). This may be done also in eight measures.


8. SLIDE-TURN OR "PIANG-PIANG"

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

To Right: (4 M.).
(a) Step R foot in second position making a quarter turn at the
same time (ct. 1), slide the L foot forward (ct. 2), and slide it
continuously close to the R in first position putting weight of the body
on it at the end of the slide (ct. 3) (1 M.).

(b) Repeat (a) three times more, making a quarter turn every
measure (3 M.). Use the ball or the toes only of the sliding foot.

To Left: (4 M.).
Repeat he same as above, starting with the L foot and turning
around in place to the left.


9. THREE-STEP TURN

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

Step L (R) foot to second position (ct. 1), turn left (right)
about and step R (L) to second (ct. 2), step backward across to the
right with the L (R) foot, and complete turn to face front (ct. 3).

In teaching this to beginners have a point in fourth or in
intermediate in front after executing the last turn (cts. 1, 2, 3).
Do it with R and L foot pointing in front alternately.


10. THREE-STEP TURN IN PLACE


Do all the above steps with the feet as close together as
possible (in first position) (cts. 1, 2, 3). Finish with a bow and
the feet are together.


11. WALTZ-TURN

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

(1) If a moderate turn is desired, take two waltz steps
turning around either right or left in place.

(2) If a slow turn is desired, take four waltz steps to
make a complete turn. Start with the R foot when turning
right or clockwise and with the L foot in the reverse
direction.

(3) If a fast turn is desired, take one waltz step to right
or left to make a complete turn.


WALTZ-BALANCE

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

Step R (L) in fourth or in intermediate in front (ct. 1),
close L (R) foot to R (L) in first or third position in rear and
raise heels (ct. 2), lower heels with the weight of the body on
the R (L) foot. The knees are slightly bent before raising the
heels. The body gently swayed in the opposite direction of the
step. This may be executed forward, backward, obliquely forward
and backward, sideward right and left.


WALTZ (BALLROOM)

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

Step R foot in fourth in front (ct. 1), slide R (L) foot
diagonally forward right (passing trough first position) (ct. 2),
step L (R) in third in rear of R (L) foot (ct. 3). This may be
executed in all directions. The execution must be smoothly
done.


WALTZ (NATIVE)

Music: time. Counts 1, 2, 3.

Step L (R) foot in fourth in front (ct. 1), step R (L)
close to L (R) in first in third position in rear (ct. 2), step
L (R) in fourth in front (ct. 3).

This may be executed in all directions. This is done
like a change step in time.
What are the dance terms used in
Philippine folk dance?
Answer:
DANCE TERMS
bow or saludo
hands on waist
hands holding skirt
arms in lateral position
hayon-hayon
abrasete
kumintang
bilao
arms in reverse "T" position
brush
clockwise
counter clock wise
curtsy
do-si-do
folded arms
free foot
free hand
"hapay'
inside hand/foot
"Jaleo"
"Kewet"
link elbows/hook elbows
outside hand/foot
stamp
"panadyak"
"place"
point
"salok"
"sarok"
slide
star with left hand
star with right hand