Singkil

Singkil
Courtesy of Barangay Folk Dance Troupe

POSTCARD DETAILS:

Unused
Single View
Size: 4"x5.5"

Publisher: Kruger

Distributor: National Book Store (NBS)
Cost: Php1.75
Copyright: 1994
Barcode: 4-800224-002363
Serial Number: 8-00236


DANCE DETAILS:
Type: Folk dance
Origin: Maranao people of Lake Lanao

Singkil is a re-telling of an episode from the Maranao epic legend Darangen involving the rescue of Princess Gandingan (abducted by the diwatas) by the legendary Prince Bantugan. The dance steps require agile movement so that the dancer's feet won't be crushed by the moving bamboos. Meanwhile, the clacking bamboo poles represent the forces which the two characters had to overcome. The dance ends with the princess going home with the prince.

It is a popular dance performed during celebrations and other festive entertainment. Originally only women, particularly royalty, danced the Singkil, which serves as either a conscious or unconscious advertisement to potential suitors.