Pangalay

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Pangalay
Pangalay

Pangalay is the traditional “fingernail” dance of the Tausug people of Jolo.[1] This Philippine dance is the most distinctively Asian of all the Southern Philippine dances because dancers must have dexterity and flexibility of the shoulders, elbows, and wrists[2] – movements that strongly resemble those of “kontaw silat,” a martial art common in Southeast Asia. It is performed mainly during weddings or other festive events[1] and has been popularized by the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company.

The Samal call this type of dance, Umaral or Igal, and they sometimes use bamboo castanets as substitutes for long fingernails. In fact, the origin of the Tausug’s pangalay dance is believed to stem from either the Samal or the Balinese.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Severino, Howie G.; Caroline Cabading, Rolando "Bobby" Barlaan (2001). Pangalay (html). Pangalay. Pusod. Retrieved on 15 February 2007.
  2. ^ a b Mercurio, Philip Dominguez (2007). Traditional Music of the Southern Philippines (html). PnoyAndTheCity: A center for Kulintang - A home for Pasikings. Retrieved on 15 February 2007.