Dance is an important aspect to Cebu culture. Cebu is known as the capital of dance for the Philippines. The tradition even extended into the prison where prisoners who’ve been convicted of serious crimes such as murder participate in dance.  Video of the Dancing Inmates can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaQczzs2vME

 

 

 The Cebu team was invited to dinner and enjoyed a performance by the University of Cebu Dancers. The dances commemorate histories and festivals most common and important to Cebuans.

Tinnikling is considered the national folkdance with a pair of dancers hopping between two bamboo poles held just above the ground and struck together in time to music. Originated in Leyte Province, this dance is in fact a mimic movement of “tikling birds” hopping over trees, grass stems or over bamboo traps set by farmers. Dancers perform this dance with remarkable grace and speed jumping between bamboo poles.(1)

 

(1)http://philippinesculturalfolkdances.blogspot.com/